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sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I've only read one other of Rebecca Stead's books and I loved it, so I knew straight away that I would love this book too.
I read about 20 pages one day and then on my next day off I sat and read the rest of the book. Stead has a beautiful way of writing real characters and weaving an intriguing story that keeps you turning those pages.
The book is written in alternating perspectives; a mystery person's told over one day, our three main characters, and Sherm's through letters to his grandfather.
This was a clever way to slowly reveal all those secrets, give you a little bit but then move on to another character's story so you were always kept guessing.
This is a story about friendship at it's core. How they can be tested, strengthened and about making new ones. It's also about forgiveness, love and identity. There's so much to love about this book, I highly recommend this book to people of all ages.
I read about 20 pages one day and then on my next day off I sat and read the rest of the book. Stead has a beautiful way of writing real characters and weaving an intriguing story that keeps you turning those pages.
The book is written in alternating perspectives; a mystery person's told over one day, our three main characters, and Sherm's through letters to his grandfather.
This was a clever way to slowly reveal all those secrets, give you a little bit but then move on to another character's story so you were always kept guessing.
This is a story about friendship at it's core. How they can be tested, strengthened and about making new ones. It's also about forgiveness, love and identity. There's so much to love about this book, I highly recommend this book to people of all ages.
tansummer's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
prodigalstudent's review against another edition
4.0
There's just something about Rebecca Stead's books. She just writes so beautifully and manages to capture childhood, and adolescence and those teenage years in a way many authors cannot. I think, what I love the most, is the innocence in the writing - you feel like you're truly in the shoes of a young adult, because the way they think is so free of cynicism, and full of curiosity and wonder for the world. I mean, consider this quote:
Love is when you like someone so much that you can't just call it "like", so you have to call it "love".
or even the story about Hermey the elf who wanted to be a dentist so that both Rudolph, the red-nose reindeer and Hermey could be independent together.
This book follows that trend. I do not want to divulge any details of the plot, because in my opinion, it's mostly irrelevant. This reads more like a slice-of-life novel with a few tiny twists and turns. I also need to give the author kudos for the secondary almost anonymous narrative arc she plants in the book. However, I do question whether young adults reading this book would be able to follow along the non-traditional book format. Nevertheless, it's a great novel.
My one criticism is with the epilogue. My issue is not with the scene, but its placement. I just felt that with the themes explored in this novel, it was kind of traditional and disappointing to end it with a romantic scene. Nevertheless, this is still a great book, and I'm glad I read it.
Love is when you like someone so much that you can't just call it "like", so you have to call it "love".
or even the story about Hermey the elf who wanted to be a dentist so that both Rudolph, the red-nose reindeer and Hermey could be independent together.
This book follows that trend. I do not want to divulge any details of the plot, because in my opinion, it's mostly irrelevant. This reads more like a slice-of-life novel with a few tiny twists and turns. I also need to give the author kudos for the secondary almost anonymous narrative arc she plants in the book. However, I do question whether young adults reading this book would be able to follow along the non-traditional book format. Nevertheless, it's a great novel.
My one criticism is with the epilogue
Spoiler
with the kiss between Bridge and Shermprotoman21's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure why I didn't connect with this book the way others seem to have. I don't know if it is because I'm a 37 year old man, and the book is more suited for teenage girls, but I struggled to keep the girls apart and that really weakened the story for me. I read this a few months ago and honestly I can't remember many details from the book at all.
votesforwomen's review against another edition
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 against another edition
4.0
Read this one at least twice. You know these kids - and their middle school minds and feelings. Wonderful!
roseleaf24's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.