A review by betweentheshelves
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

dark emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

 While back in the hospital being treated for her clinical depression, Whimsy meets a strange boy named Faerry. They find a kinship with each other when they both realize that they have magic in their bones. When she moves back home, Whimsy is surpsied to learn that Faerry and his family have moved to her street.

As they get to know each other, they both realize they have a paralyzing fear of the Marsh Creek Forest. And that maybe their paths have crossed before. But the forest whispers to Whimsy and Faerry, despite the dangers that it holds. After all, It just might hold the answers that they both have been looking for, if they're brave enough to face the truth. 

Thanks to Feiwel and Friends and NetGalley for an advanced copy of We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride to review! Me (Moth) was honestly such a masterpiece, and I don't know why more people don't talk about it. Plus, just look at this cover. It's on par for one of the best covers of 2023, and the year hasn't even started yet.

This is a novel in verse that doesn't shy away from the difficult topics. McBride pulls on her experiences with clinical depression, and she is a master at conveying these emotions in words. There were so many times where I had to pause while reading because this book is so emotional. It's about depression, about working through trauma, with two main characters that find solace in each other. It may be written in verse, but that almost makes it all the more powerful. 

There is a magical realism element to this book as well, which at times made it difficult to figure out what was actually going on. It's one of those books that lends itself to multiple readings because I'm sure that you'd find something different every single time you read it. Not only does it deal with Whimsy and Faerry trying to work through their own mental health, but also how they are perceived as Black teenagers with mental health issues. All of this is so well done, and I think this book will get a lot of buzz when it comes out in January.

All in all, be prepared for an emotional ride, but this should definitely be on your TBR for January. 
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