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A review by avalinahsbooks
No Sad Songs by Frank Morelli
4.0
5 Reasons To Read No Sad Songs: also read this post on my blog
Reason #1. How Can It Be So Funny When It's So Sad?
It's hard to believe it, but No Sad Songs is one of the funniest books I've read this year so far. Its entertainment value is incredible. I will say that sometimes it goes over the top, and maybe the jokes are a little disrespectful, especially when it comes to Gabe's grandfather, but at the same time - isn't this what teen humor is about a lot? So it does paint a pretty convincing picture. And I've got to hand it to Frank Morelli - somehow No Sad Songs manages to be both a book about a hard, heavy topic, and yet - very funny and lighthearted at the same time. How can a book about death be a light, uplifting read? But it can! I truly don't know. Maybe it's in the way the main character deals with everything, but it's just not depressing at all. It's hilarious!
Reason #2. Well-Written And Relatable
The main character Gabe is someone you could be - he's just that kind of down to earth character that's easy to connect with. Even with all the feelings he's dealing with, you won't find overdramatized paragraphs - it's all no nonsense, full of humor and just so natural. Even the wrong decisions sometime feel so right. That's what a good book is all about.
Reason #3. It's The Story Of Growing Up
Ultimately, growing up is heart-breaking for most of us, in one way or another. It was more heart-breaking for Gabe, which is why it's very touching and you can't walk away from this story just like that. And it's pretty natural, too - all the teen mishaps, believing in cheap virtues, what's cool and what's not... Labeling things. Labeling yourself. And finding where the true virtues lie. I found this was very well done in this book - just shown, not told, not overexplained, or even explained at all. Just very natural!
Reason #4. Good Friends Do Tough Things
I loved the friendships in this book. They were realistic! The virtues were good. Good friends sometimes have to do the right thing, even if it's hard, even if it makes you hate them, for a time. Because real friends know what you truly need, and they prioritize that above what you want.
Reason #5. The Importance Of #SelfCare
This is a story about a really, really responsible and kind teen who is dealing with way more than he should have on his plate. And while he's coping, he doesn't know that he can't just keep going like this. The book stresses the importance of not just caring for others, but also caring for yourself, cause one does not run on an infinite battery. And if you don't remember to take care of yourself, you won't be able to care for others for long.
No Sad Songs is a truly wonderful book. I'm incredibly happy I could read it. It's strong, full of humor and compassion. And also, it deals with two tough subjects - dementia and lonely, overworked, abandoned teens. Dementia is an incredibly sad topic, but it's even sadder to think of the teens - their life is only starting. This kind of story may be true for a lot of unfortunate kids - ones without parents, or with parents that are unable to care for them, or even themselves. So if you're lucky to not be one of them - you should read this story to know there are others and value what you have. And also know when to help!
Other Books You Might Like
Read the reasons why on my blog. It’s a bit long for this review.
[bc:You May Already Be a Winner|32740589|You May Already Be a Winner|Ann Dee Ellis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479680485s/32740589.jpg|53332417] [bc:The Finding of Martha Lost|29905575|The Finding of Martha Lost|Caroline Wallace|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494504741s/29905575.jpg|44985337] [bc:Miranda and Caliban|25670396|Miranda and Caliban|Jacqueline Carey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463498415s/25670396.jpg|45494280] [bc:Elizabeth Is Missing|18635113|Elizabeth Is Missing|Emma Healey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388883559s/18635113.jpg|24946905]
I thank the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion.
Read Post on My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
Reason #1. How Can It Be So Funny When It's So Sad?
It's hard to believe it, but No Sad Songs is one of the funniest books I've read this year so far. Its entertainment value is incredible. I will say that sometimes it goes over the top, and maybe the jokes are a little disrespectful, especially when it comes to Gabe's grandfather, but at the same time - isn't this what teen humor is about a lot? So it does paint a pretty convincing picture. And I've got to hand it to Frank Morelli - somehow No Sad Songs manages to be both a book about a hard, heavy topic, and yet - very funny and lighthearted at the same time. How can a book about death be a light, uplifting read? But it can! I truly don't know. Maybe it's in the way the main character deals with everything, but it's just not depressing at all. It's hilarious!
Reason #2. Well-Written And Relatable
The main character Gabe is someone you could be - he's just that kind of down to earth character that's easy to connect with. Even with all the feelings he's dealing with, you won't find overdramatized paragraphs - it's all no nonsense, full of humor and just so natural. Even the wrong decisions sometime feel so right. That's what a good book is all about.
Reason #3. It's The Story Of Growing Up
Ultimately, growing up is heart-breaking for most of us, in one way or another. It was more heart-breaking for Gabe, which is why it's very touching and you can't walk away from this story just like that. And it's pretty natural, too - all the teen mishaps, believing in cheap virtues, what's cool and what's not... Labeling things. Labeling yourself. And finding where the true virtues lie. I found this was very well done in this book - just shown, not told, not overexplained, or even explained at all. Just very natural!
Reason #4. Good Friends Do Tough Things
I loved the friendships in this book. They were realistic! The virtues were good. Good friends sometimes have to do the right thing, even if it's hard, even if it makes you hate them, for a time. Because real friends know what you truly need, and they prioritize that above what you want.
Reason #5. The Importance Of #SelfCare
This is a story about a really, really responsible and kind teen who is dealing with way more than he should have on his plate. And while he's coping, he doesn't know that he can't just keep going like this. The book stresses the importance of not just caring for others, but also caring for yourself, cause one does not run on an infinite battery. And if you don't remember to take care of yourself, you won't be able to care for others for long.
No Sad Songs is a truly wonderful book. I'm incredibly happy I could read it. It's strong, full of humor and compassion. And also, it deals with two tough subjects - dementia and lonely, overworked, abandoned teens. Dementia is an incredibly sad topic, but it's even sadder to think of the teens - their life is only starting. This kind of story may be true for a lot of unfortunate kids - ones without parents, or with parents that are unable to care for them, or even themselves. So if you're lucky to not be one of them - you should read this story to know there are others and value what you have. And also know when to help!
Other Books You Might Like
Read the reasons why on my blog. It’s a bit long for this review.
[bc:You May Already Be a Winner|32740589|You May Already Be a Winner|Ann Dee Ellis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1479680485s/32740589.jpg|53332417] [bc:The Finding of Martha Lost|29905575|The Finding of Martha Lost|Caroline Wallace|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494504741s/29905575.jpg|44985337] [bc:Miranda and Caliban|25670396|Miranda and Caliban|Jacqueline Carey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463498415s/25670396.jpg|45494280] [bc:Elizabeth Is Missing|18635113|Elizabeth Is Missing|Emma Healey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388883559s/18635113.jpg|24946905]
I thank the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion.
Read Post on My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter