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lillyfdl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
janagaton's review
3.0
idk why the heck this super short book took me 3 days but i felt so detached from this entire story due to the clipped writing style. some parts were definitely heartbreaking, and im lucky enough to not be able to relate to something so tragic as losing my best friend to suicide. I loved the mental health rep & the story of grief & navigating life without someone who meant the world to you. I loved the journal entries because we got insight on a character who wasnt alive at all in the novel. This is my 3rd Nina LaCour book & it's probably my least favorite.
amewia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ravenhasswag's review
5.0
I have no words that could ever describe how beautiful this book was. It changed my view of life and the change that comes within so much. This books has a special place in my heart now.
ems_rxlibrary's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Grief
stewkelsey's review
4.0
It was a really good book. It was both happy and sad, and it gives me the inspiration to want to be happy. But I wish it was a little better. There was just one thing I thought was wrong with it, but I don't know what it is.
octobergirlyyy's review against another edition
5.0
I adore Nina LaCour’s writing. It’s like walking in a field while the sun is just rising over a bed of wildflowers— simple but elegant. There’s something so comforting about her YA books. I especially love that the main characters always have an interest in the arts. In Hold Still it was photography and carpentry. There’s nothing better than reading about characters with a passion and hobbies in addition to the plot. I definitely plan on reading LaCour’s new adult book this year <3
(also the cover art is so pretty :’)
(also the cover art is so pretty :’)
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
“The sun stopped shining for me is all. The whole story is: I am sad. I am sad all the time and the sadness is so heavy that I can’t get away from it. Not ever.”
A beautiful book about grief, about mourning, but also about mental health, depression, suicide. Things got quite close for me (way too close) and at times I just needed to take a small breather before I continued. But then I soldiered on, because it was wonderfully written. I love that it takes place over a year and that we see how Caitlin moves through various stages of grief and pain. How she learns to find new friends, how she finds something she is passionate about, and she learns more about her friend as she reads her journal. Every day a journal entry.
Caitlin was a fabulous character and Nina LaCour has written her well. I loved that she loves both carpentry (and she makes something amazing) and photography. I loved reading about her times with Ingrid. About their friendship. All the things they did.
Caitlin’s bond with her parents is fragile, but I love that her parents are both there for her and also give her plenty of space, but well within some boundaries which I could understand. Caitlin goes through some dark times in this book.
There is also some romance but it never felt too much or that it didn’t fit. It fitted in perfect with Caitlin’s healing. Plus, I just loved the romance as the characters have great chemistry. Though I do hope that the boy learns about shirts and what not to wear.
A beautiful book about grief, about mourning, but also about mental health, depression, suicide. Things got quite close for me (way too close) and at times I just needed to take a small breather before I continued. But then I soldiered on, because it was wonderfully written. I love that it takes place over a year and that we see how Caitlin moves through various stages of grief and pain. How she learns to find new friends, how she finds something she is passionate about, and she learns more about her friend as she reads her journal. Every day a journal entry.
Caitlin was a fabulous character and Nina LaCour has written her well. I loved that she loves both carpentry (and she makes something amazing) and photography. I loved reading about her times with Ingrid. About their friendship. All the things they did.
Caitlin’s bond with her parents is fragile, but I love that her parents are both there for her and also give her plenty of space, but well within some boundaries which I could understand. Caitlin goes through some dark times in this book.
There is also some romance but it never felt too much or that it didn’t fit. It fitted in perfect with Caitlin’s healing. Plus, I just loved the romance as the characters have great chemistry. Though I do hope that the boy learns about shirts and what not to wear.
megshomelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This book was heavy but comforting in a it’s-okay-not-to-be-okay kind of way. There’s something healing about time moving on and things not being perfect but life continuing to happen.