Scan barcode
bibliomich's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I remember devouring Ellen Hopkins' Crank series over a decade ago and absolutely falling in love with narratives in verse. So when I saw that Ellen Hopkins had published a new middle grade text in verse, I knew that I wanted to read it.
Closer to Nowhere was a quick, page-turning read. I felt that the overall concept was interesting, and I cared about the characters (particularly Cal). I did, however, feel that the ending was both a little anticlimactic, as well as a bit emotionally exploitative. Without adding spoilers, it felt like Ellen Hopkins included a fairly tense event at the end of the book specifically for the purpose of bringing the family together. I didn't love that...
Closer to Nowhere was a quick, page-turning read. I felt that the overall concept was interesting, and I cared about the characters (particularly Cal). I did, however, feel that the ending was both a little anticlimactic, as well as a bit emotionally exploitative. Without adding spoilers, it felt like Ellen Hopkins included a fairly tense event at the end of the book specifically for the purpose of bringing the family together. I didn't love that...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Alcoholism, Addiction, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Gun violence and Toxic relationship
tay123's review against another edition
3.25
I really enjoyed the story line. The one thing I didn't like was that when the book changed perspectives it didn't say, so it did get a little confusing because it would change suddenly. Overall it was a well written story told in poetry.
kyleymcdonald's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
guntergirl13's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely targeted for a middle school age demographic. But really good at talking about serious issues for the age group.
notblue's review against another edition
4.0
This book really came to me at the right time. It's a really nice read. Pretty fast too since the story is told in verse.
el_wheel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Drug use, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Death, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Cancer and Bullying
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
southernmomma's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
I loved this book! I remember reading Crank as a teenager and this was definitely more light hearted, but such a beautiful story.
alboyer6's review against another edition
4.0
A good book that shows the frustrations of the daughter while still be very empathetic to the cousin who had faced so much trauma in his life. Told in alternating points of view between each character. A great age appropriate story.
kenziefulcher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0