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mehsi's review
2.0
Well, this was one of those books I really really wanted to read, but boy, it was such a struggle to get through it.
Also before people come to me telling this is a memoir and that I am pretty harsh: Yes, I had heard something about it, but it wasn't until later that I saw it really was non-fiction/memoir. So my feelings on this book are based on me thinking it is a fiction book.
I just had expected more from it. More joy, more happiness, more skating, more competitions, plus also coming out. But instead I got a grumpy/whiny MC, parents who don't care, more complaining, bullying.
I really had to push myself to continue. Yes, I could have dropped it, but I wanted to see our MC get a spine and stop with skating (as she really didn't seem to enjoy it any time in the book). Plus I wanted to know if she would see her first love again.
The MC, well I just never liked her. I just wanted to shake her and tell her that if she didn't find enjoyment in the whole skating she should just stop. :| But instead she keeps on going while it is clear that it isn't going well.
The skating, well, whatever we saw of that (and I mean competitions) was pretty decent. I also liked that each chapter began with a skate-move (counters/spins/etc.). And that we also saw patterns/maps of how they had to skate. Plus I loved seeing how dedicated everyone was. Just getting there on time twice a day while also doing school and music lessons, it was really amazing.
I liked that this wasn't only about skating but also about acceptance, about being gay and figuring out what that means. Especially in a place like Texas. I don't live there myself, but I have heard enough to know how they look against people who are gay/different. :|
The tutor thing had me pretty disgusted. Bah. What a terrible person. Same goes for the bully stuff (as we find out some stuff later on).
The pacing was a bit wobbly at times. Sometimes we would go from one scene to another without anything stringing them together.
The art is pretty decent, it is a bit wonky at times, but I still quite like it. Especially the bigger panels.
But yeah, I struggled, and it just wasn't like what I expected, so I am not sure if I would recommend the book. :|
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Also before people come to me telling this is a memoir and that I am pretty harsh: Yes, I had heard something about it, but it wasn't until later that I saw it really was non-fiction/memoir. So my feelings on this book are based on me thinking it is a fiction book.
I just had expected more from it. More joy, more happiness, more skating, more competitions, plus also coming out. But instead I got a grumpy/whiny MC, parents who don't care, more complaining, bullying.
I really had to push myself to continue. Yes, I could have dropped it, but I wanted to see our MC get a spine and stop with skating (as she really didn't seem to enjoy it any time in the book). Plus I wanted to know if she would see her first love again.
The MC, well I just never liked her. I just wanted to shake her and tell her that if she didn't find enjoyment in the whole skating she should just stop. :| But instead she keeps on going while it is clear that it isn't going well.
The skating, well, whatever we saw of that (and I mean competitions) was pretty decent. I also liked that each chapter began with a skate-move (counters/spins/etc.). And that we also saw patterns/maps of how they had to skate. Plus I loved seeing how dedicated everyone was. Just getting there on time twice a day while also doing school and music lessons, it was really amazing.
I liked that this wasn't only about skating but also about acceptance, about being gay and figuring out what that means. Especially in a place like Texas. I don't live there myself, but I have heard enough to know how they look against people who are gay/different. :|
The tutor thing had me pretty disgusted. Bah. What a terrible person. Same goes for the bully stuff (as we find out some stuff later on).
The pacing was a bit wobbly at times. Sometimes we would go from one scene to another without anything stringing them together.
The art is pretty decent, it is a bit wonky at times, but I still quite like it. Especially the bigger panels.
But yeah, I struggled, and it just wasn't like what I expected, so I am not sure if I would recommend the book. :|
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
booksbydann's review
2.0
2.5⭐
No logré conectar realmente ni con la historia ni con la protagonista, lo cual no implica que sea malo, es más, me parece una novela muy buena pero me sentí completamente desapegada a la historia.
No logré conectar realmente ni con la historia ni con la protagonista, lo cual no implica que sea malo, es más, me parece una novela muy buena pero me sentí completamente desapegada a la historia.
bibliobrandie's review
3.0
I really loved the art and enjoyed reading this but wish the author would have explored one of the many themes more fully.
lilaceous's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
4.0
impact - ⭐️
illustrations - ⭐️
effective storytelling - ⭐️
engaging to read - .5⭐️
would recommend - .5⭐️
tillie walden’s skill as a visual storyteller really shines in this memoir. it was an impactful read for me because even though it’s a memoir, i saw a lot of my teenaged self in it.
tillie walden’s skill as a visual storyteller really shines in this memoir. it was an impactful read for me because even though it’s a memoir, i saw a lot of my teenaged self in it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Mental illness
lavenderbtcpodcast's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I did not realize this was a memoir. I got a copy from the rainbow bus. It very vulnerable. It probably will help someone. I hope the author is in a better place. We deserve happiness.