A review by atlas_shruggs
Hold Still by Nina LaCour

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had a lump in my throat throughout most of this book, as I always do when reading Nina LaCour. Her writing is so gorgeous. It's simple and easy to read, but god it hits hard. Her debut, Hold Still, follows 17 year old Caitlin as she tries to come to terms with her best friend's suicide, and move on with her life. The story takes place over a year of Caitlin's life, interspersed with journal entries from her friend's journal. It is a beautiful story about loss and friendship, growing up and grief.
 I remember reading We Are Okay in 2017 and just crying my eyes out. It was one of the books that got me back into reading, and even though I have only read two of her books (well, three now), I have had a soft spot for Nina LaCour since then. She writes such powerful stories in such an accessible way, and I always feel so connected to her characters. 
As someone who has lost someone to suicide very unexpectedly and someone who struggles with depression, starting this book was hard. It felt too close, too real, but I'm so glad I kept reading. Going through Caitlin's journey with her felt so therapeutic, and despite making me tear up it made me feel so warm and happy. 
I highly recommend this book, and honestly all of LaCour's writing (I can confirm that at least three of her books are amazing), but of course check trigger warnings before reading, especially for Hold Still and We Are Okay. 
https://booktriggerwarnings.com/index.php?title=Hold_Still_by_Nina_LaCour
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