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giulianalb99's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Qué libro TAN bonito, 5 estrellas se le queda corto. Lo llevaré siempre en mi corazón. Este libro me ha hecho sentir tantas cosas bonitas e incluso me ha hecho llorar. Los personajes son increíbles y me ha encantado ver cómo evolucionan y lo mucho que se quieren todos e incluso hacen que te sientas como en casa. Arthur y Linus tienen mi corazón para siempre y los niños también. Me parece un libro súper importante por los temas que trata (como, por ejemplo, la segregación, la aceptación de uno mismo, los prejuicios, etc.) y por eso recomiendo a todo el mundo que lo lea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Racism, Confinement, Mental illness, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Body shaming, and Religious bigotry
evarinya's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Honestly? I found it kinda boring... I heard so many amazing things about it, perhaps my expectations where too high, but... Linus was a boring protagonist (also perhaps too old for me? At least he was written like a character that was supposed to seem "old and weary"). Also he was constantly overwhelmed the first half of the book, which is not something I like to read in general.
I didn't like the "preachy" tone either - the idea of show don't tell seemed a little bit ignored, most things were either only told or shown and then explained afterwards. And sure, there were some good messages there, but it just felt very contrived.
The kids were somewhat cute after about half the book, once they had stopped with those annoying death threats.
The story was very much predictable, which doesn't have to be bad, but somehow in this case there... was not even a tiny twist on it or any kind of other kind of surprise...
Somehow the end made it even worse,this kind of "oh because of a single person doing good now every "evil" person goes away and there are (almost) only "good" people left, rejoice!"
I mean, I do read books to escape from reality, but... this felt awkward to me...
I get that it's supposed to be all cozy and comforting, but I find if its too sugary it starts to feel fake at some point... And in this case it somehow managed to do just that.
Perhaps becasue I somewhat recently read "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches", which had a very similar theme but did it better (imho).
I didn't like the "preachy" tone either - the idea of show don't tell seemed a little bit ignored, most things were either only told or shown and then explained afterwards. And sure, there were some good messages there, but it just felt very contrived.
The kids were somewhat cute after about half the book, once they had stopped with those annoying death threats.
The story was very much predictable, which doesn't have to be bad, but somehow in this case there... was not even a tiny twist on it or any kind of other kind of surprise...
Somehow the end made it even worse,
I mean, I do read books to escape from reality, but... this felt awkward to me...
I get that it's supposed to be all cozy and comforting, but I find if its too sugary it starts to feel fake at some point... And in this case it somehow managed to do just that.
Perhaps becasue I somewhat recently read "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches", which had a very similar theme but did it better (imho).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Physical abuse, Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Bullying
anna_wa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Child abuse
caitlinjadams's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
What a lovely, lovely book about humanity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Ableism, Forced institutionalization, Confinement, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Child abuse, Fatphobia, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Cannibalism, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
sirkeili's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I am absolutely floored by how much I love this book. From Linus' introduction, to his growth throughout the novel, to his final arc where he shines the brightest had me hooked.
Linus is both incredibly oblivious, and incredibly endearing. He reminds me a lot of Aziraphale; trying to do his job perfectly, but ultimately failing due to his endless compassion, empathy and boundless love. The amount of times I was screaming both "Linus, for the love of god, LOOK" followed by me nearly crying at how soft he was is numerable.
The kids? Arthur? Zoe? All of them were so endearing, and I loved them all so much. Theo and Lucy both are top contenders for my favourite kid, mostly due to their antics, but all of them are hilarious gremlins and their meddling is priceless.
I was not surprised Arthur was magical, as the hints were there, but the fact he was a FUCKING PHEONIX did actually. The scene where Linus protects Helen from the rock, and you see how absolutely lethal Arthur can be in his form was absolutely cinematic. The fact they have to have Zoe babysit the kids so they can bone each other in peace was absolutely hilarious as well, the poor things can't catch a break. They're adorable dads, and the fact they are trying to save more children to give them a safe home, made me so damn emotional.
Overall, this feel-good story about found family and overcoming our own self-made limitations is a phenomenal novel. I hope to see more of Linus and his family soon, I do miss them so! ❤️
Linus is both incredibly oblivious, and incredibly endearing. He reminds me a lot of Aziraphale; trying to do his job perfectly, but ultimately failing due to his endless compassion, empathy and boundless love. The amount of times I was screaming both "Linus, for the love of god, LOOK" followed by me nearly crying at how soft he was is numerable.
The kids? Arthur? Zoe? All of them were so endearing, and I loved them all so much. Theo and Lucy both are top contenders for my favourite kid, mostly due to their antics, but all of them are hilarious gremlins and their meddling is priceless.
Overall, this feel-good story about found family and overcoming our own self-made limitations is a phenomenal novel. I hope to see more of Linus and his family soon, I do miss them so! ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Bullying, Child abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cursing, Fatphobia, Confinement, Grief, and Religious bigotry
nehanaomi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i love it i love it i love it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Hate crime, Child abuse, Confinement, Bullying, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, and Racism
elliereadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
”You’re made of strong stuff on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside the counts.”
”You’re made of strong stuff on the inside, and it’s what’s on the inside the counts.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Hate crime
Minor: Hate crime, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry
horriblehorrid's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bright and loving without being cheesy or sickeningly sweet. every character is amazing and the kids are so fun.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Confinement and Religious bigotry
kyeruhh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Several other reviewers have shared the same sentiment that I do abt this book: initially enjoyed it but, upon learning what the book was inspired by, cannot in good conscience recommend it. Other reviewers have but it into words better than I can, so I encourage people to 1) read their reviews and 2) listen to indigenous and First Nations people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, and Religious bigotry
analea_lucille's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
The audiobook was fantastic!! I especially loved the different voices for the children!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Religious bigotry, Death, Torture, Violence, and Racism