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Dandelion Clocks
Dandelion Clocks by Rebecca Westcott Smith will be loved by fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cathy Cassidy or Annabel Pitcher. Liv takes us on a journey through her life from "Thirteen Weeks Before" to "Six Months After". We discover Liv's passion for photography, her brother's obsession with sticking to the rules, the stupidity of Moronic Louise at school, and how the family copes as Mum's terminal illness takes hold...Guided by Mum's own childhood diaries, Liv finds a new way to live. This book is real, funny, utterly touching and absolutely heartwarming. Despite the sadness at the heart of the story, every reader will laugh and keep on turning the pages, charmed by Liv and her mum. "A brilliantly told, ultra modern story about a significant six months in eleven year old Olivia's life - it should be sold with a large box of tissues!" (Jacqueline Wilson).
255 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
22 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Westcott
16 books76 followersRebecca Westcott was born in Chester. She went to Exeter University to train as a teacher and has had a variety of teaching jobs that have taken her to some very interesting places, including a Category C male prison. She started writing a diary when she was eight years old, although she had no idea that one day her entries would be used to help her write a book. Rebecca currently teaches in a primary school and lives in Dorset with her husband and three children. Dandelion Clocks is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 26, 2014
Review by Beth
Dandelion Clocks is a caringly written beautiful story for younger readers. It looks candidly at the issue of losing a parent when you’re very young and adds into the mix an elder sibling with a developmental disability. There’s a realism to Westcott’s novel which I think would be very helpful for young readers who had or were going through the same thing as Rebecca as it is honest without being brutal.
11 year old Liv grows up through the novel and it’s a painful thing to see. At the beginning she’s unbelievably embarrassed by her mum who won’t let her get her ears pierced but as the novel progresses and we and Liv learn the terrible truth about her mum’s terminal illness, she grows impressively but the hallmarks of her young age are still present. Her emotions are everywhere, uncontrollable even, and how could blame her? It’s impossible to read this novel without feeling terribly sad for Liv and her older brother Isaac who has Asperger’s Syndrome.
Once Liv’s mum dies we see her struggle to come to terms with it and managing even the simplest daily tasks become a challenge. I can’t imagine what losing a parent is like but I can’t imagine anyone knows how to handle it very well – let alone an 11 year old child.
This is an emotional read but by the end of the novel I felt content that Liv would be OK and she would make sure Isaac would be too. It’s the kind of novel every school library should stock.
Dandelion Clocks is a caringly written beautiful story for younger readers. It looks candidly at the issue of losing a parent when you’re very young and adds into the mix an elder sibling with a developmental disability. There’s a realism to Westcott’s novel which I think would be very helpful for young readers who had or were going through the same thing as Rebecca as it is honest without being brutal.
11 year old Liv grows up through the novel and it’s a painful thing to see. At the beginning she’s unbelievably embarrassed by her mum who won’t let her get her ears pierced but as the novel progresses and we and Liv learn the terrible truth about her mum’s terminal illness, she grows impressively but the hallmarks of her young age are still present. Her emotions are everywhere, uncontrollable even, and how could blame her? It’s impossible to read this novel without feeling terribly sad for Liv and her older brother Isaac who has Asperger’s Syndrome.
Once Liv’s mum dies we see her struggle to come to terms with it and managing even the simplest daily tasks become a challenge. I can’t imagine what losing a parent is like but I can’t imagine anyone knows how to handle it very well – let alone an 11 year old child.
This is an emotional read but by the end of the novel I felt content that Liv would be OK and she would make sure Isaac would be too. It’s the kind of novel every school library should stock.
June 2, 2017
Meinung:
Bei „Pusteblumentage“ hatte ich einfach das Gefühl, dass mir die Geschichte gefallen könnte. Und ja, hier hat mich auch das Cover direkt angesprochen, das muss ich schon zugeben. Ein Blickfang erzielt dann doch schon eher meine Aufmerksamkeit. Glücklicherweise hatte ich mit meinem Gefühl bezüglich der Geschichte absolut nicht unrecht und „Pusteblumentage“ konnte mich rundum überzeugen.
An sich ist die Thematik des Buches nicht ungewöhnlich, jedoch ist es die Umsetzung, die dieses Werk für mich hervorgehoben hat. Während in anderen Jugendbüchern die Krankheit stark thematisiert wird und im Vordergrund steht, weiß man hier eigentlich gar nicht, was die Mutter hat. Klar, man kann Vermutungen anstellen, aber der Name der Krankheit fällt nie. Das fand ich zum einen erst einmal ziemlich ungewöhnlich, aber auch interessant, zum anderen wird der Schwerpunkt auch gar nicht (vielleicht gerade deswegen) direkt auf die Krankheit gelenkt. Man weiß einfach nur, dass die Mutter nicht mehr lange zu leben hat, mehr nicht. Die Handlung befasst sich vielmehr damit, dass die Tochter langsam lernen muss, dass ihre gemeinsame Zeit bald um ist und diese nutzen muss.
Trotzdem dreht sich Livs Leben nicht nur noch um die Mutter. Sie ist 12, viele neue Dinge tauchen in ihrem Leben auf, die sie zusätzlich verwirren. Die Autorin hat das aber superschön umgesetzt, indem Liv eben viel mit ihrer Mutter darüber spricht, was sonst noch so in ihrem Leben passiert. Ebenfalls sehr schön aufgeführt wurde der Zusammenhalt der kompletten Familie. Livs Bruder hat Asperger und gerade für ihn sind die auftauchenden Veränderungen gleich eine ganz andere Dimension. Hier und da gab es ein paar Ausschweifungen, die für mich nicht so interessant waren, aber das war wirklich selten.
Das Ende konnte mich emotional ziemlich mitnehmen, weil der Ausgang natürlich traurig ist, auf der anderen Seite aber auch total hoffnungsvoll stimmt. Die Botschaft der Geschichte „Lebe dein Leben“ ist bei mir angekommen.
Fazit:
„Pusterblumentage“ ist ein schönes, kurzweiliges Jugendbuch, mit einer schönen Message. Ich mochte die (ungewöhnliche) Umsetzung der Thematik sehr gerne und war ziemlich davon angetan, wie die Autorin die Geschichte erzählt.
Bei „Pusteblumentage“ hatte ich einfach das Gefühl, dass mir die Geschichte gefallen könnte. Und ja, hier hat mich auch das Cover direkt angesprochen, das muss ich schon zugeben. Ein Blickfang erzielt dann doch schon eher meine Aufmerksamkeit. Glücklicherweise hatte ich mit meinem Gefühl bezüglich der Geschichte absolut nicht unrecht und „Pusteblumentage“ konnte mich rundum überzeugen.
An sich ist die Thematik des Buches nicht ungewöhnlich, jedoch ist es die Umsetzung, die dieses Werk für mich hervorgehoben hat. Während in anderen Jugendbüchern die Krankheit stark thematisiert wird und im Vordergrund steht, weiß man hier eigentlich gar nicht, was die Mutter hat. Klar, man kann Vermutungen anstellen, aber der Name der Krankheit fällt nie. Das fand ich zum einen erst einmal ziemlich ungewöhnlich, aber auch interessant, zum anderen wird der Schwerpunkt auch gar nicht (vielleicht gerade deswegen) direkt auf die Krankheit gelenkt. Man weiß einfach nur, dass die Mutter nicht mehr lange zu leben hat, mehr nicht. Die Handlung befasst sich vielmehr damit, dass die Tochter langsam lernen muss, dass ihre gemeinsame Zeit bald um ist und diese nutzen muss.
Trotzdem dreht sich Livs Leben nicht nur noch um die Mutter. Sie ist 12, viele neue Dinge tauchen in ihrem Leben auf, die sie zusätzlich verwirren. Die Autorin hat das aber superschön umgesetzt, indem Liv eben viel mit ihrer Mutter darüber spricht, was sonst noch so in ihrem Leben passiert. Ebenfalls sehr schön aufgeführt wurde der Zusammenhalt der kompletten Familie. Livs Bruder hat Asperger und gerade für ihn sind die auftauchenden Veränderungen gleich eine ganz andere Dimension. Hier und da gab es ein paar Ausschweifungen, die für mich nicht so interessant waren, aber das war wirklich selten.
Das Ende konnte mich emotional ziemlich mitnehmen, weil der Ausgang natürlich traurig ist, auf der anderen Seite aber auch total hoffnungsvoll stimmt. Die Botschaft der Geschichte „Lebe dein Leben“ ist bei mir angekommen.
Fazit:
„Pusterblumentage“ ist ein schönes, kurzweiliges Jugendbuch, mit einer schönen Message. Ich mochte die (ungewöhnliche) Umsetzung der Thematik sehr gerne und war ziemlich davon angetan, wie die Autorin die Geschichte erzählt.
July 17, 2025
The first third of the book held a dread when we spot the signs that mum is seriously ill then as i continued this raw and emotional story of a family trying to hold things together tears ran down my cheeks. A good and powerful story
May 17, 2014
When I was asked whether or not I would like to review Dandelion Clocks, I jumped at the chance. There seems to be a flood of recent YA books tackling the tough subject that is cancer, and this book is another of those. Thankfully, I think that Dandelion Clocks does add something new to this market, and it's something that's definitely worth checking out, especially for those on the 'younger' side of the young adult genre.
Dandelion Clocks is a book that is said to appeal to fans of authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Cathy Cassidy or Annabel Pitcher. With this suggestion, you'd assume that it's a book written specifically for middle grade children, and I can easily say that yes it is, but it I would certainly not hesitate to recommend this book to any older teen or even to any adult. I was very pleasantly surprised with the complexity that this book had, the author has proven to have such a wonderful ability of reaching across to different age groups. Though the content matter is treated so carefully that it's accessible, older readers should also appreciate many of the hidden complexities, including the relationships, in this book.
As aforementioned, this is a book that includes many more issues than the main one of cancer. Our very realistic and likeable protagonist, Liv, deals with multiple issues in this book and I commend Westcott for managing to handle them all so well, with a great sense of care and authenticity. In this novel, another focus is on Liv's brother who has Asperger's Syndrome - this was also fascinating to read about because it taught me about the effect of Asperger's on daily life and it was fantastic to see how Liv helped her brother to try understand some things that those with Aspergers find challenging - in fact, I'd say that this issue is probably rightly explored with the same amount of focus and poignancy as the cancer storyline.
What stood out to me most with this book is that it's a real coming of age story for Liv. I enjoyed seeing her subtly mature in accordance with the things around her. I liked seeing how she dealt with everyday issues, such as friendships at school. Most of all I found it interesting to see how her experience shaped her and had an effect on her and helped on the way to forming her identity and maturity. For her age, Liv seemed very mature for her age and that is another reason why I believe the older YA fans will like this book.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this Dandelion Clocks - I didn't expect to love it as much as I did (for age reasons). I would have never guessed that this was Westcott's debut novel because quite simply, it is written with such a lot of care and talent. If you like the sound of the blurb/synopsis of this book, don't hesitate in picking it up, whoever you are - I am positive that you'll enjoy it. Rebecca Westcott is definitely an author to watch, and I'll definitely pick up her next offering!
Dandelion Clocks is a book that is said to appeal to fans of authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Cathy Cassidy or Annabel Pitcher. With this suggestion, you'd assume that it's a book written specifically for middle grade children, and I can easily say that yes it is, but it I would certainly not hesitate to recommend this book to any older teen or even to any adult. I was very pleasantly surprised with the complexity that this book had, the author has proven to have such a wonderful ability of reaching across to different age groups. Though the content matter is treated so carefully that it's accessible, older readers should also appreciate many of the hidden complexities, including the relationships, in this book.
As aforementioned, this is a book that includes many more issues than the main one of cancer. Our very realistic and likeable protagonist, Liv, deals with multiple issues in this book and I commend Westcott for managing to handle them all so well, with a great sense of care and authenticity. In this novel, another focus is on Liv's brother who has Asperger's Syndrome - this was also fascinating to read about because it taught me about the effect of Asperger's on daily life and it was fantastic to see how Liv helped her brother to try understand some things that those with Aspergers find challenging - in fact, I'd say that this issue is probably rightly explored with the same amount of focus and poignancy as the cancer storyline.
What stood out to me most with this book is that it's a real coming of age story for Liv. I enjoyed seeing her subtly mature in accordance with the things around her. I liked seeing how she dealt with everyday issues, such as friendships at school. Most of all I found it interesting to see how her experience shaped her and had an effect on her and helped on the way to forming her identity and maturity. For her age, Liv seemed very mature for her age and that is another reason why I believe the older YA fans will like this book.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this Dandelion Clocks - I didn't expect to love it as much as I did (for age reasons). I would have never guessed that this was Westcott's debut novel because quite simply, it is written with such a lot of care and talent. If you like the sound of the blurb/synopsis of this book, don't hesitate in picking it up, whoever you are - I am positive that you'll enjoy it. Rebecca Westcott is definitely an author to watch, and I'll definitely pick up her next offering!
May 15, 2024
I seem to be on a run of YA novels dealing with bereavement just lately. It's accidental, they have been turning up in the charity shops. Where The Fault in Our Stars was a weepy with terminal illness and frustrated teenage romance, and The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair covered grieving with a large dose of juvenile humour, Dandelion Clocks discusses the emotion of confronting the imminent death of a parent with compassion and realism.
It was difficult not to get drawn into twelve-year-old Olivia's confusion and unhappiness as she learns her mother has only a short time left to live and the story is so well told and the characters movingly believable. I did, however, wonder about the wisdom of having Olivia's older brother Isaac suffering from the effects of Asperger's. It seemed to add an unnecessary level of family anguish and I am not sure it added much to the main theme of Olivia's impending loss.
That said, the story is an important portrait of a young girl's confrontation with something we all hope will not happen until our children have grown up. Thankfully Olivia has a best friend who will stick with her regardless of the welling emotions, the occasional flares of misdirected bitter temper, and a great many tears. Humour has a place, too. The story is neither morbid nor a sob-fest. Olivia's mother encourages her daughter to read her teenage diary. In it Olivia sees that there is always more to mum than only being a mother. She had the problems of growing up, too, though without the trauma. In handling such a difficult subject the author has produced a fascinating book to help young people through the most difficult of times.
Now, if only someone would write a book to explain to the young how to cope with happiness and affirm, or re-affirm, that catastrophe is not waiting around every corner. Very often life can be wonderful and leave you thinking: 'There aren't any clouds so who needs silver linings?"
It was difficult not to get drawn into twelve-year-old Olivia's confusion and unhappiness as she learns her mother has only a short time left to live and the story is so well told and the characters movingly believable. I did, however, wonder about the wisdom of having Olivia's older brother Isaac suffering from the effects of Asperger's. It seemed to add an unnecessary level of family anguish and I am not sure it added much to the main theme of Olivia's impending loss.
That said, the story is an important portrait of a young girl's confrontation with something we all hope will not happen until our children have grown up. Thankfully Olivia has a best friend who will stick with her regardless of the welling emotions, the occasional flares of misdirected bitter temper, and a great many tears. Humour has a place, too. The story is neither morbid nor a sob-fest. Olivia's mother encourages her daughter to read her teenage diary. In it Olivia sees that there is always more to mum than only being a mother. She had the problems of growing up, too, though without the trauma. In handling such a difficult subject the author has produced a fascinating book to help young people through the most difficult of times.
Now, if only someone would write a book to explain to the young how to cope with happiness and affirm, or re-affirm, that catastrophe is not waiting around every corner. Very often life can be wonderful and leave you thinking: 'There aren't any clouds so who needs silver linings?"
June 16, 2017
4.5 Sterne für eine gefühlvolle Geschichte, die authentisch aus der Sicht einer Elfjährigen beschrieben wurde und mich mal wieder gelehrt hat, wie froh ich bin, dass meine Mutter mir noch laaaaaange erhalten bleibt. Am liebsten für immer. Leider hat man da keinen Einfluss drauf...
April 22, 2017
Eine sehr berührende Geschichte!
August 22, 2016
I couldn't put this book down! Rebecca Westcott has grasped the eleven year old Olivia Ellis's thoughts and actions perfectly. It is, by far, the most realistic and touching book I have read. As you read it it makes you laugh and cry. It beautifully shows the love between a family - especially a mother and daughter - and also the problems with friendship and school. She has mixed the dreadful illness that is cancer with Aspergers in one story and has created a breath taking story with them. It is a different approach to reading about these illnesses as you look at it from a young girl's point of view who has to watch as other people suffer. The ending is the perfect way to sum up how the family dealt with the loss and how they moved on but never forgot.
Dandelion Clocks is one of my favourite books. I loved it.
Dandelion Clocks is one of my favourite books. I loved it.
April 17, 2022
This was such an emotional book. The main character was fine but sometimes she was really thoughtful but other times she came off like she was a brat about her mum's illness and her brother's Aspbergers. The book was pretty good considering the writing but I just didn't connect with the characters!😬
June 9, 2014
I've classed this as confident readers 10+ but most 10 year old girls will love this story, even if they might need some tissues close by.
Wonderful but sad. The blurb says 'perfect for younger fans of The Fault in our Stars' which I think is right on the mark.
SPOILERS BELOW
Olivia is getting on with being 11, avoiding the class cow and her cronies and trying not to let on that she likes Ben in her science class.
When Mum begins showing her things like how to cook Spaghetti Bolognese, how to cleanse her skin and put on makeup, Olivia is OK with it. Mum even gives Olivia her diaries from when she was the same age, to help out with sticky situations like friendships and boys. But Olivia begins to feel something is not right with her parents. Mum seems very tired lately. Are they going to get a divorce? Maybe if they finally go to Disneyland for a holiday (Olivia’s lifelong dream), they will fix things? But when her dad finally calls them up to mum’s bedside they tell them something that changes everything.
(It isn’t written in the text that Mum will die but obvious by the well written narrative).
This book is written at different points of time for each chapter eg.
3 months after
13 weeks before etc to 1 week before
Then Tues – Mon
4 weeks after
5 weeks after
6 months after:Today
Olivia loves photography and loves the adult camera she has received for her birthday but feels guilty at the same time being excited and happy about it when she knows deep down that it is her last birthday with her mum.
Isaac is a fringe character to things but well portrayed in his own right. Dad is a wonderful, supportive, strong but grieving dad.
Wonderful story but so sad when mum dies, the funeral has been and Olivia doesn't even want to get out of bed, let alone take photos, be with her friend or see Ben at school. But with the help of Dad, Alice's friendship and even Ben, Olivia can see her way forward to living again.
Wonderful but sad. The blurb says 'perfect for younger fans of The Fault in our Stars' which I think is right on the mark.
SPOILERS BELOW
Olivia is getting on with being 11, avoiding the class cow and her cronies and trying not to let on that she likes Ben in her science class.
When Mum begins showing her things like how to cook Spaghetti Bolognese, how to cleanse her skin and put on makeup, Olivia is OK with it. Mum even gives Olivia her diaries from when she was the same age, to help out with sticky situations like friendships and boys. But Olivia begins to feel something is not right with her parents. Mum seems very tired lately. Are they going to get a divorce? Maybe if they finally go to Disneyland for a holiday (Olivia’s lifelong dream), they will fix things? But when her dad finally calls them up to mum’s bedside they tell them something that changes everything.
(It isn’t written in the text that Mum will die but obvious by the well written narrative).
This book is written at different points of time for each chapter eg.
3 months after
13 weeks before etc to 1 week before
Then Tues – Mon
4 weeks after
5 weeks after
6 months after:Today
Olivia loves photography and loves the adult camera she has received for her birthday but feels guilty at the same time being excited and happy about it when she knows deep down that it is her last birthday with her mum.
Isaac is a fringe character to things but well portrayed in his own right. Dad is a wonderful, supportive, strong but grieving dad.
Wonderful story but so sad when mum dies, the funeral has been and Olivia doesn't even want to get out of bed, let alone take photos, be with her friend or see Ben at school. But with the help of Dad, Alice's friendship and even Ben, Olivia can see her way forward to living again.
June 2, 2014
I read this story in two greedy sittings. How Liv copes with her mum's terminal illness did, for me, feel authentic. Her emotions are complex and heartfelt- they evolve through the course of the book. I also loved the family dynamics and Liv's voice. Mum's diaries made me laugh- having kept my own teenage diaries I thought these captured perfectly that sense of what's profound for you might not be for others! A lovely, captivating read. Looking forward to Violet Ink.
October 21, 2014
This book was breath-taking, written in a way that left the reader not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
The main character is an eleven and a half year old, who is coming to grips with growing up. The book starts when she is angsty and angry at her mum for being over-protective, dealing with a brother who has a form of autism and about to receive some shocking news.
The main character is an eleven and a half year old, who is coming to grips with growing up. The book starts when she is angsty and angry at her mum for being over-protective, dealing with a brother who has a form of autism and about to receive some shocking news.
November 29, 2014
I loved reading this book. I could relate to Olivia so well.
December 19, 2020
It was an amazing book, and was well-written, especially with the way it deals with grief, but it made me cry SO MUCH
April 2, 2014
I'm not quite sure how I'm going to be capable of stringing together words that will form a coherent sentence, yet alone a coherent review. I'm still astounded by the sheer amount of emotions Dandelion Clocks bestowed unto me. This book will make you feel. I'm still amazed at how average, ordinary words formed into a certain sentence, can surmount to such a beautiful story that will have you feeling such varying amount of emotions; happiness, joyfulness, sadness, sorrow, anger and guilt. A story which deals with a daunting subject in such a sensitive, touching manner. A story that has you laughing at the characters' wit and crying the next because of the pain they must be experiencing, and the pain you feel as a reader, because you've fallen so in love with the charismatic characters. It takes pure, genuine talent to create such a beautiful, heartfelt piece and Rebecca Westcott has done just that.
Dandelion Clocks is about eleven year old Liv. She has a dad who's a photographer, a fourteen year old brother with Aspergers Syndrome and a loving, fun mom. However, Liv's whole world seems to cave in when her mom is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As the illness takes hold, Liv has to learn to cook, put on make-up and set new rules for her brother, learn to navigate the unfamiliar territory of womanhood and the hardships of growing up. Guided by her mom's old journals from her teenage years and through her love for photography, Liv learns that although things will never be the same again, with the help of the journals and her new camera, things might just be okay in the end.
When I received an email from Penguin Publishers offering me a chance to review this book, I will at admit that I was (stupidly) hesitant. I tend to avoid books that deal with heavy subjects such as death, at all costs. However, when the infinitesimal amount of fantastic reviews, I decided to take the plunge...choosing to read this book was one of the best book-related decisions that I've ever made.
Dandelion Clocks was beautiful. Everything about this book is brilliant. The characters are so funny and lovable, the story so heart-breakingly honest, yet simultaneously uplifting and the writing so pure and stunningly crafted, it won't cross your mind to put the book down. I seldom read a book in one sitting, but Dandelion Clocks was so lovely and so brilliant I didn't want to do anything else until I had savored every word.
The characters in this book are amazing. Liv's voice resonates strongly through the story and she's someone a majority of us can relate to. The characters all had their own quirks and individual personalities and each of them play an important part in the story. I loved them all so much and I couldn't possibly choose a favourite.
I love Liv. She's so strong and courageous and I really admired how she coped with it. She still cried, she felt angry, at herself and at her mother, even though she knew it wasn't her mom's fault. She learnt to live again and even though she couldn't always make sense of it all and it shattered her, she went on living, went on (eventually) laughing, went on trying to stitch her broken heart back together as much as possible. Liv is a truly courageous girl and someone we should all look up to. The author wrote her in an honest light and I appreciate that she let Liv ask questions that anyone grieving would ask, and that she didn't shy away from tackling some difficult questions.
I love Liv's mom, she was so funny and kind and it broke my heart to see her get sick as she was a truly amazing woman. Her and Liv shared such a steadfast, wonderful bond and it brought tears to my eyes as I could see how Liv loved her mom and I didn't even want to think about Liv not having her mom around anymore.
I love Liv's dad, her brother, Isaac and her best friend, Alice. Isaac is fourteen and had Aspergers Syndrome and lives life by the rules that help him understand things. I was terrified for him when Rachel got sick as his routine and everyone's hard work in helping him with the rules unravelled as things started changing. However, he pulled through and I was so happy for him. Liv is such a fantastic sister to him. She helps him a lot but gets frustrated with him sometime. Their sibling relationship is also portrayed in an honest, realistic light. I love Isaac though, I love how he is so literal and I love his sense of humour.
Liv's dad is fantastic, I admire his strength and how he helps Liv and Isaac through the grief that mirrors his own.
I love Liv and Alice's friendship. Alice is such a good friend to Liv and so understanding. In Dandelion Clocks, friendship is a strong feature.
The story in itself was wonderful, especially as I could kind of relate to it. When I was 7, my mom was diagnosed with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) also called CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). There are times, especially during her bad relapses, that she can't get up for months at a time and it has been really bad in the past where she was almost hospitalised. When I was reading this book, I completely understood how Liv was feeling as at times I'd felt like that in the past. The anger, the guilt, the helplessness and how you wish for the days when everyone was happy and healthy. This book really hit close to home and I think reading this book will help both my mom and I. After reading this book, I realised just how lucky I am that my mom's illness isn't terminal and to anyone reading it, it will really put things into perspective.
The writing in this book is so touching, so personal, so utterly heart-warming. I absolutely loved reading the parts that were snippets from Liv's mom's tween/teen journals, they often had me chuckling and Liv's reaction to the things her mom wrote about was absolutely priceless! I really was laughing out loud during a lot of parts in this book, I laughed more than I thought I would. I love how Rebecca managed to make this a light-hearted, amusing read and still have me chortling even though the she was writing about a difficult subject.
Although the writing also made me laugh, it also made me cry. I'm not talking about a mere tear trickling down my cheek, I'm talking about a constant stream of tears. Tears and snot and a blotchy face. Do not read this book in public because I can assure you that you will be a sobbing, disheveled mess. The days leading up to her mom's death and the days after made me sob the hardest. Knowing that Liv wouldn't have her mom by her side and when reflecting back on the moments they shared, having such an amazing mother/daughter bond, one that should never be broken, reduced me to a blubbering mess. Those scenes were just written so beautifully and will make you fling your arms around your mom/guardian and just be so thankful that you have her in your life. Writing this review is causing tears to form again, so I'll round off now.
Dandelion Clocks has to be one of the best books I've read this year. It deals with a highly sensitive subject in such a gentle, loving manner. I was expecting it to be quite depressing but it was the furthest thing from it. It was warm, touching, funny and a genuine, moving novel that sends out a message of hope and encouragement. This book made me laugh at the witty talk between the characters, the things Isaac would do, Liv's mom's diaries and so many other things that made me laugh and warm inside. I also cried, I sobbed, I had to put down the book for a minute to wipe away the tears obscuring my view of the pages.
Dandelion Clocks is a must-read for all people from the ages of 10 onwards. It's a fantastic, heartfelt book for anyone dealing with grief, knows someone dealing with grief or even someone who just wants to read a beautiful story.
Dandelion Clocks is an astoundingly brilliant gem of a story. One that will teach you about the important things in life and how, when your world has caved in, to not give up but keep on living, loving and laughing. An inspiring, unmissable read.
Dandelion Clocks is about eleven year old Liv. She has a dad who's a photographer, a fourteen year old brother with Aspergers Syndrome and a loving, fun mom. However, Liv's whole world seems to cave in when her mom is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As the illness takes hold, Liv has to learn to cook, put on make-up and set new rules for her brother, learn to navigate the unfamiliar territory of womanhood and the hardships of growing up. Guided by her mom's old journals from her teenage years and through her love for photography, Liv learns that although things will never be the same again, with the help of the journals and her new camera, things might just be okay in the end.
When I received an email from Penguin Publishers offering me a chance to review this book, I will at admit that I was (stupidly) hesitant. I tend to avoid books that deal with heavy subjects such as death, at all costs. However, when the infinitesimal amount of fantastic reviews, I decided to take the plunge...choosing to read this book was one of the best book-related decisions that I've ever made.
Dandelion Clocks was beautiful. Everything about this book is brilliant. The characters are so funny and lovable, the story so heart-breakingly honest, yet simultaneously uplifting and the writing so pure and stunningly crafted, it won't cross your mind to put the book down. I seldom read a book in one sitting, but Dandelion Clocks was so lovely and so brilliant I didn't want to do anything else until I had savored every word.
The characters in this book are amazing. Liv's voice resonates strongly through the story and she's someone a majority of us can relate to. The characters all had their own quirks and individual personalities and each of them play an important part in the story. I loved them all so much and I couldn't possibly choose a favourite.
I love Liv. She's so strong and courageous and I really admired how she coped with it. She still cried, she felt angry, at herself and at her mother, even though she knew it wasn't her mom's fault. She learnt to live again and even though she couldn't always make sense of it all and it shattered her, she went on living, went on (eventually) laughing, went on trying to stitch her broken heart back together as much as possible. Liv is a truly courageous girl and someone we should all look up to. The author wrote her in an honest light and I appreciate that she let Liv ask questions that anyone grieving would ask, and that she didn't shy away from tackling some difficult questions.
I love Liv's mom, she was so funny and kind and it broke my heart to see her get sick as she was a truly amazing woman. Her and Liv shared such a steadfast, wonderful bond and it brought tears to my eyes as I could see how Liv loved her mom and I didn't even want to think about Liv not having her mom around anymore.
I love Liv's dad, her brother, Isaac and her best friend, Alice. Isaac is fourteen and had Aspergers Syndrome and lives life by the rules that help him understand things. I was terrified for him when Rachel got sick as his routine and everyone's hard work in helping him with the rules unravelled as things started changing. However, he pulled through and I was so happy for him. Liv is such a fantastic sister to him. She helps him a lot but gets frustrated with him sometime. Their sibling relationship is also portrayed in an honest, realistic light. I love Isaac though, I love how he is so literal and I love his sense of humour.
Liv's dad is fantastic, I admire his strength and how he helps Liv and Isaac through the grief that mirrors his own.
I love Liv and Alice's friendship. Alice is such a good friend to Liv and so understanding. In Dandelion Clocks, friendship is a strong feature.
The story in itself was wonderful, especially as I could kind of relate to it. When I was 7, my mom was diagnosed with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) also called CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). There are times, especially during her bad relapses, that she can't get up for months at a time and it has been really bad in the past where she was almost hospitalised. When I was reading this book, I completely understood how Liv was feeling as at times I'd felt like that in the past. The anger, the guilt, the helplessness and how you wish for the days when everyone was happy and healthy. This book really hit close to home and I think reading this book will help both my mom and I. After reading this book, I realised just how lucky I am that my mom's illness isn't terminal and to anyone reading it, it will really put things into perspective.
The writing in this book is so touching, so personal, so utterly heart-warming. I absolutely loved reading the parts that were snippets from Liv's mom's tween/teen journals, they often had me chuckling and Liv's reaction to the things her mom wrote about was absolutely priceless! I really was laughing out loud during a lot of parts in this book, I laughed more than I thought I would. I love how Rebecca managed to make this a light-hearted, amusing read and still have me chortling even though the she was writing about a difficult subject.
Although the writing also made me laugh, it also made me cry. I'm not talking about a mere tear trickling down my cheek, I'm talking about a constant stream of tears. Tears and snot and a blotchy face. Do not read this book in public because I can assure you that you will be a sobbing, disheveled mess. The days leading up to her mom's death and the days after made me sob the hardest. Knowing that Liv wouldn't have her mom by her side and when reflecting back on the moments they shared, having such an amazing mother/daughter bond, one that should never be broken, reduced me to a blubbering mess. Those scenes were just written so beautifully and will make you fling your arms around your mom/guardian and just be so thankful that you have her in your life. Writing this review is causing tears to form again, so I'll round off now.
Dandelion Clocks has to be one of the best books I've read this year. It deals with a highly sensitive subject in such a gentle, loving manner. I was expecting it to be quite depressing but it was the furthest thing from it. It was warm, touching, funny and a genuine, moving novel that sends out a message of hope and encouragement. This book made me laugh at the witty talk between the characters, the things Isaac would do, Liv's mom's diaries and so many other things that made me laugh and warm inside. I also cried, I sobbed, I had to put down the book for a minute to wipe away the tears obscuring my view of the pages.
Dandelion Clocks is a must-read for all people from the ages of 10 onwards. It's a fantastic, heartfelt book for anyone dealing with grief, knows someone dealing with grief or even someone who just wants to read a beautiful story.
Dandelion Clocks is an astoundingly brilliant gem of a story. One that will teach you about the important things in life and how, when your world has caved in, to not give up but keep on living, loving and laughing. An inspiring, unmissable read.
August 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐
The story was so heart touching that it felt pretty real! It took me days to finish the book because everytime I put the book down (which I had to because the topic of the book makes me emotional so couldn't read it in a go!) it would take me immense courage to pick it up again because I knew I would be crying buckets so I have to ensure that I am alone in a locked room and not a public space like a metro!!
The way this book dealt with how much an ailing mother was willing to see her kids grow up and do things with them like a mother does with her teenage daughter and then the realisation that she won't just live that much to do it all.... So why not try to do as much as possible in the short span of time left with her......
This was enough to get me in tears! Because these type of tropes are my soft nerve and enough to get me in tears.
I equally connected with Olivia too because of how her world rumbled on getting the news of her mother's incurable condition while the worst she was thinking of was her parents getting divorced!! She wasn't ready to accept the news and wanted to hold onto hope till the last moment possible....!! INCREDIBLE!!
The last day of Rachael where the family arranged a garden for her and she loved Liv's plant so much that she died with it being the last thing she saw...... No I am not crying!!!! 😭
The realisation little Liv had in the end that she couldn't stay angry at her mum forever because to leave wasn't a choice she made. Infact she would've come back to her if she could and how she tried her best to prepare her daughter for her future life as much as she could do in the short life span..... Finally made Liv move on in life remembering her as a memory and still staying happy and smiling knowing that she can't cry forever....
It was tbh a very beautiful and meaningful message.
What I didn't like in the storyline was how Liv was written to have in maybe trauma or anger torn apart the pictures of her mother which she had wanted to preserve as a fascinating memory forever!! Like that scene could've been deleted!! 😢 That was so unfair to the little girl...
Also I was really hoping for more of the diary scenes and words and how her words made Liv draw similarities between herself and her mother but that didn't happen much and as that was the theme of the story I was a bit disappointed there because I loved to read all the diary excerpts and I craved for more but there were none!! 😢
There could've been more focus on Dan and Isaac but I am equally fine with it being that way because I understand the story was about Liv and Rach !! I am content!!
Good work..... All in alll.... Pretty emotional for me don't know how others will take it though!!
The story was so heart touching that it felt pretty real! It took me days to finish the book because everytime I put the book down (which I had to because the topic of the book makes me emotional so couldn't read it in a go!) it would take me immense courage to pick it up again because I knew I would be crying buckets so I have to ensure that I am alone in a locked room and not a public space like a metro!!
The way this book dealt with how much an ailing mother was willing to see her kids grow up and do things with them like a mother does with her teenage daughter and then the realisation that she won't just live that much to do it all.... So why not try to do as much as possible in the short span of time left with her......
This was enough to get me in tears! Because these type of tropes are my soft nerve and enough to get me in tears.
I equally connected with Olivia too because of how her world rumbled on getting the news of her mother's incurable condition while the worst she was thinking of was her parents getting divorced!! She wasn't ready to accept the news and wanted to hold onto hope till the last moment possible....!! INCREDIBLE!!
The last day of Rachael where the family arranged a garden for her and she loved Liv's plant so much that she died with it being the last thing she saw...... No I am not crying!!!! 😭
The realisation little Liv had in the end that she couldn't stay angry at her mum forever because to leave wasn't a choice she made. Infact she would've come back to her if she could and how she tried her best to prepare her daughter for her future life as much as she could do in the short life span..... Finally made Liv move on in life remembering her as a memory and still staying happy and smiling knowing that she can't cry forever....
It was tbh a very beautiful and meaningful message.
What I didn't like in the storyline was how Liv was written to have in maybe trauma or anger torn apart the pictures of her mother which she had wanted to preserve as a fascinating memory forever!! Like that scene could've been deleted!! 😢 That was so unfair to the little girl...
Also I was really hoping for more of the diary scenes and words and how her words made Liv draw similarities between herself and her mother but that didn't happen much and as that was the theme of the story I was a bit disappointed there because I loved to read all the diary excerpts and I craved for more but there were none!! 😢
There could've been more focus on Dan and Isaac but I am equally fine with it being that way because I understand the story was about Liv and Rach !! I am content!!
Good work..... All in alll.... Pretty emotional for me don't know how others will take it though!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
Inhalt:
Verlust, Trauer, Hoffnung, Freundschaft und Liebe – ein Buch über das Leben!
„Ich schaue mir alle Fotos an, die ich von Mum gemacht habe. Was diese Fotos gemeinsam haben, ist, dass sie zeigen, wie Mum lebt – so als ob jeder einzelne Tag von größter Bedeutung für sie wäre.“
Livs Mutter beginnt plötzlich, ihr die wichtigen Dinge des Lebens näherzubringen. Deshalb muss Liv jetzt - ob sie will oder nicht –
• den ersten BH kaufen (obwohl sie noch keinen braucht)
• lernen, wie man Spaghetti Bolognese kocht (obwohl ihre Mutter nicht kochen kann)
• ein Schminktutorial mit ihrer Mum absolvieren (obwohl sie sich erst mit 16 richtig schminken darf) .
Doch als ihre Mutter Liv sogar erlaubt, sich endlich Ohrringe stechen zu lassen, weiß sie, dass irgendetwas nicht stimmt. Bisher war ihre Mutter strikt dagegen. Außerdem ist sie nun immer öfter erschöpft und schläft viel. Liv spürt, dass sie ihr etwas verheimlicht, etwas, was ihr Leben für immer verändern wird …
Quelle: dtv
Cover:
Das Cover und auch die Gestaltung unter dem Schutzumschlag, sowie die kleinen Details innerhalb des Buches finde ich wirklich ansprechend und sehr gelungen. Besonders gefällt mir auch, dass wichtige, inhaltliche Elemente aus der Geschichte im Cover verarbeitet wurden.
Meine Meinung:
Liv ist 12 und schlägt sich mit den typischen Problemen einer Heranwachsenden herum. Doch das ist natürlich noch nicht alles. Denn Livs Bruder Isaac hat Asperger und macht ihr damit den Alltag häufig alles andere als einfach. Isaac kann gewissen Dinge und Situationen nämlich einfach nicht einschätzen oder deuten.
Und dann verhalten sich plötzlich auch noch Livs Eltern ganz komisch. Sie darf sich endlich die heißersehnten Ohrringe stechen lassen, geht für die gefühlt nächsten 10 Jahre shoppen, lernt Spaghetti Bolognese kochen und wird immer wieder ungefragt mit Tipps und Tricks fürs Leben versorgt.
Liv ahnt also recht schnell, dass etwas nicht stimmt und versucht auf ihre Art und Weise damit zurecht zu kommen.
Dass dieses Buch nicht durchweg witzig und spaßig sein wird, war für mich spätestens nach dem Lesen des Klappentextes klar. Und in welche Richtung sich diese Geschichte wohl entwickeln wird kann man sich direkt denken.
Stellenweise war das Buch daher sogar wirklich traurig, sehr real und ziemlich mitreißend.
Und trotz des ernstes Hintergrundes hat die Autorin es erstaunlicherweise geschafft, das Thema mit Charme und sogar Spaß zu behandeln.
Ich möchte darauf aber jetzt gar nicht genauer eingehen, da ich euch sonst einfach zu viel vorab verraten würde und ich kann nur jedem empfehlen, dass Buch einfach selbst in die Hand zu nehmen.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach und lässt sich leicht lesen. Schnell baut sich ein gewisser Spannungsbogen auf, obwohl der Inhalt des Buches eigentlich ganz alltäglich ist und gar nicht so viel passiert.
Geschrieben ist das Buch aus der Sicht von Protagonistin Liv.
Liv ist 12 Jahre alt, macht sich viele Gedanken wie wohl jeder Teenager in ihrem Alter und wirkte dadurch natürlich sehr authentisch. Generell erschien mir Liv recht reif und verantwortungsbewusst für ihr Alter. Dennoch hätte ich ihr manches Mal gerne ein ernstes Wörtchen gesagt, wenn sie mal wieder nur an sich gedacht hat oder aber jemand anderem unberechtigt die Schuld an der wirklich schrecklichen Situation zugeschoben hat.
Livs Gefühlswelt hat mich total mitgenommen und gefesselt.
Besonders spannend war dagegen allerdings die Beschreibung der Eltern auf die Sicht der Dinge, die so völlig anders ist, als die der mittlerweile 13 jährigen Liv. Vor allem die Einstellung von Livs Mutter hat mir imponiert und mir regelrechte Schauer über den Rücken gejagt und mich in anderen Situationen sogar lauthals lachen lassen.
Eine wunderbare Mischung für ein Buch mit einer solchen Thematik.
Der Verlauf der Geschichte ist so real und ergreifend, dass es mir teilweise eine richtige Gänsehaut verpasst hat. Und auch wenn man von der ersten Seite an direkt weis wie das Buch enden wird, ist doch der Weg dahin das wirklich interessante an diesem Buch.
Das Buch beginnt mit einem Teil, der mit "Davor" betitelt wird und wo wir noch gar nicht wissen, worum es eigentlich geht. Danach werden die Kapitel mit Titeln wie z.B. "5 Wochen davor" eingeleitet, was mich als Leser wirklich betroffen hat. Denn nicht nur Liv hofft sehnlichst auf eine Wendung, auch ich habe gebetet und gehofft und wäre beinahe verrückt geworden. Und obwohl man also quasi mit Zeitansage auf das Kommende vorbereitet wird, waren die letzten Seiten wirklich herzzerreißend, kaum zum Aushalten und haben mir mehr als nur eine Träne entlockt.
Bewertung:
Ein Buch über das Leben mit all seinen Facetten. Packend, mitreißend, traurig und zugleich erheiternd, vermittelt das Buch eine tolle Botschaft und hat mich nachhaltig beeindruckt.
Verlust, Trauer, Hoffnung, Freundschaft und Liebe – ein Buch über das Leben!
„Ich schaue mir alle Fotos an, die ich von Mum gemacht habe. Was diese Fotos gemeinsam haben, ist, dass sie zeigen, wie Mum lebt – so als ob jeder einzelne Tag von größter Bedeutung für sie wäre.“
Livs Mutter beginnt plötzlich, ihr die wichtigen Dinge des Lebens näherzubringen. Deshalb muss Liv jetzt - ob sie will oder nicht –
• den ersten BH kaufen (obwohl sie noch keinen braucht)
• lernen, wie man Spaghetti Bolognese kocht (obwohl ihre Mutter nicht kochen kann)
• ein Schminktutorial mit ihrer Mum absolvieren (obwohl sie sich erst mit 16 richtig schminken darf) .
Doch als ihre Mutter Liv sogar erlaubt, sich endlich Ohrringe stechen zu lassen, weiß sie, dass irgendetwas nicht stimmt. Bisher war ihre Mutter strikt dagegen. Außerdem ist sie nun immer öfter erschöpft und schläft viel. Liv spürt, dass sie ihr etwas verheimlicht, etwas, was ihr Leben für immer verändern wird …
Quelle: dtv
Cover:
Das Cover und auch die Gestaltung unter dem Schutzumschlag, sowie die kleinen Details innerhalb des Buches finde ich wirklich ansprechend und sehr gelungen. Besonders gefällt mir auch, dass wichtige, inhaltliche Elemente aus der Geschichte im Cover verarbeitet wurden.
Meine Meinung:
Liv ist 12 und schlägt sich mit den typischen Problemen einer Heranwachsenden herum. Doch das ist natürlich noch nicht alles. Denn Livs Bruder Isaac hat Asperger und macht ihr damit den Alltag häufig alles andere als einfach. Isaac kann gewissen Dinge und Situationen nämlich einfach nicht einschätzen oder deuten.
Und dann verhalten sich plötzlich auch noch Livs Eltern ganz komisch. Sie darf sich endlich die heißersehnten Ohrringe stechen lassen, geht für die gefühlt nächsten 10 Jahre shoppen, lernt Spaghetti Bolognese kochen und wird immer wieder ungefragt mit Tipps und Tricks fürs Leben versorgt.
Liv ahnt also recht schnell, dass etwas nicht stimmt und versucht auf ihre Art und Weise damit zurecht zu kommen.
Dass dieses Buch nicht durchweg witzig und spaßig sein wird, war für mich spätestens nach dem Lesen des Klappentextes klar. Und in welche Richtung sich diese Geschichte wohl entwickeln wird kann man sich direkt denken.
Stellenweise war das Buch daher sogar wirklich traurig, sehr real und ziemlich mitreißend.
Und trotz des ernstes Hintergrundes hat die Autorin es erstaunlicherweise geschafft, das Thema mit Charme und sogar Spaß zu behandeln.
Ich möchte darauf aber jetzt gar nicht genauer eingehen, da ich euch sonst einfach zu viel vorab verraten würde und ich kann nur jedem empfehlen, dass Buch einfach selbst in die Hand zu nehmen.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach und lässt sich leicht lesen. Schnell baut sich ein gewisser Spannungsbogen auf, obwohl der Inhalt des Buches eigentlich ganz alltäglich ist und gar nicht so viel passiert.
Geschrieben ist das Buch aus der Sicht von Protagonistin Liv.
Liv ist 12 Jahre alt, macht sich viele Gedanken wie wohl jeder Teenager in ihrem Alter und wirkte dadurch natürlich sehr authentisch. Generell erschien mir Liv recht reif und verantwortungsbewusst für ihr Alter. Dennoch hätte ich ihr manches Mal gerne ein ernstes Wörtchen gesagt, wenn sie mal wieder nur an sich gedacht hat oder aber jemand anderem unberechtigt die Schuld an der wirklich schrecklichen Situation zugeschoben hat.
Livs Gefühlswelt hat mich total mitgenommen und gefesselt.
Besonders spannend war dagegen allerdings die Beschreibung der Eltern auf die Sicht der Dinge, die so völlig anders ist, als die der mittlerweile 13 jährigen Liv. Vor allem die Einstellung von Livs Mutter hat mir imponiert und mir regelrechte Schauer über den Rücken gejagt und mich in anderen Situationen sogar lauthals lachen lassen.
Eine wunderbare Mischung für ein Buch mit einer solchen Thematik.
Der Verlauf der Geschichte ist so real und ergreifend, dass es mir teilweise eine richtige Gänsehaut verpasst hat. Und auch wenn man von der ersten Seite an direkt weis wie das Buch enden wird, ist doch der Weg dahin das wirklich interessante an diesem Buch.
Das Buch beginnt mit einem Teil, der mit "Davor" betitelt wird und wo wir noch gar nicht wissen, worum es eigentlich geht. Danach werden die Kapitel mit Titeln wie z.B. "5 Wochen davor" eingeleitet, was mich als Leser wirklich betroffen hat. Denn nicht nur Liv hofft sehnlichst auf eine Wendung, auch ich habe gebetet und gehofft und wäre beinahe verrückt geworden. Und obwohl man also quasi mit Zeitansage auf das Kommende vorbereitet wird, waren die letzten Seiten wirklich herzzerreißend, kaum zum Aushalten und haben mir mehr als nur eine Träne entlockt.
Bewertung:
Ein Buch über das Leben mit all seinen Facetten. Packend, mitreißend, traurig und zugleich erheiternd, vermittelt das Buch eine tolle Botschaft und hat mich nachhaltig beeindruckt.
December 31, 2017
This book is simply beautiful! I love it! It really pictures the life of an eleven year-old, named Olivia, who had to let her mother go because she was ill. At first, she was tired of her mother's strict rules and thought that her mother was "un-cool", like other mothers. But as the time went on, she finally managed to let herself in to her mothers life, and let her mother get into her life. With the help of her mother's diaries, Olivia survived school and her everyday life by knowing that someone understands.
But all the rainbows changed to dark clouds when her mother fell ill and had to go back and forth to the hospital so she had to leave her family alone. Until one day, she didn't go back to them at all.
This book tells us to live our lives like we meant it. That we have no control when it comes to life and death conditions. But what we can do is lift our chin up, carry the memories we made, and move on.
But all the rainbows changed to dark clouds when her mother fell ill and had to go back and forth to the hospital so she had to leave her family alone. Until one day, she didn't go back to them at all.
This book tells us to live our lives like we meant it. That we have no control when it comes to life and death conditions. But what we can do is lift our chin up, carry the memories we made, and move on.
June 8, 2018
This book is funny, touching, heart-warming and overall real. Despite Liv and her family's sadness everyone who reads the book will laugh, cry and keep coming back to the book. Although this book should really just be bought with a box of tissues. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys books such as John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars or Zoe Sugg’s Girl Online. Although the book could be recommended for a wide range of people whose interests include medicine, photography, friendship, family and the everyday life of a teenage girl dealing with usual issues.
I first read this book in Year 7 after it fell on my head when I was looking for something to read. Instead of getting severe brain damage I read this book and my life changed forever. With intriguing family aspects, contemporary themes and an amazing story arc for the characters. It is written perfectly.
I first read this book in Year 7 after it fell on my head when I was looking for something to read. Instead of getting severe brain damage I read this book and my life changed forever. With intriguing family aspects, contemporary themes and an amazing story arc for the characters. It is written perfectly.
August 9, 2024
خب دیدم این کتاب کامنتاش کمه... و خب من این کتاب رو مدت ها پیش خوندم و برام عزیزه چون یادمه باهاش زندگی کردم.
برام نوشتن حرفام یکم سخته، ولی یادمه که این کتاب رابطه مادر و دختر رو قشنگ نشون داد، و آخرش بنظرم خاص بود. آدم انتظار داشت با توجه به جوری که چیز ها دارن پیش میرن، آخرش متفاوت باشه. که بنظرم همینم قشنگش میکنه چون مشابه این هارو میتونیم تو زندگیمون ببینیم و بنظرم برای درکشون کتاب خوبیه. من سخت با کتاب ها گریم میگیره ولی جوری که یادم میاد با این گریه کردم. و بنظرم جوری که مادرش سعی کرد با دادن دفترچه خاطراتش جای خالیش رو برای دخترش پر کنه، قشنگ و دردناک بود. جوری که اولیویا نمیتونست مادرش رو سرزنش کنه ولی هیچکس دیگه ای هم نمیتونست سرزنش کنه. اینکه تهش، تقصیر هیچ کدومشون نبود. این کتاب تو قلبم میمونه و دلم میخواد در آینده دوباره بخونمش.
برام نوشتن حرفام یکم سخته، ولی یادمه که این کتاب رابطه مادر و دختر رو قشنگ نشون داد، و آخرش بنظرم خاص بود. آدم انتظار داشت با توجه به جوری که چیز ها دارن پیش میرن، آخرش متفاوت باشه. که بنظرم همینم قشنگش میکنه چون مشابه این هارو میتونیم تو زندگیمون ببینیم و بنظرم برای درکشون کتاب خوبیه. من سخت با کتاب ها گریم میگیره ولی جوری که یادم میاد با این گریه کردم. و بنظرم جوری که مادرش سعی کرد با دادن دفترچه خاطراتش جای خالیش رو برای دخترش پر کنه، قشنگ و دردناک بود. جوری که اولیویا نمیتونست مادرش رو سرزنش کنه ولی هیچکس دیگه ای هم نمیتونست سرزنش کنه. اینکه تهش، تقصیر هیچ کدومشون نبود. این کتاب تو قلبم میمونه و دلم میخواد در آینده دوباره بخونمش.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
i read this book when i was in 6th grade and its been almost 6 years now, but i dont think i will ever forget the emotions it made my 12 year old self feel. i bought this book impulsively in a bookshop and it might have been the best decision i have ever made. back then booktok wasn't a thing, so of course i had just read the summary at the back and decided to buy it.
i hold this book very close to my heart. in retrospect, it made me realise a lot of things about life. the amount of tears i shed when i finished this book was insane. i liked it so much that i re-read it in 7th grade. there are no words that can describe just how close this book is to me ❤️
i hold this book very close to my heart. in retrospect, it made me realise a lot of things about life. the amount of tears i shed when i finished this book was insane. i liked it so much that i re-read it in 7th grade. there are no words that can describe just how close this book is to me ❤️
June 10, 2021
Ich finde das Buch nicht schlecht. Allerdings ist das Thema was behandelt wird nicht so lange ausgeführt. Ich finde das Thema wird nicht sensibel behandelt.
Spoiler:
Die Mutter hat eine Krankheit. Aber was für eine Krankheit. Wird ja nicht aufgelöst. Ich habe Vermutungen. Aber sie wissen ja, dass die Mutter stirbt. Also muss es was schlimmes sein.
Spoiler:
Die Mutter hat eine Krankheit. Aber was für eine Krankheit. Wird ja nicht aufgelöst. Ich habe Vermutungen. Aber sie wissen ja, dass die Mutter stirbt. Also muss es was schlimmes sein.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2020
I could not put this book down. I got it from my school when I was 12 and didn’t get into it but picked it back up recently at age 15. I felt I related it it more and enjoyed every page of the book! Would highly recommend to read.
May 16, 2021
I read this book when I was in year 3, 4 years ago, and to this day it is my favourite book. It made me sob, laugh, smile, and sit there in shock. When I finished it felt like I had lost my best friend. You will not regret reading this, absolutely incredible.
July 11, 2022
It’s taken me years to finish this book because it was very sad but honestly such a good story about learning to live after losing someone close. It only got 3 stars from me because i think it was intended for a younger audience.
May 26, 2024
This was a lovely read, perfect for younger readers. It was well written and really brought the subject of loss and losing a parent and grief while experiencing life as a teenager well. It got me right in feels
July 9, 2017
I cried so much at this book. It's really special and makes you think about taking people for granted and enjoying every moment with them.
October 6, 2017
Review will be up later because i am crying too hard now...
The whole book is relatable and sad😭😭😭😭
The whole book is relatable and sad😭😭😭😭
September 30, 2018
I think this was a 2.5? The whole book was a bit of a mess, and I genuinely don’t know how I feel.
July 8, 2018
Even as a babyish book, I re-read it and still shed the same amount of tears
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