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lennaoavestruz's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
teri_b's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one compelling YA contemporary from beginning to end that does not shy away from difficult questions.
I listened to it on audiobook from the local library and at times had difficulties to stop listening, as I just needed to see respectively hear what happens next.
[However, the story told touches down on tough subjects as the two main protagonists deal with the suicide of their best mate, respectively their brother.
The story plays out in one of the largest social housing estates of the country and is placed at many intersections, for instance, of growing up, of coming to terms with having lost a loved one, of grief, guilt, anger, of dealing with family, friends, school, society, race, social media, bullying, but depicting also hope and kindness and friendship, art, space and imagination, you could say it takes the whole spectrum of life into view, from the worst to the best. (hide spoiler)]
It delivers a story that is compelling, haunting and thought provoking and brilliantly told.
I listened to it on audiobook from the local library and at times had difficulties to stop listening, as I just needed to see respectively hear what happens next.
[However, the story told touches down on tough subjects as the two main protagonists deal with the suicide of their best mate, respectively their brother.
The story plays out in one of the largest social housing estates of the country and is placed at many intersections, for instance, of growing up, of coming to terms with having lost a loved one, of grief, guilt, anger, of dealing with family, friends, school, society, race, social media, bullying, but depicting also hope and kindness and friendship, art, space and imagination, you could say it takes the whole spectrum of life into view, from the worst to the best. (hide spoiler)]
It delivers a story that is compelling, haunting and thought provoking and brilliantly told.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use
chronicoverthinker's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
laurat88's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you very much for this wonderful read NetGalley.
This is a story about love, loss, family and friends. I loved that it was set in Manchester and I already knew of many of the places mentioned. Although I've never been keen on writing a dialect with an accent.
I love that each chapter starts with a note from Al to either Nate or Megan with links into what happens in the chapter.
I was sad to hear that this was based on what the author has to go through during her time at school and although I was never bullied to that extent it certainly brought some feelings back. It's also made me think of my friend's suicide in a different way and that's a good thing.
I would certainly recommend this book not just to YA readers but I think a lot of school aged children as it shows that all actions have consequences.
This is a story about love, loss, family and friends. I loved that it was set in Manchester and I already knew of many of the places mentioned. Although I've never been keen on writing a dialect with an accent.
I love that each chapter starts with a note from Al to either Nate or Megan with links into what happens in the chapter.
I was sad to hear that this was based on what the author has to go through during her time at school and although I was never bullied to that extent it certainly brought some feelings back. It's also made me think of my friend's suicide in a different way and that's a good thing.
I would certainly recommend this book not just to YA readers but I think a lot of school aged children as it shows that all actions have consequences.
meganchair's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
deb_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible book. Despite it being about teen suicide and extreme bullying, it is an incredibly uplifting book and one that will stay with me for a long time. Told from two points of view, it also adds a third at the start of each chapter and that is the voice of Al, the teen who has taken his own life. It's for older readers and I hope I can get some of my older students to pick this up, they won't regret it.
sansksksksk's review against another edition
2.0
more like 2.75
i loved the themes and the ideas, but damn did this drag. i legit thought this was going to be a 5 star read but sadly i think ive grown out of this kind of narrative
i loved the themes and the ideas, but damn did this drag. i legit thought this was going to be a 5 star read but sadly i think ive grown out of this kind of narrative
staristrying's review against another edition
5.0
And the Stars were Burning Brightly.
i read this novel in three days, it pulled me in. i couldn’t put it down.
there aren’t many books that cover topic such as bulling and suicide with as much force as Danielle Jawando did when writing this book. this book portrays just how brutal and painful the extent of bullying can be on not only the victim, but everyone around them.
if you feel strong enough to read a novel all about how bullying and suicide can affect ones life, i’m begging you to read this book. to open your eyes as to what’s wrong, and what’s right.
i read this novel in three days, it pulled me in. i couldn’t put it down.
there aren’t many books that cover topic such as bulling and suicide with as much force as Danielle Jawando did when writing this book. this book portrays just how brutal and painful the extent of bullying can be on not only the victim, but everyone around them.
if you feel strong enough to read a novel all about how bullying and suicide can affect ones life, i’m begging you to read this book. to open your eyes as to what’s wrong, and what’s right.
millie_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I am in love with this book. I loved the way it was written in to perspectives and the story line: dealing with males mental health.