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pdestrienne's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
Cline has a distinctive narrative voice that was fun to read, her crush was very cute and organic (tho I think they are going to have to work out their communication styles if they keep dating to make sure each one feels heard). I thought the storyline with family money issues and illness was very tenderly written, and the lock in at church was heartwrenching.
themagician's review against another edition
5.0
Such a standout book, both in middle grade and as a whole. Neat, lovable, full of casual representation, and such a real story so full of heart and powerful women
miloblue's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
avabudavari's review
4.0
What a happy, sweet little book this was. I think sometimes people forget that queer people exist in the south too, and that we were kids once, and that queer kids deserve to live happy and joyful lives no matter where or who they are. I love the relationships Cline shared with all of the women in her life and seeing the progression of her confidence and sense of self as the story went on. Every single character in this book has an arc. It was amazing to see such a complex and realistic portrayal of a mother in a kid's book. And of course, all of the music in the book was so wonderful, from the references to women country singers to the songs that Cline writes herself. I also appreciate how much Brandi Carlile was brought up in this story because I am obsessed with her. I loved this so so much. This book was like a giant ray of sunshine and felt so comforting. Queer middle grade is so healing, and this is going to help a lot of queer little girls out there. Preorder your own copy of Candidly Cline!
ghost_rider's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent
beyal's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
pixiepia's review
4.0
this book was so much fun! i really loved our main character and the general story was new and refreshing. i also love how it tackled themes of religion and the LGBTQ+ community. such a sweet story about identity and the power of music. CW: alzheimer’s & homophobia
bettiespages's review
5.0
Absolutely beautiful coming of age story that hit the perfect note on so many levels. I loved Cline and her growth arc throughout the story, her relationship with Gram reminded me so much of my own relationship with my grandmother..and the struggle of being young, in the closet, and struggling with who gets to know your story. I felt that on a soul level. I absolutely recommend this book to everyone and can't wait to have it in store.
kassiereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
bethanyarv26's review
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of Candidly Cline!!
This book. I would’ve absolutely devoured this book as a kid and I loved it just as much as an adult.
I really love and appreciate that this story isn’t about Cline figuring out her sexuality, but instead, it’s just something she knows. There’s plenty of books about kids struggling to figure that out, and that makes this story all the more important because it’s rare and wonderful. Cline knows who she is in a way that only an innocent and optimistic kid supported by the greatest grandma in the world can and she never wavers in that. Cline not only knows who she is, but what she wants and what she values, and nothing can stop her.
I also enjoyed how well-developed each of Cline’s relationships were and how different each one was. I loved her relationship with Gran, and I adored Sylvie. I wish I was as cool as Sylvie, wow.
Overall, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book as much as did, but now that I’m done, I’m going to miss these characters!
This book. I would’ve absolutely devoured this book as a kid and I loved it just as much as an adult.
I really love and appreciate that this story isn’t about Cline figuring out her sexuality, but instead, it’s just something she knows. There’s plenty of books about kids struggling to figure that out, and that makes this story all the more important because it’s rare and wonderful. Cline knows who she is in a way that only an innocent and optimistic kid supported by the greatest grandma in the world can and she never wavers in that. Cline not only knows who she is, but what she wants and what she values, and nothing can stop her.
I also enjoyed how well-developed each of Cline’s relationships were and how different each one was. I loved her relationship with Gran, and I adored Sylvie. I wish I was as cool as Sylvie, wow.
Overall, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book as much as did, but now that I’m done, I’m going to miss these characters!