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readsdreamsplans's review
4.0
I loved this YA novel, especially the way the author presented so many relevant current issues (including immigration, citizenship, chronic illness, parental expectations). I loved the bond between the sisters as well as the bonds between friends.
jill_goessel's review
inspiring
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
3.75
hayflemingo's review
5.0
Absolutely charming. Made me miss Florida and also made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming a Weeki Wachee mermaid.
xiaoliuan's review
3.0
Somewhere between 3.0 and 3.5 for me.
It's not that I disliked anything about this, it's just also that not much really stands out to me. It's a pretty straightforward and simple story, with the main conflict being resolved incredibly easily in the end. Definitely younger YA that borders on middle grade had it not been for the occasional mention of developing sexuality.
So basically, it was just okay. Read it if you really, really want to read a chill story about a teen mermaiding, otherwise, meh.
It's not that I disliked anything about this, it's just also that not much really stands out to me. It's a pretty straightforward and simple story, with the main conflict being resolved incredibly easily in the end. Definitely younger YA that borders on middle grade had it not been for the occasional mention of developing sexuality.
So basically, it was just okay. Read it if you really, really want to read a chill story about a teen mermaiding, otherwise, meh.
okjaaaaa's review against another edition
4.0
So… Reading this was hard. I finally finished this book, but it took me 3 months. Reading about your own trauma being hard? Revolutionary concept.
I don't have hip dysplasia, but I do have skeletal dysplasia. Which is like hip dysplasia, but for your whole skeleton. Very fun. The most fun you could ever have.
If I had this when I was in and out of the hospital, and having doctor appointment after doctor appointment - it would have saved me a lot of years of body dysmorphia, struggles with mental health and feeling like I was something monstrous.
There's inherent bravery in facing a world not designed for you, saying "fuck that" and forcing it to make space for you. And I have never really been able to do that. (That in return has led to its own set of problems.) But, I think this book gave me the first stepping stone to feeling like my type of body belongs too.
I don't have hip dysplasia, but I do have skeletal dysplasia. Which is like hip dysplasia, but for your whole skeleton. Very fun. The most fun you could ever have.
If I had this when I was in and out of the hospital, and having doctor appointment after doctor appointment - it would have saved me a lot of years of body dysmorphia, struggles with mental health and feeling like I was something monstrous.
There's inherent bravery in facing a world not designed for you, saying "fuck that" and forcing it to make space for you. And I have never really been able to do that. (That in return has led to its own set of problems.) But, I think this book gave me the first stepping stone to feeling like my type of body belongs too.
knkari's review
5.0
Really beautiful combination of youth, immigration, depression, chronic conditions, hope, self-identity, family, and choice. The main character’s journey isn’t predictable and is a great reflection of dealing with a chronic condition.
8little_paws's review
4.0
The focus on the character's physical disability was excellently done. It's a coming of age story that also really focuses on taking agency of your medical needs as well. I'm glad I read this.
agloe's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book - and I wish it was the kind of book that my 14 year old would read however, it is not her thing and I wouldn't have wanted to read it when I was a teenager either.