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tishywishy's review against another edition
4.0
Although I think the mother's character could have been a bit more fleshed out and nuanced, Allen-Agostini wrote about a number of pertinent issues that people in the Caribbean often struggle to understand - mental health disorders and persons who are lgbtqia. This book was inviting, easy to read and the characters were easy to follow along with.
ateclaw2's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
vklover's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
As someone who has depression, some of the inner dialogue really spoke to me: those feelings of being a burden, of being unloved, of frustration at yourself. The end felt a tiny bit rushed compared to the slower beginning of the book. But I do like how MC seems to maybe be able to get a small chance at a more normal life, suggesting that people with a mental illness can live normally too even with their ups and downs.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm
jmbq_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Short but compassionate novel about a young woman dealing with depression and anxiety - and finding the people who see and support her. A good step in normalizing mental health issues, especially in communities of color. 4.5 stars.
cartermon4's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Trafficking, Racism, and Vomit
fireflai's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bloodmaarked's review against another edition
4.0
come talk books (and other things) with me over at my twitter!
3.5* rounded up. this was a charming short story. the tone of voice took a second to get used to, but overall home home was lovely. it's also refreshing to read a story shining a light on the mental health struggles of black girls, something overlooked and dismissed all too often. not all stories are meant to be long i guess but it could've done with a little more breathing room or maybe something like an epilogue, just to give enough space to explore the themes of kayla's story a little more closely.
3.5* rounded up. this was a charming short story. the tone of voice took a second to get used to, but overall home home was lovely. it's also refreshing to read a story shining a light on the mental health struggles of black girls, something overlooked and dismissed all too often. not all stories are meant to be long i guess but it could've done with a little more breathing room or maybe something like an epilogue, just to give enough space to explore the themes of kayla's story a little more closely.
_shari's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
booksofjj's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-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
3.5
Feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities in this book. Would have loved to see more development in the relationships instead of it ending when it did.
donnakay's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 beautiful stars
I loved this book!!! This story was so adorable and should be read by every person who has ever migrated.
The on-page representation of anxiety and depression, along with an awkward mother-daughter dynamic in a Trinibagonian household, was masterfully done. I was here for the friendship, new beginnings, the Trini lingo/references, the non-linear journey to healing, the teenage girl finding her voice outside of her head, the mother that did what she had to do without complaint, and the family that stepped in to create a safe landing place.
I thought the romance was super sweet, innocent, and appropriate for any teen who reads this book. It gave me flashbacks to that time in my own life.
I felt so seen while reading this novel and experienced a range of emotions, from sadness to cackling out loud!
I couldn't believe my shock when I realized I didn't even know the MCs name until I got to the last page
I loved this book!!! This story was so adorable and should be read by every person who has ever migrated.
The on-page representation of anxiety and depression, along with an awkward mother-daughter dynamic in a Trinibagonian household, was masterfully done. I was here for the friendship, new beginnings, the Trini lingo/references, the non-linear journey to healing, the teenage girl finding her voice outside of her head, the mother that did what she had to do without complaint, and the family that stepped in to create a safe landing place.
I thought the romance was super sweet, innocent, and appropriate for any teen who reads this book. It gave me flashbacks to that time in my own life.
I felt so seen while reading this novel and experienced a range of emotions, from sadness to cackling out loud!
I couldn't believe my shock when I realized I didn't even know the MCs name until I got to the last page