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votesforwomen's review
4.0
In hindsight, I gave this 3 stars. Now that I've actually read it recently, I'll be a bit more generous and give it 4 :) It could have been perfect, except for one little quibble I had with it. And that was this:
This was definitely, in part, a cautionary tale, but it had way more to do with the idea that GIRLS are out to get each other than the idea that GUYS are out to hurt girls.
And this is definitely a topic that needs to be addressed. Girls are mean! I've had lots of experience with it, sadly. But I also know that in the situation presented, the actual outcome was very, very realistic.
Sexting is dangerous. Sexting is bad. And I feel like this book glossed over that a bit, making it seem so that it's only bad IF AND ONLY IF people beyond the intended participant see it. Luckily for Em, Patrick ended up being an okay guy--but then, he also had absolutely zero spine and was a total coward, and I feel like /he/ should have been the guilty one. I really do. It would have been more realistic and it would probably have sent a better message--DO NOT SEXT.
Anyone, that's just my little rant here. My other quibble is with the fact that the characters felt substantially older than they were portrayed. I think it might have been good to have the main girls be freshmen in high school rather than 7th graders, and make Celeste be a junior. But that's just me. :)
Overall, I really loved this one! Especially Sherm, Bridge, the healthy sibling relationships, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the coffee shop bits. Love it. <3
This was definitely, in part, a cautionary tale, but it had way more to do with the idea that GIRLS are out to get each other than the idea that GUYS are out to hurt girls.
And this is definitely a topic that needs to be addressed. Girls are mean! I've had lots of experience with it, sadly. But I also know that in the situation presented, the actual outcome was very, very realistic.
Sexting is dangerous. Sexting is bad. And I feel like this book glossed over that a bit, making it seem so that it's only bad IF AND ONLY IF people beyond the intended participant see it. Luckily for Em, Patrick ended up being an okay guy--but then, he also had absolutely zero spine and was a total coward, and I feel like /he/ should have been the guilty one. I really do. It would have been more realistic and it would probably have sent a better message--DO NOT SEXT.
Anyone, that's just my little rant here. My other quibble is with the fact that the characters felt substantially older than they were portrayed. I think it might have been good to have the main girls be freshmen in high school rather than 7th graders, and make Celeste be a junior. But that's just me. :)
Overall, I really loved this one! Especially Sherm, Bridge, the healthy sibling relationships, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the coffee shop bits. Love it. <3
gmamartha's review
4.0
Read this one at least twice. You know these kids - and their middle school minds and feelings. Wonderful!
roseleaf24's review
4.0
This book reminds be of Love, Actually, in all the best ways. But for middle schoolers. That also means that some of you would also love it, and some of you would hate it. Many stories happen in the same place, coming together on Valentine's Day and all crossing paths. I loved the characters and was engaged by the plot.
karen_hallam's review
5.0
I'm just smiling. Loved so much in his book. I have that after book glow. And that epilogue! The characters are dealing with some pretty serious issues. One, that reflected something my son did just today.
I always leave Rebecca Stead's books with the feeling I've been hugged.
I always leave Rebecca Stead's books with the feeling I've been hugged.
breakfastgrey's review
5.0
When You Reach Me is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it countless times both on my own and with students. Goodbye Stranger definitely lives up to that legacy in a way that Liar and Spy never quite seemed comfortable with. It's written for a slightly older audience verging on young adult rather than middle grade, but it's absolutely worth the read. Rebecca Stead is an absolute master of character voice.
christiana's review
4.0
This book was so tender and still had Stead's hallmark enigmatic touches. I haven't really read any books that take on the subjects taken on in this one, and love that Stead doesn't shy away. That being said, I consider this solidly a teen book. Middle school is worse than meatloaf lovers might have a kindred book spirit in this one. :)
Unrelated: Sherm forever.
Unrelated: Sherm forever.
ladytiara's review
4.0
Goodbye Stranger is the story of three best friends entering seventh grade and an unnamed high school freshman dealing with a betrayal. Bridge, Emily, and Tabitha have been friends for many years, and they long ago made a pact that they would never fight, something they’re finding hard to keep to now that they’re in the seventh grade. The girls are growing apart a bit, not because they don’t still care about each other deeply, but because seventh grade is a time of change. They’re all involved in different activities, and they’re making new friends outside their little group.
Seventh grade is an interesting time for kids. You’re not quite a teenager, but you’re starting to leave childhood behind. Stead does an excellent job of showing how these kids are being pulled in different directions. This books deals with a lot of issues kids face: girls developing early, sexting, peer-pressure, frenemies, slut-shaming, and bullying. I liked how the author handled these issues. For example, one character sends an inappropriate photo to a boy at his urging. Yes, it’s a dumb thing to go, but the initial response of the school and the other kids is awful and completely ridiculous. Stead makes it clear this sort of slut-shaming is just plain wrong, and that’s a powerful message for kids. (And, boy, am I ever glad I came of age in a time before smartphones.)
This would be a great book to read along with your kid (although it’s probably not good for reading to your kids, since the target age group is a bit past the being read to stage). The recommended age is 10 and up, but depending on a child’s maturity level, 12 and up may be more appropriate. This book provides a lot of opportunities to discuss big issues with kids, particularly bullying and peer-pressure. The author does a great job of being even-handed. In one scene, a character points out that a mean girl’s awful behavior may be motivated by jealousy. It doesn’t mitigate her behavior, but it helps another character to understand the situation a little better. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
Seventh grade is an interesting time for kids. You’re not quite a teenager, but you’re starting to leave childhood behind. Stead does an excellent job of showing how these kids are being pulled in different directions. This books deals with a lot of issues kids face: girls developing early, sexting, peer-pressure, frenemies, slut-shaming, and bullying. I liked how the author handled these issues. For example, one character sends an inappropriate photo to a boy at his urging. Yes, it’s a dumb thing to go, but the initial response of the school and the other kids is awful and completely ridiculous. Stead makes it clear this sort of slut-shaming is just plain wrong, and that’s a powerful message for kids. (And, boy, am I ever glad I came of age in a time before smartphones.)
This would be a great book to read along with your kid (although it’s probably not good for reading to your kids, since the target age group is a bit past the being read to stage). The recommended age is 10 and up, but depending on a child’s maturity level, 12 and up may be more appropriate. This book provides a lot of opportunities to discuss big issues with kids, particularly bullying and peer-pressure. The author does a great job of being even-handed. In one scene, a character points out that a mean girl’s awful behavior may be motivated by jealousy. It doesn’t mitigate her behavior, but it helps another character to understand the situation a little better. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
4saradouglas's review
5.0
Oh man, I really loved this book. I loved it so much and yet I don't even know what to say about it. Stead covers a lot of different topics here, and the characters were so real and the book seemed so... current, I guess. There's so much to learn from this book; so much to think about regarding love and friendship and the meaning of life. I need to figure out who to give this to and just continuously pass it on.
janewhitehurst's review
4.0
Rebecca Stead has written another awesome book. While it's no When You Reach Me, Goodbye Stranger is a great read. The book tells the story of Bridge, Em, and Tab, 3 best friends, as they navigate middle school and experience the changing of relationship dynamics as they age and become interested in boys. The story touched on some teen talking points (sexting and bullying) but managed to not be preachy or dull. It was a nice story that I see both parents and kids really enjoying.
the_jesus_fandom's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun, but I seriously didn't remember most of it after a few weeks because it's a lot like other middle school books. Doesn't mean it isn't good, of course.