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thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
“Nobody else knows that story. What we share is terrible, but it’s ours and ours alone.”
mercipourleslivres's review against another edition
3.0
The descriptions of child neglect and hoarding were spot on, and the mom was a total witch. That said the novel(la?) had its issues. I couldn’t buy any of the peer relationships Layla had. Kristi wasn’t really her friend, Jane was a one note bully, and the rest of the classmates and adults had as much personality and character as a stadium full of cardboard cut outs.
I’m thinking this was a short story that was expanded into a novel but wasn’t fully fleshed out enough.
Also, the prominent use of of Twitter / tweeting seemed a bit dated. Aren’t all the kids on tiktok now?
I’m thinking this was a short story that was expanded into a novel but wasn’t fully fleshed out enough.
Also, the prominent use of of Twitter / tweeting seemed a bit dated. Aren’t all the kids on tiktok now?
readabookbraun's review against another edition
5.0
Layla is a resourceful teen (not necessarily by choice) who has to take care of her and her little brother because their mom is often absent, mentally and physically. Layla wants to become a scientist and for a science project has to study an ecosystem. She decides to turn the lens on her apartment biome of black mold, mildew, shut off utilities, and various insect life. A tough fictional read about bullying - in person and online, hunger, child neglect, and emotional abuse. I found this book at times difficult to read. But difficult topics need to be examined and students should be exposed to stories that provide a window into circumstances that unfortunately occur. This is a book that will stay with me.
eiliux's review
4.0
Me lo eché en una sentada porque una vez que lo inicié no pude soltarlo. Que libro tan difícil ya la vez tan interesante. La infancia es una etapa complicada por el poco control que tenemos acerca de nuestra propia vida. Así, Layla sabe que la manera en la que vive no es normal, pero tampoco puede hacer gran cosa para evitarlo. Me dieron ganas de adoptar a todos los niños del mundo. Me gustó pero al mismo tiempo es una lectura dura.
czarot's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Most parts effectively makes your chest tighten. I only wish it was longer. I would have followed Layla's story until her college years because of how good this is.
Most parts effectively makes your chest tighten. I only wish it was longer. I would have followed Layla's story until her college years because of how good this is.
zbrarian's review
5.0
Wow
This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.
This story packed a punch. I need a few days to compute. I’ll write more when I can. Powerful, gut-wrenching.
ctin2's review
5.0
Finished this in one sitting. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful, you’ll find yourself weeping here and there and sitting on the edge of your seat.
poppyjessica's review
4.0
Having only read the gripping and traumatic [b:Fighting Words|48945757|Fighting Words|Kimberly Brubaker Bradley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574716879l/48945757._SY75_.jpg|73825464] recently, 'Find Layla' delivered a gut-punch for me with yet another disturbingly realistic and tragic story of abuse and the effects on those too young to escape from its influence. 'Find Layla' focuses on the eponymous character and the chaos of her home life, balancing a flooded and moulded flat to live in (her unstable mother has ruined the environment with her hoarding tendencies) with school commitments and trying to care for her adorable and cheeky little brother Andy.
Layla herself is a strong and intelligent protagonist. She has to keep calm control with her little brother, forced to grow up too fast. It is crushing to see Layla attend school with dirty clothes and unwashed hair, a tragic product of her environment and in desperate need of saving. Do not go into this story expecting happiness and light - this is a chilling portrayal of childhood trauma which is highly affecting for the reader.
Avoid exposing yourself to too much of the synopsis before you read as many of the events described give away key moments in the latter half of the novel (mainly due to the questionable pacing and slow burn in the first half of the story). This is a quick but vital read, especially if you want insight into the lives of children experiencing environments similar to Layla. Tragic yet compelling.
Layla herself is a strong and intelligent protagonist. She has to keep calm control with her little brother, forced to grow up too fast. It is crushing to see Layla attend school with dirty clothes and unwashed hair, a tragic product of her environment and in desperate need of saving. Do not go into this story expecting happiness and light - this is a chilling portrayal of childhood trauma which is highly affecting for the reader.
Avoid exposing yourself to too much of the synopsis before you read as many of the events described give away key moments in the latter half of the novel (mainly due to the questionable pacing and slow burn in the first half of the story). This is a quick but vital read, especially if you want insight into the lives of children experiencing environments similar to Layla. Tragic yet compelling.