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dilemma's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read middle grade and I’m so glad I read this—so, so real, heartbreaking, and good
stenaros's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Librarian Book Group
On the one hand, the writing in this is gorgeous. On the other hand, the drama is turned up so high I found myself sighing when it was time to read. There's a lot of crying in this book. Like crying done by the characters. They cry all the time. It makes sense for what's going on, but after a point it felt like a writing crutch. Plus there's child abuse, plus mental illness, plus ramifications of a fatal illness.
On the one hand, the writing in this is gorgeous. On the other hand, the drama is turned up so high I found myself sighing when it was time to read. There's a lot of crying in this book. Like crying done by the characters. They cry all the time. It makes sense for what's going on, but after a point it felt like a writing crutch. Plus there's child abuse, plus mental illness, plus ramifications of a fatal illness.
clari_nat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
giufsg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Great for kids
lauramct'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rym201's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful, difficult book. The main character is just incredible and watching her endure the trauma that she does is heartwrenching. Beautifully written.
ms_la's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
xenvirtue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent and Homophobia
dwellordream's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
nadjatiktinsky's review against another edition
It's 1983, and June's father has just died of AIDS. Her hypochondriac mother didn't let June touch her father or even be in the same room with him when he was ill, and now that he's gone her fears have only magnified. She refuses to eat or leave the house, obsessively cleans, and makes June take baths in boiling-hot bleach that scars her skin. When a boy with bright red hair moves in down the street, June starts visiting him secretly, playing make-believe games that might have the power to rescue them both from their dire real-world problems. This book is incredible - unflinchingly in its raw portrayal of parental mental illness and child neglect, yet distinctly hopeful. A perfect choice for brave readers who love stories thick with emotional complexity.