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carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid three star book for me. I liked it for the most part but I wasn't really blown away by it either. I liked the writing and found that the story read really well, making for a fairly quick read. And I really enjoyed the interspersed comic style chapters and Bishop's graffiti art chapters. I'm also always a sucker for multiple point of view narratives and I thought that this one was done particularly well- giving enough details from each person but also maintaining some of the mystery or intrigue. However, I didn't really love any of the characters and I found some of their character traits to be just so extreme. Natalie's desire to start over fresh in college makes sense, that's normal. But her fresh start is intense- a completely new wardrobe and nickname and personality. It's just too much. And that kind of extended to all of the characters, they all seemed like their personalities were so extreme. Overall I enjoyed this book and didn't dislike it but I also didn't connect as much to the story as I would have liked.
This was a solid three star book for me. I liked it for the most part but I wasn't really blown away by it either. I liked the writing and found that the story read really well, making for a fairly quick read. And I really enjoyed the interspersed comic style chapters and Bishop's graffiti art chapters. I'm also always a sucker for multiple point of view narratives and I thought that this one was done particularly well- giving enough details from each person but also maintaining some of the mystery or intrigue. However, I didn't really love any of the characters and I found some of their character traits to be just so extreme. Natalie's desire to start over fresh in college makes sense, that's normal. But her fresh start is intense- a completely new wardrobe and nickname and personality. It's just too much. And that kind of extended to all of the characters, they all seemed like their personalities were so extreme. Overall I enjoyed this book and didn't dislike it but I also didn't connect as much to the story as I would have liked.
paige_georgia_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Maybe it's because I haven't had a loss like the people in this book, but it felt hard for me to connect with Jaycee. I enjoyed the multi-media aspects of this book, like Bishop's drawings and the comics that represent Mik's POV. I also really enjoyed Natalie's journey throughout this book.
lorimanning's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great story about a girl who tries urban exploring to get over the loss of her risk-taking brother.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Despite its somewhat somber subject matter, Cori McCarthy's young adult novel, You Were Here, is a surprisingly uplifting journey of healing.
Five years after her brother Jake's shattering loss, Jaycee Strangelove is still trying to come to terms with both his death and her lingering grief. In an effort to keep his memory alive, she has been following in his adrenaline-filled footsteps by recreating his thrilling stunts and accepting any dare that comes her way. On the anniversary of his death, Jaycee reunites with a couple of friends from her past and they, along with two other teenagers, decide to spend the summer visiting the same decaying urban landmarks that Jake visited before he died.
Jaycee idolized Jake and not only is she still traumatized by witnessing his death, she has been unable to process her grief or make sense of how to move on without him. She is completely closed off emotionally and clinging tightly to her memories while at the same time she is resentful of her parents' very different ways of coping with the loss of their son. She also remains deeply angered by her best friend Natalie Cheng's abandonment immediately following his death. Jaycee values honesty to the point of tactlessness nor does she refrain from making sometimes hurtful observations. However, in spite of her harsh edges, Jaycee is an extremely likable and sympathetic young woman who is trying to move forward the best way she knows how.
On the anniversary of Jake's death, Jaycee is joined by his childhood friend Ryan "Mik" Mikivikious as she revisits his favorite haunt, an abandoned mental hospital. She tagged along on many of their exploits when she was younger and no one understands her loss more than Mik. Although Mik has little to say to her (or anyone for that matter), she is comforted by his company as she searches for proof of Jake's presence in the old hospital. Jaycee also has a huge crush on Mik but she does not know how to show her feelings to the ever silent young man.
The last thing Jaycee expects is to renew her friendship with Natalie. Despite Jaycee's simmering anger, hurt feelings and ever present animoisty, Natalie wants nothing more than to bury the hatchet in hopes that she can move on to the next phase in her life. Their initial exchanges are full of heartbreak but underlying all of the interactions is their shared past that continues to draw them to one another. Natalie's organized, type A personality is the complete opposite of Jaycee's impulsivity but these differences are a large part of the reason why their friendship worked so well for so many years.
Natalie's boyfriend Zach Ferris and their friend, Bishop, also join Jaycee, Natalie and Mik as they follow in Jake's urban explorer (urbex) footsteps. Zach has unexpected ties to Jake since his older brother Tyler was one of Jake's best friends. Zach is a reluctant adventurer since he would much rather play video games while drinking his way to oblivion in his father's basement, but wherever Natalie goes, he is sure to follow. Their long term romance is on its last legs since Natalie is going to college out of state in the fall while he plans on going to the local college but he is determined to cling to her as long as possible.
Although Bishop did not know Jake since he moved to town after his death, he is an eager participant in the urbex adventures. Nursing a broken heart since his rather brutal breakup months earlier, he is pleasantly surprised by the meaning he finds at each of their stops. He has been distancing himself from Zach in anticipation of his upcoming departure to college, but when Bishop learns distressing news about Natalie, he comes to Zach's defense.
You Were Here is narrated from multiple points of view but each voice is distinctive due to the somewhat unique form of narration. Jaycee's chapters are written in first person and her anger, hurt, confusion and pain are revealed in heartwrenching detail. Zach and Natalie's chapters are written in third person and their chapters prove very illuminating as readers discover that Natalie is nowhere near as together as she appears and that Zach is much more perceptive than he lets on. Bishop's contributions to the storyline are in the form of sketches and graffiti at each of their stops. Mik's perspective is revealed through a series of graphic novels which is completely in character with his pervasive silence. Although unorthodox, the narrative is seamlessly woven together and provides a well-rounded view of each of the characters.
You Were Here is a captivating young adult novel that is the perfect blend of heartache and healing. The characters are beautifully developed and likable with relatable flaws and true to life problems. Cori McCarthy deftly broaches difficult topics with sensitivity and her innovative approach to storytelling brings this emotional novel vibrantly to life.
Despite its somewhat somber subject matter, Cori McCarthy's young adult novel, You Were Here, is a surprisingly uplifting journey of healing.
Five years after her brother Jake's shattering loss, Jaycee Strangelove is still trying to come to terms with both his death and her lingering grief. In an effort to keep his memory alive, she has been following in his adrenaline-filled footsteps by recreating his thrilling stunts and accepting any dare that comes her way. On the anniversary of his death, Jaycee reunites with a couple of friends from her past and they, along with two other teenagers, decide to spend the summer visiting the same decaying urban landmarks that Jake visited before he died.
Jaycee idolized Jake and not only is she still traumatized by witnessing his death, she has been unable to process her grief or make sense of how to move on without him. She is completely closed off emotionally and clinging tightly to her memories while at the same time she is resentful of her parents' very different ways of coping with the loss of their son. She also remains deeply angered by her best friend Natalie Cheng's abandonment immediately following his death. Jaycee values honesty to the point of tactlessness nor does she refrain from making sometimes hurtful observations. However, in spite of her harsh edges, Jaycee is an extremely likable and sympathetic young woman who is trying to move forward the best way she knows how.
On the anniversary of Jake's death, Jaycee is joined by his childhood friend Ryan "Mik" Mikivikious as she revisits his favorite haunt, an abandoned mental hospital. She tagged along on many of their exploits when she was younger and no one understands her loss more than Mik. Although Mik has little to say to her (or anyone for that matter), she is comforted by his company as she searches for proof of Jake's presence in the old hospital. Jaycee also has a huge crush on Mik but she does not know how to show her feelings to the ever silent young man.
The last thing Jaycee expects is to renew her friendship with Natalie. Despite Jaycee's simmering anger, hurt feelings and ever present animoisty, Natalie wants nothing more than to bury the hatchet in hopes that she can move on to the next phase in her life. Their initial exchanges are full of heartbreak but underlying all of the interactions is their shared past that continues to draw them to one another. Natalie's organized, type A personality is the complete opposite of Jaycee's impulsivity but these differences are a large part of the reason why their friendship worked so well for so many years.
Natalie's boyfriend Zach Ferris and their friend, Bishop, also join Jaycee, Natalie and Mik as they follow in Jake's urban explorer (urbex) footsteps. Zach has unexpected ties to Jake since his older brother Tyler was one of Jake's best friends. Zach is a reluctant adventurer since he would much rather play video games while drinking his way to oblivion in his father's basement, but wherever Natalie goes, he is sure to follow. Their long term romance is on its last legs since Natalie is going to college out of state in the fall while he plans on going to the local college but he is determined to cling to her as long as possible.
Although Bishop did not know Jake since he moved to town after his death, he is an eager participant in the urbex adventures. Nursing a broken heart since his rather brutal breakup months earlier, he is pleasantly surprised by the meaning he finds at each of their stops. He has been distancing himself from Zach in anticipation of his upcoming departure to college, but when Bishop learns distressing news about Natalie, he comes to Zach's defense.
You Were Here is narrated from multiple points of view but each voice is distinctive due to the somewhat unique form of narration. Jaycee's chapters are written in first person and her anger, hurt, confusion and pain are revealed in heartwrenching detail. Zach and Natalie's chapters are written in third person and their chapters prove very illuminating as readers discover that Natalie is nowhere near as together as she appears and that Zach is much more perceptive than he lets on. Bishop's contributions to the storyline are in the form of sketches and graffiti at each of their stops. Mik's perspective is revealed through a series of graphic novels which is completely in character with his pervasive silence. Although unorthodox, the narrative is seamlessly woven together and provides a well-rounded view of each of the characters.
You Were Here is a captivating young adult novel that is the perfect blend of heartache and healing. The characters are beautifully developed and likable with relatable flaws and true to life problems. Cori McCarthy deftly broaches difficult topics with sensitivity and her innovative approach to storytelling brings this emotional novel vibrantly to life.
moon134340child's review against another edition
4.0
This. This is like if john green knew how to write good characters and good story
kaylakaotik's review against another edition
4.0
I debated back and forth with myself for a bit on whether or not I even wanted to read this book.
You Were Here was an interesting story. The pacing was slow in some parts (more so in the first half of the book than the second half). I felt like I spent a good chunk of time waiting for something to happen rather than really enjoying the story.
I've seen a few early reviews on Goodreads in which people talk about the characters and how they didn't find them relatable or they felt disconnected from them. A few reviews didn't like the characters at all. While I can understand the disconnect (surprisingly, this didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story like it normally might have), I enjoyed the characters. Their issues and brokenness felt real to me. They were all learning to deal with their own crap while still being a friend.
You Were Here was an enjoyable book for me. It was pretty well written with an interesting story line and characters that felt realistic and unique.
* This book was received from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
You Were Here was an interesting story. The pacing was slow in some parts (more so in the first half of the book than the second half). I felt like I spent a good chunk of time waiting for something to happen rather than really enjoying the story.
I've seen a few early reviews on Goodreads in which people talk about the characters and how they didn't find them relatable or they felt disconnected from them. A few reviews didn't like the characters at all. While I can understand the disconnect (surprisingly, this didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story like it normally might have), I enjoyed the characters. Their issues and brokenness felt real to me. They were all learning to deal with their own crap while still being a friend.
You Were Here was an enjoyable book for me. It was pretty well written with an interesting story line and characters that felt realistic and unique.
* This book was received from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
meganmreads's review against another edition
5.0
Review originally published at Love Literature Art and Reason book review blog.
You Were Here was great! I could NOT put it down. I started reading it just to see if the tone grabbed me before officially deciding I was reading it, which was late at night. Next thing I knew, it was past midnight and I was 30% through it. I could have kept going if I didn’t have to get some sleep. When I got home from work, I devoured the rest. It was so captivating.
The book was told from multiple perspectives: Jaycee, a rebellious girl who would take any dare after her brother died in a freak accident years before; Natalie, Jaycee’s ex best friend; Zach, Natalie’s constantly drunk boyfriend; Bishop, Zach’s heartbroken artsy best friend; and Mik, the tall, dark, and handsome friend of Jaycee’s brother. Jaycee’s brother was a daredevil and urban explorer. To get closer to him, Jaycee attempted to try to get to the places he’d go and try to connect. In a strange twist of fate, Natalie, Zach, and Bishop ended up on the same path and got involved. Natalie attempted to fix their broken friendship before heading off to college. And Mik, well, he was there every year for Jaycee, but he was a selective mute and never talked to her.
It was a mess of interpersonal relationships, but I loved every second. It was complicated and messy, as the feelings everyone was dealing with were messy. Zach and Natalie were doomed, Bishop was a little upset that Zach didn’t understand his heartbreak despite having an on and off again relationship that was doomed with Natalie. Jaycee was the firecracker who was as fragile as glass on the inside.
Mik’s point of view was told in graphic novel format, which was awesome. Bishop’s point of view was always a picture or graffiti art he happened to be working on while everyone was adventuring or bickering. I felt like each character was different, with their own sets of issues and motivations, but somehow, the unlikely group of “friends” stole my heart and I think they all stole each other’s hearts as well.
I absolutely loved You Were Here. It was a unique story told in a unique way with compelling characters I immediately fell for and wanted to know better. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves a good contemporary that nails complex characters and doesn’t just exist to tell a light, fluffy feel good story. You Were Here was awesome.
You Were Here was great! I could NOT put it down. I started reading it just to see if the tone grabbed me before officially deciding I was reading it, which was late at night. Next thing I knew, it was past midnight and I was 30% through it. I could have kept going if I didn’t have to get some sleep. When I got home from work, I devoured the rest. It was so captivating.
The book was told from multiple perspectives: Jaycee, a rebellious girl who would take any dare after her brother died in a freak accident years before; Natalie, Jaycee’s ex best friend; Zach, Natalie’s constantly drunk boyfriend; Bishop, Zach’s heartbroken artsy best friend; and Mik, the tall, dark, and handsome friend of Jaycee’s brother. Jaycee’s brother was a daredevil and urban explorer. To get closer to him, Jaycee attempted to try to get to the places he’d go and try to connect. In a strange twist of fate, Natalie, Zach, and Bishop ended up on the same path and got involved. Natalie attempted to fix their broken friendship before heading off to college. And Mik, well, he was there every year for Jaycee, but he was a selective mute and never talked to her.
It was a mess of interpersonal relationships, but I loved every second. It was complicated and messy, as the feelings everyone was dealing with were messy. Zach and Natalie were doomed, Bishop was a little upset that Zach didn’t understand his heartbreak despite having an on and off again relationship that was doomed with Natalie. Jaycee was the firecracker who was as fragile as glass on the inside.
Mik’s point of view was told in graphic novel format, which was awesome. Bishop’s point of view was always a picture or graffiti art he happened to be working on while everyone was adventuring or bickering. I felt like each character was different, with their own sets of issues and motivations, but somehow, the unlikely group of “friends” stole my heart and I think they all stole each other’s hearts as well.
I absolutely loved You Were Here. It was a unique story told in a unique way with compelling characters I immediately fell for and wanted to know better. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves a good contemporary that nails complex characters and doesn’t just exist to tell a light, fluffy feel good story. You Were Here was awesome.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
Survivor's guilt is a tricky and terrible thing. Witnessing the death of someone you love- terrible. How do people move forward and how does it shape who they become.
This book is about learning to live without your larger than life sibling, who you thought would always be around. The fallout in your family, with your friends with your siblings friends. Is there blame to be placed or was it just a really bad choice?
This book was a good story with lots of pain and reaction in it. I felt for each of the characters but did not find myself overly connected to any of them. The artwork/ cartoons were an interesting element in the story and helped convey where Mik was.
This book is about learning to live without your larger than life sibling, who you thought would always be around. The fallout in your family, with your friends with your siblings friends. Is there blame to be placed or was it just a really bad choice?
This book was a good story with lots of pain and reaction in it. I felt for each of the characters but did not find myself overly connected to any of them. The artwork/ cartoons were an interesting element in the story and helped convey where Mik was.
123erty456's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
booshort's review against another edition
5.0
This book was surprisingly great.
The reason I say surprisingly is because I hadn't heard one thing about it before I saw it at the book store. To be honest I only got it for the cover, and the integration of art and comics throughout the story.
But wow. This story really stuck with me.
It's about these five, recently graduated, teenagers that are basically figuring out what to do with the rest of their lives. All have their own individual backgrounds and issues to overcome. Whether that be a recently broken heart, surviving longer than an older sibling, overcoming anxiety, coming to terms with changes in the future, or figuring out who you truly are.
I connected to this book more than I ever have with a book before.
I relate to Zach; because I'm not ready for my friends and I to move away from one another.
I relate to Mik; because I myself have social anxiety.
I relate to Natalie; because I think I want to change who I am when I move.
Graduation is coming up for me this year, and I still don't think I'm ready, but this book helped me significantly.
I'd recommend this to absolutely anybody, because this book deals with it all.
The reason I say surprisingly is because I hadn't heard one thing about it before I saw it at the book store. To be honest I only got it for the cover, and the integration of art and comics throughout the story.
But wow. This story really stuck with me.
It's about these five, recently graduated, teenagers that are basically figuring out what to do with the rest of their lives. All have their own individual backgrounds and issues to overcome. Whether that be a recently broken heart, surviving longer than an older sibling, overcoming anxiety, coming to terms with changes in the future, or figuring out who you truly are.
I connected to this book more than I ever have with a book before.
I relate to Zach; because I'm not ready for my friends and I to move away from one another.
I relate to Mik; because I myself have social anxiety.
I relate to Natalie; because I think I want to change who I am when I move.
Graduation is coming up for me this year, and I still don't think I'm ready, but this book helped me significantly.
I'd recommend this to absolutely anybody, because this book deals with it all.