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A review by the_bookish_chimera
First Love Language by Stefany Valentine
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Do you ever miss something you’ve never had?”
Some books cross your path when you most need them. First Love Language” was one of these for me. I don’t think I can find something I didn’t like in this book.
The writing is smooth, delicate, graceful. It kindled some images in my mind that reminded me of Sophia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides adaptation (even though the story isn’t as tragic, at all). I loved Catie’s journey to (re)discover her identity, while helping herself to grief, how she needs that but is also full of guilt (regarding her adoptive mother), and regrets (regarding her dad she won’t ever be able to talk to again). Even though my own personal situation is closer to her sister’s, Catie’s questioning echoed a lot in me. I wish I had her courage and determination. I sobbed, shed more tears that I can count –or admit. I admire this character who keeps going, despite her feelings of emptiness, her doubts, her apprehensions. How Catie (re)learn her mother language and how it makes her memories resurface and brings her the first threads of her identity were particularly beautiful moments in the book, as much as was her relationship with Toby.
The way the LGBT+ relationships are pictured in that very conservative community, and how these teens create their very own circle, were also some highlights of the book.
I honestly can’t put into words how much this story impacted me, created all kinds of feelings in me. I’m not a teen anymore (it’s been a long time), but once again I’ve read a YA book I wish I'd read in highschool.
Thank you ColoredPages, PenguinTeen and Stephany Valentine for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
Some books cross your path when you most need them. First Love Language” was one of these for me. I don’t think I can find something I didn’t like in this book.
The writing is smooth, delicate, graceful. It kindled some images in my mind that reminded me of Sophia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides adaptation (even though the story isn’t as tragic, at all). I loved Catie’s journey to (re)discover her identity, while helping herself to grief, how she needs that but is also full of guilt (regarding her adoptive mother), and regrets (regarding her dad she won’t ever be able to talk to again). Even though my own personal situation is closer to her sister’s, Catie’s questioning echoed a lot in me. I wish I had her courage and determination. I sobbed, shed more tears that I can count –or admit. I admire this character who keeps going, despite her feelings of emptiness, her doubts, her apprehensions. How Catie (re)learn her mother language and how it makes her memories resurface and brings her the first threads of her identity were particularly beautiful moments in the book, as much as was her relationship with Toby.
The way the LGBT+ relationships are pictured in that very conservative community, and how these teens create their very own circle, were also some highlights of the book.
I honestly can’t put into words how much this story impacted me, created all kinds of feelings in me. I’m not a teen anymore (it’s been a long time), but once again I’ve read a YA book I wish I'd read in highschool.
Thank you ColoredPages, PenguinTeen and Stephany Valentine for the eARC. My opinions are my own.