wishfulfillment's review against another edition
5.0
My reviews are posted here: http://wishfulfillmentsylwia.tumblr.com/post/136462877824/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee
(I received this book at BookCon 2014 for free for review.)
I. Does it represent/portray and do it well?
Grief and depression are handled well and possibly also the autism spectrum and traumatic brain injury. I thought that these intense topics were covered appropriately and I was impressed by the mixture of dark topics with an accessible narrative.
II. Does it teach me something or make me think?
It made me wonder a lot about how things were going to turn out, so in that way it was intellectually thrilling. I think it also teaches a bit about positivity, especially in how the topics of depression and bullying are addressed.
III. Does it perpetuate healthy ideals?
I think that it does, in terms of focusing on healing, health, and family. I loved the focus on positivity and fighting to overcome depression.
IV. How was the writing itself? (Style, plot, characters, ease of reading, pace, world-building.)
Candice herself is very likable and the narrative style is engaging, clever, emotionally moving, and funny! Before I even realized, I genuinely cared about this entire family and I appreciated how I got to know the parents very slowly throughout the book. They went from being pieces of Candice’s life to being people I cared about just for themselves and their own issues. The pacing was perfect, the plot felt well-planned, and in general I felt like I was reading a very professional work from page 1 to page 242. There are ample subplots of which the resolutions could have ruined the book, but each one was handled with care. I will definitely be reading more work by this author.
V. Did I enjoy reading it?
Absolutely! There is nothing to complain about in this work and I emotionally and intellectually enjoyed each page! I strongly recommend it!
(I received this book at BookCon 2014 for free for review.)
I. Does it represent/portray and do it well?
Grief and depression are handled well and possibly also the autism spectrum and traumatic brain injury. I thought that these intense topics were covered appropriately and I was impressed by the mixture of dark topics with an accessible narrative.
II. Does it teach me something or make me think?
It made me wonder a lot about how things were going to turn out, so in that way it was intellectually thrilling. I think it also teaches a bit about positivity, especially in how the topics of depression and bullying are addressed.
III. Does it perpetuate healthy ideals?
I think that it does, in terms of focusing on healing, health, and family. I loved the focus on positivity and fighting to overcome depression.
IV. How was the writing itself? (Style, plot, characters, ease of reading, pace, world-building.)
Candice herself is very likable and the narrative style is engaging, clever, emotionally moving, and funny! Before I even realized, I genuinely cared about this entire family and I appreciated how I got to know the parents very slowly throughout the book. They went from being pieces of Candice’s life to being people I cared about just for themselves and their own issues. The pacing was perfect, the plot felt well-planned, and in general I felt like I was reading a very professional work from page 1 to page 242. There are ample subplots of which the resolutions could have ruined the book, but each one was handled with care. I will definitely be reading more work by this author.
V. Did I enjoy reading it?
Absolutely! There is nothing to complain about in this work and I emotionally and intellectually enjoyed each page! I strongly recommend it!
shzn's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
At first, I wasn't excited kasi parang nasa isip ko is this is a child book. But afterward, I liked it na rin naman. It was funny, lighthearted and very enjoying to read. It was nice to see Candice's world in her own point of view. I really enjoyed.
skundrik87's review against another edition
4.0
This is so good. The voice is distinct and hilarious.
https://librarianonthelake.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee-by-barry-jonsberg/
https://librarianonthelake.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee-by-barry-jonsberg/
nicola323's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
a_bookish_butterfly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Candice Phee is a quirky girl full of hope, despite the challenging circumstances of her home and school life. While she isn’t terribly talkative, she is highly precocious and her internal world is full of optimistic thoughts and ideas geared toward making things better for everyone around her.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with Candice. She has a rosy view of the world, despite the hand she’s been dealt, and the way she expresses herself is utterly charming. I loved getting her extremely literal take on everything and I enjoyed reading her innocent and humorous explanations.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful story and, while I struggle with accepting dark things in light stories, I was mostly able to embrace this one. There were a few minor details I didn’t absolutely adore, but I can definitely see why my husband, who had recommended this book countless times to me, loves it so much.
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee was the perfect palate cleaner for someone like me - a reader who mostly exists on a steady diet of heaviness and darkness. I love that the author didn’t wrap it all up in a neat bow as it closed, but still gave the reader enough closure to feel settled in the end.
kristinajean's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book as an ARC from Chronicle Books as a Goodreads Giveaway winner.
I started this book with the intention of reading a couple of chapters before carrying on with the other things I had planned. Three hours later, I held a completed and amazing novel in my hand.
Candice Phee is a little special and a little different, but is not upset about this fact. She merely is herself. And for an assignment for English class, she is tasked with writing an Alphabet Autobiography. Through her narrative, she ponders, thinks and records the actions that make her uniquely someone who, to quote her Rich Uncle Brian, "dances to her own tune." She decides through her charming narration that she needs to help her "dysfunctional family" pursue happiness.
A thoroughly satisfying read--I laughed out loud, I cried, I cringed. It is a compelling novel of a girl who is not diagnosed on the Spectrum, but based on her behavior and reactions, could be. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who are fans of [b:Wonder|11387515|Wonder|R.J. Palacio|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366213431s/11387515.jpg|16319487], [b:Out of My Mind|6609765|Out of My Mind|Sharon M. Draper|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347602096s/6609765.jpg|6803732] and [b:Marcelo in the Real World|3700085|Marcelo in the Real World|Francisco X. Stork|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328838330s/3700085.jpg|3743599].
I started this book with the intention of reading a couple of chapters before carrying on with the other things I had planned. Three hours later, I held a completed and amazing novel in my hand.
Candice Phee is a little special and a little different, but is not upset about this fact. She merely is herself. And for an assignment for English class, she is tasked with writing an Alphabet Autobiography. Through her narrative, she ponders, thinks and records the actions that make her uniquely someone who, to quote her Rich Uncle Brian, "dances to her own tune." She decides through her charming narration that she needs to help her "dysfunctional family" pursue happiness.
A thoroughly satisfying read--I laughed out loud, I cried, I cringed. It is a compelling novel of a girl who is not diagnosed on the Spectrum, but based on her behavior and reactions, could be. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who are fans of [b:Wonder|11387515|Wonder|R.J. Palacio|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366213431s/11387515.jpg|16319487], [b:Out of My Mind|6609765|Out of My Mind|Sharon M. Draper|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347602096s/6609765.jpg|6803732] and [b:Marcelo in the Real World|3700085|Marcelo in the Real World|Francisco X. Stork|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328838330s/3700085.jpg|3743599].
idontkaren's review against another edition
4.0
I liked how Candice purposefully didn't identify with any type of medical disorder or label, just said she was true to herself. Strong character--very accepting of both herself and other people, even though everyone is rife with flaws. Liked the Dickens obsession and the boy from another dimension. Fave scene was at the restaurant for mother's birthday dinner.
flordemaga's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Fun, witty, and I love Candice’s perspective. Love this autistic little girl with humming stims and a notepad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Suicide attempt
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
Marvelous, charming, funny, heart wrenching... and a bit like the kid's version of Illywhacker which makes sense, both these books being Australian.
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_02/categorical_universe_of_candice_phee.html
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_02/categorical_universe_of_candice_phee.html