Scan barcode
A review by magsapt
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Picasso. I enjoyed the experience, even though I think he could've made the characters' voices more distinct from one another. That's my only complaint - otherwise, his voice was gripping, and he maintained a good reading pace.
Adam Silvera was, however, the real star of the show. I've only read 'They Both Die At The End' and even though it didn't surprise me, I wanted to get to know his writing better. I'm glad it worked out so well. This book is so important, for so many reasons! First of all, because it tackles teenage death. For someone who suffers from anxiety, this was not an easy read. I hate to think about death, the main focus of this book. But I recognize it is an important topic. Not only because it gives you other perspectives on death (and everything that happens afterwards), but also because it deals with grief and how the living cope with it.
Accidental teenage death is not a topic I read a lot about. Most teenagers that die in the literary world are victims of suicide, disease or murder. I 'appreciated' the remainder that young people die from ordinary causes as well. Young people have accidents too. And those who stay alive are left in shock, wondering what could've been but will never become.
What I loved most about this book was how flawed every single one of the characters was. Silvera begins his narrative trying to make you feel compassion for our main character, but halfway through you won't stand him. Hell, you'll eventually hate everyone. Silvera shows us how there's a side to every story. You'll have to stop taking sides because everyone was in the wrong, at some point. This is a book about real lives, real mistakes and probable outcomes. Unlike 'Alice in Wonderland', Silvera tells a narrative that could be anyone's story.
My only complaint may be how predictable some things were, even though I truly appreciated the Wade bomb. Nonetheless, Silvera's writing was flawless, engaging and very pure. Sometimes it felt like he was drawing from his personal experience. He could put things so naturally and simply, it felt like I was reading his diary.
Adam Silvera was, however, the real star of the show. I've only read 'They Both Die At The End' and even though it didn't surprise me, I wanted to get to know his writing better. I'm glad it worked out so well. This book is so important, for so many reasons! First of all, because it tackles teenage death. For someone who suffers from anxiety, this was not an easy read. I hate to think about death, the main focus of this book. But I recognize it is an important topic. Not only because it gives you other perspectives on death (and everything that happens afterwards), but also because it deals with grief and how the living cope with it.
Accidental teenage death is not a topic I read a lot about. Most teenagers that die in the literary world are victims of suicide, disease or murder. I 'appreciated' the remainder that young people die from ordinary causes as well. Young people have accidents too. And those who stay alive are left in shock, wondering what could've been but will never become.
What I loved most about this book was how flawed every single one of the characters was. Silvera begins his narrative trying to make you feel compassion for our main character, but halfway through you won't stand him. Hell, you'll eventually hate everyone. Silvera shows us how there's a side to every story. You'll have to stop taking sides because everyone was in the wrong, at some point. This is a book about real lives, real mistakes and probable outcomes. Unlike 'Alice in Wonderland', Silvera tells a narrative that could be anyone's story.
My only complaint may be how predictable some things were, even though I truly appreciated the Wade bomb. Nonetheless, Silvera's writing was flawless, engaging and very pure. Sometimes it felt like he was drawing from his personal experience. He could put things so naturally and simply, it felt like I was reading his diary.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, and Grief