Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - What to say next: Vielleicht genügt ein Wort

It was fine, a bit like The Rosie Project for teens, with grief and guilt thrown in. I loved the David character. Kit was not nearly as likable, but given everything the character was going through, I'll give her a pass.

Content Warnings

missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

A fast-paced short and sweet high school friendship-turned-romance between a grieving girl and an autistic oddball boy.

I really liked this book. It was refreshing to read about an autistic character and I related to him a lot. The romance was fluffy, innocent and pleasant to read. I liked Kit and David’s chemistry. I thought that the autism representation through David’s internal dialogue was overall realistic and positive. The plot twist near the end took me by surprise; I was not expecting it at all.

There were a few instances of ableism, not just by the characters but seemingly by the author in the way she wrote about autism. David’s “I’m too capable to be autistic” attitude was disappointing. I also didn’t appreciate how the only way David’s character arc progressed in the midpoint was through his “makeover” or the way his sister berated him for behaviors such as stimming. A negative autistic stereotype I think could have been avoided is the “creepy autistic guy,” evidenced when David thinks he could imagine Kit naked or accurately guess her bra size. Just unnecessary.

All of that being said, I did enjoy this book. David’s voice was powerful and unique. I do wish Kit was a more developed character; it was easier to relate to and empathize with David, but Kit’s chapters sometimes felt rushed and detached from the larger story.

I would recommend this book to YA readers 16+.

☀️11/20

Content Warnings

reader1292938484's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.5

Content Warnings

extrafolklore's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

smagill723's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Julie Buxbaum brings a powerful young adult novel with What to Say Next. Both leading characters have unique perspectives in this story. Kit struggles to find meaning in life again after losing her father. David fights the stigmas attached to being neurodivergent. While both characters' paths are difficult and often sad, they help each other to grow and find joy in their lives.

Content Warnings

kbucheit's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional 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

3.0

Content Warnings

More...