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evarano's review
2.0
DNF at 25%. Not poorly written, just not for me. Too many characters and things happening, and the main character is extremely repetitive. Started skimming quite early on. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
maycie_reads's review
dark
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
4.25
viva_la_ophelia's review
adventurous
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
n6ellie's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
5.0
Let me start this review with a small warning: This book was entirely different from what I had expected it to be. I was in a mystery mood, and even more in a boarding school mystery mood, and I found this book on Netgalley. I was quite happy when I got the e-mail that my request was accepted and that I could start reading. However, this is NOT a mystery. It's something much better, hence my rating, but it might not be much better for everyone.
As a certified therapist this book touched me at my core. Quite often therapy and therapists in general are not being portrayed positively in media, especially not in media that targets young adults. However, in this book we finally get to see what a good therapist can accomplish. Or, maybe better phrased, how a good therapist can help their client to accomplish a lot. And yes, therapy hurts and it's not always fun, but if it's done well it works and it helps and it changes lives for the better.
And Moira, the heroine of this story, does need some nudges in the right direction and a hand helping her find her way back to life again. I don't want to spoil anything in this review of course, but Moira's journey is one of the most touching I've ever read. I think it portrays mourning and the complexity and difficulty of it in a brilliant way. We spend most of the book in Moira's head and not only do we discover her past with her, but we also get a glimpse of the future waiting for her after this adventure.
Although none of the girls are at this school without reason, this book really portrays them as girls. Not once does Sheinmel turn any of them into stereotypes, not once does she forget that these are people. In between Moira's journey we get a brief chapter on how each of the girls ended here, in this place. And all of those stories seemed real and respectful. All those twelve girls are just examples of how one can slowly lose oneself (and the ones you care about) and how it can happen to anyone.
If you're looking for a mystery or thriller, this is surely not your book. However, if you're looking for a touching read (I cried. A lot.) that really handles complex issues teenagers might deal with in a respectful and realistic way, this book is what you want and need.
As a certified therapist this book touched me at my core. Quite often therapy and therapists in general are not being portrayed positively in media, especially not in media that targets young adults. However, in this book we finally get to see what a good therapist can accomplish. Or, maybe better phrased, how a good therapist can help their client to accomplish a lot. And yes, therapy hurts and it's not always fun, but if it's done well it works and it helps and it changes lives for the better.
And Moira, the heroine of this story, does need some nudges in the right direction and a hand helping her find her way back to life again. I don't want to spoil anything in this review of course, but Moira's journey is one of the most touching I've ever read. I think it portrays mourning and the complexity and difficulty of it in a brilliant way. We spend most of the book in Moira's head and not only do we discover her past with her, but we also get a glimpse of the future waiting for her after this adventure.
Although none of the girls are at this school without reason, this book really portrays them as girls. Not once does Sheinmel turn any of them into stereotypes, not once does she forget that these are people. In between Moira's journey we get a brief chapter on how each of the girls ended here, in this place. And all of those stories seemed real and respectful. All those twelve girls are just examples of how one can slowly lose oneself (and the ones you care about) and how it can happen to anyone.
If you're looking for a mystery or thriller, this is surely not your book. However, if you're looking for a touching read (I cried. A lot.) that really handles complex issues teenagers might deal with in a respectful and realistic way, this book is what you want and need.
menastarr's review
3.0
i had mixed emotions about this book. it's an easy read, and the chapters are a decent length, but it was hard to keep intrigued. i will say that i thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of mental health in teenage girls, as it was actually pretty accurate. the only thing i found to be extremely annoying is how throughout the book, all the main character talks about is her friend who passed away, nathan. "if nathan were here, he would've said this" "nathan would've done this" the discussion of this nathan was NON-STOP. i know losing someone important at such a young age takes a toll on you and consumes your thoughts, but as a reader looking into her perspective, it becomes irritating that that's all she talks about.
cortanasreadingnook's review
Heads up, this book is full of CONTENT WARNINGS. Before reading ahead, please be informed of the following CWs/TWs:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Drug Use/Addiction
- Self-Harm
- Trichotillomania
- Eating Disorder (ED)
- Anorexia
I unfortunately had to DNF at 20%. I did not find myself enjoying this book at all. I really wanted to give it a try, but the story wasn't interesting enough for me to continue. I applaud how this book brutally deep dives into mental illnesses, but the pacing was enough put me off. With that amount of progress, I expected at least something to keep me afloat, but it did not live up to my expectations of this book as a whole.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Drug Use/Addiction
- Self-Harm
- Trichotillomania
- Eating Disorder (ED)
- Anorexia
I unfortunately had to DNF at 20%. I did not find myself enjoying this book at all. I really wanted to give it a try, but the story wasn't interesting enough for me to continue. I applaud how this book brutally deep dives into mental illnesses, but the pacing was enough put me off. With that amount of progress, I expected at least something to keep me afloat, but it did not live up to my expectations of this book as a whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Confinement
Moderate: Eating disorder, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Self harm
xoxocleo's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0