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jelkebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was such an enjoyable read. Honestly, I couldn't put this book down at all. Jessie was a great character to follow, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the novel. It felt very organic, and realistic. I also really liked the friend group. I mean, there's one not that great friend in the group but I liked her part in the story. I feel like she was a great and real example of semi toxic friends, and I think it's great that it was portrayed in a story like this because I can imagine several teenagers reading this book, seeing that side plot, and realising their friend migth not be worth the trouble anymore. The two other girls in the friend group are absolutely incredible as well.
This book is extremely high school though. I know, it's a YA book, and it definitely reads like it. There's a lot of high drama about things that don't matter that much. A lot of focus on things that don't actually matter, but as a teenager are your entire world and more. It did get on my nerves a little bit at times, and I wanted to scream at the characters because they couldn't see the easy solution to their problems. That being said, that's all very realistic behaviour for a group of 15 year olds, just starting high school. I also know I would have absolutely ADORED this book, and related to so much of it if I read this when I was 15. It's just my experience as a 22 year old right now.
The romance was quite decent as well. It's actually one of the best love triangles I have ever read. It definitely felt very believable and real. There were some small icks in the two romances though, that I wish would have gotten a bit better adressed throughout the novel, but for the rest I did quite like it. Love triangles are so easy to do wrong, and I truly think this book did a really well, and knocked it out of the park. So yeah, I really enjoyed this book but had some small issues with it, but I definitely recommend it, especially for readers around the same age as our main character here.
This was such an enjoyable read. Honestly, I couldn't put this book down at all. Jessie was a great character to follow, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the novel. It felt very organic, and realistic. I also really liked the friend group. I mean, there's one not that great friend in the group but I liked her part in the story. I feel like she was a great and real example of semi toxic friends, and I think it's great that it was portrayed in a story like this because I can imagine several teenagers reading this book, seeing that side plot, and realising their friend migth not be worth the trouble anymore. The two other girls in the friend group are absolutely incredible as well.
This book is extremely high school though. I know, it's a YA book, and it definitely reads like it. There's a lot of high drama about things that don't matter that much. A lot of focus on things that don't actually matter, but as a teenager are your entire world and more. It did get on my nerves a little bit at times, and I wanted to scream at the characters because they couldn't see the easy solution to their problems. That being said, that's all very realistic behaviour for a group of 15 year olds, just starting high school. I also know I would have absolutely ADORED this book, and related to so much of it if I read this when I was 15. It's just my experience as a 22 year old right now.
The romance was quite decent as well. It's actually one of the best love triangles I have ever read. It definitely felt very believable and real. There were some small icks in the two romances though, that I wish would have gotten a bit better adressed throughout the novel, but for the rest I did quite like it. Love triangles are so easy to do wrong, and I truly think this book did a really well, and knocked it out of the park. So yeah, I really enjoyed this book but had some small issues with it, but I definitely recommend it, especially for readers around the same age as our main character here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny, Drug use, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
abitbetterbooks's review
emotional
funny
reflective
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? No
4.0
An overall wonderful book full of heart and laughs alongside tough conversations!
Jessie is a perfect protagonist— you root for her and want her to succeed even when she makes mistakes or does things that are super frustrating! As an allistic (non-autistic) person, it was really interesting to get to see the world from Jessie’s point of view and see how she navigates the world. I loved the conversations around masking and in particular highlighting how girls struggle to get a diagnosis because they don’t fit the stereotypical model of what autism looks like.
I loved watching Jessie grow throughout the year and not only come to terms with being autistic but also embracing her identity and the things that make her special. I loved that the 90s were her special interest and enjoyed the pop culture references. I found it so refreshing that an autistic Palestinian-Canadian girl could be seen as having not just one but two romantic interests, and felt that the handling of those relationships was done really well!
I found the depiction of high school life in the Greater Toronto Area painfully accurate and deeply relatable. The characters felt very real and lifelike, and all of their backstories and complicated drama gave a busy realness to the story that I really liked.
I have seen some reviews saying that they wished there was more racial diversity in the cast of characters, and I agree with that, however I also think it highlighted how isolating it can be as an student of colour in Canada outside of major metropolitan areas. On the note of diversity, I do also wish that even one character in Jessie’s circle had been queer or trans!
My only other notes would be that I found there to be some unnecessary comments around weight / body appearance (such as Jessie’s mom “stuffing herself into shapewear”). I think there’s a way to appropriately address concerns like this in a YA book, but the moments felt more like unconscious anti-fat bias than actually trying to make commentary on body image issues!
I think fans of YA romance will love this book: if you love messy teens, coming of age, girls learning how to stand up for themselves, complicated family dynamics, and a heartwarming happy ending, then I’d definitely recommend Something More!
Jessie is a perfect protagonist— you root for her and want her to succeed even when she makes mistakes or does things that are super frustrating! As an allistic (non-autistic) person, it was really interesting to get to see the world from Jessie’s point of view and see how she navigates the world. I loved the conversations around masking and in particular highlighting how girls struggle to get a diagnosis because they don’t fit the stereotypical model of what autism looks like.
I loved watching Jessie grow throughout the year and not only come to terms with being autistic but also embracing her identity and the things that make her special. I loved that the 90s were her special interest and enjoyed the pop culture references. I found it so refreshing that an autistic Palestinian-Canadian girl could be seen as having not just one but two romantic interests, and felt that the handling of those relationships was done really well!
I found the depiction of high school life in the Greater Toronto Area painfully accurate and deeply relatable. The characters felt very real and lifelike, and all of their backstories and complicated drama gave a busy realness to the story that I really liked.
I have seen some reviews saying that they wished there was more racial diversity in the cast of characters, and I agree with that, however I also think it highlighted how isolating it can be as an student of colour in Canada outside of major metropolitan areas. On the note of diversity, I do also wish that even one character in Jessie’s circle had been queer or trans!
My only other notes would be that I found there to be some unnecessary comments around weight / body appearance (such as Jessie’s mom “stuffing herself into shapewear”). I think there’s a way to appropriately address concerns like this in a YA book, but the moments felt more like unconscious anti-fat bias than actually trying to make commentary on body image issues!
I think fans of YA romance will love this book: if you love messy teens, coming of age, girls learning how to stand up for themselves, complicated family dynamics, and a heartwarming happy ending, then I’d definitely recommend Something More!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Ableism
Moderate: Racism, Alcohol, and Drug use
Minor: Death, Adult/minor relationship, Colonisation, and Body shaming
borrowedbyaudrey's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol, Drug use, Ableism, Bullying, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Xenophobia, Racism, Adult/minor relationship, and Death
zombiezami's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Talk about killing me softly with words. As someone who learned of her autism status as an adult, I resonated so much with Jessie. Some of her experiences feel ripped out of my own life, her thoughts ripped out of my own mind. I felt very emotional reading about her struggles. At the same time, her triumphs, which never happened for me at that age, gave me such a feeling of wish fulfillment.
My only complaint is that the number of characters weakened the book. I had a really hard time telling Jessie's female friends apart. When the one friendwas dating a 19-year-old and then that issue was resolved, there was no followup or stakes or anything. Also, her family members' struggles felt like a distraction from the main plot, rather than an integral part of it. I know the author was probably trying to capture the fact that everyone has their own issues going on while you're having yours, but the execution was cluttered. The most poignant example of this was the death of Jessie's grandmother. Because this character was only in one scene prior to her stroke, the emotional impact that should have been in that scene wasn't there. It would've been better if this character had been developed more/if she had interacted more with Jessie. Or even if she had lived with the family.
Overall, though, listening to this was a very moving experience.
My only complaint is that the number of characters weakened the book. I had a really hard time telling Jessie's female friends apart. When the one friend
Overall, though, listening to this was a very moving experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Bullying
Moderate: Outing, Racism, Death, Medical content, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Colonisation, Child abuse, and Alcohol
criticalmiss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Jessie is a sweet character trying to find her way after getting her autism diagnosis. New frends new school, boys and how they all relate to each other. Jackie k. weaves a vivid high school experience. I love Jessie's obsession of the 90's
(heir an
80's baby myself and the author adds a playlist at the with great choices. Lovely YA romance, love triangle
CW: family member death
CW: family member death
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
fromjuliereads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
This was a good read! I think it had well written characters and I wanted to keep reading. I admit that I found the YA love cringey at moments but others it was sweet! I cannot speak to the rep, but the main character is Palestinian and autistic, as is the author.
I also admit that I enjoyed the 90s pop culture! Generally I don't like pop culture added in but that's more for recent ones. I liked that it was 90s for a change!
Also I hadn't realized that this is set in Canada at a Catholic high school?! That was super fun for me! Although we don't all sing the national anthem (I never did that in any of my schooling so idk if that's an Ontario thing?).
I admit I wished for a bit more of the familial relationships - as I loved the moments that Jessie had with her family.
Overall a great YA contemporary read!
I also admit that I enjoyed the 90s pop culture! Generally I don't like pop culture added in but that's more for recent ones. I liked that it was 90s for a change!
Also I hadn't realized that this is set in Canada at a Catholic high school?! That was super fun for me! Although we don't all sing the national anthem (I never did that in any of my schooling so idk if that's an Ontario thing?).
I admit I wished for a bit more of the familial relationships - as I loved the moments that Jessie had with her family.
Overall a great YA contemporary read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Bullying, Death, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
cover2covertx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Bullying, Infidelity, Drug use, Ableism, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Racism
bookswstella's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
slow-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
Let’s just say this was a wonderful read!
I loved Jessie so much, I could relate to her and her feelings and she was so entertaining and hilarious<3 Loved Mel and Odelia, I never liked Cat, team Griffin<3 loved him the entire time, Levi was a character I loved at times and could hate only seconds later. I loved Ramsey too, I wish he would have appeared more throughout the book!
I loved that the characters was imperfectly perfect with their own unique personalities and flaws, they felt very real.
Khalilieh has a way with words that really reached deep in my heart<3 I cried, I laughed and for most of the time reading, I had a huge smile on my face!
I read it on fable as an e-book, it was so fun to participate in the book club and to see everyone’s thoughts as the book progressed! And I loved that Khalilieh herself gave her thoughts and fun facts, and the few times she shared cut out ”scenes”/first draft details that didn’t make the final cut, loved that<3 I really wish some of that did make the final cut tho!
This morning I was at 50% and then when I got home I couldn’t stop reading, so I binged half of the book in one sitting,I’ve literally spent five hours on fable today.
I definitely think I would have been able to binge the whole thing if I would’ve had the time!
From the moment I started it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it or it’s characters, and I only wanted to keep reading, it sucked me in in the best possible way!
I’m definitely getting a physical copy to keep on my shelf!!
Jessie Kassis will live with me for a long long time<3
I loved Jessie so much, I could relate to her and her feelings and she was so entertaining and hilarious<3 Loved Mel and Odelia, I never liked Cat, team Griffin<3 loved him the entire time, Levi was a character I loved at times and could hate only seconds later. I loved Ramsey too, I wish he would have appeared more throughout the book!
I loved that the characters was imperfectly perfect with their own unique personalities and flaws, they felt very real.
Khalilieh has a way with words that really reached deep in my heart<3 I cried, I laughed and for most of the time reading, I had a huge smile on my face!
I read it on fable as an e-book, it was so fun to participate in the book club and to see everyone’s thoughts as the book progressed! And I loved that Khalilieh herself gave her thoughts and fun facts, and the few times she shared cut out ”scenes”/first draft details that didn’t make the final cut, loved that<3 I really wish some of that did make the final cut tho!
This morning I was at 50% and then when I got home I couldn’t stop reading, so I binged half of the book in one sitting,I’ve literally spent five hours on fable today.
I definitely think I would have been able to binge the whole thing if I would’ve had the time!
From the moment I started it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it or it’s characters, and I only wanted to keep reading, it sucked me in in the best possible way!
I’m definitely getting a physical copy to keep on my shelf!!
Jessie Kassis will live with me for a long long time<3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
innerspacewaffle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
After reading 200-something pages of grueling, messy high school romance this book closes with an amazingly emotional end to a love triangle, and I can easily that it's the best representation of a teenage autistic girl I've read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Grief, Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Death
jilljemmett's review against another edition
medium-paced
5.0
Fifteen-year-old Jessie Khassis has just been diagnosed with autism the summer before starting high school. This diagnosis has explained why she has always felt different, but she wants to have a fresh start in high school and keep her autism a secret. Jessie makes a list of goals as she begins to navigate the confusing landscape of high school. She makes new friends who don’t always behave the way she thinks they would, and there are boys who she likes but they send her mixed signals. Jessie must find her place in high school while learning more about herself along the way.
I found this story so relatable. Jessie is neurodivergent and understands the world in a way that is different from neurotypical people. However, I think neurodivergent and neurotypical readers could relate to her struggles in high school. Being a teenager and figuring out high school can be difficult. Some people can be confusing, like Jessie’s friends who said one thing but acted a different way. Even though Jessie’s autism makes her view the world in a unique way, these kinds of mixed signals can be confusing for anyone. Even when something is right in front of us, we may not want to believe it if we don’t want to be real.
Something More is one of the most authentic and relatable contemporary young adult novels I’ve read in a long time!
Thank you Tundra Books and Penguin Teen Canada for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: bullying, cheating, death of grandparent
I found this story so relatable. Jessie is neurodivergent and understands the world in a way that is different from neurotypical people. However, I think neurodivergent and neurotypical readers could relate to her struggles in high school. Being a teenager and figuring out high school can be difficult. Some people can be confusing, like Jessie’s friends who said one thing but acted a different way. Even though Jessie’s autism makes her view the world in a unique way, these kinds of mixed signals can be confusing for anyone. Even when something is right in front of us, we may not want to believe it if we don’t want to be real.
Something More is one of the most authentic and relatable contemporary young adult novels I’ve read in a long time!
Thank you Tundra Books and Penguin Teen Canada for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: bullying, cheating, death of grandparent
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, and Death
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