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melsbells81's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
5.0
What an amazing book. This story is for anyone who has been abused, anyone who has ever asked the question, "why didn't she leave?" or anyone just looking for a quality read.
sadkitty's review
4.0
I didn't read anything about this book before starting to read it. One day, I just accidentally stumbled upon it. And started reading it.
This book is amazing. It's a bit dark, horrifying and chilling to the bone. And at the same time, it's fast paced and neatly ordered.
The first half of the book has unnamed girls who are talking about the issue. And in the second part we learn their names. So much happens, from the beginning to the end that it's not easy to believe that it all happened in one week. But it can happen because that is what life is like.
In short, all I want to say is that it's a really good book and it made me feel fulfilled after reading it.
This book is amazing. It's a bit dark, horrifying and chilling to the bone. And at the same time, it's fast paced and neatly ordered.
The first half of the book has unnamed girls who are talking about the issue. And in the second part we learn their names. So much happens, from the beginning to the end that it's not easy to believe that it all happened in one week. But it can happen because that is what life is like.
In short, all I want to say is that it's a really good book and it made me feel fulfilled after reading it.
marieintheraw's review
3.0
This book hands so many topics in a careful and thoughtful way. Unfortunately, it took me way too long to get the whole story format. Which is understandable considering how the chapters are formatted. I feel like this book will be and do great things. I just didn't fully get it.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
ambeesbookishpages's review
5.0
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
*Trigger Warning: depictions of dating abuse, bulimia, self harm & drug use*
It has been a few days since I have read What Kind of Girl and I am still speechless. What ever I write here will not do this book one ounce of the justice and praise it deserves in the slightest. I loved this book with all my heart, I loved the subjects is brought up, the way the author addressed them and the message that there is light at the end of the tunnel. What Kind of Girl is one of those books that impacts you and leaves you thinking about this issue and these characters even after you read the last page.
The book is told in two POVs. Mia whose boyfriend has been abusing her for months and suffers from bulimia and June, Mia's best friend, who suffers from severe anxiety and self harms. Both girls stories are complex and heart wrenching. Having gone through some of these issues myself, it was easy to relate to both of these girls. To feel there anger, pain, the hopelessness in the situations they are in.
Mia with a bruise on her face, walks into her principals office and accuses her boyfriend, Mike Parker of hitting her. But Mike is the most popular guy in school and him and Mia are the "it" couple. Sides are taken and not everyone believes Mia. Throughout the novel we watch Mia struggle with the acceptance of Mike's actions, whether she still loves him or not and was it her actions that caused Mike's actions. Since dating Mike, Mia has become extremely unhappy with her body and began to force herself to throw up and skip meals. It isn't until later on in the novel does she acknowledge it as as an eating disorder.
June, is Mia's best friend. After everything with Mia and Mike she decides to stage a protest for Mike's expulsion, since it seems he is only going to get away with this with a slap on the wrists. June's character is the one I related to the most. She suffers from bad anxiety and self harm tendencies. The way Sheinmel explains and treads with the discussion of June's anxiety, how she feels, the physical symptoms, the mental, the obsessive thoughts, the intrusive thoughts. I've never seen anxiety represented almost exactly as I have experienced before. (I've never understood when readers explain how they feel seen within a novel, but with What Kind of Girl I feel seen and heard and that I am not a lone.)
What Kind of Girl brings up important discussions that are needed to be have in the world of young adult novels. People often relate domestic abuse to older people. But what about younger people? It isn't just visible bruises and injuries. It's the little things as well. We see how Mike pinches Mia, grabs her a little to tight, how he is manipulative. For me, I feel like this book is going to be an eye opener for many readers.
Overall I really enjoyed What Kind of Girl and I hope others who read it do as well. Sheinmel's writing style and language is both beautiful and stunning and is going to leave her readers wanting more. The ending was left a little open ended, but I didn't mind it as much. The self acceptance and the recovery that both girls are working towards was enough for me.
What Kind of Girl is not to be missed in 2020 and I hope everyone takes away the message that Sheinmel's giving her readers.
*Trigger Warning: depictions of dating abuse, bulimia, self harm & drug use*
It has been a few days since I have read What Kind of Girl and I am still speechless. What ever I write here will not do this book one ounce of the justice and praise it deserves in the slightest. I loved this book with all my heart, I loved the subjects is brought up, the way the author addressed them and the message that there is light at the end of the tunnel. What Kind of Girl is one of those books that impacts you and leaves you thinking about this issue and these characters even after you read the last page.
The book is told in two POVs. Mia whose boyfriend has been abusing her for months and suffers from bulimia and June, Mia's best friend, who suffers from severe anxiety and self harms. Both girls stories are complex and heart wrenching. Having gone through some of these issues myself, it was easy to relate to both of these girls. To feel there anger, pain, the hopelessness in the situations they are in.
Mia with a bruise on her face, walks into her principals office and accuses her boyfriend, Mike Parker of hitting her. But Mike is the most popular guy in school and him and Mia are the "it" couple. Sides are taken and not everyone believes Mia. Throughout the novel we watch Mia struggle with the acceptance of Mike's actions, whether she still loves him or not and was it her actions that caused Mike's actions. Since dating Mike, Mia has become extremely unhappy with her body and began to force herself to throw up and skip meals. It isn't until later on in the novel does she acknowledge it as as an eating disorder.
June, is Mia's best friend. After everything with Mia and Mike she decides to stage a protest for Mike's expulsion, since it seems he is only going to get away with this with a slap on the wrists. June's character is the one I related to the most. She suffers from bad anxiety and self harm tendencies. The way Sheinmel explains and treads with the discussion of June's anxiety, how she feels, the physical symptoms, the mental, the obsessive thoughts, the intrusive thoughts. I've never seen anxiety represented almost exactly as I have experienced before. (I've never understood when readers explain how they feel seen within a novel, but with What Kind of Girl I feel seen and heard and that I am not a lone.)
What Kind of Girl brings up important discussions that are needed to be have in the world of young adult novels. People often relate domestic abuse to older people. But what about younger people? It isn't just visible bruises and injuries. It's the little things as well. We see how Mike pinches Mia, grabs her a little to tight, how he is manipulative. For me, I feel like this book is going to be an eye opener for many readers.
Overall I really enjoyed What Kind of Girl and I hope others who read it do as well. Sheinmel's writing style and language is both beautiful and stunning and is going to leave her readers wanting more. The ending was left a little open ended, but I didn't mind it as much. The self acceptance and the recovery that both girls are working towards was enough for me.
What Kind of Girl is not to be missed in 2020 and I hope everyone takes away the message that Sheinmel's giving her readers.
indigoivee's review
3.0
Whoa.
This emotionally complex novel, was so well written. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative unfolds with a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of teen dating violence and other traumatic events.
Alternating between perspectives of two best friends, this novel skillfully tackles themes of victim-blaming, societal expectations, and the emotional toll of navigating a system that often fails to address the complexities of abuse. With the various points of view, the author offers an insight into the thoughts and emotions of the characters involved, portraying a rich and authentic insight on the internal struggles and external pressures.
What I admired most about the novel, was the manner in which the importance of friendship, resilience, and the strength that can emerge from adversity was emphasised. It really makes one reflect on societal expectations, the impact of labels, and the power dynamics within relationships.
Young adults, girls, boys and non-binary alike, should definitely read this book as it doesn't shy away from difficult conversations and encourages us to challenge preconceived notions about gender roles, power dynamics, and accountability. It’s a powerful and relevant read that addresses important social issues with sensitivity and depth, while also promoting awareness and understanding when it comes to the complexities of teen relationships and the aftermath of trauma.
Amazing read!
Favourite quote: “Clothes are like armor, when you think about it.”
This emotionally complex novel, was so well written. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative unfolds with a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of teen dating violence and other traumatic events.
Alternating between perspectives of two best friends, this novel skillfully tackles themes of victim-blaming, societal expectations, and the emotional toll of navigating a system that often fails to address the complexities of abuse. With the various points of view, the author offers an insight into the thoughts and emotions of the characters involved, portraying a rich and authentic insight on the internal struggles and external pressures.
What I admired most about the novel, was the manner in which the importance of friendship, resilience, and the strength that can emerge from adversity was emphasised. It really makes one reflect on societal expectations, the impact of labels, and the power dynamics within relationships.
Young adults, girls, boys and non-binary alike, should definitely read this book as it doesn't shy away from difficult conversations and encourages us to challenge preconceived notions about gender roles, power dynamics, and accountability. It’s a powerful and relevant read that addresses important social issues with sensitivity and depth, while also promoting awareness and understanding when it comes to the complexities of teen relationships and the aftermath of trauma.
Amazing read!
Favourite quote: “Clothes are like armor, when you think about it.”
taylorlechat's review
3.0
This is the kind of book I would have really, really connected with in high school. Now, it seems very high school, which is the intended audience, but with more mature topics I had hoped it would have a more mature tone.
evangelinekoz's review
2.0
i appreciate what this book tried to do but the execution just felt kinda flat
mayaharp's review
4.0
This book was incredibly moving and thought provoking. At times it was a bit hard to read as there were some rather detailed scenes in which the characters self harm.
Nevertheless, this book was insanely well written and thoughtful. The characters were fleshed out and multidimensional. And the anxiety, stress, anger, etc. that the characters were going through was written in such a realistic way.
Nevertheless, this book was insanely well written and thoughtful. The characters were fleshed out and multidimensional. And the anxiety, stress, anger, etc. that the characters were going through was written in such a realistic way.
efleisch's review
3.0
This book wrecked me. It took a while to get through, but I have to say I appreciate the author for having the guts to write it.
This book was not without its flaws. I felt that it dragged. It seemed repetitive. I was not enraptured by the characters as I have been with other books. There was a lot of heavy content— far more than you expect from a 360 page book. Admittedly, it was mediocre.
However, I have to commend the author for portraying such an honest situation. Someone who struggles with anxiety and allows it to control them. A girl who stayed, and therefore feels responsible for the hurts that happened to her. A school unwilling to take a stand because "He's such a good guy". People who couldn't possibly understand the real hurt and trauma of these situations and the damage that a single phrase can cause.
That will stick with me. It will haunt me. It won't be the characters. It won't be the writing.
It will be the message.
This book was not without its flaws. I felt that it dragged. It seemed repetitive. I was not enraptured by the characters as I have been with other books. There was a lot of heavy content— far more than you expect from a 360 page book. Admittedly, it was mediocre.
However, I have to commend the author for portraying such an honest situation. Someone who struggles with anxiety and allows it to control them. A girl who stayed, and therefore feels responsible for the hurts that happened to her. A school unwilling to take a stand because "He's such a good guy". People who couldn't possibly understand the real hurt and trauma of these situations and the damage that a single phrase can cause.
That will stick with me. It will haunt me. It won't be the characters. It won't be the writing.
It will be the message.