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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
This book is wonderfully constructed. Everything, every little piece of this book ends up being important in some way or other. While reading there were times when something would first appear and I'd think it was just mentioned in passing or wouldn't be that significant (like rabbits, then the fear of water, etc) but it all comes back and it's all planned out beautifully.
This book is also pretty comedic at times, or at least I thought so. Makes it somewhat light-hearted despite a lot of the more serious tones. The scene where we find out about her mother was also really well done.
This book is also pretty comedic at times, or at least I thought so. Makes it somewhat light-hearted despite a lot of the more serious tones. The scene where we find out about her mother was also really well done.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
This book took me by surprise. Not in a I thought I wasn’t going to like it kind of way because all you have to do is look at the cover to know that I’m going to like it. I didn’t realize Alvie was on the spectrum, and once I started reading, I was even more excited about it. Romance, a sad boy, representation for autism? This book ticked a lot of my boxes. Steiger wrote Alvie’s autism as very believable in a way that left me feeling like she’d either done a ton of research or knew someone also on the spectrum. Alvie struggled with her autism, too, and with putting a label on it, and I thought that was beautifully written.
There’s a lot to love about this book. It follows two young adults who are trying to find their way in the world as individuals despite the many obstacles in their way. For Alvie, trying to become independent of the state at only 17 is something she’s always dreamed of. She wants to be able to support herself and prove to the world, and herself, that she can make it. For Stanley, moving on from the loss of his family seems an impossible thing. He wants to rise above the grief and pain that their loss has caused him, and in doing so, wants to find independence in his current life and in his disease.
It’s a story of hope and obstacles and how sometimes there’s another weird little puzzle piece out there in the world that is going to fit your wonky edges.
There’s a lot to love about this book. It follows two young adults who are trying to find their way in the world as individuals despite the many obstacles in their way. For Alvie, trying to become independent of the state at only 17 is something she’s always dreamed of. She wants to be able to support herself and prove to the world, and herself, that she can make it. For Stanley, moving on from the loss of his family seems an impossible thing. He wants to rise above the grief and pain that their loss has caused him, and in doing so, wants to find independence in his current life and in his disease.
It’s a story of hope and obstacles and how sometimes there’s another weird little puzzle piece out there in the world that is going to fit your wonky edges.
I have no words. I loved everything about it.
STORY
When My Heart Joins the Thousands follows Alvie Fitz, a seventeen-year-old girl with autism determined to be emancipated and prove to the world she can care for herself. People never manage to understand Alvie, viewing her as awkward and incompetent, leading her to consistently question herself. She eventually forms a relationship with Stanley Finkel, a boy who empathizes with her, and appreciates her strengths when no one else seems to even notice them. The pair discover loyal companions in one another and slowly unravel each other's difficult pasts.
CHARACTERS
Alvie Fitz was an absolute delight to read about. Her intelligence, her strength, and her kindness had me rooting for her the entire book. She's also tremendously funny and provided much needed moments of comic relief throughout the story.
And Stanley Finkel? Precious. Absolutely precious. He's incredibly gentle and patient with Alvie, respecting each and every one of her boundaries. He's struggling with aspects of his past, however, remains a positive influence in Alvie's life-- a friend when she needs one most.
WRITING
I adored A.J. Steiger's writing! It wasn't the most flowery writing, however, still managed to evoke emotions from me ranging from delighted with laughter to achy with sadness.
STORY
When My Heart Joins the Thousands follows Alvie Fitz, a seventeen-year-old girl with autism determined to be emancipated and prove to the world she can care for herself. People never manage to understand Alvie, viewing her as awkward and incompetent, leading her to consistently question herself. She eventually forms a relationship with Stanley Finkel, a boy who empathizes with her, and appreciates her strengths when no one else seems to even notice them. The pair discover loyal companions in one another and slowly unravel each other's difficult pasts.
CHARACTERS
Alvie Fitz was an absolute delight to read about. Her intelligence, her strength, and her kindness had me rooting for her the entire book. She's also tremendously funny and provided much needed moments of comic relief throughout the story.
And Stanley Finkel? Precious. Absolutely precious. He's incredibly gentle and patient with Alvie, respecting each and every one of her boundaries. He's struggling with aspects of his past, however, remains a positive influence in Alvie's life-- a friend when she needs one most.
WRITING
I adored A.J. Steiger's writing! It wasn't the most flowery writing, however, still managed to evoke emotions from me ranging from delighted with laughter to achy with sadness.
“‘Animals don’t attach any sense of humiliation to sexual pleasure; that would be counterproductive. Why are we the one species that does? “It’s a common activity, you know. Over ninety percent of adult males do it, and the majority of females as well. Even fetuses do it.’”
I really enjoyed this book. The reason I gave it three stars, however, is because I'm tired of seeing the story where the boy shows up and seems to solve all the girl's problems.
I can't speak for any dort of accuracy, but I loved the emotions and the plot and the characters it was deep but was still sweet.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Excrement
Whoa! That was gut punch. Some tears were shed, but by the end, they were happy tears.
This book provided such an interesting look at independence and finding one's self. This was quite an emotional journey, during which I shed many tears. But I can assure you, I was shedding happy tears by the end of this book.
•Pro: I was such an Alvie fan. She was honest, to the point, and quite funny. She was a fantastic narrator, and I loved listening to her observations and musings. I also cared for her so much, she deserved so much more than the hand she was dealt, and I just wanted to see her achieve everything her heart desired.
•Pro: I loved Stanley. He was sweet and caring, but most of all, he didn't want to change Alvie. He made an effort to learn about ASD, because he wanted to know how to make her more comfortable, not to "cure" her.
•Pro: Alvie was a big reader, who mostly loved animals and science. There were so many cool discussion about the two. The science stuff I am well acquainted with, but I learned a ton about animals from her.
•Pro: I have read a few books featuring neurodivergent characters, and this one ranks up with the great ones. It made me think so much about what is "normal" or "typical", and also wove things into the story to educate me about people on the spectrum and help clear up some of those misconceptions that run rampant.
•Pro: My emotions! My emotions! For a good part of the book, there were these heartbreaking flashbacks that kept making me shed tears. I felt physical pain for Alvie and everything she had suffered in her past. I also shed some tears of joy, when things went her way.
•Pro: Both Alvie and Stanley are dealing with rough pasts. I was overwhelmed with happiness when they found each other.
Pro: A+ for that ending! I swear, it had me wanting to dance on the mountain top. Bravo!
Overall: This story was, at times, intense and heartbreaking, but ultimately, hopeful. I absolutely enjoyed taking this journey with Alvie as she fought for to be independent, to survive, and to be loved.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book provided such an interesting look at independence and finding one's self. This was quite an emotional journey, during which I shed many tears. But I can assure you, I was shedding happy tears by the end of this book.
•Pro: I was such an Alvie fan. She was honest, to the point, and quite funny. She was a fantastic narrator, and I loved listening to her observations and musings. I also cared for her so much, she deserved so much more than the hand she was dealt, and I just wanted to see her achieve everything her heart desired.
•Pro: I loved Stanley. He was sweet and caring, but most of all, he didn't want to change Alvie. He made an effort to learn about ASD, because he wanted to know how to make her more comfortable, not to "cure" her.
•Pro: Alvie was a big reader, who mostly loved animals and science. There were so many cool discussion about the two. The science stuff I am well acquainted with, but I learned a ton about animals from her.
•Pro: I have read a few books featuring neurodivergent characters, and this one ranks up with the great ones. It made me think so much about what is "normal" or "typical", and also wove things into the story to educate me about people on the spectrum and help clear up some of those misconceptions that run rampant.
•Pro: My emotions! My emotions! For a good part of the book, there were these heartbreaking flashbacks that kept making me shed tears. I felt physical pain for Alvie and everything she had suffered in her past. I also shed some tears of joy, when things went her way.
•Pro: Both Alvie and Stanley are dealing with rough pasts. I was overwhelmed with happiness when they found each other.
Pro: A+ for that ending! I swear, it had me wanting to dance on the mountain top. Bravo!
Overall: This story was, at times, intense and heartbreaking, but ultimately, hopeful. I absolutely enjoyed taking this journey with Alvie as she fought for to be independent, to survive, and to be loved.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was a moving book that, at its heart, was about seeing people as people - not as their "imperfections" or "disabilty/ies." I also love its mentions/ties to Watership Down (a must-read if you haven't read it).