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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
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:
Yes
feeling empty, this book was amazing. i don't know how to put my thoughts into words yet but pls, read this book. NOW.
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ok so let's start this review. ngl, at first the pop-culture reference was making my teeth grind, but I think they made the charms of the book, especially since I could relate to them lmao. the characters were all so amazing and charming, I want to protect them at all cost. they were all so unique (THE!!! DIVERSITY!!!) and loveable ugh, Frances is me and I'm Frances. again, the diversity in this book was really good IMO!! nothing felt forced, we were introduced slowly to everyone's sexuality and nationality instead of getting info dumped at the beginning of the book. anyhoo, if you have this book on your bookshelf, GO
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ok so let's start this review. ngl, at first the pop-culture reference was making my teeth grind, but I think they made the charms of the book, especially since I could relate to them lmao. the characters were all so amazing and charming, I want to protect them at all cost. they were all so unique (THE!!! DIVERSITY!!!) and loveable ugh, Frances is me and I'm Frances. again, the diversity in this book was really good IMO!! nothing felt forced, we were introduced slowly to everyone's sexuality and nationality instead of getting info dumped at the beginning of the book. anyhoo, if you have this book on your bookshelf, GO
Simplemente ame este libro, el como me identifique con los personajes y como se abordan los temas, me hizo dudar sobre querer ir a la universidad, ame a los personajes y ame aun mas la amistad de Frances y Aled el hecho de que no hicieran una pareja romántica es la esencia del libro al igual la visibilidad de la demisexualidad.
SCREAMING! Ahhhh this was so so good and I'm utterly astounded and obsessed and overjoyed that this book exists. We need more platonic relationships in books! This one was so cute, it was everything, and I just adored all the representation within this book, as well as the storyline and the characters and the ideas and themes woven throughout the narrative. Alice Oseman is now one of my favorite authors and I'll read anything she puts out! This was just so incredible and mind-blowing and I can't wait to get more into her universe! Highly highly highly recommend.
ALSO ALSO! This has Eliza and Her Monsters vibes so if you liked that, read this. But mostly just read this, period. It's so good and empowering and sweet and authentic.
ALSO ALSO! This has Eliza and Her Monsters vibes so if you liked that, read this. But mostly just read this, period. It's so good and empowering and sweet and authentic.
dark
emotional
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
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A heartwarming story about a group of teens learning to defy society's narrative, discover their true selves, and escape from the lives they've been previously trapped in.
Almost the entirety of Francis' life revolves around school. Everything she does is just another part of her plan to get into Cambridge, whether it's relentless studying or ruling the school as Head Girl. That is, everything except Universe City. This podcast hosted by the mysterious Radio Silence consumes almost all of her time outside of school. When Radio Silence reaches out to Francis about working together on Universe City, Francis' priorities begin to change. As she grows closer to the enigmatic Creator of the show, Francis starts to wonder if she really even wants to attend a university, or if that's just the path that the world expects her to take.
The themes in this one hit me so hard! I relate quite a bit to both Francis and Aled, so it's no surprise that I absolutely adore this book. And it doesn't hurt that some of my favorite characters from the Osemanverse (shoutout to Charlie, Tori, and Nick!) make an appearance. Learning more about Aled (Charlie's quiet friend who sporadically showed up throughout "Heartstopper") was such a joy, and it honestly checks out that his is just as traumatized by as many things as Charlie is.
One of the things I truly love about this story is the messages. Even reading the author's note at the beginning and learning that this story features students who think they have to go to university because school is all they are good at hit me in the feels. I must say, my entire high school career wasn't dictated by wanting to get into an Ivy League, but my entire teenage years were indeed consumed by school. Almost every waking moment of my time was spent studying, writing extravagent papers, and going above and beyond on projects. Up until my junior/senior years of high school, no one knew any part of the real me, much like the situation that Francis faces. I related to so heavily to her ambitions and I always figured I would go to college and study English literature to become a high school teacher myself. In the last few years, I realized that I just wanted to be happy and pursue things that brought me joy, such as reading and acting. Getting to explore my passions after high school made me feel that I was good at more than just being an academic. Let's just say, I related heavily to Francis' whole situation.
And Aled? My goodness do I relate to him, too. Aled also feels the burden of getting good grades, but he feels this weight due to his controlling mother. Luckily, my parents had the philosophy that as long as I was doing my best, they were proud of me. Unfortunately, that is not the case with Aled's mother. Nothing is ever good enough for her, which is why he keeps the one thing he truly cares about a secret. If his mother knew about his passion for the arts, she would blow a fuse, so I totally get why he suppresses his true, unapologetically queer and artistic self while he is at home. My family situation hasn't always been the best either, so I get it. Alright, I'll stop rambling about how much I relate to Francis and Aled now.
Something else that is truly amazing about this tale is that it is not a romance. It is truly a platonic tale of two besties facing the cruelty of the world together. You don't see this very often in YA books, so this was certainly refreshing. And Aled and Francis seriously go through so much together. People are constantly harassing them both about Universe City, which is sadly how most fandoms tend to act in this day and age. Rather than celebrating the creators of their favorite podcast, they are desperate to discover all their darkest secrets and expose them on the internet. Gods, I hate people sometimes (especially the people that send hate mail and death threats to public creators). Seriously, get a life. And like, be a decent human, please.
The deep dive into learning to express one's sexuality is an Oseman staple. Both Francis and Aled are queer, and they are definitely still learning the ropes of how to tell others and express themselves authentically. I always appreciate asexual and demisexual representation in books, so this just makes me love this one even more.
I must admit, applying and preparing for university in the United Kingdom sounds like a horrific experience. The extent that these students have to prepare years in advance scares me immensely, and the interview process to apply to universities sounds like the most stressful thing in the world. I'm feeling a tad grateful that I didn't have to go through all that as a young teenager trying to navigate life after (and through) high school.
The way that art is praised in this book warms my heart. Francis and Aled both hide the fact that they live for their nerdy hobbies, due to the fact that they want to appear "smart" and "studious" to their peers. However, as the story progresses, they both learn to embrace their secret hobbies and face society's disapproval, no matter how harsh it can be.
Overall, "Radio Silence" is another masterful novel penned by the lovely Alice Oseman. Her work is always so poignant and speaks about real world issues, and this one is certainly no exception. It was so great to be back in the Osemanverse and learning more about Aled's character was truly a treat. The themes in this book are immense, and I appreciate how much Oseman tackled with this book including defying society's expectations, exploring one's sexuality, the importance of platonic friendships, praising the arts, and so much more. The characters are so relatable, and I truly can't wait until I get to return to the Osemanverse once more!
Almost the entirety of Francis' life revolves around school. Everything she does is just another part of her plan to get into Cambridge, whether it's relentless studying or ruling the school as Head Girl. That is, everything except Universe City. This podcast hosted by the mysterious Radio Silence consumes almost all of her time outside of school. When Radio Silence reaches out to Francis about working together on Universe City, Francis' priorities begin to change. As she grows closer to the enigmatic Creator of the show, Francis starts to wonder if she really even wants to attend a university, or if that's just the path that the world expects her to take.
The themes in this one hit me so hard! I relate quite a bit to both Francis and Aled, so it's no surprise that I absolutely adore this book. And it doesn't hurt that some of my favorite characters from the Osemanverse (shoutout to Charlie, Tori, and Nick!) make an appearance. Learning more about Aled (Charlie's quiet friend who sporadically showed up throughout "Heartstopper") was such a joy, and it honestly checks out that his is just as traumatized by as many things as Charlie is.
One of the things I truly love about this story is the messages. Even reading the author's note at the beginning and learning that this story features students who think they have to go to university because school is all they are good at hit me in the feels. I must say, my entire high school career wasn't dictated by wanting to get into an Ivy League, but my entire teenage years were indeed consumed by school. Almost every waking moment of my time was spent studying, writing extravagent papers, and going above and beyond on projects. Up until my junior/senior years of high school, no one knew any part of the real me, much like the situation that Francis faces. I related to so heavily to her ambitions and I always figured I would go to college and study English literature to become a high school teacher myself. In the last few years, I realized that I just wanted to be happy and pursue things that brought me joy, such as reading and acting. Getting to explore my passions after high school made me feel that I was good at more than just being an academic. Let's just say, I related heavily to Francis' whole situation.
And Aled? My goodness do I relate to him, too. Aled also feels the burden of getting good grades, but he feels this weight due to his controlling mother. Luckily, my parents had the philosophy that as long as I was doing my best, they were proud of me. Unfortunately, that is not the case with Aled's mother. Nothing is ever good enough for her, which is why he keeps the one thing he truly cares about a secret. If his mother knew about his passion for the arts, she would blow a fuse, so I totally get why he suppresses his true, unapologetically queer and artistic self while he is at home. My family situation hasn't always been the best either, so I get it. Alright, I'll stop rambling about how much I relate to Francis and Aled now.
Something else that is truly amazing about this tale is that it is not a romance. It is truly a platonic tale of two besties facing the cruelty of the world together. You don't see this very often in YA books, so this was certainly refreshing. And Aled and Francis seriously go through so much together. People are constantly harassing them both about Universe City, which is sadly how most fandoms tend to act in this day and age. Rather than celebrating the creators of their favorite podcast, they are desperate to discover all their darkest secrets and expose them on the internet. Gods, I hate people sometimes (especially the people that send hate mail and death threats to public creators). Seriously, get a life. And like, be a decent human, please.
The deep dive into learning to express one's sexuality is an Oseman staple. Both Francis and Aled are queer, and they are definitely still learning the ropes of how to tell others and express themselves authentically. I always appreciate asexual and demisexual representation in books, so this just makes me love this one even more.
I must admit, applying and preparing for university in the United Kingdom sounds like a horrific experience. The extent that these students have to prepare years in advance scares me immensely, and the interview process to apply to universities sounds like the most stressful thing in the world. I'm feeling a tad grateful that I didn't have to go through all that as a young teenager trying to navigate life after (and through) high school.
The way that art is praised in this book warms my heart. Francis and Aled both hide the fact that they live for their nerdy hobbies, due to the fact that they want to appear "smart" and "studious" to their peers. However, as the story progresses, they both learn to embrace their secret hobbies and face society's disapproval, no matter how harsh it can be.
Overall, "Radio Silence" is another masterful novel penned by the lovely Alice Oseman. Her work is always so poignant and speaks about real world issues, and this one is certainly no exception. It was so great to be back in the Osemanverse and learning more about Aled's character was truly a treat. The themes in this book are immense, and I appreciate how much Oseman tackled with this book including defying society's expectations, exploring one's sexuality, the importance of platonic friendships, praising the arts, and so much more. The characters are so relatable, and I truly can't wait until I get to return to the Osemanverse once more!
Of course I had to finish it in like one day. At first I wasn’t very amused but that quickly changed. Very interesting story and i found it very easy to empathize lol. Thank God it had a happy end ahhaha.