A review by rieviolet
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

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? Yes

5.0

It's been quite some time since I read a middle-grade book but this one came highly recommended and I really needed a lovely and magical story to cheer me up.
It really is a lovely and magical story, although it also deals with some difficult and sad topics and the ending made me shed many tears. Still, it is nice sometimes to have a bit of a cathartic crying session and to come out of it feeling a bit more hopeful and encouraged.

I really liked the characterization and the interactions between characters. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of translating Lily's feelings and fears on the page. 

Also, I really appreciated the author's note, it was very nice and moving to learn more about the story's origins and the writing process. 


"Take your history, undestand where you came from and who you are - then find your own story. Create the story of who you are yet to be".

...maybe this is how healing starts - small bits of happiness waking up inside you, until maybe one day it spreads through your whole self. 
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