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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I'm not sure what happened with this book, but I hated it from the beginning and the feeling never went away. I appreciate the subject matter and I understand the author's decision to use simple sentences and dialogue, but it could have been accomplished in a much better way. Ginny Moon is a 14-year-old girl with autism who's now in her third adoptive home since being taken away from her abusive and neglectful birth mom. She continually tried to communicate with the adults around her about something (not including because I don't want to spoil anything) very important, and for whatever reason, the adults are too dense to understand and help her. This drove me crazy for two reasons: 1.) really!? It didn't help the plot at all to have these adults ignore her, and 2.) it led to A LOT of repetitiveness throughout the entire book. I hate when things are repeated without having a point. I found myself skimming much of the book, and if I were a person that can abandon books, I would have! The characters were poorly developed and I found that I didn't care about any of them. I read that the author wanted to write a book that encouraged adoption of children with different abilities, but I feel like this book did the opposite. The "Forever Mom" was detached and clueless; the "Forever Dad" was a much more sympathetic character, but again, poorly developed so he didn't really add to the story. This book just fell flat for me in so many ways. I had high hopes, but this didn't meet those expectations.
Can’t believe I hadn’t heard more about this book. It was really lovely, the characters were so great. Plus short chapters make for a quick read. Highly recommend.
I listened to this audio and loved it in this format, and feel like it would have been just as great on paper!
I loved this book. I was quickly a fan of Ginny and the way she told her story, and her parents (really all the adults in her life) were also endearing, despite their flaws at times. Highly recommend this book if you're looking to read about a character with autism or about adoption of an older child.
I loved this book. I was quickly a fan of Ginny and the way she told her story, and her parents (really all the adults in her life) were also endearing, despite their flaws at times. Highly recommend this book if you're looking to read about a character with autism or about adoption of an older child.
I have tremendous respect for families with an autistic child after listening to just two of the CDs. I was exhausted by how Ginny relates her story. The repetition of her explanations for why she does things and how she does things ground me down. I could imagine how parents feel in that situation. Her inability to express what her needs are (despite telling everyone over and over how she needs to get back to get her baby doll) was frustrating.
I admire parents with an autistic child for their patience, resilience, fortitude and love.
It reminded me a bit of Still Alice in the way that Ginny relates her thoughts, although reading SA was like reading a horror novel that I couldn't put down.
***Looked for a review with spoilers to confirm how I suspected the book would end. Bingo! I was right on the money. For that alone, I'm happy that I didn't finish the book.
I admire parents with an autistic child for their patience, resilience, fortitude and love.
It reminded me a bit of Still Alice in the way that Ginny relates her thoughts, although reading SA was like reading a horror novel that I couldn't put down.
***Looked for a review with spoilers to confirm how I suspected the book would end. Bingo! I was right on the money. For that alone, I'm happy that I didn't finish the book.
Ginny Moon is the tender, heartwarming story of a fourteen-year-old, autistic girl.
Ginny has had a tough life, being raised and abused by her addict mother and her boyfriends. At age nine she was taken away from Gloria and put into foster homes. But Ginny kept running away.
Now, she's with the Moon's, who've adopted her. They are kind and especially her forever father, Brian, tries his best to understand Ginny, who sometimes behaves strangely.
As it's common with many autistic children, Ginny's communication skills are not the best.
Because we're hearing Ginny's inner thoughts though, her opinions and behaviours make sense, but outwardly she's challenging.
Benjamin Ludwig did a great job with this debut novel. Ginny's story feels authentic and is written in a matter-of-fact way. It reminds us about the importance of being patient and trying to understand and really listen.
Recommended
I've received this novel via NetGalley. Many thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Ginny has had a tough life, being raised and abused by her addict mother and her boyfriends. At age nine she was taken away from Gloria and put into foster homes. But Ginny kept running away.
Now, she's with the Moon's, who've adopted her. They are kind and especially her forever father, Brian, tries his best to understand Ginny, who sometimes behaves strangely.
As it's common with many autistic children, Ginny's communication skills are not the best.
Because we're hearing Ginny's inner thoughts though, her opinions and behaviours make sense, but outwardly she's challenging.
Benjamin Ludwig did a great job with this debut novel. Ginny's story feels authentic and is written in a matter-of-fact way. It reminds us about the importance of being patient and trying to understand and really listen.
Recommended
I've received this novel via NetGalley. Many thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
In Ginny, Ludwig has created a tragic yet gutsy heroine. At age 14 Ginny is onto her third forever home, following abuse and neglect at the hands of her birth mother. The birth of a baby and the reappearance of her birth mother combine to create an unstable situation. Compounding matters is Ginny's refusal to give up on finding her baby doll, the identity of which isn't what every believes. Despite all the odds being stacked against her Ginny is determined to care for someone who can't take care of themselves. I found this tale both equal parts heart-breaking and inspiring. I felt for Ginny's adopted parents. They weren't perfect but trying to care for themselves, Ginny and a newborn was not an easy task and just reinforced my admiration for those who adopt or foster children, especially those with special needs. I loved how this book gave me an insight into the mind of a person with autism. I wanted to cheer at the end, when it seems Ginny is going to get the happy ending she so richly deserves. I just hope it included Krystal with a K in some capacity.
I loved this book.
It is well written and gives us a glimpse into life with autism. The family grows as well as the child. It seemed realistic and I was captured from the beginning. I read a lot but I find it hard to find books I really love. This is one of them.
It is well written and gives us a glimpse into life with autism. The family grows as well as the child. It seemed realistic and I was captured from the beginning. I read a lot but I find it hard to find books I really love. This is one of them.
Very fast read. At first I thought I'd hate the book because of the voice of the narrator and how depressing it was but it is extremely well written and keeps you interested. I'd love to read what happens next!