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edhyndman's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
tangodiva's review against another edition
2.0
I am fine with the fact this was an inspirational (though I did not know when I bought it). This was one of the books I bought in an Ambien haze a few years back. I am working my way through them.
However, it fell flat. I was also unaware it was a rewrite of Daddy Long-Legs, I book I greatly like.
The characters fell flat. The things that happened in the book or in the book's past were too extreme and didn't seem plausible.
In a way I felt bad for "Mr. Knightley," but in another way he was kind of beyond the pale in his subterfuge.
Not a great one.
However, it fell flat. I was also unaware it was a rewrite of Daddy Long-Legs, I book I greatly like.
The characters fell flat. The things that happened in the book or in the book's past were too extreme and didn't seem plausible.
In a way I felt bad for "Mr. Knightley," but in another way he was kind of beyond the pale in his subterfuge.
Not a great one.
radominic's review against another edition
3.0
I would recommend watching the film, Daddy Long Legs, on which the book's plot is lightly based. I think I enjoyed this more because of it. I absolutely adore Fred Astaire, so reading a book based on one of his films sounded like a great plan for my weekend. While I personally enjoyed the film more, I mean it's really had to compete with Astaire, I think this book was sweet and Sam is definitely a character I can relate to on an emotional level.
Now I do think the book should be able to stand on its own without needing to watch/read something else for reference. I actually read the first two chapters and wasn't super impressed by it and almost DNF'd. Luckily I read that it was based on the Daddy Long Legs film. That gave me hope since I am an old movie buff, but I had never seen this film before. So I sat down watched the film (loved it) and it helped me understand where the author was going with her story. And I enjoyed it.
However, if I am to recommend this book, I would highly suggest you watch this film first. You'll have a fun time anyway. Just remember movies, especially staring triple threat performers (singing, acting dancing) will definitely include all three. Those films were made with performances strongly based on vaudeville.
(Astaire film recommendations: Bandwagon, You were Never Lovelier, You'll Never Get Rich, Top Hat.)
Now I do think the book should be able to stand on its own without needing to watch/read something else for reference. I actually read the first two chapters and wasn't super impressed by it and almost DNF'd. Luckily I read that it was based on the Daddy Long Legs film. That gave me hope since I am an old movie buff, but I had never seen this film before. So I sat down watched the film (loved it) and it helped me understand where the author was going with her story. And I enjoyed it.
However, if I am to recommend this book, I would highly suggest you watch this film first. You'll have a fun time anyway. Just remember movies, especially staring triple threat performers (singing, acting dancing) will definitely include all three. Those films were made with performances strongly based on vaudeville.
(Astaire film recommendations: Bandwagon, You were Never Lovelier, You'll Never Get Rich, Top Hat.)
marianzifrolica's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
jenion728's review against another edition
2.5
I don’t appreciate a book synopsis that doesn’t mention the overt Christian messaging of a book. I may choose to read it, but I dont like being caught by surprise with the proselytizing. It was arguably mild, but there nonetheless.
jaclyn323's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. It was good, still predictable but not too cheesy. There was a lot of character growth, which was good.
hanland's review against another edition
5.0
This book was wonderful. Sam's narrative voice is engaging and I love the development of all the characters. The plot is a bit predictable, but satisfying. It was written beautifully, the story was dimensional, and it was delightful to read. A contemporary nod to all the classics, not just a retelling of a story. Definitely sparks joy.
sdelcharco's review against another edition
4.0
Fun story! Read it while sailing the BVI. Read it quickly.
texastink's review against another edition
3.0
**Some Spoilers Ahead**
This book was definitely not what I was expecting having read the back cover. It was kind of dark at times and very heavy. Samantha, the main character, could be quite intriguing at times and quite frustrating at others. Overall, I kind of enjoyed the book and can relate to trying to hide your true self and gloss over being open and honest for the sake of comfort and safety. Those parts were the most convicting and interesting for me and gave me good things to think about. My main problem with the book is the way it ends. Had the ending been different, my rating would have been much better. As it is, Samantha experienced a massive betrayal right at the end of the book. Something that shows the absolute lack of honesty and integrity of another character in the book. I understand that the person was caught in a tough place, but it is still inexcusable. The whole book, nothing came easy for Samantha. Nothing in life and nothing in her growth. But somehow at the end, in spite of the terrible betrayal of trust, she's able to forgive and move on incredibly quickly and easily. It was a nice easy bow on top of a messy, though not ugly, story and it doesn't make sense. While she should certainly forgive the person, and possibly reconcile, that kind of breach of trust would take a lot of time to heal from. I would have liked to have seen that process instead of a quick and easy happy ending, especially given the emotional mess of the rest of the book.
This book was definitely not what I was expecting having read the back cover. It was kind of dark at times and very heavy. Samantha, the main character, could be quite intriguing at times and quite frustrating at others. Overall, I kind of enjoyed the book and can relate to trying to hide your true self and gloss over being open and honest for the sake of comfort and safety. Those parts were the most convicting and interesting for me and gave me good things to think about. My main problem with the book is the way it ends. Had the ending been different, my rating would have been much better. As it is, Samantha experienced a massive betrayal right at the end of the book. Something that shows the absolute lack of honesty and integrity of another character in the book. I understand that the person was caught in a tough place, but it is still inexcusable. The whole book, nothing came easy for Samantha. Nothing in life and nothing in her growth. But somehow at the end, in spite of the terrible betrayal of trust, she's able to forgive and move on incredibly quickly and easily. It was a nice easy bow on top of a messy, though not ugly, story and it doesn't make sense. While she should certainly forgive the person, and possibly reconcile, that kind of breach of trust would take a lot of time to heal from. I would have liked to have seen that process instead of a quick and easy happy ending, especially given the emotional mess of the rest of the book.