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charlottekaas's review against another edition
2.0
Not nearly as good as the first one. Just read The Child Finder and be done with it.
gadrake's review against another edition
3.0
This thoughtful, interesting novel sheds light on a social problem that is not in the news enough, i.e., that of homeless children on the streets. Many call them prostitutes or addicts, which they may be, but there is little examination of why they are there at all. This blows this issue wide open.
This is labeled as 'suspense' (there is some low-grade suspense) and it started to seem more like 'mystery' (there is one) but truthfully it is more of an autobiographical recounting of a social issue that is shaped by a novel. After about 80 pages, the story seemed so personal that I looked up the author who, like the main character, is also a private investigator and a foster parent and has adopted a child. While The Butterfly Girl is not Rene Denfeld's personal story, she seems to be pretty clearly pulling from her personal experience at home and in courtrooms.
The main focus is sexual abuse both at home and again once teens are on the street. All social service agencies are understaffed and underfunded. Great love is expressed for volunteers serving meals and running shelters, foster parents, and especially for librarians who treat the homeless with respect and decency. All librarians could find value in reading this.
The beautiful, even stunning book cover reflects one 12-year-old girl's yearning to fly away. Each of the youth presented here are hungry for their own identity and for someone to care. Moving.
This is labeled as 'suspense' (there is some low-grade suspense) and it started to seem more like 'mystery' (there is one) but truthfully it is more of an autobiographical recounting of a social issue that is shaped by a novel. After about 80 pages, the story seemed so personal that I looked up the author who, like the main character, is also a private investigator and a foster parent and has adopted a child. While The Butterfly Girl is not Rene Denfeld's personal story, she seems to be pretty clearly pulling from her personal experience at home and in courtrooms.
The main focus is sexual abuse both at home and again once teens are on the street. All social service agencies are understaffed and underfunded. Great love is expressed for volunteers serving meals and running shelters, foster parents, and especially for librarians who treat the homeless with respect and decency. All librarians could find value in reading this.
The beautiful, even stunning book cover reflects one 12-year-old girl's yearning to fly away. Each of the youth presented here are hungry for their own identity and for someone to care. Moving.
rainaelizabeth83's review against another edition
4.0
Tough subject material, but an engrossing and satisfying tale.
raeganbillinger's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mads1706's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bookworm_panda's review against another edition
4.0
There is something very poetic and beautiful to the way that Rene Denfeld writes.
As with the first book, this one also deals with some heavy subjects and issues with disadvantaged people, and abused, neglected children. This one didn't have quite the same impact on me as the first one did (I feel like there were a lot more POV changes in this one? Rather than keeping it all from Naomi's POV maybe) but her writing is impactful and lyrical, and very memorable.
Hoping there will be more in this series!
As with the first book, this one also deals with some heavy subjects and issues with disadvantaged people, and abused, neglected children. This one didn't have quite the same impact on me as the first one did (I feel like there were a lot more POV changes in this one? Rather than keeping it all from Naomi's POV maybe) but her writing is impactful and lyrical, and very memorable.
Hoping there will be more in this series!
mkshoe's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars really. I think I set my expectations to high. I gave 5 stars to the first book. It was a predictable conclusion.
barbarabarbara's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bangtansjuniper's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I love that it’s a mystery that is character driven so I didn’t feel as bogged down in the “detective” character hunting for clues like I do in most mysteries. I enjoyed this much more than the first book, and this is one of the only times I’ve been so damn proud of the characters for their development. Denfeld is just so good at characterization.