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eowyns_helmet's review
5.0
This is such a lovely read. Drew is really struggling with losing a parent to suicide. When a mysterious old friend of his mother's comes to stay, he's beset by questions about his family. Bishop handles this tender story with great skill, drawing us into a very real and painful growing up that ultimately ends on a satisfyingly positive note.
miszjeanie's review
5.0
I adored this book! It’s one of those books I quickly realized would be a struggle to review because all I want to do is gush and put this book in everyone’s hands. Another book with such a memorable protagonist and also about death and grief is [b:The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|39280558|The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise|Dan Gemeinhart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1535034048l/39280558._SY75_.jpg|57956893] which I also adored. Things You Can’t Say is a thoughtful, realistic, and heartwarming (oh, so heartwarming) book about dealing with a parent’s suicide and changing friendships. If you’re looking for a book that emphasizes vulnerability in boy friendships, highlights cute sibling dynamics or set largely in a library, you’ll love this book!
Read my full review on the blog.
Read my full review on the blog.
momreaderh's review
4.0
Some of the dialogue was pretty ridiculous age-wise and overall I would say this book would resonate for any child affected by suicide.
crabber's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
A little slow at the start but has some very good emotional bits with a very raw and strong message about suicide, ending was also satisfying!
A little slow at the start but has some very good emotional bits with a very raw and strong message about suicide, ending was also satisfying!
kaylaphaneuf's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Vomit, and Violence
Minor: Cancer and Mental illness
jbird04's review
4.0
I love that this book discusses the impact the mental health of a parent has on a child. The depression that Drew's dad struggled with led his dad to commit suicide. Drew feels a huge responsibility to become the "man of the house" after his father's death. When a man comes into his mother's life he feels threatened in his role at home and has to come to terms with his feelings about his dad's death. A very moving story.
flamingo11's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lauriehnatiuk's review
5.0
Thank you to author, Jenn Bishop, for providing an ARC to our book sharing group, #BookPortage.
A book that once I started, I couldn't put down. Drew is a young boy who is forced to grow up quickly after his father commits suicide when he was nine. Now twelve, Drew is still navigating life with his mom and younger brother Xander without his dad. Trying to sort out and express feelings of loss, friendship issues and a new crush are all explored in this novel and will be popular with the age group targeted. I love that Jenn Bishop has created a character that not only likes shooting hoops but enjoys cooking and loves storytelling and being in the library. I know many young males who will now have a book that allows their interests and passions to be shared. I also think that Bishop has filled a void in MG - the ramifications of life after suicide through a MG character. A definite preorder but will be worth it when it is released in March.
A book that once I started, I couldn't put down. Drew is a young boy who is forced to grow up quickly after his father commits suicide when he was nine. Now twelve, Drew is still navigating life with his mom and younger brother Xander without his dad. Trying to sort out and express feelings of loss, friendship issues and a new crush are all explored in this novel and will be popular with the age group targeted. I love that Jenn Bishop has created a character that not only likes shooting hoops but enjoys cooking and loves storytelling and being in the library. I know many young males who will now have a book that allows their interests and passions to be shared. I also think that Bishop has filled a void in MG - the ramifications of life after suicide through a MG character. A definite preorder but will be worth it when it is released in March.
cassellwrites's review against another edition
5.0
Emotional and heartbreaking. Jenn Bishop's humor helps lighten the story, building an authentic representation of grief and family trauma.
abigailbat's review
A poignant look at one boy's life as things are changing in his family after his dad's suicide. This is definitely a book that validates the emotional life of boys as Drew navigates changing friendships and his mom's new male friend and life without a father at the time in his life when a father might be able to answer some questions for him.