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sofiajearally's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I'm conflicted about this book.
It was sooooooo long. Especially the first part, until the family moves to Dell's apartment. I only got through it because I hate leaving books unfinished.
What mostly irritated me were the characters. Mai and Jairo's backs must hurt from carrying the story for so long.
I really did not like Willow's character for most of the book. Not only did I find her annoying with no redeeming qualities, she also wasn't realistic at all. She's a collection of precocious children stereotypes which can be particularly bothersome for real-life precocious people. (And you'd think such a medicine genius would know that her father wasn't allergic to cats' hair but to their saliva.)
Dell was just an awful human being. I also must add that Dell's and Jairo's sudden obsession for a 12-year-old girl was slightly creepy.
I get that the story was about growth thanks to a found family and I appreciate that, greatly. It was my favorite thing in the book to see the characters change. But I wish the author had made them more likable in the first place.
Once the characters became endearing, it wasn't hard to feel for them and to root for Pattie to stay in charge of Willow. So I was happy and relieved about the ending. However, it shows that the author used to write for Disney movies. The ending was a bit out of nowhere and frankly questioning: how come Pattie saved this much money, enough to buy a building complex, and made her children live in a garage for years????
It was sooooooo long. Especially the first part, until the family moves to Dell's apartment. I only got through it because I hate leaving books unfinished.
What mostly irritated me were the characters. Mai and Jairo's backs must hurt from carrying the story for so long.
I really did not like Willow's character for most of the book. Not only did I find her annoying with no redeeming qualities, she also wasn't realistic at all. She's a collection of precocious children stereotypes which can be particularly bothersome for real-life precocious people. (And you'd think such a medicine genius would know that her father wasn't allergic to cats' hair but to their saliva.)
Dell was just an awful human being. I also must add that Dell's and Jairo's sudden obsession for a 12-year-old girl was slightly creepy.
I get that the story was about growth thanks to a found family and I appreciate that, greatly. It was my favorite thing in the book to see the characters change. But I wish the author had made them more likable in the first place.
Once the characters became endearing, it wasn't hard to feel for them and to root for Pattie to stay in charge of Willow. So I was happy and relieved about the ending. However, it shows that the author used to write for Disney movies. The ending was a bit out of nowhere and frankly questioning: how come Pattie saved this much money, enough to buy a building complex, and made her children live in a garage for years????
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
booksandboba's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? No
4.0
First read this book as a young kid when it first came out, and reading it all these years later it still was an enjoyable read. Characters you fall in love with and a story that makes you appreciate the people around you and life in general. Who would have guessed that a children’s book would be the right thing I needed to get me out of my current bout of depression? In regards to children’s literature I’d say it’s one of the best I’ve read. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Body shaming and Medical content
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, and Suicidal thoughts
samvanz12's review
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
hardkaapi's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? No
4.5
This is one of the cutest things I have ever read. 12 year old Willow Chance is what people call a "highly gifted" child. Her concern is if people are "lowly gifted" or "medium gifted" or just "gifted". In her opinion, all labels are curses unless they are on cleaning products. She also hates "small talk" and prefers "large talk".The book follows Willow's journey as she meets people who are as different as can be. I will never get tired of a found family trope, so this book is absolutely perfect. This has the same energy as the movie Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Willow is an adorable protagonist and her story is and should be read and talked about.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Death, and Death of parent
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