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emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
This book was such a wholesome romance. The teenage pining combined with an amazing discussion on disability accessibility made for a passionate and inspiring read that encourages the reader to consider their own actions.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
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
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I try not to read reviews in the middle of books, but I looked this one up while I was reading it. I was surprised to find that so many are positive. "Where You See Yourself" seemed to read at a quick pace because it was short scene after short scene, but it was still a chore to get through. Everything felt very cookie-cutter. All events were presented in a matter-of-fact way. Any internal conflict was immediately resolved, and nothing was left ambiguous. Notably, the main character's lack of self-confidence was annoying and I don't imagine that she will be okay in college after the events of this book.
The joke about Euphemia's name being mispronounced annoyed me. It felt repetitive and far-fetched - especially in a small town where everyone knows of her. The population must be comprised of idiots. Never mind Greek history or the hit 2006 anime Code Geass - if you know the word "euphoria" (which you should from the TV show), you should be able to sound out this name.
I find it very hard to believe that this book was published in 2023. It feels so, <i>so</i> dated. It feels like someone who doesn't interact with teenagers trying to write casual, teenage dialogue. The references to social media were clunky, but worked alright. I wasn't surprised to find that the author was older.
The dialogue: Why is everyone constantly on a first-name basis, even with family? What is this, "How to Win Friends and Influence People"?
The outfits: Someone else mentioned the silver booties at the college interview. Booties, blouses, and leggings just keep popping up throughout the whole story.
The music: Your friend gets intoUC Berkeley and you choose a Beach Boys song? Nothing against the Beach Boys, but it seems really out of character, since that character never mentions enjoying oldies and there are a million other modern, popular California-related songs to choose.
The relationships all feel so superficial. We still don't know anything about Wilder by the end of the book. What are his motivations? How have they started texting daily but none of their conversations seem to touch on anything beyond the student council project and college?
Disappointing and not recommended.
The joke about Euphemia's name being mispronounced annoyed me. It felt repetitive and far-fetched - especially in a small town where everyone knows of her. The population must be comprised of idiots. Never mind Greek history or the hit 2006 anime Code Geass - if you know the word "euphoria" (which you should from the TV show), you should be able to sound out this name.
I find it very hard to believe that this book was published in 2023. It feels so, <i>so</i> dated. It feels like someone who doesn't interact with teenagers trying to write casual, teenage dialogue. The references to social media were clunky, but worked alright. I wasn't surprised to find that the author was older.
The dialogue: Why is everyone constantly on a first-name basis, even with family? What is this, "How to Win Friends and Influence People"?
The outfits: Someone else mentioned the silver booties at the college interview. Booties, blouses, and leggings just keep popping up throughout the whole story.
The music: Your friend gets into
The relationships all feel so superficial. We still don't know anything about Wilder by the end of the book. What are his motivations? How have they started texting daily but none of their conversations seem to touch on anything beyond the student council project and college?
Disappointing and not recommended.
YMA 2024 Schneider Family Book Awards for teens honor
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This...might be my favorite book I've read this year. YA + disability representation is something I think we need more of because speaking as someone with the same disability that the author and the main character have minus needing to use a wheelchair this book was so good. It hit home in many spots like how certain classmates or school staff treat you differently or the self-doubt that comes with a physical disability and this novel captured all of it perfectly.
I think I probably teared up like three or four times while reading this.
5/5.
I think I probably teared up like three or four times while reading this.
5/5.
hopeful
fast-paced