A review by ablaine
Slip by Marika McCoola

challenging dark emotional inspiring 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

2.0

As someone who did summer art programs as a teen, I thought this book would resonate more, but it just fell flat for me. I think the illustrations by Aatmaja Pandya are dynamic and expressive. I particularly enjoyed how the book included descriptions of ceramicist tools and processes. Sadly, the storyline and writing in this advanced reader copy was uneven in its development and pacing. I also did not find the way that the author dealt with the topic of self harm and suicide to be particularly up-to-date. Many people are choosing not to use terms like "commit suicide" because it frames suicide as a sin or crime. Perhaps this language will change by the publication date. Overall, the book focuses on a main character whose friend attempted suicide, but it seemed like it teetered on the edge of perpetuating some misconceptions about suicide in the process as the main character tries to confront her own emotions around it. The ending is nice and empowering in many ways, but it doesn't resolve all the other issues I have with the book.

I voluntarily obtained a digital version of this book free from Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.
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