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soleil_soleil's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Not as amazing as my personal hype made me think it would be... lol. The book has been following me around since grade 9 so I had to finally read it ;) I do like the fact that the story sheds light on mental health and, especially, depression, particularly through the perspective of a teen who is still learning about it. Encourages openness, kindness, and compassion.
"Children know the truth . . . they haven't learned to walk with a veil over their eyes. That's a habit that comes with adulthood."
"Children know the truth . . . they haven't learned to walk with a veil over their eyes. That's a habit that comes with adulthood."
competencefantasy's review
It's good I just can't with the subject matter right now
sweetpoet's review against another edition
5.0
This has gone to the top of my favorites list... I’ve never had a book make cry so much and feel so much hope at the same time! This is just a book anybody can relate to I believe, I loved the aspect of watching your loved ones go through depression, and feeling so freaking hopeless to help that person. This author has nothing but respect for this really important issue I’ve never read another book like this just so hopeful. And it’s not just all about how she wishes her mom was there it’s about her learning from things and about broken relationships fixing those, finding friendships and just love all around.
that_chick26's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
crawdad_lake's review
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you like the musical Next to Normal, this is a great book to get similar character connections and story. I love the culture that Leigh doesn't even know about being what pushes her forward. The grandparents were dear and the plot twist with Feng was overwhelmingly shocking! I had not seen it coming from a mile away and it was beautiful. I wish we got a more gradual connection back with the father, but that's barely a nick pick in a fantastic book like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
eponineeurydice's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for YA Lit class. This book was beautiful, and that is undeniable. The lyrical writing that you could just tumble into paired so beautifully with the hints of magic sprinkled through this book. A book about grief, loss and love and imperfection, which was just... gorgeous and unbelievably careful with the subjects it handled. Each character was rendered so vividly and they all seemed so real... but. I do have some problems with this book that prevent me from giving it 5 stars. Firstly, I had hyped this book so much in my head that it just didn't live up to the expectations, which is really sad. Second, I really wanted to feel something. I wanted to sob. And while this book touched my soul, it didn't move me to emotions or tears like I wanted it to. And thirdly, I just didn't love Leigh. And I know grief changes a person, but I just didn't quite connect with her, which made my enjoyment of a book like this much smaller. However, this is still a solid 4 star read, and I still highly recommend; it's a beautiful exploration of grief, family and friendship.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
4.0
Leigh Chen Sanders is in high school struggling with many things: her feelings for her best friend Axel (who has a girlfriend), her father's disapproval of her passion for art, her mother's intense bouts of depression, and the fact that she knows nothing about her mother's parents or life back in Taiwan. When Leigh's mother commits suicide, Leigh is inconsolable...she suffers from insomnia and starts seeing a red bird who she is convinced is her mother. Leigh and her father eventually fly to Taiwan to meet her grandparents, and there she goes on a journey to find the red bird and learn more about her mother.
A heart-wrenching story about grief and loss, but it ended on a hopeful note about the importance of family, memories, and seeking help.
A heart-wrenching story about grief and loss, but it ended on a hopeful note about the importance of family, memories, and seeking help.
smateer73's review
4.0
This book was really interesting! It is absolutely magical, the way it combines romance, culture, spiritual elements, friendship, and so much more into one. The way Emily Pan writes is intricate and inspiring, and everything really comes alive on the page. This will keeps you hooked all the way until the end