Reviews

Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

shiqingxuan34's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of my favourite books. I thought that it was beautifully written, and evoked a lot of emotion. -wip-

katdfleming's review against another edition

5.0

This is the first book I've read by Wendy Mass and I cannot wait to jump into her other YA novels. Since reading Born on a Blue Day, I've been fascinated by synesthesia, so this book was initially a big treat because of that. But even more, the writing is wonderful, the characters real, and the overall story is a delight.

SPOILER BELOW:



Having just lost my kitty of 15 years, I was especially touched by her loss and grief over Mango and the enormous guilt she felt. I loved the family's turkey-free meal at Thanksgiving and the message on adopting animals from shelters in the author's note.

applegnreads's review against another edition

3.0

It started out well, but then deteriorated into a typical young girl in many ways. Ah well.

paige_is_me's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book made me cry like three times in succession it was so sad even though I was kinda expecting it

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death

iceangel32's review against another edition

4.0

This was a great book. I started this book to help my cousin get through her summer reading. It was a great story of a girl learning about her synthesia, herself and her relationship with others. I enjoyed learning about something new and also became engrossed in Mia's story.

lily_beans06's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

violetfox's review against another edition

emotional informative medium-paced

3.75

stephxsu's review against another edition

3.0

13-year-old Mia has always been able to see colors and shapes with sounds. For her, letters and numbers have their own colors. Her cat, Mango, whom she found on the day of her grandfather’s funeral, is actually named after the orange that his sounds produce. Mia hid her strange condition from her friends and family, but being an eighth grader and failing pre-algebra takes a toll on her, and she finally tells her parents what’s going on.

After visiting numerous doctors, Mia learns that she has synesthesia. This knowledge opens her up to a whole new world of people who understand her. At first, she is so fascinated by these new experiences that she almost loses touch with the real world around her. It takes a devastating loss for her to understand that she must incorporate her newfound knowledge with the love of the people who have always been there for her.

This is a sweet and interesting book about an unusual and little-known condition. Readers, especially those in middle school and early high school, will be able to connect with Mia’s growing up.

karen_hallam's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this book. I'm still tearing up.

lizbethlowpezz's review against another edition

5.0

My favorite book growing up, it truly took me to a different world and I have never felt so engulfed by a story.