Reviews

A quick, but very readable YA novel.

Find Layla is a book about 14-year old Layla, who is well aware that her family life and living situation is not normal, but maybe not the extent to which that is true until the video she makes about the living biome (read: biohazard) of her home goes viral. Frightened of being sent into care without her little brother, Layla goes on the run.

The book is told from Layla's perspective, and it's a quick & compelling read, with a message at its heart about the damage we do by bullying people who are different, without trying to understand why that might be so. It does end quite abruptly, but if the premise of the book is to 'find' Layla, then once she is found, that is the end. So I guess it makes sense, but I would have liked to have seen more.

However, it's one of the Kindle Books of the Month for August, so you can download if for free if you're interested.

ireadbookssopleasehelpmebabes's review

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4.0

A small but beautiful book, that will both amaze you and break your heart. Layla is 14 with a Mum from hell and a little brother who she pretty much raises and looks after in their bio-hazard of a living situation.
The author did a great job of en-visioning the mind of a 14 year old girl and the struggles with her life while making a story that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished.

The plot was fast paced, developing quickly and the writing was also extraordinary casting the story up perfectly.

4 star read!

ameserole's review against another edition

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4.0

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find Layla was so freaking good. It also broke my heart a little bit because of how horrible Layla and her brother were being treated. It's never a good sign when you live in an unhealthy family and your own mother doesn't want to do a lick of parenting to you. So when I dove into Layla's life.. well, let's just say we did not go through the same experiences at all.

Even though my parents are divorced, they have never been neglectful to raising me and my older siblings. Heck, not even to the dogs either. So for someone to just do that to a fourteen year old and everyone else in this apartment building is a-okay with this? Yeah, no, I don't see that happening at all. Mostly because the world is filled with nosy ass people (like my sister) and I'm sure someone would've said or done something at one point.

Then again, that's just my opinion on that one thing.

Other than that, this book went by pretty quickly and in a way - I think I'm okay with it all. I guess I wanted more information on Layla and her brother before the last page.. but in a way, it was okay. Definitely liked diving into this book and getting to know a new author. I look forward to my next book by Meg.

jennifoo's review against another edition

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5.0

This author wrote this story beautifully. Layla narrates her story the entire time. This book reminds me of how I felt after Room. It's a story I always want to remember. This book needs to be shared with middle schoolers everywhere. It's so important. Share feelings of gratitude for what you have and compassion for those who do not have anything. I LOVED this book. Layla, I want to scoop you up and have you teach me everything you know and I will share with you everything I have.

trent1's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.25

kyokokk's review against another edition

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5.0

ネグレクト家庭の少女が、弟を守りながらなんとか生き抜こうとする物語。自分が住んでいるゴミ屋敷の「生態系」の動画を作ったら、有名人になってしまい、人生が変わりはじめる。
ラストが辛く、涙がとまらなかった。
全体に主人公の愛する生物学へのモチーフが散りばめられていて、インターネット時代の寓話的な雰囲気もよかった。

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