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beebeewin's review
5.0
I loved all the short stories in this book!! Very well put together and beautiful writing!!
crystalisreading's review
2.0
This collection of stories was a bit different from the other collections I've read recently. The stories seemed longer, and there were only six of them, including one in graphic novel format. The theme was different too, "up all night", which seemed like a tenuous story theme. I can't say I loved most of the stories. They were generally sad stories involving family dysfunction, especially paternal issues.
Peter Abraham's story was sad and strange. the ending was sort of sweet, and sort of weird, as there wasn't necessarily a supernatural theme to the stories. I didn't really care too much about the story, though.
Libba Bray's story was strange and sad too. It had an almost autobiographical feel, given the area and era it was set in. I guess there was catharsis at the end of this one, but I didn't care too much.
David Levithan's story was the best I've read of his so far, and one of my favorite of the book. Despite the fact that it's a sort of slow story with not a lot of action (and that there was a slightly supernatural element to the story that felt jarringly out of place), I could feel the characters changing and growing as the story progressed, watch them learn to embrace their own nature (introvert, duh!) and accept their longing for a more real and intimate connection with others. it was beautiful in its own way.
Patricia McCormick's story was the one I connected with the most. She drew the few characters so well in such a short space, from the desperate-to-please mother to the creepy jerk of a stepfather to the main character, growing and learning to advocate for/ defend herself. Orange Alert, indeed!
Sarah Week's story was harder to connect with. I felt really bad for Superman, and understood that frustrating grief over the suffering of a pet. The boys themselves weren't terribly easy to connect with, though, and the story-within-a-story element was a bit creepy.
Gene Luang Yang's graphic short story was interesting, although I didn't love it. It had the feel of a folk tale, but I wasn't really sure of its point.
Overall it ended up being a quick read once I forced myself past Peter Abraham's story, and I'm left wanting to read more by Patricia McCormick, so it wasn't a total waste.
Peter Abraham's story was sad and strange. the ending was sort of sweet, and sort of weird, as there wasn't necessarily a supernatural theme to the stories. I didn't really care too much about the story, though.
Libba Bray's story was strange and sad too. It had an almost autobiographical feel, given the area and era it was set in. I guess there was catharsis at the end of this one, but I didn't care too much.
David Levithan's story was the best I've read of his so far, and one of my favorite of the book. Despite the fact that it's a sort of slow story with not a lot of action (and that there was a slightly supernatural element to the story that felt jarringly out of place), I could feel the characters changing and growing as the story progressed, watch them learn to embrace their own nature (introvert, duh!) and accept their longing for a more real and intimate connection with others. it was beautiful in its own way.
Patricia McCormick's story was the one I connected with the most. She drew the few characters so well in such a short space, from the desperate-to-please mother to the creepy jerk of a stepfather to the main character, growing and learning to advocate for/ defend herself. Orange Alert, indeed!
Sarah Week's story was harder to connect with. I felt really bad for Superman, and understood that frustrating grief over the suffering of a pet. The boys themselves weren't terribly easy to connect with, though, and the story-within-a-story element was a bit creepy.
Gene Luang Yang's graphic short story was interesting, although I didn't love it. It had the feel of a folk tale, but I wasn't really sure of its point.
Overall it ended up being a quick read once I forced myself past Peter Abraham's story, and I'm left wanting to read more by Patricia McCormick, so it wasn't a total waste.
bellesbooknook's review
2.0
The only stories from here that I really, really liked were "Phase 2" and "The Vulnerable Hours." Everything else was pretty "meh." Which is a shame, because I love the idea and premise behind this collection.
chrisvigilante's review
3.0
Phase Two and The Vulnerable Hours were my favorites. Some of the stories were interesting but had endings that felt flat really. So my overall rating for the collection remains a three.
blkmymorris's review
3.0
Not what I usually read, but I read it because of the Gene L. Yang story. it was good, but not great.
David Levithan’s “The Vulnerable Hours” was a typical story of his about tens understanding themselves and their peers in NYC. It has his lyrical writing and is laced with yearning.
Peter Abrahams’ “Phase Two” was good if predictable. Patricia McCormick’s “Orange Alert” was a story of how driving gave the protagonist power over a bad home. Libb Bray had the longest story. I only stuck with it because it was set in Dallas, but the ending was satisfying.
David Levithan’s “The Vulnerable Hours” was a typical story of his about tens understanding themselves and their peers in NYC. It has his lyrical writing and is laced with yearning.
Peter Abrahams’ “Phase Two” was good if predictable. Patricia McCormick’s “Orange Alert” was a story of how driving gave the protagonist power over a bad home. Libb Bray had the longest story. I only stuck with it because it was set in Dallas, but the ending was satisfying.
bigleggy's review
3.0
some good, some mediocre. particular favorites - "The Vulnerable Hours" by David Levithan (of course) and "Not Just for Breakfast Anymore" by Libba Bray
cherreadssharereads's review
4.0
Short reads for fellow night owls! Great compilation of short stories about identity, authenticity, and inner strength. Even though this compilation is written for teens, even adults have a thing or two to take away. Love that Gene Yang's comic strip closes the entire book.
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