Reviews

Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry

thehal's review against another edition

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4.0

I always say I hate poetry, but even if a great part of this was written like it (or formatted?) I really enjoyed it. This form of writing also felt right for how I myself feel. I always had facial tics and got diagnosed with a tic disorder last year and since then developed some other tics and also found out about mental tics and alot of other things that should've been obvious to me before but never were because I wasn't educated enough about tic disorders. My mental tics often cause my thoughts to stop or stutter while reading, and during this book I realised, it's a bit like the cut of the lines in poetry. At least it feels like it. And understanding and seeing this made it more comfortable? I don't really know how to put this into words...
Even though this book seems to be more for a younger audience, it went deep into my heart. I am at the moment trying to come to terms with my tics, that I'll maybe have them forever or at least for a very long time, and I am trying to learn how to now mask, not supress my tics. Especially in public.

gracieschnitker's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

drridareads's review against another edition

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5.0

Edit: PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. IDK ANYONE WHO HAS

__________________________


I am Calliope June.
I wish I could fly to the moon.
There’d be no one there
to laugh or to stare
and no one to call me a goon.




A man should choose a friend who is better than himself.



Forget Me Not is about Calliope June who has Tourette's. Ellie Terry herself also has Tourette's; can we appreciate the own voices representation for mental disorders.

This book is beautifully written in verse it's something I want to recommend to all my GR friends.It

This book is about friendship, family, hope and so much.

Nothing,
not even cheese-covered puffs of yum,
can fill the gaping hole
inside my heart—

the gaping hole
where a friend should go.


We follow Calliope as she moves to yet another new place with her mom. We see life through her eyes; and see how horrible people are to someone who is little different. Her emotions are portrayed so well that I could feel them. We see her anxiety and her tics.

I was dreaming.
I was a red poppy
growing
growing

in a field of white roses.
I was admiring their beauty,
their sameness,
when pointed teeth emerged
from their perfect white mouths
gnashing
gnashing
at me
the poppy.


Maybe if I ignore it long enough,
the feeling will go away?

I
resist
resist

but the feeling gains momentum,
like a bicycle rolling down a hill
until it is out of control.

whack! whack! whack! whack!


We see her befriend her friendly neighbour; Jinsong. At first he's reluctant to be seen with her but then a beautiful friendship blooms. And it's extra special since she's never had a real friend before.

I want to pluck
the moon from the sky,
swing it around
in circles.

Is this what it feels like
to have a best friend?

Maybe we’ll hang out
every day—

have picnics
tell jokes
share secrets
pass notes
have fun.


This book also mentions the stigma associated with mental disorder all thanks to movies. And OMG I fucking hate movies that do this, and their still being made. Do they have any clue about the harm they are doing to children and people with these disorders everywhere.

Dr. Flagner also said
that if he were me,
he wouldn’t go around telling everybody,
because Tourette’s is a very

misunderstood

disorder
and if people knew,
they’d treat me different,
expect me to curse
spit in their face
give them the finger,
because that’s all they’ve seen in the movies
even though not everyone
who has Tourette’s
does that.


We see her mom; who had problems catering to her child's needs. And what I've learnt is that just listen to your child. When she doesn't and cuts her hair; it just worsens things.
Spoiler And I feel so proud of Callie when she finally speaks out to her by the end


Ellie Terry also has a short video on youtube about her tics and there's a beautiful book trailer for this book too. I loved the author's note in the end. This like applies to all of us.

I’d also like to add that while Calli’s tics and compulsions are based on my own experiences, each case of Tourette’s—just like every person—is different. And different is good. Embrace what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.


This book will make you cry and smile so feel so much. So if you're a fan of that you should read this book. But also because you will learn something. Also recommend to people who liked[b:Wonder|11387515|Wonder|R.J. Palacio|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545695751l/11387515._SY75_.jpg|16319487].

------------------------------

Started this 3hrs ago and I'm done now.

An own voices story about a girl with Tourette's Syndrome.

Full RTC..someday

rballenger's review against another edition

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3.0

Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)

What made me pick it up: One of the TN R.E.A.D.S Challenges for March is to read a book with flowers on the cover. I was looking up some poetry and found 'Forget Me Not.' I liked the description and that it would fit my reading challenge.

Overall rating: 'Forget Me Not' is a charming and simplistic story that tackles hard subjects like fitting in, accepting yourself for who you are, and being confident to speak up. I had absolutely zero expectations coming into reading this book and I was pleasantly surprised. Very glad I picked this one up to fulfill my TN R.E.A.D.S Challenge.

bridgetbosworth's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

barizley's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ll have to remember this one when I have tweens/middle schoolers. Would be great to read together and discuss how to not be an A hole.

isabella1018's review against another edition

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3.0

Felt wistful and nostalgic, wanting something to remind me of being younger.

alexandergrantwriter's review against another edition

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5.0

~ Heart-Warming Middle Grade Read ~

I really enjoyed this book!! Another random library audiobook, but I’m super glad I found it!!! The Tourette discussions and plot was super well done and I really loved reading it!! It being in-verse didn’t seem super necessary to me, but it didn’t take away from anything either so no problem for me there!

If you need something easy and short to read, I’d definitely recommend!



lielos99's review against another edition

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4.0

Written in a poetic form, loved this middle grade novel that addresses tourettes.

thesonnetsilence's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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? Yes

4.0