I genuinely enjoyed this book, but I need to make the distinction that this book is 3.75 stars for me. Because while it had some very good things goinI genuinely enjoyed this book, but I need to make the distinction that this book is 3.75 stars for me. Because while it had some very good things going for it (prose, humor, character development) it was a slog. It took me almost an entire week to read it and felt like 1,000 pages instead of being about half that. Honestly it felt like the author actually forgot about the plot at times (in her eagerness to delve deeper into each character). Ironically, it's when she had to bring us back to the present to push the plot forward that the best moments with each character occurred. We see them the most clearly when they were in the present with each other. That's when they were at their funniest and most heartfelt. This was not my favorite Olivie Blake book, but it was a good book. As usual, with Blake's writing, it had some of the most amazing pull quotes. I think these characters will stay with me for awhile....more
I laughed, I cried, I learned. Beautiful art, wonderful experience. You follow a trans boy as he moves from the moon to space and then into a new blenI laughed, I cried, I learned. Beautiful art, wonderful experience. You follow a trans boy as he moves from the moon to space and then into a new blended family situation on “new earth�. You follow his loneliness, discomfort of change, and eventual finding of community. Very sweet, very heartwarming....more
There are two things 17 year old Hollis Brown is known for #1) Running his mouth and #2) Getting his ass handed to him. Hollis lives in a small impoveThere are two things 17 year old Hollis Brown is known for #1) Running his mouth and #2) Getting his ass handed to him. Hollis lives in a small impoverished town where industry has left and people have to work together to survive. Hollis is trying to deal with his two best friends' imminent departure for college and finding his place in a community that doesn't seem to want him, when the unthinkable happens... he gets possessed by a spirit. Now the biggest problem he has is "What happens when you fall in love with the spirit possessing your body"?
The author does a great job character building in such a short time. As well making sure the readers emotionally connect with said characters. This story had a lot of heart, boundless empathy, and a smidge of horror. If you like weird, emotionally resonant young adult books, this one's for you.
If you need a more structured plot and a detailed explanation as to how exactly this world works, you might find yourself a bit unfulfilled. Near the end, the book resolves a bit too easily and without consequences. That being said, I didn't find that it took too much away from my delight in reading it. I enjoyed my time time with Hollis and Walt. They're the type of characters that really get under your skin (no pun intended) and make you want to check up on them years later. Just to make sure they're all right. ...more
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