Status
Available
Call number
Call number
FIC SUT
Collection
Local notes
Young Adult
Description
Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:From the author of Our Chemical Hearts comes the hilarious, reality-bending tale of two outsiders facing their greatest fears about life and love—one debilitating phobia at a time. Cover may vary. Ever since Esther Solar’s grandfather was cursed by Death, everyone in her family has been doomed to suffer one great fear in their lifetime. Esther’s father is agoraphobic and hasn’t left the basement in six years, her twin brother can’t be in the dark without a light on, and her mother is terrified of bad luck. The Solars are consumed by their fears and, according to the legend of the curse, destined to die from them. Esther doesn’t know what her great fear is yet (nor does she want to), a feat achieved by avoiding pretty much everything. Elevators, small spaces and crowds are all off-limits. So are haircuts, spiders, dolls, mirrors and three dozen other phobias she keeps a record of in her semi-definitive list of worst nightmares. Then Esther is pickpocketed by Jonah Smallwood, an old elementary school classmate. Along with her phone, money and a fruit roll-up she’d been saving, Jonah also steals her list of fears. Despite the theft, Esther and Jonah become friends, and he sets a challenge for them: in an effort to break the curse that has crippled her family, they will meet every Sunday of senior year to work their way through the list, facing one terrifying fear at a time, including one that Esther hadn’t counted on: love.… (more)
Genres
Publication
Speak (2018), Edition: Reprint, 384 pages
Original publication date
2017-09-05
Original language
English
Language
User reviews
LibraryThing member busylizzie2
This funny and thought-provoking novel deserves a wider audience than the young adults it seems aimed at.
I enjoyed the quirky style of the writing which helped lighten the mood, despite describing sometimes awful situations, and several references to unfamiliar aspects of US popular culture did not
I was a little frustrated by some of the magical elements of the story when it was difficult to work out how much was supposed to be down to Esther’s vivid imagination. I also felt that certain changes in circumstances were not satisfactorily explained at the end.
However, the descriptions of anxiety felt true to life and the courage shown was inspirational.
I enjoyed the quirky style of the writing which helped lighten the mood, despite describing sometimes awful situations, and several references to unfamiliar aspects of US popular culture did not
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detract from this too much. I really cared about what happened to the lovable characters and the story never flagged.I was a little frustrated by some of the magical elements of the story when it was difficult to work out how much was supposed to be down to Esther’s vivid imagination. I also felt that certain changes in circumstances were not satisfactorily explained at the end.
However, the descriptions of anxiety felt true to life and the courage shown was inspirational.
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LibraryThing member kamoorephoto
I loved this book in so many ways and it took me by absolute surprise. I've never read a book quite like this before, and it was almost as if I was selected to read this one (by First to Read) and especially meant to read it because of some issues that connected with me on a personal level. I knew
There are some HUGE issues running through the core of this beautiful, original book about a young girl called Esther being encouraged to face her fears by an amazing young man called Jonah (yes, how lucky is she?), so be forewarned: along with all the fears and phobias that are brought up, there are major issues of abuse, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, mental-illness (all that can encourage conversation, and I'm really glad the author Krystal put an afterword about some of this in the back of the book). There are big triggers in the book.
That said, I feel as though the story is a beautiful testament to how a dysfunctional family like this and facing fears like Esther does (as well as looking Death in the face) is really what was needed to do to turn their lives around. It's not all doom and gloom; this story is about looking fear in the face and telling Death 'it's not my time yet'.
I don't always enjoy books with overly 'quirky' characters but these ones all felt so genuine in their quirkiness: Esther with her different outfits, her mom Rosemary and her hippie-like existence, her agoraphobic father...they all are. Even Fleyonce the kitty (who at first I was very upset about, but that's another essay). The Man that Would be Death caps that list off. And then there's Esther falling in love with someone she's known since grade school, who goes through this list with her, honestly and earnestly.
There are so many amazing, unique elements about this wonderful story; I won't forget it any time soon. Every time I had to stop reading, I couldn't wait to continue. My biggest complaint is that I only had a digital copy. I most certainly need to own this amazing book.
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nothing about it beforehand, which sometimes is the best way to go into a book, and ended up absolutely loving it. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me want to write down lines as quotes. It made me think of someone in my past that I've lost and I have grieved over for years. The cover alone has a cat on it (I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover).There are some HUGE issues running through the core of this beautiful, original book about a young girl called Esther being encouraged to face her fears by an amazing young man called Jonah (yes, how lucky is she?), so be forewarned: along with all the fears and phobias that are brought up, there are major issues of abuse, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, mental-illness (all that can encourage conversation, and I'm really glad the author Krystal put an afterword about some of this in the back of the book). There are big triggers in the book.
That said, I feel as though the story is a beautiful testament to how a dysfunctional family like this and facing fears like Esther does (as well as looking Death in the face) is really what was needed to do to turn their lives around. It's not all doom and gloom; this story is about looking fear in the face and telling Death 'it's not my time yet'.
I don't always enjoy books with overly 'quirky' characters but these ones all felt so genuine in their quirkiness: Esther with her different outfits, her mom Rosemary and her hippie-like existence, her agoraphobic father...they all are. Even Fleyonce the kitty (who at first I was very upset about, but that's another essay). The Man that Would be Death caps that list off. And then there's Esther falling in love with someone she's known since grade school, who goes through this list with her, honestly and earnestly.
There are so many amazing, unique elements about this wonderful story; I won't forget it any time soon. Every time I had to stop reading, I couldn't wait to continue. My biggest complaint is that I only had a digital copy. I most certainly need to own this amazing book.
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LibraryThing member ilonita50
I read the book during the June's last week.
This is author's second book, I loved the debut novel Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland and this was a clear pick-up for me. I gave three stars, not because I think it has no potential, it has, it's a fast read - I read in about an hour's time,
The book is great as it draws attention about mental health issues and handles realistic aspect and situations, not just about Esther's own fears but also the ones which involve her parents and twin brother. The story slowly reveals a huge trauma her family has been going through and learning to accept till it stopped matter...until the moment when Jonah becomes friends and is shaking all what's been holding together. There are high climaxes and really surprising turns, so I will warn you - don't estimate the novel too low, it has a potential.
The synopsis pretty much describes the book, but the ending surprised me, and how modern the topic was added and how strangely the love was uniting the pieces of all the characters together, not easy knowing the circumstances, but definitely worth seeing/reading the transformation and character development.
This is author's second book, I loved the debut novel Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland and this was a clear pick-up for me. I gave three stars, not because I think it has no potential, it has, it's a fast read - I read in about an hour's time,
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but because at times i wanted to skip the pages, and wasn't interested in the psychologycal topics, anxiety and others, but at the same it's interesting, gives unexpected turns and reveal pain, issues. I think writer has handles well the aspects of the reality and Esther's own world, her hiding by wearing costumes as a daily outfit... The book is great as it draws attention about mental health issues and handles realistic aspect and situations, not just about Esther's own fears but also the ones which involve her parents and twin brother. The story slowly reveals a huge trauma her family has been going through and learning to accept till it stopped matter...until the moment when Jonah becomes friends and is shaking all what's been holding together. There are high climaxes and really surprising turns, so I will warn you - don't estimate the novel too low, it has a potential.
The synopsis pretty much describes the book, but the ending surprised me, and how modern the topic was added and how strangely the love was uniting the pieces of all the characters together, not easy knowing the circumstances, but definitely worth seeing/reading the transformation and character development.
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LibraryThing member reader1009
teen fiction (romance, psychology, mental health)
I really enjoyed this, loved the complexity of the characters, all the funny parts that were so unexpectedly romantic, and thought the mental health aspects were treated with the appropriate gravitas and seriousness as well. Esther's mom is addicted
Ok, now I'm off to read Adam Silvera's tumblr post, "Happiness isn't just an outside thing," as recommended by the author. Stay hopeful, everyone, and please ask for help if you think you need it.
I really enjoyed this, loved the complexity of the characters, all the funny parts that were so unexpectedly romantic, and thought the mental health aspects were treated with the appropriate gravitas and seriousness as well. Esther's mom is addicted
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to gambling, her brother is consumed by fear/depression, her dad is agoraphobic and hasn't left the basement in many years. Jonah (who incidentally is Black) lost his mom in an accident a long time ago, and his dad has become drunk and physically abusive. Esther herself has social anxiety, among other things, while her best friend Hephzibah is semi-mute (speaking only to select people but choosing to communicate via ASL with Esther). There is so much going on here, but it's woven together masterfully and the result is a satisfying, fascinating read.Ok, now I'm off to read Adam Silvera's tumblr post, "Happiness isn't just an outside thing," as recommended by the author. Stay hopeful, everyone, and please ask for help if you think you need it.
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LibraryThing member Completely_Melanie
I went into this book not knowing too much about it. It seemed like it would be a light, fluffy, cute read. There were definitely light, fluffy, and cute parts, but the overall story was not that. It was a beyond amazing story that put me through a whirlwind of emotions. I will not lie, I had to
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put the book down a few times because my own panic overwhelmed me while reading about her conquering her fear of small spaces (Not a spoiler). I have on occasion gotten teary eyed while reading books, but while reading this book, I had to put it down at one point and bawl my eyes out, and then I went right back to reading it. This book touches on so many different mental illnesses and was so beautifully written. This is a story that I don't think that I will ever forget. It has now become one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it! Show Less
LibraryThing member leah152
This book was so good!
Esther Solar lives a very controlled life. This is because of the family curse set on the family after her grandfather met Death. Since then the entire family has suffered one great fear in their lifetime & that fear eventually leads them to their death. So far Esther has
I didn't realise this was a YA book until I started reading it but it turns out it didn't really matter because I think the subject matter of the book speaks to people of different ages anyway.The story is told in a chatty, second person style of story telling which pulled me right in. The big theme of this book is overcoming anxiety & depression & it's told in a really relatable way. I loved 'watching' Esther & Eugene coming out of their shell & particularly loved it when Esther started questioning what fear had been keeping her from.
I thought it did a good job of showing how anxiety & depression can be generational as I've actually experienced this myself (& on that note, it is actually possible to overcome them both!) The only criticism I have of this book is the ending was a little predictable & 'movie-esque' but apart from that it's a really good read & one I think more people should read.
Esther Solar lives a very controlled life. This is because of the family curse set on the family after her grandfather met Death. Since then the entire family has suffered one great fear in their lifetime & that fear eventually leads them to their death. So far Esther has
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managed to evade the curse thanks to a well curated list of things she has to avoid, namely, things that will trigger a phobia. But them she meets Jonah Smallwood & slowly things begin to change.....I didn't realise this was a YA book until I started reading it but it turns out it didn't really matter because I think the subject matter of the book speaks to people of different ages anyway.The story is told in a chatty, second person style of story telling which pulled me right in. The big theme of this book is overcoming anxiety & depression & it's told in a really relatable way. I loved 'watching' Esther & Eugene coming out of their shell & particularly loved it when Esther started questioning what fear had been keeping her from.
I thought it did a good job of showing how anxiety & depression can be generational as I've actually experienced this myself (& on that note, it is actually possible to overcome them both!) The only criticism I have of this book is the ending was a little predictable & 'movie-esque' but apart from that it's a really good read & one I think more people should read.
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LibraryThing member LVStrongPuff
I had a hard time getting into this book, but once it started going I really enjoyed it. The ending threw me for a loop, but a wonderful book.
LibraryThing member mutantpudding
I thought this book was a fairly well done look at mental illness and anxiety, but I just wasnt quite vibing with it.... I also thought the protagonists thoughts on her loved ones being lost/shells was kinda gross. A person with Alzheimer's hasnt lost their soul, they are just really sick. She
I actually didn't like the inclusion of the supernatural elements. The whole grim reaper thing didn't make logical sense, and the real world interactions with it weren't fully explained. And the inclusion of a serial killer subplot seemed misplaced.
this book cover is terrible
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changes her stance on this later on but it was still really off putting to me. I did appreciate that they included a character with selective mutism since I dont think ive ever seen that in a book. And the book was pro treatment for mental illness and anxiety which I did appreciate as well. I actually didn't like the inclusion of the supernatural elements. The whole grim reaper thing didn't make logical sense, and the real world interactions with it weren't fully explained. And the inclusion of a serial killer subplot seemed misplaced.
this book cover is terrible
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ISBN
039954660X / 9780399546600