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A review by bookish_ann
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
5.0
Absolutely gorgeous. There are a lot of very heavy things in this book, and so much pain, but all the bad is transformed into beautiful, meaningful art.
I normally have a very hard time reading long-form poetry, but not here. Perhaps because the verse is free, and flowing. It feels natural and right, not forced. It does not feel like an affectation layered onto the story but the most fitting way to tell it.
There were a few moments in this that literally took my breath away - I just gasped and sat with the phrase for a bit. It’s a truly stunning book. Highly recommended.
I normally have a very hard time reading long-form poetry, but not here. Perhaps because the verse is free, and flowing. It feels natural and right, not forced. It does not feel like an affectation layered onto the story but the most fitting way to tell it.
There were a few moments in this that literally took my breath away - I just gasped and sat with the phrase for a bit. It’s a truly stunning book. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm