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ienne's review against another edition
3.0
***I received an eARC of this book from the publisher (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group) in exchange for an honest review. This is an uncorrected galley; any quotes used are subject to change.
This book follows a girl Lucille whose father was in a mental institution while her mother left town leaving her with her little sister, Wren. Their mother left Lucille with nothing but her younger sister to look after; bills and taxes to pay for; and heaps of responsibilities to shoulder on. Lucille Bennett is just another 18 year old girl who’s supposed to worry about her education and not about how to raise and support her entire family. She was forced to do things more than she can manage. Wren Bennett, on the other hand, is a cute and intelligent 9-year old girl who also suffers one of the greatest blows of misfortune in the annals of their family history.
At the first part of the story, I was literally glued because the storyline was so damn intriguing and so stirring, I didn’t know what the f*ck is happening. There’s always a lump on my throat every time I’m reading it.
Lucille’s situation will definitely break your heart; you just wanted to go there and hug her. Taking care of her younger sister and working everyday to pay the bills have become a ball and chain that ties her down. As a result, Lucille has no other choice but to bite off things more than she can chew because her own mother forgot about parental responsibility and legal obligation.
I was so frustrated with their mother and I just want to meet her even in the middle of nowhere and give her a high five in the face and just simply ask her these three short words: “What the hell?”
Lucille and Wren’s mother left them for some stupid “quest to find herself” sugar-coated as “holiday break.” When somebody says, “I needed a break” when all they want to say is, “I needed some space without you in it,” it pisses me off. Seriously, that was the most ridiculous excuse I have ever heard.
SCENE 1:
LUCILLE'S MOTHER:
ME:
TRIVIA: She left her children with one hundred bill. How fascinating!
THE GOOD PARTS
I loved the title and its book cover.The title was flawlessly linked to the content of the book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t draggy or tedious because of the narration style and its fast-paced writing.
The book was beautifully written. The author’s writing style was authentic, raw, powerful and partially abstract (also lots of sentence fragments). Lucille has a very strong character which I really admired. The internal monologue was indeed very convincing.
Has a realistic and honest portrayal of family dysfunction.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD-PARTS
LUCILLE
DIGBY
He’s an ambivalent guy who can’t get around with things and be committed even for a second. So in the entire story, he always had to sneak: sneak kisses, sneak tight grips, sneak bear hugs and sneak physical comforts. He always had an inconsistent predilection for romance.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The book has so many loose ends. There were just too many questions that demanded an answer. I found the ending a bit noncommittal. Resolution was suspended in thin air or was the answers purposely left off the hook? Perhaps to keep someone wondering purposely?
LESSONS LEARNED:
Not all parents are dependable.
Not all teenagers are consistent trouble-makers. Not all of them are footloose and fancy free youngsters and irresponsible party animals.
No matter how bad your heart is broken, when a friend cries out to you, you will always find yourself lending a hand.
Sh*t happens. The world will never get tired of upsetting you.
Lastly, I just wanted share this quote to you. I think it’s perfect for the book, though I don’t know who to credit but I’ll say it anyway: “Sometimes you just have to give up on people, not because you don’t care but because they don’t.”
Book Cover: *4/5
Plot: *4/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Ending/Denouement: *2/5
Thank you to Netgalley.com and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for sending me a copy of this book.
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
This book follows a girl Lucille whose father was in a mental institution while her mother left town leaving her with her little sister, Wren. Their mother left Lucille with nothing but her younger sister to look after; bills and taxes to pay for; and heaps of responsibilities to shoulder on. Lucille Bennett is just another 18 year old girl who’s supposed to worry about her education and not about how to raise and support her entire family. She was forced to do things more than she can manage. Wren Bennett, on the other hand, is a cute and intelligent 9-year old girl who also suffers one of the greatest blows of misfortune in the annals of their family history.
At the first part of the story, I was literally glued because the storyline was so damn intriguing and so stirring, I didn’t know what the f*ck is happening. There’s always a lump on my throat every time I’m reading it.
Lucille’s situation will definitely break your heart; you just wanted to go there and hug her. Taking care of her younger sister and working everyday to pay the bills have become a ball and chain that ties her down. As a result, Lucille has no other choice but to bite off things more than she can chew because her own mother forgot about parental responsibility and legal obligation.
I was so frustrated with their mother and I just want to meet her even in the middle of nowhere and give her a high five in the face and just simply ask her these three short words: “What the hell?”
“What kind of person doesn’t come back? I don’t know. What kind of person leaves in the first place?”
Lucille and Wren’s mother left them for some stupid “quest to find herself” sugar-coated as “holiday break.” When somebody says, “I needed a break” when all they want to say is, “I needed some space without you in it,” it pisses me off. Seriously, that was the most ridiculous excuse I have ever heard.
“Said she needed a break from everything (See also: Us)”
SCENE 1:
LUCILLE'S MOTHER:
ME:
TRIVIA: She left her children with one hundred bill. How fascinating!
THE GOOD PARTS
I loved the title and its book cover.The title was flawlessly linked to the content of the book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t draggy or tedious because of the narration style and its fast-paced writing.
The book was beautifully written. The author’s writing style was authentic, raw, powerful and partially abstract (also lots of sentence fragments). Lucille has a very strong character which I really admired. The internal monologue was indeed very convincing.
Has a realistic and honest portrayal of family dysfunction.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD-PARTS
LUCILLE
Spoiler
Lucille’s narration was authentic throughout the story. Her responses to her miserable situation were graspable too. However, in the middle part, everything becomes too confusing. She becomes too irascible and sentimental. She will whine everytime Digby meets her girlfriend like a whiny 3 year old whose friends have taken her favorite toy away from her. And then, afterwards, once Digby drapes his arms around her, she will turn a complete somersault.“How does a barely noticeable star become your very own sun?”
DIGBY
He’s an ambivalent guy who can’t get around with things and be committed even for a second. So in the entire story, he always had to sneak: sneak kisses, sneak tight grips, sneak bear hugs and sneak physical comforts. He always had an inconsistent predilection for romance.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The book has so many loose ends. There were just too many questions that demanded an answer. I found the ending a bit noncommittal. Resolution was suspended in thin air or was the answers purposely left off the hook? Perhaps to keep someone wondering purposely?
LESSONS LEARNED:
Not all parents are dependable.
Not all teenagers are consistent trouble-makers. Not all of them are footloose and fancy free youngsters and irresponsible party animals.
No matter how bad your heart is broken, when a friend cries out to you, you will always find yourself lending a hand.
Sh*t happens. The world will never get tired of upsetting you.
Lastly, I just wanted share this quote to you. I think it’s perfect for the book, though I don’t know who to credit but I’ll say it anyway: “Sometimes you just have to give up on people, not because you don’t care but because they don’t.”
Book Cover: *4/5
Plot: *4/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Ending/Denouement: *2/5
Thank you to Netgalley.com and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group for sending me a copy of this book.
rebekahf's review against another edition
3.0
Lucille, a 17-year-old high school student, has a lot on her plate. Her father had a mental breakdown and has vanished. Her mother has skipped town as well, leaving her to look after her younger sister, Wren. To top it off, she’s falling for her best friend’s brother, who has a serious girlfriend. With very real adult problems lurking, Lucille is holding it together – just.
The story follows Lucille as she attempts to juggle some major challenges in her life. While the cover hints at a romance, it is so much more than a cliché young adult love story. Lucille must figure out how to pay the bills, maintain a household, keep her grades up and raise her sister, all while battling with her own emotions.
This Raging Light has a lot going on. There are endless story threads – Lucille’s family drama, a complicated love, a tricky friendship issue, an accident and a mystery – and it can get a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, the threads aren’t all bundled up together in a nice resolution at the end either. In fact, you are left hanging, which makes rumours of a sequel more interesting. Or maybe the author wants it to be like life — sometimes there just is no answers.
Despite this confusing finale, it is a fast-paced story which is poetically written. It will suck you in from the first page as you race to find out what exactly is going on. I was moved to tears at one particular point I was so caught up in the story. This was because Laure creates such real, vivid characters.
Lucille is a fantastic, strong, authentic voice. Laure has a way of making you want to reach in the pages, hug her and take care of her and Wren. It was also nice to read about a young woman who doesn’t wallow when things don’t go her way. Lucille takes the bull by the horns and gets things done, but she is also fragile and fickle. Wren is the sweetest little girl and every support character feels alive.
Laure has also realistically and honestly told a story of family dysfunction. There are so many themes and morals, that it would make a great addition to a class book list for high schools. It is perfectly aimed at the young adult market. The only one niggle is Eden’s smoking habit. While it’s not mentioned that she smokes to keep her weight down it is implied through her passion of ballet. It’s a habit that isn’t addressed or resolved, which doesn’t quite sit right for a younger audience.
This is Laure’s debut novel and it is a little obvious. Some of the Lucille’s internal monologue is clunky and requires a second reading. While this may have been an attempt to portray indecisiveness, it doesn’t pay off. With a bit of polishing however, Laure has plenty of potential to become a stand-out writer. This Raging Light is certainly an impressive beginning.
The story follows Lucille as she attempts to juggle some major challenges in her life. While the cover hints at a romance, it is so much more than a cliché young adult love story. Lucille must figure out how to pay the bills, maintain a household, keep her grades up and raise her sister, all while battling with her own emotions.
This Raging Light has a lot going on. There are endless story threads – Lucille’s family drama, a complicated love, a tricky friendship issue, an accident and a mystery – and it can get a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, the threads aren’t all bundled up together in a nice resolution at the end either. In fact, you are left hanging, which makes rumours of a sequel more interesting. Or maybe the author wants it to be like life — sometimes there just is no answers.
Despite this confusing finale, it is a fast-paced story which is poetically written. It will suck you in from the first page as you race to find out what exactly is going on. I was moved to tears at one particular point I was so caught up in the story. This was because Laure creates such real, vivid characters.
Lucille is a fantastic, strong, authentic voice. Laure has a way of making you want to reach in the pages, hug her and take care of her and Wren. It was also nice to read about a young woman who doesn’t wallow when things don’t go her way. Lucille takes the bull by the horns and gets things done, but she is also fragile and fickle. Wren is the sweetest little girl and every support character feels alive.
Laure has also realistically and honestly told a story of family dysfunction. There are so many themes and morals, that it would make a great addition to a class book list for high schools. It is perfectly aimed at the young adult market. The only one niggle is Eden’s smoking habit. While it’s not mentioned that she smokes to keep her weight down it is implied through her passion of ballet. It’s a habit that isn’t addressed or resolved, which doesn’t quite sit right for a younger audience.
This is Laure’s debut novel and it is a little obvious. Some of the Lucille’s internal monologue is clunky and requires a second reading. While this may have been an attempt to portray indecisiveness, it doesn’t pay off. With a bit of polishing however, Laure has plenty of potential to become a stand-out writer. This Raging Light is certainly an impressive beginning.
literarylover37's review against another edition
3.0
I received an advanced copy of this book from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This just released today YA book has some really strong points that I think will connect with the intended audience.
First, how gorgeous is this cover? Objectively pretty and fitting with story and audience the cover is a win.
Secondly, I really appreciated the difficult position that our main character Lucille has found herself in. In fact, I think her taking care of her sister Wren, and dealing with the two different forms of abandonment she has suffered from her parents is the core of this book. It is then no surprise that this is where the strength of this novel lies. I wish the author had focused more on this than on the "romance" with Digby.
Ah yes, the Digby romance. Yikes. This area was just weak because as much as we are supposed to feel bad for Digby that poor him, he was just helping out a friend and fell in looooove, we never can get past the fact that he has cheated on his girlfriend (and Lulu) for most of the book. Add to the fact that I never could quite figure out what Lulu saw in him, (his favorite food is salad??? please, he had the personality of a salad...and a house salad at that) and this whole romance left me feeling icky and uncomfortable.
Another plot point I could have done without was the direction taken with Eden. Why? I mean I get that it moved things along (I suppose) but we could have reached the same conclusion without having that whole thing happen(trying to not give spoilers). It just seemed like another additional story line that was unnecessary.
I know other reviewers have commented for or against the writing style. Let me just say that for the most part I didn't mind it but I also didn't love it. Either way, it was certainly a definitive style and it will be interesting to see if that same style occurs in Ms. Laure's next book.
If you're looking for a YA novel that meets what you stereo-typically think of YA novels, this is it.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
This just released today YA book has some really strong points that I think will connect with the intended audience.
First, how gorgeous is this cover? Objectively pretty and fitting with story and audience the cover is a win.
Secondly, I really appreciated the difficult position that our main character Lucille has found herself in. In fact, I think her taking care of her sister Wren, and dealing with the two different forms of abandonment she has suffered from her parents is the core of this book. It is then no surprise that this is where the strength of this novel lies. I wish the author had focused more on this than on the "romance" with Digby.
Ah yes, the Digby romance. Yikes. This area was just weak because as much as we are supposed to feel bad for Digby that poor him, he was just helping out a friend and fell in looooove, we never can get past the fact that he has cheated on his girlfriend (and Lulu) for most of the book. Add to the fact that I never could quite figure out what Lulu saw in him, (his favorite food is salad??? please, he had the personality of a salad...and a house salad at that) and this whole romance left me feeling icky and uncomfortable.
Another plot point I could have done without was the direction taken with Eden. Why? I mean I get that it moved things along (I suppose) but we could have reached the same conclusion without having that whole thing happen(trying to not give spoilers). It just seemed like another additional story line that was unnecessary.
I know other reviewers have commented for or against the writing style. Let me just say that for the most part I didn't mind it but I also didn't love it. Either way, it was certainly a definitive style and it will be interesting to see if that same style occurs in Ms. Laure's next book.
If you're looking for a YA novel that meets what you stereo-typically think of YA novels, this is it.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
silvyinwonderland's review against another edition
4.0
Delizioso *-*
Recensione: http://wefoundwonderlandinbooks.blogspot.it/2016/02/recensione-la-notte-che-ho-dipinto-il.html
Recensione: http://wefoundwonderlandinbooks.blogspot.it/2016/02/recensione-la-notte-che-ho-dipinto-il.html
yousrabushehri's review against another edition
3.0
Ok. I don't remember talking in riddles and quoting poets and being all lyrical and deep as a teenager. Nothing these characters said was straight up and clear. Everything felt like a puzzle that needed to be solved and explained. It kind of broke the flow of the writing because one minute the language was fluid and easy to follow, then your eyes hit a dense sentence that you need to reread to understand.
It was an overall tense and engaging storyline. You're left wondering what will happen next, chapter to chapter. And the story is broken up beautifully. I love that there were no "chapters", but everything was divided by days. It allows the reader to have a good timeline and scale of time when reading. That gives it a realistic quality that I enjoyed.
The drama in Lu's life seemed a little too much. But to be honest, I'm the last person to judge on that since I'm the kind of person who avoids conflict and high stress situations like a plague. What I can say about Lu, the main character, is that she is the right mix of teenage angst and brave woman. She has her annoying moments but she still pulls up her big girl pants and moves on with her responsibilities.
Overall, I don't know I'd read this again. It was a tad to "teen" for me (I'm 28). I just heard a lot of good things about it and if I were younger, even in my early twenties, I think it would have been one of my favourites.
It was an overall tense and engaging storyline. You're left wondering what will happen next, chapter to chapter. And the story is broken up beautifully. I love that there were no "chapters", but everything was divided by days. It allows the reader to have a good timeline and scale of time when reading. That gives it a realistic quality that I enjoyed.
The drama in Lu's life seemed a little too much. But to be honest, I'm the last person to judge on that since I'm the kind of person who avoids conflict and high stress situations like a plague. What I can say about Lu, the main character, is that she is the right mix of teenage angst and brave woman. She has her annoying moments but she still pulls up her big girl pants and moves on with her responsibilities.
Overall, I don't know I'd read this again. It was a tad to "teen" for me (I'm 28). I just heard a lot of good things about it and if I were younger, even in my early twenties, I think it would have been one of my favourites.
katiebookqueen's review against another edition
3.0
This story follows Lucille as she becomes the sole carer of her younger sister Wren when their mother decides to leave them in order to clear her head. After trouble with their father, their mother finds it difficult to cope. So Lucille is left to pay the bills and keep the house functioning, as well as making sure no one discovers their secret. The only people who know what Lucille and Wren are facing is Lu’s best friend Eden, and her twin brother Digby, who Lucille has feelings for despite him having a girlfriend.
This Raging Light is a book I’m quite torn over because whilst there were aspects of it that I enjoyed, there were also parts I found quite predictable. It lacked that unique touch for me. What worked especially well was Lucille’s struggle to keep on top of things by herself. Also the bond between her and Wren was wonderfully done, and Wren herself was a fantastic character.
The writing itself was beautiful and quite poetic at times, and Lucille’s emotions were described well, making everything feel raw and real. Whilst she was a believable character with a strong head, I didn’t connect to her as much as I wanted to. It felt like there wasn’t really much about her that stood out from other YA protagonists in similar situations. Her friendship with Eden was something I enjoyed, though. Eden was a fun and quirky character, and I particularly liked a certain plot twist that happened towards the end of the story which definitely packed a punch.
Lucille’s relationship with Digby didn’t have much appeal to me. In my opinion, they lacked the chemistry that they were clearly meant to have lots of. They have years of history, with the twins living right next door to Lucille as children, but I didn’t feel any of that history between them. I’d have preferred it if more flashback scenes had been included, and if the two of them had had more conversations throughout the course of the story. It didn’t exactly feel rushed because they’d known each other for so long, but I just felt like we were denied the chance to have seen their bond grow, and for that reason I didn’t have much emotional investment in their relationship. I also felt as though there could have been more scenes with Digby’s girlfriend, Elaine. There wasn’t a chance to get to know her and I think the story could have been a bit more dramatic if there had been more attachment to her character.
The element of mystery with regards to Lucille’s dysfunctional family throughout the book kept me hooked. I was eager to find out what happened to get them to the situation they’re in now. However, the ending left me a little frustrated because there were still questions I wanted answers to. But I believe there is a follow up book that will follow Eden? So I’m assuming the story will be explored further. As much as I want more of a conclusion to Lucille’s story, I don’t know if this book got me interested enough to continue with a second helping.
This Raging Light is a book I’m quite torn over because whilst there were aspects of it that I enjoyed, there were also parts I found quite predictable. It lacked that unique touch for me. What worked especially well was Lucille’s struggle to keep on top of things by herself. Also the bond between her and Wren was wonderfully done, and Wren herself was a fantastic character.
The writing itself was beautiful and quite poetic at times, and Lucille’s emotions were described well, making everything feel raw and real. Whilst she was a believable character with a strong head, I didn’t connect to her as much as I wanted to. It felt like there wasn’t really much about her that stood out from other YA protagonists in similar situations. Her friendship with Eden was something I enjoyed, though. Eden was a fun and quirky character, and I particularly liked a certain plot twist that happened towards the end of the story which definitely packed a punch.
Lucille’s relationship with Digby didn’t have much appeal to me. In my opinion, they lacked the chemistry that they were clearly meant to have lots of. They have years of history, with the twins living right next door to Lucille as children, but I didn’t feel any of that history between them. I’d have preferred it if more flashback scenes had been included, and if the two of them had had more conversations throughout the course of the story. It didn’t exactly feel rushed because they’d known each other for so long, but I just felt like we were denied the chance to have seen their bond grow, and for that reason I didn’t have much emotional investment in their relationship. I also felt as though there could have been more scenes with Digby’s girlfriend, Elaine. There wasn’t a chance to get to know her and I think the story could have been a bit more dramatic if there had been more attachment to her character.
The element of mystery with regards to Lucille’s dysfunctional family throughout the book kept me hooked. I was eager to find out what happened to get them to the situation they’re in now. However, the ending left me a little frustrated because there were still questions I wanted answers to. But I believe there is a follow up book that will follow Eden? So I’m assuming the story will be explored further. As much as I want more of a conclusion to Lucille’s story, I don’t know if this book got me interested enough to continue with a second helping.
missmary98's review against another edition
4.0
Wow this hurt my heart and mended it at the same time.
kkdemarco's review against another edition
4.0
Love, loved this book! Amazing how this author built such endearing characters in such a short amount of pages.
duartepatri's review against another edition
5.0
It was such an emotional book, I found myself cracking up, falling on love, ugly crying and feeling that tingly feel that only love bigger than life can make you feel. I am desperately suffering from a killer book-hangover now.
Counting days for its companion!
Counting days for its companion!