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futurama1979's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: this was assigned reading for my MG and YA class.
So, basically, holy shit. Every single thing about this book is so perfectly given purpose and space and narrative time and there’s so much I want to talk about and think about. I’m so glad this was text for this class - I would have never read it as an adult otherwise.
The first person POV, which kept us realizing things at pretty much the exact same time as Miranda did, was so well done, and got me into the story so well. Like, I literally was guessing that the wrong person left the note right up until Miranda figured it out. And the way that we realize things, when not right with her, right before her. I made a note connecting Miranda's mom's veil quote to the realizations at the end of the book and wrote that down and literally a page or two later, Miranda brought the veil back up. So, so, so well done. Probably the best example of keeping the reader along with the story (rather than just observing) that I’ve ever read.
The parallels with [b:A Wrinkle in Time|33574273|A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, #1)|Madeleine L'Engle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507963312l/33574273._SX50_.jpg|948387] were so well done and added so much to the story. I need to read that book again now, because it really added a whole nother layer to Miranda and her narrative.
Lastly, paired with the themes of figuring things out and that changes how you see events/people and learning that reaching out with kindness is a better way to live your life, the way that all the small, day to day conflicts were so consuming and so important to her until she was able to get some distance and take a step back and realize that they really weren’t that important. And there were ways to do things so much better and so much kinder. That's my favourite narrative trope of all time - when characters realize that the things they were so set on don't need to be that way and another way is better, maybe.
What a message. What a book. And so, so full of love.
So, basically, holy shit. Every single thing about this book is so perfectly given purpose and space and narrative time and there’s so much I want to talk about and think about. I’m so glad this was text for this class - I would have never read it as an adult otherwise.
The first person POV, which kept us realizing things at pretty much the exact same time as Miranda did, was so well done, and got me into the story so well. Like, I literally was guessing that the wrong person left the note right up until Miranda figured it out. And the way that we realize things, when not right with her, right before her. I made a note connecting Miranda's mom's veil quote to the realizations at the end of the book and wrote that down and literally a page or two later, Miranda brought the veil back up. So, so, so well done. Probably the best example of keeping the reader along with the story (rather than just observing) that I’ve ever read.
The parallels with [b:A Wrinkle in Time|33574273|A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, #1)|Madeleine L'Engle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507963312l/33574273._SX50_.jpg|948387] were so well done and added so much to the story. I need to read that book again now, because it really added a whole nother layer to Miranda and her narrative.
Lastly, paired with the themes of figuring things out and that changes how you see events/people and learning that reaching out with kindness is a better way to live your life, the way that all the small, day to day conflicts were so consuming and so important to her until she was able to get some distance and take a step back and realize that they really weren’t that important. And there were ways to do things so much better and so much kinder. That's my favourite narrative trope of all time - when characters realize that the things they were so set on don't need to be that way and another way is better, maybe.
What a message. What a book. And so, so full of love.
martapsalvado's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
When You Reach Me is really different from The List of Things That Will Not Change, the newest Stead's book that I absolutely loved. I couldn't really connect with this one. I think what I really like about this author is the way she writes about friendship and especially family. The whole mystery and time-travelling plot points were not my favorite. I still think it's a good middle grade book and understand why kids and adults would love it.
withstanza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
anikaisreading's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book in six hours.
Such a good book. Seriously. Wow.
Such a good book. Seriously. Wow.
bookph1le's review
4.0
This book held my attention throughout. Though there's nothing fancy about the language--not in an off-putting way, anyway--I found it entirely captivating, and there are some really lovely moments in it, such as when Miranda thinks about the way the sun is shining.
In addition, this book touches upon a lot of issues, including class, race, and developing a social conscience, but it never does so in a way that felt heavy-handed to me.
I thought the central plot was interesting, and the resolution was very moving to me.
In addition, this book touches upon a lot of issues, including class, race, and developing a social conscience, but it never does so in a way that felt heavy-handed to me.
I thought the central plot was interesting, and the resolution was very moving to me.
maryoliverenjoyer's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t even remember what happened in this book but it’s lived rent free haunting me for years. Great work!
johannawilbur's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vtsarahd's review against another edition
5.0
Amazingly well done. Loved the integration of A Wrinkle In Time and fun details from the 25,000 Pyramid. Would be great to reread as well!
baa_baa77's review against another edition
5.0
Less than 200 pages of perfection. A beautiful gift to book loving youth (& us adults too). The words, story, characters all just ring true, even amidst the mystery and sci-fi of it all.
hairyfrogs's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0