Reviews

Finding Layla: A Novel by Meg Elison, Meg Elison

phoebop's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad 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

4.5

z_brarian's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow

This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.

motherofbooksandcats's review against another edition

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4.0

Estoy entre 3.5 y 4.
Si quieren llorar un poco, lean éste libro.

alanaes's review against another edition

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3.0

For YA readers who liked Robin Roe's "A List of Cages," or Courtney Summers' "Sadie," but want something a little less intense. A quick, well-paced read at only 179 pages.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

“Nobody else knows that story. What we share is terrible, but it’s ours and ours alone.”

mercipourleslivres's review against another edition

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3.0

The descriptions of child neglect and hoarding were spot on, and the mom was a total witch. That said the novel(la?) had its issues. I couldn’t buy any of the peer relationships Layla had. Kristi wasn’t really her friend, Jane was a one note bully, and the rest of the classmates and adults had as much personality and character as a stadium full of cardboard cut outs.

I’m thinking this was a short story that was expanded into a novel but wasn’t fully fleshed out enough.

Also, the prominent use of of Twitter / tweeting seemed a bit dated. Aren’t all the kids on tiktok now?

readabookbraun's review against another edition

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5.0

Layla is a resourceful teen (not necessarily by choice) who has to take care of her and her little brother because their mom is often absent, mentally and physically. Layla wants to become a scientist and for a science project has to study an ecosystem. She decides to turn the lens on her apartment biome of black mold, mildew, shut off utilities, and various insect life. A tough fictional read about bullying - in person and online, hunger, child neglect, and emotional abuse. I found this book at times difficult to read. But difficult topics need to be examined and students should be exposed to stories that provide a window into circumstances that unfortunately occur. This is a book that will stay with me.

eiliux's review against another edition

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4.0

Me lo eché en una sentada porque una vez que lo inicié no pude soltarlo. Que libro tan difícil ya la vez tan interesante. La infancia es una etapa complicada por el poco control que tenemos acerca de nuestra propia vida. Así, Layla sabe que la manera en la que vive no es normal, pero tampoco puede hacer gran cosa para evitarlo. Me dieron ganas de adoptar a todos los niños del mundo. Me gustó pero al mismo tiempo es una lectura dura.

czarot's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

Most parts effectively makes your chest tighten. I only wish it was longer. I would have followed Layla's story until her college years because of how good this is.

zbrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow

This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.