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bineclo788's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nikrodee's review against another edition
3.0
After reading The Program by Suzanne Young, I almost expected more from this book.
Savannah lives in the rough part of town and has a rough life, Cameron doesn't. Savannah has a special needs younger brother to look after, Cameron just wants to look after Savannah. They're both stubborn and won't give up. There are fist fights, alcoholics and drug addicts, friends and enemies, and quite a few hardships.
I had a few issues with this book. The first was how there didn't quite seem to be a predetermined story line. I feel like everything that happened in the book wasn't cohesive. There were scenes from the book that I wasn't quite sure why they were actually there. The end also seemed very rushed which might be why I feel this way. I feel like some of the things that happened weren't give the proper time to progress in the book and in the end it just felt like they didn't belong in the book as a whole.
I hate to elaborate on the bad aspects of this book and have nothing outstanding to point out but I've read this book time and time again. Opposites attract, one party or the other has a tough life, tough decision, made a wrong decision, being defined by something that had happened to them etc etc. DO NOT GET ME WRONG, it is a good book. It just didn't shine as bright as the other brilliant novels written by this author.
Savannah lives in the rough part of town and has a rough life, Cameron doesn't. Savannah has a special needs younger brother to look after, Cameron just wants to look after Savannah. They're both stubborn and won't give up. There are fist fights, alcoholics and drug addicts, friends and enemies, and quite a few hardships.
I had a few issues with this book. The first was how there didn't quite seem to be a predetermined story line. I feel like everything that happened in the book wasn't cohesive. There were scenes from the book that I wasn't quite sure why they were actually there. The end also seemed very rushed which might be why I feel this way. I feel like some of the things that happened weren't give the proper time to progress in the book and in the end it just felt like they didn't belong in the book as a whole.
I hate to elaborate on the bad aspects of this book and have nothing outstanding to point out but I've read this book time and time again. Opposites attract, one party or the other has a tough life, tough decision, made a wrong decision, being defined by something that had happened to them etc etc. DO NOT GET ME WRONG, it is a good book. It just didn't shine as bright as the other brilliant novels written by this author.
bookdevouringmisfit's review against another edition
4.0
I only cried, like, two gallons of tears. No big deal.
kbroshous's review
5.0
I probably cried a little bit. A book with a child with a disability hits me in my heart, but man, put them in a shit situation and you've got tears from me.
The end was pretty predictable, but there were a few twists that I wasn't expecting.
The end was pretty predictable, but there were a few twists that I wasn't expecting.
poutinebabe's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
sad
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
3.0
rachcannoli's review against another edition
4.0
This book hurt my heart and was surprisingly emotional. While the typical YA tropes did not surprise me, pretty girl meets hot guy n tries to fight it but ends up liking him, this book also had a lot of fresh ideas that I don't often see in YA books. Savannah basically attends a juve-type high school after getting expelled from school, but it's taught by a teacher who cares, surrounded by friends who actually adore the crap out of her no matter how screwed up they all are, and meets the most perfect boy she never would have otherwise. Also just the love she has for her special needs brother is the most heartwarming thing, I almost cried multiple times because I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to deal with that when you're not even out of high school.
Savannah is a super frustrating character. On the one hand, she suffers from a standard teenager fatal flaw of being an asshole to basically anyone who isn't your group of friends, but her attitude is so much worse due to how terribly she's been treated throughout her life. So while it's understandable, it was so painful to constantly see her be her own worst enemy and pushing away anyone who wants to help her. I honestly wish we delved more into her psychosis, but I really shouldn't expect it to be too deep in this type of a novel.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book despite its sad themes and bleak view of what life can be like after a series of bad mistakes and lack of parental care. I did love Cameron being her foil in a way and having such a wonderful upbringing and loving mother, but still ending up in the same place, so a lot of it has to do with the choices we make. I like that the book ends open ended as well as I can imagine what I want for my girl. I don't know how realistic it is being an extremely fortunate person who didn't have this kind of upbringing at all, but I really liked this take on a character and how you can still be a good person no matter how much shit has been thrown at you. Definitely recommend.
Savannah is a super frustrating character. On the one hand, she suffers from a standard teenager fatal flaw of being an asshole to basically anyone who isn't your group of friends, but her attitude is so much worse due to how terribly she's been treated throughout her life. So while it's understandable, it was so painful to constantly see her be her own worst enemy and pushing away anyone who wants to help her. I honestly wish we delved more into her psychosis, but I really shouldn't expect it to be too deep in this type of a novel.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book despite its sad themes and bleak view of what life can be like after a series of bad mistakes and lack of parental care. I did love Cameron being her foil in a way and having such a wonderful upbringing and loving mother, but still ending up in the same place, so a lot of it has to do with the choices we make. I like that the book ends open ended as well as I can imagine what I want for my girl. I don't know how realistic it is being an extremely fortunate person who didn't have this kind of upbringing at all, but I really liked this take on a character and how you can still be a good person no matter how much shit has been thrown at you. Definitely recommend.
bobbykarmakar's review against another edition
5.0
“Anger-Management Issues” is not how they should have classified Savannah. I’ve read all of Suzanne Young’s books in her Program world and enjoyed them very much. When I heard of another stand-alone novel coming out, I didn’t even read the blurb but knew I just had to read it once published.
A raw and emotional heartbreaking story, yet with so many broken pieces, inspires the characters to continue moving forward with hope, which makes them very admirable. There were times when I thought “what if it went a little more extreme,” and that’s when I thought no, this is heart-wrenching enough. Although I very fortunately never lived a life like Savannah’s, I’m sure the drama of a regular teenager’s life is very evident. Some may also argue that Savannah's hanging with the wrong crowd, but that doesn't necessarily mean that those people too aren't 'bad.' Rather, they too should be given a fair opportunity and also the same greater chance that many others also receive. The reason for her “anger management” was due to an act of violence. However, I would believe that was self-defense. I find it completely unfair of the outcome, yet without that, there wouldn’t be this story. I agree with the justice that has been made yet again, if it went a little further, I think it would've been a bit too much. Thus this is the perfect mix of character relationships as well as of their lives. Most importantly, I believe that this should be required reading for anyone's leisure time. Adults too should read this and think from the perspective of what Savannah’s going through, and just maybe, it can begin a call for change in communities around them to ensure that every child and teenager is given equal opportunities, especially for young girls like Savannah.
All In Pieces is a book that everyone should read, and if there’s only one book you read by Suzanne Young, make it this one. I knew for a fact by following her on social media that this book, in particular, is very close to her, and I can create a sense as to why it is. And also, the fact that it made me feel all sorts of emotions, it was also an instant favourite of mine.
A raw and emotional heartbreaking story, yet with so many broken pieces, inspires the characters to continue moving forward with hope, which makes them very admirable. There were times when I thought “what if it went a little more extreme,” and that’s when I thought no, this is heart-wrenching enough. Although I very fortunately never lived a life like Savannah’s, I’m sure the drama of a regular teenager’s life is very evident. Some may also argue that Savannah's hanging with the wrong crowd, but that doesn't necessarily mean that those people too aren't 'bad.' Rather, they too should be given a fair opportunity and also the same greater chance that many others also receive. The reason for her “anger management” was due to an act of violence. However, I would believe that was self-defense. I find it completely unfair of the outcome, yet without that, there wouldn’t be this story. I agree with the justice that has been made yet again, if it went a little further, I think it would've been a bit too much. Thus this is the perfect mix of character relationships as well as of their lives. Most importantly, I believe that this should be required reading for anyone's leisure time. Adults too should read this and think from the perspective of what Savannah’s going through, and just maybe, it can begin a call for change in communities around them to ensure that every child and teenager is given equal opportunities, especially for young girls like Savannah.
All In Pieces is a book that everyone should read, and if there’s only one book you read by Suzanne Young, make it this one. I knew for a fact by following her on social media that this book, in particular, is very close to her, and I can create a sense as to why it is. And also, the fact that it made me feel all sorts of emotions, it was also an instant favourite of mine.
fryken377's review against another edition
3.0
I really did like this book, I just had a few problems with it. First of all sometimes Savannah would get on my nerves sooo much. And the other problem I have is the family situation. I know this book kinda revolves around a broken family, but can the dad at least once not be rude. And the last thing that kinda bugged me was sometimes the story was a bit slow paced. But besides those facts I really liked the story. I loved Cameron and the way he treated Savannah was amazing. My favorite aspect of the book was the relationship between Savannah and Evan. I have a brother who is younger than me who I am very very close with, it was amazing to see what Savannah went through to protect her brother. I Yes this book had flaws but I did really enjoy it.
bookishgirl089's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.5