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angielina's review against another edition
4.0
The plot of this book is very unique on its own and seems like it could be a movie. I mean it felt like a movie in every way. Starfish shows that in life, things won't get your way, but there is always a way to find a path that leads to your dream.
bookdust's review against another edition
5.0
When I was a teen, books like this didn't exist in YA. Instead it was ordinary broken girls finding escape in new worlds with pretty boys who told them they were worth it. I'm 24, so it hasn't been TOO long since I've been a teen, but since then I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned to move in my skin if only slightly better than the teenage girl almost just like Kiko - a girl from an emotionally abusive world who hid behind art and dreams but was afraid to speak. One who felt a disconnect to her culture and sibling and could not do anything alone. I'm so happy this exists for teens who feel that NOW. I had to learn it the hard way, and I'm still learning and struggling every day, but Starfish is a masterpiece. I think I've already read the best book I'll read of 2019, and it's still only January. Do not pass up this story.
jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
Finding your place in the world can be so difficult. It's even more difficult when you've been taught to despise a big part of who you are. My heart ached for Kiko for much of this book, because she didn't see herself as someone worthy of love. Following her as she learned to unlearn the self-loathing and to see the beauty all around her (and inside of her) was cathartic. And I love the powerful role that art played in this book.
kristinmarzullo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an adorable YA story with many powerful messages about growing up, identity, learning to stand up for yourself, and the difficulty that can be family.
Kiko was easy to root for, she is every child who struggles to believe in themselves, but on top of that she has a mother who is truly heinous. While I wish the ending with her mom would have been different there are still some major takeaways about narcissism and abuse that are important to be talked about.
I was expecting far more of a coming of age story in the sense of adventures and fun. This is not that—and that’s not a bad thing—just wasn’t what I was expecting based on the blurb.
I adored the epilogue. I think it might have been my favorite part.
However there should definitely be TW for suicide and child SA! Publishers should get into the habit of including them!
Kiko was easy to root for, she is every child who struggles to believe in themselves, but on top of that she has a mother who is truly heinous. While I wish the ending with her mom would have been different there are still some major takeaways about narcissism and abuse that are important to be talked about.
I was expecting far more of a coming of age story in the sense of adventures and fun. This is not that—and that’s not a bad thing—just wasn’t what I was expecting based on the blurb.
I adored the epilogue. I think it might have been my favorite part.
However there should definitely be TW for suicide and child SA! Publishers should get into the habit of including them!
faeriesparks's review against another edition
5.0
My video and blog review of this book are now both up!
Video: https://youtu.be/1Qv4cskY6os
Blog: https://faeriedrugs.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/review-starfish-by-akemi-dawn-bowman/
I have no words to currently summarize my feelings for this book. I plan on filming on video review and I might also write a review for my blog. It might take me a while...
But let it be known that this is a new favorite of mine.
Video: https://youtu.be/1Qv4cskY6os
Blog: https://faeriedrugs.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/review-starfish-by-akemi-dawn-bowman/
I have no words to currently summarize my feelings for this book. I plan on filming on video review and I might also write a review for my blog. It might take me a while...
But let it be known that this is a new favorite of mine.
chaleyah's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, and Racism
Minor: Body shaming
sunnylain's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
kkoerth613's review against another edition
4.0
This book means a lot to me because the main character experiences social anxiety, which I do as well, so I can relate very much. The mom of the MC really made me angry, especially because she caused a lot of her children’s problems.
reaganhardin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5