Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

2 reviews

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.75

This is such a super good book to introduce the really hard issues of classism and gun control and domestic violence. It's so beautifully written, and my heart really hurt for Zoey, who was dealing with so so much when her job should have been just to get through middle school. I'd absolutely read Ms. Braden again, and I'd definitely buy this book for the young folks in my life.

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bandysbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I didn’t realize this was a Middle Grade book when I first picked up the audiobook through the library, but it became pretty clear pretty quickly. The narration is simple and though it does cover some deep topics, it does them in the way a child would understand. 

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