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laurenkraigco's review against another edition
The bad adoptive parent thing felt too sadly personal
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
What an unusual narrator. We often see autistic protagonists now, but Ginny Moon is something else.
Aged 14, Ginny has been adopted after a traumatic experience with her birth mother and several foster families, she's at school, her Forever Parents are about to have their own baby daughter, but Ginny still obsesses over getting back to Gloria, her birth mother to get her Baby Doll back and keep her safe.
Very wily and clever, Ginny will never answer a question if two are asked together, she takes words literally, she obsesses about things. In short, you feel you know her autistic traits well.
The story opens up her past gradually and the horrors of Ginny's early life are upsetting, though make her shine as a rather amazing young woman, despite her difficulties.
I felt for her Forever Parents, being a mum with a newborn myself currently, and seeing Ginny's agonies over making sure Baby Wendy is fed and safe, while her Forever Mother and Father have to look after their own child as well as the one they've agreed to raise.
The story is unique. Ginny is unique, her voice distinct and strong. I had no idea just how it would end at times, but I loved Ginny and felt a lot of empathy for her parents.
This is a debut, and its autistic character is well-researched and well-voiced, the author has done an excellent job of creating a fascinating and tragic backstory for her, and a book you really want to finish once you've met Ginny.
I will be looking out for more from this writer. This will be enjoyed by adults as well as older teenagers interested in autistic characters.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
Aged 14, Ginny has been adopted after a traumatic experience with her birth mother and several foster families, she's at school, her Forever Parents are about to have their own baby daughter, but Ginny still obsesses over getting back to Gloria, her birth mother to get her Baby Doll back and keep her safe.
Very wily and clever, Ginny will never answer a question if two are asked together, she takes words literally, she obsesses about things. In short, you feel you know her autistic traits well.
The story opens up her past gradually and the horrors of Ginny's early life are upsetting, though make her shine as a rather amazing young woman, despite her difficulties.
I felt for her Forever Parents, being a mum with a newborn myself currently, and seeing Ginny's agonies over making sure Baby Wendy is fed and safe, while her Forever Mother and Father have to look after their own child as well as the one they've agreed to raise.
The story is unique. Ginny is unique, her voice distinct and strong. I had no idea just how it would end at times, but I loved Ginny and felt a lot of empathy for her parents.
This is a debut, and its autistic character is well-researched and well-voiced, the author has done an excellent job of creating a fascinating and tragic backstory for her, and a book you really want to finish once you've met Ginny.
I will be looking out for more from this writer. This will be enjoyed by adults as well as older teenagers interested in autistic characters.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
maryquitecontrary_22's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know how Ludwig captured the voice of his narrator so perfectly. But he did. And I love that he drew inspiration from his roles as a teacher and adoptive father.
melissaverasreads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Wow. I didn't expect to like it this much, but here I am. This is one of the most engaging books I've read in awhile. I got the audiobook and I couldn't stop listening to it! I really recommend it if you want to read a page-turner book, or if you're interested in autism.
Wow. I didn't expect to like it this much, but here I am. This is one of the most engaging books I've read in awhile. I got the audiobook and I couldn't stop listening to it! I really recommend it if you want to read a page-turner book, or if you're interested in autism.
mary00's review against another edition
4.0
I zipped through this on audio and loved it. It made the monotony of packing and cleaning much more enjoyable.
The main character, Ginny, has a strong and memorable voice. The story itself was intriguing but also carried an added layer of depth. It gave me a lot to think about in places.
The main character, Ginny, has a strong and memorable voice. The story itself was intriguing but also carried an added layer of depth. It gave me a lot to think about in places.
amykay_kenny's review against another edition
5.0
If you teach or are involved in any way with children with special needs, I HIGHLY recommend this book. According to the author's bio, he and his family adopted a teen with autism, and some of this book was inspired by his conversations with parents at Special Olympics basketball practices.
The narrator is a 13-year-old girl with autism and some other trauma. This book is an engrossing read for sure, and I highly recommend you keep some tissues nearby.
The narrator is a 13-year-old girl with autism and some other trauma. This book is an engrossing read for sure, and I highly recommend you keep some tissues nearby.
brimckoy's review against another edition
4.0
I am so surprised by how quickly I devoured this book. I could not put it down! The library checked it out to me a few days ago and I could not remember why I borrowed it or who recommended it to me. It did not seem like a book I would typically read (with the main character being a teenager). But the author did such an amazing job with character development and with Ginny. What a gift to read this book and see so many sides to adoption. From the adopted parents, to the birth mom and the birth dad and Ginny herself who is autistic. At so many points in the book I found myself understanding the different struggles and motivations behind many of the characters - which I think can be hard to communicate as an author. I highly recommend this book!
djr100's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this story a lot. After giving this some thought (I read this a month ago), I am not sure this isn’t a five, but let’s call it a 4.5. Easy reading with lots of emotional story telling