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rballenger's review against another edition
5.0
Type of read: Commuter read.
What made me pick it up: I found 'Sparrow' on one of my suggested lists from my library (based on previous books/authors enjoyed). Not only did the cover art pull me in but the first line in the description, relating 'Sparrow' to Halse Anderson's 'Speak' (to this day, one of my favorite works) got me hook, line, and sinker.
Overall rating: I think the fact that I finished 'Sparrow' in one day speaks for how much I enjoyed this book. It is absolutely not your typical YA romance. There is so much thought and detail and emotion woven through the pages. I am so happy that I stumbled across this book and would absolutely recommend it to those willing to read such a detailed description of one person's journey to reclaim themselves. I enjoyed being able to hear from multiple character perspectives and while the book didn't end how I expected (or realistically wanted), it's such a great fit.
Reader's Note: 'Sparrow' includes themes and detailed descriptions of physical, mental, and emotional assault from partners and family. There are also themes of OCD and disordered eating.
What made me pick it up: I found 'Sparrow' on one of my suggested lists from my library (based on previous books/authors enjoyed). Not only did the cover art pull me in but the first line in the description, relating 'Sparrow' to Halse Anderson's 'Speak' (to this day, one of my favorite works) got me hook, line, and sinker.
Overall rating: I think the fact that I finished 'Sparrow' in one day speaks for how much I enjoyed this book. It is absolutely not your typical YA romance. There is so much thought and detail and emotion woven through the pages. I am so happy that I stumbled across this book and would absolutely recommend it to those willing to read such a detailed description of one person's journey to reclaim themselves. I enjoyed being able to hear from multiple character perspectives and while the book didn't end how I expected (or realistically wanted), it's such a great fit.
Reader's Note: 'Sparrow' includes themes and detailed descriptions of physical, mental, and emotional assault from partners and family. There are also themes of OCD and disordered eating.
nerdybookbabe's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-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
4.0
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
Oh my gosh. This was incredible. I was practically in tears for a hundred pages. I loved seeing how Sparrow faced her past and was able to be free after a lifetime of being in an invisible cage.
Oh my gosh. This was incredible. I was practically in tears for a hundred pages. I loved seeing how Sparrow faced her past and was able to be free after a lifetime of being in an invisible cage.
kbhayford's review against another edition
4.0
This book was as beautiful as the cover. It was so tragic and so beautiful with so many good lessons. It perfectly portrayed traumas a person can experience- child abuse, relationship abuse- and what it does to your mental health and the journey of healing a person goes through to move forward from it. I also liked how it showed anger issues, how another person's trauma and pain can damage loved ones and cause them to feel like they're spiraling out of control.
If I had one critique it would be the writing. It was a beautiful story, but it was not written in the best way. There were some important details that I feel were out of place (I.e. who Sophie or Nora are) and how she approached the changing point of views. It is written from Sparrow and Lucas's alternating points of view but not like you would think. Instead of going back and forth after each chapter showing the same event, it would go months (in the book's time) with one character then alternate to the next character and do those same months and events, but from their point of view and fill in the cliff hangers that the other character's chapters left. So you'd read something and feel like it cut off what happened, then they would say something that didn't make sense, then the other character would take over and fill in the spaces, and that's when you'd find out what happened.
But overall I still loved the story, and even though I took off a star it was not for the way it was written because at the end of the day, I just care about the actual plot of the book. I took off a star for the ending. It was bitter sweet and I do understand why it was ended the way she did it, but I'm still a sucker for the old fashioned romantic happy ending and wish we could have seen that.
If I had one critique it would be the writing. It was a beautiful story, but it was not written in the best way. There were some important details that I feel were out of place (I.e. who Sophie or Nora are) and how she approached the changing point of views. It is written from Sparrow and Lucas's alternating points of view but not like you would think. Instead of going back and forth after each chapter showing the same event, it would go months (in the book's time) with one character then alternate to the next character and do those same months and events, but from their point of view and fill in the cliff hangers that the other character's chapters left. So you'd read something and feel like it cut off what happened, then they would say something that didn't make sense, then the other character would take over and fill in the spaces, and that's when you'd find out what happened.
But overall I still loved the story, and even though I took off a star it was not for the way it was written because at the end of the day, I just care about the actual plot of the book. I took off a star for the ending. It was bitter sweet and I do understand why it was ended the way she did it, but I'm still a sucker for the old fashioned romantic happy ending and wish we could have seen that.
deutschemausi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
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
This book just throws you into the deep end of emotions. It really taps into the psyche of why people stay or why people don’t speak up. And I just can’t express how validating and seen this book made me feel. And to top it off the authors note was so touching. I just am overwhelmed in all my feels.
missnatcat's review against another edition
2.0
I’m not going to lie, I skimmed a lot of this book. The Lucas sections were less interesting, and I found it hard to go back and forth in time. However I did stay up past midnight to see how it ended, so I’ll give it 2 stars. Also I cried too many times. Back to horror and mystery books I go…
hitbooksnotgirlz's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so beautifully written that it felt poetic at times. I really enjoyed the language and the detailed descriptions. It was heartbreaking and beautiful, and it made me cry on many, many occasions. I loved it!
shelf_checkout367's review
4.0
Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson is a heartbreaking novel about a girl, Savannah Darcy Rose, Sparrow.
Sparrow is a promising ballet student at a prestigious ballet company. She is raised by her father and her aunt ever since her mother died when she was young.
Despite her mother’s passing Sparrow is still haunted by her in her dreams and in real life in the form of a boyfriend, Tristan.
The way the author is able to portray Sparrow so bright and full of life in the beginning of the novel to caged and controlled to dejected is incredibly moving. The downward spiral of Sparrow’s thoughts is so sad and you really ache for her character.
However, there is hope for Sparrow. It is almost impossible not to find yourself rooting for her.
This novel is told from alternating perspectives going from Sparrow to her friend and dance partner, Lucas. The variance of points of view works very well with this story.
It was definitely an enjoyable read! I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and really felt a great deal of attachment for Sparrow.
Sparrow is a promising ballet student at a prestigious ballet company. She is raised by her father and her aunt ever since her mother died when she was young.
Despite her mother’s passing Sparrow is still haunted by her in her dreams and in real life in the form of a boyfriend, Tristan.
The way the author is able to portray Sparrow so bright and full of life in the beginning of the novel to caged and controlled to dejected is incredibly moving. The downward spiral of Sparrow’s thoughts is so sad and you really ache for her character.
However, there is hope for Sparrow. It is almost impossible not to find yourself rooting for her.
This novel is told from alternating perspectives going from Sparrow to her friend and dance partner, Lucas. The variance of points of view works very well with this story.
It was definitely an enjoyable read! I enjoyed the alternating perspectives and really felt a great deal of attachment for Sparrow.
mercipourleslivres's review
2.0
2.5 stars.
The authors heart was in the right place, but it didn’t read like a YA novel. It was glaringly obvious that an older person was trying to write believable teenage characters and dialogue but just couldn’t do it. Reminded me of the uncanny valley.
The authors heart was in the right place, but it didn’t read like a YA novel. It was glaringly obvious that an older person was trying to write believable teenage characters and dialogue but just couldn’t do it. Reminded me of the uncanny valley.
rodeorocks13's review
5.0
Sparrow was so much deeper than I was expecting. As hard as some of this story is to get through, I strongly think teenage girls should read it.
Sparrow is your usual teenage girl with a dark past that falls for the wrong boy. Like most girls her age, she makes excuses until one night those excuses can no longer be hidden. But that's only half the story.
This story splits part way through by bringing in another characters point of view. It also shows the before and after effects of an abused girl and the friends around her. I found the story well written and realistic. It may trigger some with abuse in their lives.
With that said I highly recommend this novel. It is definitely a must read at any age.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Sparrow is your usual teenage girl with a dark past that falls for the wrong boy. Like most girls her age, she makes excuses until one night those excuses can no longer be hidden. But that's only half the story.
This story splits part way through by bringing in another characters point of view. It also shows the before and after effects of an abused girl and the friends around her. I found the story well written and realistic. It may trigger some with abuse in their lives.
With that said I highly recommend this novel. It is definitely a must read at any age.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.