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theotraut's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book made me laugh, cry, and be angry all in a minute. The way this was written made me feel what Evan felt and empathized more with Connor. His point of view was extremely valuable to the book. The way they introduced Zoe’s songs made me love the book even more.
Overall a great book for when you want to cry. So do yourself a favor if you’re a proud person and don’t read it in public.
Overall a great book for when you want to cry. So do yourself a favor if you’re a proud person and don’t read it in public.
mariapds's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.75
a_reading_xennial's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have mixed feelings over this book. I appreciated the messaging of how when a person feels alone, that there are other people who feel the same. About the importance of reaching out to someone when you need companionship.
The part I struggle with is that this is essentially a miscommunication trope, which I typically hate. I'd give this book leeway because part of the miscommunication is because of the MC lack of confidence to clarify when the assumptions of others got away from him. His lie snowballs away from him, and then he needs to keep lying to keep from hurting people who are already hurting. I was anxiously waiting for him to be caught and many of his lies and decisions made me cringe. Why create false emails? If you're gonna lie then keep it simple.
I would recommend this to someone looking for a thought-provoking book that mildly touches on mental health.
The part I struggle with is that this is essentially a miscommunication trope, which I typically hate. I'd give this book leeway because part of the miscommunication is because of the MC lack of confidence to clarify when the assumptions of others got away from him. His lie snowballs away from him, and then he needs to keep lying to keep from hurting people who are already hurting. I was anxiously waiting for him to be caught and many of his lies and decisions made me cringe. Why create false emails? If you're gonna lie then keep it simple.
I would recommend this to someone looking for a thought-provoking book that mildly touches on mental health.
iceyreads74's review against another edition
5.0
What a great book! I think this was extremely moving and wonderful. There is a trigger warning for suicide, but if you are in the right mindset to read this, I highly recommend doing so!
hellohannahk's review against another edition
3.0
Of course I had to read this after falling in love with the gorgeous songs from the musical. Great story, great writing style, largely spoiled by a ton of bad language and vulgar comments (from two specific characters mostly). Really a bummer they gotta put all that junk in a great teen novel. Other disappointments include Evan constantly lying to his mom and everyone else (although this is a huge part of the plot), and what sounded like a homosexual 'sex' scene (not sure exactly cause I skipped those couple pages). Again, if it were more wholesome, this would be a favorite. Instead, I'm selling my copy as soon as I can.
peachr080's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
tiedyedude's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up due to the buzz around the show and the lack of plot conveyed through the soundtrack. I enjoyed the story, though the main plot beats were a tad predictable. The narration was good. I'm looking forward to relistening to the soundtrack with this new perspective, but I'm probably less interested in seeing the show live.
shine555's review against another edition
3.0
Okay. Here are my issues. I don’t like watching the movie (in this case musical) and then reading the book after on any given day. But I really didn’t love it here given that the book was written after the musical so the authors had to make some assumptions on how those characters were feeling and what was going through their minds.
My two main qualms:
1. Because of the limited POV of the book they had to create Connor’s POV so we would know what was happening at the house and with his sister etc. I liked the insight it gave to Connor, but it created a big issue for me. Which leads me to
2. I don’t enjoy when books or tv shows bring a deceased loved one (specifically someone who died by suicide) back in ghost form or any other coherent form. I think it gives a false sense of continuation after suicide. When the reality is you are gone and we don’t know if your ghost will be able to walk around and check in on everyone and make its own amends. Your ghost certainly doesn’t get to explain its side of the story. For as much as we know we are met with darkness after life. I fear showing the ghost form gives a false sense of continuation after suicide that we neither know or don’t know exists. I would never want a teenager— or anyone for that matter— to die by suicide thinking this is what waits for them.
That’s my rant. It’s the same issue I have for the musical. I don’t think this issue negates all the good that the musical instills, but I think it’s something to be aware and important to discuss with children when we put these books into their hands.
My two main qualms:
1. Because of the limited POV of the book they had to create Connor’s POV so we would know what was happening at the house and with his sister etc. I liked the insight it gave to Connor, but it created a big issue for me. Which leads me to
2. I don’t enjoy when books or tv shows bring a deceased loved one (specifically someone who died by suicide) back in ghost form or any other coherent form. I think it gives a false sense of continuation after suicide. When the reality is you are gone and we don’t know if your ghost will be able to walk around and check in on everyone and make its own amends. Your ghost certainly doesn’t get to explain its side of the story. For as much as we know we are met with darkness after life. I fear showing the ghost form gives a false sense of continuation after suicide that we neither know or don’t know exists. I would never want a teenager— or anyone for that matter— to die by suicide thinking this is what waits for them.
That’s my rant. It’s the same issue I have for the musical. I don’t think this issue negates all the good that the musical instills, but I think it’s something to be aware and important to discuss with children when we put these books into their hands.