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sarahtonin_ 's review for:
The Year We Fell from Space
by Amy Sarig King
The Year We Fell From Space was a moving, emotional and important middle grade novel that I would recommend for any age.
This book focuses on themes of depression and divorce within a middle school setting, and is infused with a typical A.S. King magical/speculative element. We follow Liberty, a young girl who is enamoured by the stars more than she is by real life. She is left reeling from her parent's separation when a meteorite falls from the sky. From there, Liberty's life becomes even more complicated.
This was my first book by A.S. King, but it certainly won't be the last! I adored the writing and the slightly weird and magical twist to a typical contemporary story.
I knew nothing about this book going in apart from the title and cover, which lead to to make some incorrect assumptions about it. I had no idea that depression and divorce were some of the main themes, and thought instead that space and her love for stars would big the bigger plot. Obviously this is my fault for having misplaced expectations, but the more sombre and melancholic atmosphere wasn't what I was looking for at that particular time. Don't get me wrong, I think tackling these topics in middle grade is incredibly important- but I think I just read this at the wrong time for myself personally.
I have been lucky enough to never directly experience a divorce, but this book portrays it in a way that feels so deeply realistic and emotional that I felt as if I had. It was devastating to read the impact it had on these young kids, and so many times I just wished I could give them a hug. This will be such an impactful and important read for children around this age going through a similar situation.
In addition, the tackling of mental health for a younger audience is something that is invaluable. Depression is the main thing addressed, and I think it was done in an authentic and realistic way for the age of the characters. It never spoke down to the readers, but was honest and unflinching in its discussions.
I began reading this physically, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. But towards the end I switched to the audiobook and I became much more enamoured. I would highly recommend listening if you have the option, as I feel like the story translates perfectly to that format and the narrator was brilliant.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone or any age. In particular, those around the 10-13 age who are experiencing a divorce within their family or are struggling with their own mental health. If you like slower, more emotional contemporaries with a twist- this is perfect. I hope to read more from this author soon, and particularly have my eye on Dig! If you have any recommendations on how to read A.S King's backlist, or your personal favourites, feel free to let me know!
★★★☆☆.5 stars
This book focuses on themes of depression and divorce within a middle school setting, and is infused with a typical A.S. King magical/speculative element. We follow Liberty, a young girl who is enamoured by the stars more than she is by real life. She is left reeling from her parent's separation when a meteorite falls from the sky. From there, Liberty's life becomes even more complicated.
This was my first book by A.S. King, but it certainly won't be the last! I adored the writing and the slightly weird and magical twist to a typical contemporary story.
I knew nothing about this book going in apart from the title and cover, which lead to to make some incorrect assumptions about it. I had no idea that depression and divorce were some of the main themes, and thought instead that space and her love for stars would big the bigger plot. Obviously this is my fault for having misplaced expectations, but the more sombre and melancholic atmosphere wasn't what I was looking for at that particular time. Don't get me wrong, I think tackling these topics in middle grade is incredibly important- but I think I just read this at the wrong time for myself personally.
I have been lucky enough to never directly experience a divorce, but this book portrays it in a way that feels so deeply realistic and emotional that I felt as if I had. It was devastating to read the impact it had on these young kids, and so many times I just wished I could give them a hug. This will be such an impactful and important read for children around this age going through a similar situation.
In addition, the tackling of mental health for a younger audience is something that is invaluable. Depression is the main thing addressed, and I think it was done in an authentic and realistic way for the age of the characters. It never spoke down to the readers, but was honest and unflinching in its discussions.
I began reading this physically, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. But towards the end I switched to the audiobook and I became much more enamoured. I would highly recommend listening if you have the option, as I feel like the story translates perfectly to that format and the narrator was brilliant.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone or any age. In particular, those around the 10-13 age who are experiencing a divorce within their family or are struggling with their own mental health. If you like slower, more emotional contemporaries with a twist- this is perfect. I hope to read more from this author soon, and particularly have my eye on Dig! If you have any recommendations on how to read A.S King's backlist, or your personal favourites, feel free to let me know!
★★★☆☆.5 stars