Reviews

The Year I Stopped Trying by Katie Heaney

mjgriffinii74656's review against another edition

5.0

I've been savoring this book over the last month. I've convinced people to read it. They finished it before I did, but I still held on to the slow burn, the anticipation. I was immediately hooked by the summary and the idea: a "perfect" student who slowly starts to let go of their perfections, who "stops trying" and starts living. As an educator, I spend a lot of time thinking about the classroom experience and what I teach, and I would say a great deal of that is also thinking about my students and their culture, the culture of our school, what it means to be young and to be a learner today. But this book helped expand my thinking some. And the twist? The oh so sweet awesome twist that happens? Yeah, I didn't see that coming. And for someone like me who talks the game of not really caring about "spoilers" and being spoiler proof. I think just like the narrator I too would have been knocked sideways by such a revelation, and it makes me so happy I couldn't anticipate, couldn't see it coming. Top 5 books I've read in 2022 without a doubt, and surely will be a favorite for years to come.

alexamcrowe's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

cemills's review against another edition

3.0

I originally picked this up because I was hoping it would be a YA version of My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh and at first it was exactly like that and really funny. Unfortunately, as the book went on the premise of the novel changed. I saw someone on this site say in their review of the book that they wish the author had focused more on Mary's mental health and I totally agree. Instead they chose to focus on her sexuality which was great, but not exactly what I was looking for.

jordynsbookshelf's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars

this book reached into my high school brain and took the plot from my own thoughts. it kind of reminded me of a ya version of exciting times

giannaferraro's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book because the main protagonist, Mary, is around the same age as me and a student in highschool and it was very easy to connect and understand what she was thinking about. I enjoyed how the author used a mix of character vs self and character vs society conflict to demonstrate how peer pressure and self pressure can affect ones actions. I really loved watching Mary understanding how to become more herself as well as learning new things about herself. In the end, I really enjoyed this book because I was able to connect with the thoughts that go through a teenagers mind.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 - A YA coming of age and coming out story about Mary, a teen girl who is feeling overwhelmed with the pressures to achieve in school and life and decides to stop trying so hard. I loved that it was told from the first person perspective and we get to see Mary's inner thoughts and anxieties. Recommended for fans of The perks of being a wallflower or Not my problem. Great on audio and really great mental health rep.

lynnlovegreen's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective 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

Mary is an overachiever, until she wonders why she tries so hard. As she navigates a year of not trying, she discovers who she is and what really matters, including a few surprises she never saw coming. This novel is full of heart, humor, and the big questions that teens have at this stage in life.

mellymith's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-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

5.0

courtlynn93's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

The stream of consciousness narrative style was fresh and interesting. I really liked that the growth and development of the character took place over time. There were no moments that made my heart sink into my stomach like most coming of age stories which I really enjoyed. The stakes were in a way ‘low’ but real for a high school junior

anniehatch's review against another edition

4.0

I’m sorry I didn’t ask to feel this seen!!!!

I enjoyed this. And related to it probably a little too much.