Scan barcode
janagaton's review against another edition
3.0
idk why the heck this super short book took me 3 days but i felt so detached from this entire story due to the clipped writing style. some parts were definitely heartbreaking, and im lucky enough to not be able to relate to something so tragic as losing my best friend to suicide. I loved the mental health rep & the story of grief & navigating life without someone who meant the world to you. I loved the journal entries because we got insight on a character who wasnt alive at all in the novel. This is my 3rd Nina LaCour book & it's probably my least favorite.
amewia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
ravenhasswag's review against another edition
5.0
I have no words that could ever describe how beautiful this book was. It changed my view of life and the change that comes within so much. This books has a special place in my heart now.
ems_rxlibrary's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Grief
stewkelsey's review against another edition
4.0
It was a really good book. It was both happy and sad, and it gives me the inspiration to want to be happy. But I wish it was a little better. There was just one thing I thought was wrong with it, but I don't know what it is.
octobergirlyyy's review against another edition
5.0
I adore Nina LaCour’s writing. It’s like walking in a field while the sun is just rising over a bed of wildflowers— simple but elegant. There’s something so comforting about her YA books. I especially love that the main characters always have an interest in the arts. In Hold Still it was photography and carpentry. There’s nothing better than reading about characters with a passion and hobbies in addition to the plot. I definitely plan on reading LaCour’s new adult book this year <3
(also the cover art is so pretty :’)
(also the cover art is so pretty :’)
megshomelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This book was heavy but comforting in a it’s-okay-not-to-be-okay kind of way. There’s something healing about time moving on and things not being perfect but life continuing to happen.
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
HOLD STILL is a beautifully written debut novel about a difficult subject. It will tear at your heart and leave you feel wiser, more fulfilled than you started out.
Nina LaCour’s novel is perhaps more effective than other books about suicide I’ve read because we are able to step out of Caitlin’s head and instead also watch her interact with others. There is a great balance of internal and external dialogue. “Issues” books run the risk of being too “in the main character’s head,” and I appreciated that HOLD STILL shows us how friendship and love are an integral part of healing as well, alongside emotional acceptance and forgiveness.
The characters are a gentle and enjoyable lot, even if they are somewhat lacking in development. How do different people react differently to the loss of a loved one? One person’s existence—and eventual death—means different things for different people, and I felt that HOLD STILL really impressed that satisfactorily. Everyone’s reactions to Ingrid’s death, and their way of dealing with their personal grief as well as the grief of their friends, were touching and believable.
If you’re looking for a challenging but ultimately inspiring read, consider HOLD STILL. The book will linger with you long after you put it down. It is an exceptionally well done book about the aftermaths of suicide, and I look forward to what Nina LaCour has to offer us next.
Nina LaCour’s novel is perhaps more effective than other books about suicide I’ve read because we are able to step out of Caitlin’s head and instead also watch her interact with others. There is a great balance of internal and external dialogue. “Issues” books run the risk of being too “in the main character’s head,” and I appreciated that HOLD STILL shows us how friendship and love are an integral part of healing as well, alongside emotional acceptance and forgiveness.
The characters are a gentle and enjoyable lot, even if they are somewhat lacking in development. How do different people react differently to the loss of a loved one? One person’s existence—and eventual death—means different things for different people, and I felt that HOLD STILL really impressed that satisfactorily. Everyone’s reactions to Ingrid’s death, and their way of dealing with their personal grief as well as the grief of their friends, were touching and believable.
If you’re looking for a challenging but ultimately inspiring read, consider HOLD STILL. The book will linger with you long after you put it down. It is an exceptionally well done book about the aftermaths of suicide, and I look forward to what Nina LaCour has to offer us next.
koseto_tliterature's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
priscilla's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Nina LaCour has a superpower and her superpower is making me cry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Self harm