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erikariehigano22's review against another edition
4.0
I think longer than what I'm used to in finishing this book. Maybe this affected my perspective in this book. But with the plot twists and the character development in the end, it really boosted my thoughts in this book.
Ever since my junior high school years, this book was deeply loved by my friends. And almost 5 years later, I honestly think it didn't live through the hype I was exposed in. But maybe because I outgrew it and didn't got into it during its prime?
But anyway, I do understand where the hype is coming from. Even when I wasn't much compelled with Jude's character at the first half of the book, you would still feel compelled to follow through her perspective thanks to Nelson's storytelling and prose abilities. She was able to visualise the force of creative energy and its juices, even if you were not a creative arts type of person. And I gained much, much respect to Jude when she started realising things internally within herself. I do love how this book emphasised that she was involved in a dangerous scenario during her early teenage years. Though I cannot say much when she insisted that a 16 year old and a 19 year old "have the similar lev of maturity"? But this is a Young Adult book, so I can get where the catering of a certain audience and their opinions surrounding relationships is coming from.
Noah is the most precious person in this book. Sweet, sweet precious boy! He may be a little brat especially when he was 14 but he did redeem himself just like his twin sister. Nelson's depiction of Jude and Noah's relationship as siblings, as twins was one of the most endearing elements of this book. It felt so easy and soothing to dive into their inner mentalities and feel related on how much they nurture their relationships, especially in the end with the reconciliation.
I am truly, truly happy this book gave a happy ending for our main gay couple here. That's what they only deserve! I seriously thought things would take a bad turn when Noah was attempting suicide. Good thing Oscar (who was also Ralph, thank goodness they found him) was there just as Jude was running to save him.
If I were to read this book during the prime time of my junior high school classmates loving it, I might share the same extent of opinion as them. But with changing times comes with changing tastes and changing beliefs in life which influenced what makes a book appealing or uncomfortable to me. But I am happy to say despite that interval of 5 years it took for me to read this book, and it needed a 6th lockdown due to a pandemic and needing to minimise screen time and fall in love again with books, for me to read this and finish it within a week (My 8th grade self would be so amazed at this power I have right now), this book is a warm embrace especially for those wanting a sweet fix-up story. A certain story that convinces you that 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances exist if you are willing enough to fix and change things for the better for family and for loved-ones.
Ever since my junior high school years, this book was deeply loved by my friends. And almost 5 years later, I honestly think it didn't live through the hype I was exposed in. But maybe because I outgrew it and didn't got into it during its prime?
But anyway, I do understand where the hype is coming from. Even when I wasn't much compelled with Jude's character at the first half of the book, you would still feel compelled to follow through her perspective thanks to Nelson's storytelling and prose abilities. She was able to visualise the force of creative energy and its juices, even if you were not a creative arts type of person. And I gained much, much respect to Jude when she started realising things internally within herself. I do love how this book emphasised that she was involved in a dangerous scenario during her early teenage years. Though I cannot say much when she insisted that a 16 year old and a 19 year old "have the similar lev of maturity"? But this is a Young Adult book, so I can get where the catering of a certain audience and their opinions surrounding relationships is coming from.
Noah is the most precious person in this book. Sweet, sweet precious boy! He may be a little brat especially when he was 14 but he did redeem himself just like his twin sister. Nelson's depiction of Jude and Noah's relationship as siblings, as twins was one of the most endearing elements of this book. It felt so easy and soothing to dive into their inner mentalities and feel related on how much they nurture their relationships, especially in the end with the reconciliation.
I am truly, truly happy this book gave a happy ending for our main gay couple here. That's what they only deserve! I seriously thought things would take a bad turn when Noah was attempting suicide. Good thing Oscar (who was also Ralph, thank goodness they found him) was there just as Jude was running to save him.
If I were to read this book during the prime time of my junior high school classmates loving it, I might share the same extent of opinion as them. But with changing times comes with changing tastes and changing beliefs in life which influenced what makes a book appealing or uncomfortable to me. But I am happy to say despite that interval of 5 years it took for me to read this book, and it needed a 6th lockdown due to a pandemic and needing to minimise screen time and fall in love again with books, for me to read this and finish it within a week (My 8th grade self would be so amazed at this power I have right now), this book is a warm embrace especially for those wanting a sweet fix-up story. A certain story that convinces you that 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances exist if you are willing enough to fix and change things for the better for family and for loved-ones.
unclelazy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This one wrecked my shit. This book sparkles— the prose, the characters, the way the plot unfolded. Every choice made by the author/editors was the correct one. YA fiction has such a special place in my heart.
bookdust's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I let this book sit on my shelf for so long. Addicting, beautiful... I haven't read a book like this ever I don't think. Now I know why it received all these awards. So so absolutely brilliant.
cleothegreat's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars. This was a beautiful book through and through. Never have I read a book where every little detail is relevant, and ultimately ties in with the rest of the plot points during the novel. Never have I disliked and liked the heroines more and never have I read a book so complex and grief stricken as this one.
It was heartbreaking, it was sad and it was unbearably amazing to experience this peculiar journey. I do have to say that while I enjoyed the book, the first half of the book is slow. I almost wanted to mark it as DNF but after hearing good things from other users, I wanted to stick it out. Not only that but what's up with Noah's dialogue? The constant 'Portrait: A boy doing this and this and whatever' really started to grate on my nerves after maybe...twenty pages in.
Still, I really have only those two complaints. Even Jude's love interest is somewhat charming and I appreciated the wit and humor displayed in his character. And can we talk about Noah and Brian for a second, because their story is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to a good story about forgiveness and the fragile state of the human heart. You won't be disappointed.
It was heartbreaking, it was sad and it was unbearably amazing to experience this peculiar journey. I do have to say that while I enjoyed the book, the first half of the book is slow. I almost wanted to mark it as DNF but after hearing good things from other users, I wanted to stick it out. Not only that but what's up with Noah's dialogue? The constant 'Portrait: A boy doing this and this and whatever' really started to grate on my nerves after maybe...twenty pages in.
Still, I really have only those two complaints. Even Jude's love interest is somewhat charming and I appreciated the wit and humor displayed in his character. And can we talk about Noah and Brian for a second, because their story is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster.
All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to a good story about forgiveness and the fragile state of the human heart. You won't be disappointed.
bookmaxxer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.75
I do wish I had read this at 14
arwenvdleeuw's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing! I laught, I cried, it's everything and more than I expected and I can't wait to reread I'll give you the sun again ♡
teamlarson's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted more Noah and less Jude. The bible was cute and quirky, but most things were a little corny. Still a sweet story.
morgansoleil38's review against another edition
5.0
This book was one of my favorites. It was exciting and showed the struggles of two teenagers trying to find who they truly are.
caroleolto's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*4.5