Reviews with content warning for Ableism - Iskry w mojej głowie

Felt very realistic to me, I recognized myself in so many aspects of both Addie and Keedie.

I really like that forced institutionalization of autistic people is briefly discussed, because it's an important topic that doesn't get a lot of attention.

I loved seeing multiple autistic characters in one story, especially within the same family, which added to it feeling more realistic.

I also love that the story discusses autistic burnout and talks about the debilitating effects it can have.

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books4em's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

I didn’t know I needed to read this until I did. The autism and neurodivergence representation in this is stellar and I felt so seen. Addie’s story is adorable and so absorbing, and her persistence is very admirable. Her experiences, along with her sister’s, are lovely to see on paper and I’m so grateful I was able to read it finally. Might be my favorite book of the year. I will be reading McNicoll’s other works, and I hope I can have my family read this as well. Anyone who is neurodivergent should read this book, especially if you are a late-diagnosed autistic woman.

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alice_i's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

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melniksuzuki's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

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kaylasbewks's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was beautiful! It was everything I needed and more, I only wish I found it sooner. The bullying I received for being autistic was unimaginable and heartbreaking to think back on & I can’t help but think how different my life could’ve been if more children were exposed to this book, or if I was exposed to this book. This book lifted a weight off my shoulders even now, I can’t even imagine how much it would’ve affected my younger self.

The writing itself was wonderful & the characters were even better (I pre-ordered a signed & dedicated copy of the next book immediately after finishing this, woops!), I can’t wait to read from Keedie’s perspective. She is much closer to my age than Addie so maybe the next book will help me heal in the present, who knows? It goes without saying that the autistic representation in this book was amazing & not glamourized or villainized, which is something I always worry about when I go into ‘austic rep’ books. This book felt perfectly even and accurate with it’s descriptions of shutdowns, meltdowns, special interests, masking and so much more.

Autistic people aren’t broken or damaged - if you truly believe that we are, educate yourself.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/

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3llieh's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.5

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