Reviews

The Name She Gave Me by Betty Culley

krytygr's review

hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-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

4.0

This was a wonderful story of how not all family is tied by blood. That some bonds run deeper. It portrays that some people want nothing to do with the past, no matter how much it means to someone else or how many answers it may hold.

z_brarian's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this story. A novel in verse about adoption, self-discovery, family and longing. Rynn just wants to find her birth family, has a terrible relationship with adoptive mother and a close one with her adoptive father. When she finally does some research, she discovers a sister she didn’t know and a way to fill the hole in her heart and a birth mother who left bread crumbs to find her true self and her family. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

bookstobarbells's review

3.0

This was a touching, but tough read. The way that Culley plays with language was clever because it fit into the characters and how they were built, but also lent itself to the subject matter.

However, I felt like the style choice was odd given the straightforward nature of the text and its subject. I hoped it would have grown on me as I moved forward, but I didn’t find that to be the case.

I’d still recommend this text as its discussion of names, lineage, and family can really resonate with all of us and our search for self and identity.

julzreads's review

4.0

4.5 stars! i really liked this book, it’s written in verses but still has a good story, such a quick and nice read!

mrs_bookdragon's review

5.0

Thank you HarperTeen for an early copy to read and review. This novel in verse features a dual point of view between two half sisters who didn't know about each other and their journey toward union. The poems were full emotion and I enjoyed all of the characters. Definitely a good read about adoption and family.

zbrarian's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this story. A novel in verse about adoption, self-discovery, family and longing. Rynn just wants to find her birth family, has a terrible relationship with adoptive mother and a close one with her adoptive father. When she finally does some research, she discovers a sister she didn’t know and a way to fill the hole in her heart and a birth mother who left bread crumbs to find her true self and her family. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

beths0103's review

4.0

THE NAME SHE GAVE ME is perfect for readers who loved Robin Benway's FAR FROM THE TREE.This book is a reminder that adoption isn't just about saving a life, it also leaves scars and there can be harm, trauma and dysfunction within adoptive families just as much as biological families.

kdassow98's review

5.0

What a beautiful yet heartbreaking read. Favorite book I've read this year, I cried almost every chapter. It's about a 16 year old who tries to find her birth mom, and her journey of finding her little sister that she never knew she had. Beautiful writing style, the author perfectly captures the thoughts and struggles of a 16 year old who doesn't feel wanted.

womaninthemoon775's review

4.0

ARC from NetGalley - A quick YA read written verse. I enjoyed the sensitivity and realism with which Culley handled serious topics (family, adoption, sisters, self-doubt, emotional abuse, etc.) I will be recommending to some reluctant readers, as I am sure they will immediately get drawn into the story line and multiple points of view.

haileyannereads's review

4.0

This is a really beautiful book. Told in verse, it follows Rynn as she deals with an abusive mother, a father who seems oblivious, and her desire to find her birth family.