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rereader33's review against another edition
3.0
Stopped at page 62.
Sorry guys, I'm not feeling this book. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm saying I'm personally not invested in it. I would love to read more because it is an important topic, but the characters do not interest me and the writing, while good, can't carry this novel. I'm sure this gets better later on, but I have a lot of other books to read and I don't see the point continuing with this one if I'm not engaged.
UPDATE:
I did end up finishing this, but only after skip MASSIVE PORTIONS of this book. While the writing is good and the subject matter is handled with respect and care, Skye was a pretty unlikable character for most of the book and the only thing I really enjoyed was her friendship with Luisa. I felt it was a genuine friendship and I enjoyed their interactions. I'm pissed that Skye ended up with Ben because I felt like that was a pretty unhealthy relationship but I guess the power of love and communication can resolve fucking anything. Also, one problem I did have was I felt this was too long. I truly believe you could have told the exact same story but in about 300-320 pages by cutting out all the partying Skye did and toning down on the angsty moments. Anyway, my rating stands, it's not a bad book, but it was a slog to get through. I only recommend for people interested in the topics it presents because aside from that and the writing I can't really recommend it for anything else.
Sorry guys, I'm not feeling this book. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm saying I'm personally not invested in it. I would love to read more because it is an important topic, but the characters do not interest me and the writing, while good, can't carry this novel. I'm sure this gets better later on, but I have a lot of other books to read and I don't see the point continuing with this one if I'm not engaged.
UPDATE:
I did end up finishing this, but only after skip MASSIVE PORTIONS of this book. While the writing is good and the subject matter is handled with respect and care, Skye was a pretty unlikable character for most of the book and the only thing I really enjoyed was her friendship with Luisa. I felt it was a genuine friendship and I enjoyed their interactions. I'm pissed that Skye ended up with Ben because I felt like that was a pretty unhealthy relationship but I guess the power of love and communication can resolve fucking anything. Also, one problem I did have was I felt this was too long. I truly believe you could have told the exact same story but in about 300-320 pages by cutting out all the partying Skye did and toning down on the angsty moments. Anyway, my rating stands, it's not a bad book, but it was a slog to get through. I only recommend for people interested in the topics it presents because aside from that and the writing I can't really recommend it for anything else.
izzylou801's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
3.5
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
This took me quite a while to get through, partly because of the triggering parts & partly because I wanted to read other books. Our main character, Skye, has carried a ton of baggage for years and I understand her reasonings behind her actions, but at some points it just seemed to be a cycle of getting in trouble and her mom not listening to her. So I guess it's safe to say that her mom was the issue here for me. Skye is also still young so her naivety and recklessness aren't surprising, especially with all she's been through. I enjoyed the last 100 pages more than anything else in the book. You definitely get a sense of growth in nearly all the characters, which I liked as well. I also loved that Skye and Ben used art as their language. Definitely a more intense read but very raw and necessary for the YA genre.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how the main character dealt with her situation and the ending and everything being explained. Hate Dan with a passion. I loved the way she expressed herself through her art. My only problem is that I felt at times the pacing was a little slow.
I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing how the main character dealt with her situation and the ending and everything being explained. Hate Dan with a passion. I loved the way she expressed herself through her art. My only problem is that I felt at times the pacing was a little slow.
makaylabrown's review against another edition
4.0
absolutely incredible debut novel, one everyone should read
jlighthouse's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
astravars_thrubooks's review against another edition
3.0
Really liked how she handled the abuse, the drinking and drugs-use, and the way her teens actually read like teens. The story felt genuine - it actually is something that happened to the author - and it shows. I could see Skye grow and come to understand that what happened to her wasn't her fault and deciding to treat herself better.
justforqueerbooks's review against another edition
3.0
MANY, MANY, MANY TWs in this book.
I just wasn't a big fan. The character development is amazing though. It just missed on the family aspect of things and some parts felt really rushed.
I just wasn't a big fan. The character development is amazing though. It just missed on the family aspect of things and some parts felt really rushed.
hitbooksnotgirlz's review against another edition
5.0
This is the story of a girl who experienced a horrible breach of trust from someone who was supposed to love and care for her, and she wants nothing more than to protect her little sister from the same fate. It was heartbreaking, powerful, and inspiring. An amazing read.
brdsk8s's review against another edition
5.0
While my experience isn’t the same as Skye’s, this book made me feel so heard and understood. Everything about this book is difficult to digest, but Laura Sibson really managed to present it as respectfully as possible.
I’ll leave some quotes below that moved me.
————————————
“If people knew what happened, they’d see that one thing, not the whole me.”
“If he wants to do this stuff to me, I guess it’s okay to let him. Even if it doesn’t feel right.”
“I have to admit that I crave the attention from boys, especially when I’m partying. Getting a guy to want me feels like a victory. Like their desire makes me worthy of taking up space in this world. […] Lately, I think that maybe I’ve just been letting stuff happen to me rather than choosing what I really want. Because I’ve never been sure that I’m allowed to have what I want.”
“But I’m finished with defining myself by who wants me or by how I look.”
“I’m choosing this. […] I’m allowed to take up place in this world. Not for the pleasure of others, but for myself. It’s a step toward believing that maybe, just maybe, I can turn the damaged parts of me into something new.”
I’ll leave some quotes below that moved me.
————————————
“If people knew what happened, they’d see that one thing, not the whole me.”
“If he wants to do this stuff to me, I guess it’s okay to let him. Even if it doesn’t feel right.”
“I have to admit that I crave the attention from boys, especially when I’m partying. Getting a guy to want me feels like a victory. Like their desire makes me worthy of taking up space in this world. […] Lately, I think that maybe I’ve just been letting stuff happen to me rather than choosing what I really want. Because I’ve never been sure that I’m allowed to have what I want.”
“But I’m finished with defining myself by who wants me or by how I look.”
“I’m choosing this. […] I’m allowed to take up place in this world. Not for the pleasure of others, but for myself. It’s a step toward believing that maybe, just maybe, I can turn the damaged parts of me into something new.”