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Never Said
For as long as she can remember, Sarah’s family life has revolved around her twin sister, Annie—the pretty one, the social one, the girl who can do anything. The person everyone seems to wish Sarah—with her crippling shyness—could simply become.
When Annie suddenly chops off her hair, quits beauty pageants, and gains weight, the focus changes—Annie is still the star of the family, but for all the wrong reasons. Sarah knows something has happened, but she too is caught in her own spiral after her boyfriend breaks up with her and starts hanging out with one of Annie’s old friends.
Annie is intent on keeping her painful secret safe. But when she and Sarah start spending time together again for the first time in years, walls start to break on both sides … and words that had been left unsaid could change everything
When Annie suddenly chops off her hair, quits beauty pageants, and gains weight, the focus changes—Annie is still the star of the family, but for all the wrong reasons. Sarah knows something has happened, but she too is caught in her own spiral after her boyfriend breaks up with her and starts hanging out with one of Annie’s old friends.
Annie is intent on keeping her painful secret safe. But when she and Sarah start spending time together again for the first time in years, walls start to break on both sides … and words that had been left unsaid could change everything
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
6 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynch Williams
40 books395 followersCarol Lynch Williams is the author of more than 30 books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her novels include The Chosen One, Never that Far, Messenger and Never Said. Her most recent book is the novelization of the movie Once I Was a Beehive. Carol has an MFA from Vermont College in Writing for Children and Young Adults and teaches creative writing at BYU. She runs Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, a week-long writing conference for the not-faint-of-heart writer (www.wifyr.com). As well she is a mentor for those who want to write for kids and teens. Her best creative effort, however, are her five daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 16, 2015
I agree with other readers that the subject matter featured in this book is a serious topic that affects not just women but guys as well. People need to be able to have a voice and know it is ok to speak out and ask for help. Luckily, I have not encountered this situation that Annie dealt with. However as I have said before when it comes to these types of books, empathy goes a long way. I did not really feel this for any of the characters except for a tiny bit for Annie. Otherwise for the most part the rest of the characters in this story got on my nerves. Sarah for her "poor me attitude", Sarah and Annie's parents for being "clueless or uncaring", Garrett for trying to be the "knight in shiny armour", all of Sarah and Annie's class mates for being "snobbies".
Although the alternating voices and view points was nice. I like the way that the author scripted Annie's voice. It was written in poem format or just a few words on a page. So you might wonder how I was able to read this book so fast if I did not like most of the characters. It is because the chapters were short...only a few pages long. I do want to say however that everyone pulled together in the last few chapters of this book. However for me I still did not feel the family connection. Plus, the ending was alright.
Although the alternating voices and view points was nice. I like the way that the author scripted Annie's voice. It was written in poem format or just a few words on a page. So you might wonder how I was able to read this book so fast if I did not like most of the characters. It is because the chapters were short...only a few pages long. I do want to say however that everyone pulled together in the last few chapters of this book. However for me I still did not feel the family connection. Plus, the ending was alright.
January 27, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5
November 4, 2015
Annie never said what troubled her so much.
Instead, she just started eating junk, turning her beauty pageant body into the unrecognizable twin. Her parents are devastated and can't stop telling her how "ugly" she looks. But her twin sister, Sarah, suspects more. Why does Annie seem so preoccupied with wanting men to consider her undesirable? Why doesn't she complain about the bullying at school? What is Annie not saying?!?
Told in dual point-of-view, the premise seemed a bit misleading. Although, Sarah was in fact an introvert, the anxiety disorder that her parents constantly criticized didn't seem fit. Sarah stood up for Annie constantly, had a boyfriend and had no problem leaving the house. As for Annie, her story was very slow paced. From the beginning to end, we just saw her eat and want to create a club where everyone is equal and friendly, even though her eating disorder was caused by something traumatic that she refused to get help for. How could she possibly help others in her state?
Not my favorite Lynch Williams.
Instead, she just started eating junk, turning her beauty pageant body into the unrecognizable twin. Her parents are devastated and can't stop telling her how "ugly" she looks. But her twin sister, Sarah, suspects more. Why does Annie seem so preoccupied with wanting men to consider her undesirable? Why doesn't she complain about the bullying at school? What is Annie not saying?!?
Told in dual point-of-view, the premise seemed a bit misleading. Although, Sarah was in fact an introvert, the anxiety disorder that her parents constantly criticized didn't seem fit. Sarah stood up for Annie constantly, had a boyfriend and had no problem leaving the house. As for Annie, her story was very slow paced. From the beginning to end, we just saw her eat and want to create a club where everyone is equal and friendly, even though her eating disorder was caused by something traumatic that she refused to get help for. How could she possibly help others in her state?
Not my favorite Lynch Williams.
December 1, 2015
About the Book:
For as long as she can remember, Sarah’s family life has revolved around her twin sister, Annie—the pretty one, the social one, the girl who can do anything. The person everyone seems to wish Sarah—with her crippling shyness—could simply become.
When Annie suddenly chops off her hair, quits beauty pageants, and gains weight, the focus changes—Annie is still the star of the family, but for all the wrong reasons. Sarah knows something has happened, but she too is caught in her own spiral after her boyfriend breaks up with her and starts hanging out with one of Annie’s old friends.
Annie is intent on keeping her painful secret safe. But when she and Sarah start spending time together again for the first time in years, walls start to break on both sides … and words that had been left unsaid could change everything.
My Review:
Being a Sister is Hard.....
I was telling my daughter the other day that she needs to be grateful on about seven hundred different levels that she doesn't have sisters but all brothers. I told her it would just be better for her all the way around. I have two sisters and a brother that passed before I was born. Growing up with two other females in the family besides our mother was very difficult. My sisters and I do not have a close relationship at all and can't communicate very well. I am extremely hurt by this and feel like I have tried everything to make them a part of my life but it just ultimately fails time and again.
With all that being said when this book passed across my desk, I was very intrigued. Not only is it about two sisters but they are also twins. I could relate right away with Sarah. I have always felt like the sister or daughter shoved into the corner even when my sisters were rebellious and boy were they. So this book drew me in immediately.
While the plot line was very obviously related to things that happen in the here and now and situations that need to be addressed in a global way. I'm not sure that I'm a fan of how the book was written. I would of liked to see more dialogue between the two main characters.
I grew even more proud of Sarah by the end of the book, she refused to take this obstacle that was presented to her sister lying down. By the end I was cheering for the both of them and claimed sisterhood for all. A very good read that will make you want to help any young girl in the same situation.
Perfect for ages high school and up.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
For as long as she can remember, Sarah’s family life has revolved around her twin sister, Annie—the pretty one, the social one, the girl who can do anything. The person everyone seems to wish Sarah—with her crippling shyness—could simply become.
When Annie suddenly chops off her hair, quits beauty pageants, and gains weight, the focus changes—Annie is still the star of the family, but for all the wrong reasons. Sarah knows something has happened, but she too is caught in her own spiral after her boyfriend breaks up with her and starts hanging out with one of Annie’s old friends.
Annie is intent on keeping her painful secret safe. But when she and Sarah start spending time together again for the first time in years, walls start to break on both sides … and words that had been left unsaid could change everything.
My Review:
Being a Sister is Hard.....
I was telling my daughter the other day that she needs to be grateful on about seven hundred different levels that she doesn't have sisters but all brothers. I told her it would just be better for her all the way around. I have two sisters and a brother that passed before I was born. Growing up with two other females in the family besides our mother was very difficult. My sisters and I do not have a close relationship at all and can't communicate very well. I am extremely hurt by this and feel like I have tried everything to make them a part of my life but it just ultimately fails time and again.
With all that being said when this book passed across my desk, I was very intrigued. Not only is it about two sisters but they are also twins. I could relate right away with Sarah. I have always felt like the sister or daughter shoved into the corner even when my sisters were rebellious and boy were they. So this book drew me in immediately.
While the plot line was very obviously related to things that happen in the here and now and situations that need to be addressed in a global way. I'm not sure that I'm a fan of how the book was written. I would of liked to see more dialogue between the two main characters.
I grew even more proud of Sarah by the end of the book, she refused to take this obstacle that was presented to her sister lying down. By the end I was cheering for the both of them and claimed sisterhood for all. A very good read that will make you want to help any young girl in the same situation.
Perfect for ages high school and up.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
December 25, 2017
WARNINGS: Eating disorders, .
I hate the mother. Such a bitch. You just shouldn't suggest that your daughter lose weight.
I hate the mother. Such a bitch. You just shouldn't suggest that your daughter lose weight.
October 3, 2019
This is a heartbreaking story. I can’t say anything else.
December 14, 2015
Grade: C
Sarah, who suffers from social anxiety exists behind the shadow of her beauty pageant queen twin. Now Annie no longer competes and is happily overweight, much to the chagrin of their mother. Sarah knows something with her sister is different, but for once the loquacious Annie isn't talking.
Told in prose by Sarah and verse by Annie NEVER SAID is a quick read about a serious issues. I'm often frustrated by the easy answers in Carol Lynch Williams' books. She writes about such topical, important subjects, pens overly simplistic resolutions and the characters often don't show their troubles in an an authentic manner. With Sarah, her social anxiety feels flat. I didn't feel any of the tension jumping of the pages. I felt like Williams googled the condition and plugged in some symptoms, instead of doing actual research. Annie's situation was too cerebral, and unemotional. Williams has excellent plot ideas, but let's me down with the execution.
I enjoyed reading NEVER SAID, but wished it had more substance. I think Annie's chapters might have been better told in prose. The free verse never felt metaphorically poetic, instead read like thoughts in incomplete sentences. On some level this worked to convey Annie's disjointed thinking, although it kept me from knowing her and feeling like she was a complex character.
THEMES: social anxiety, twins, sisters, siblings, family, eating disorders, sexual abuse, rape, parents
NEVER SAID, a compelling story, glosses over complicated issues with easy answers.
Sarah, who suffers from social anxiety exists behind the shadow of her beauty pageant queen twin. Now Annie no longer competes and is happily overweight, much to the chagrin of their mother. Sarah knows something with her sister is different, but for once the loquacious Annie isn't talking.
Told in prose by Sarah and verse by Annie NEVER SAID is a quick read about a serious issues. I'm often frustrated by the easy answers in Carol Lynch Williams' books. She writes about such topical, important subjects, pens overly simplistic resolutions and the characters often don't show their troubles in an an authentic manner. With Sarah, her social anxiety feels flat. I didn't feel any of the tension jumping of the pages. I felt like Williams googled the condition and plugged in some symptoms, instead of doing actual research. Annie's situation was too cerebral, and unemotional. Williams has excellent plot ideas, but let's me down with the execution.
I enjoyed reading NEVER SAID, but wished it had more substance. I think Annie's chapters might have been better told in prose. The free verse never felt metaphorically poetic, instead read like thoughts in incomplete sentences. On some level this worked to convey Annie's disjointed thinking, although it kept me from knowing her and feeling like she was a complex character.
THEMES: social anxiety, twins, sisters, siblings, family, eating disorders, sexual abuse, rape, parents
NEVER SAID, a compelling story, glosses over complicated issues with easy answers.
April 29, 2024
3.5 stars.....two twin sisters....one changes and the other figures it out
March 17, 2017
This book was amazing! It was about a set of twins who when they were little they were almost exactly the same. They did everything together, did all the same things together. But when they got older Annie took the spotlight and got all of their parents attention. She and her parents went to beauty pagents and sporting events and cheered on Annie. Sarah's parents acted like Annie was their only child.Sarah stood in the background and didn't say a word. Even though she was jealous of how they treated Annie like their only daughter and how they hated that she would rather stay home and read than go out on stage or on the court for everyone to see.One day Annie decided she didn't want to be her parents perfect girl anymore so she gained weight, dyed her hair and got peircings. Her parents were furious with her for not being what they want her to be. They wanted her to be their poster child that they could show off to all of their friends. A skinny, beautiful and perfect girl. Sarah just wanted her parents to see and accept her for who she is instead of them wanting to change her. Suddenly, now that Annie was still gettting attention but bad attention, their parents started seeing Sarah. But when long lost secrets come up to change the family dinamic, their parents realize that they have to love both of their daughters equally and be supportive of whoever they want to be. And sarah has to figure out how to forgive her parents and Annie for what they did. Annie for not letting Sarah have some of the spotlight. And her parents for not loving Sarah just as much as Annie.
March 9, 2017
Never Said was about twin sisters who are very different. Sarah was very quiet, shy and simple. Sarah went through a tough break up but still lives to see her sister having fun and being with all of her friends. Annie is very pretty, has a big group of friends and takes part in beauty pageants. But one day Annie decides to change who she is and from that day the family's lives change forever. I liked how the characters were easy to understand and it was very detailed. There was a good storyline throughout the whole book. I didn't like the end of the book because it just left the ending with no information on what actually happened. Although there was a good storyline I feel as if there were random events put in the book just as fillers. Overall the book always kept you on your toes and left you wondering what was going to happen next. I recommend this book to teenage girls because it's a chick flick kind of book.
November 7, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through Book Look Bloggers. This is a first time read for me with this author as well.
In this book we have twins Annie and Sarah. Annie is the popular girl and Sarah is the shy anxious loner. Annie is changing though, she has gained weight, chops off her hair, quits her pageants and Sarah knows something has happened to Annie when they start hanging out with each other again, and even now Annie is still the center of attention only on a different scale.
I enjoyed the plot of this story, I liked the realism of it. I found the story engaging, it flowed well nd was very easy to read. I do think there could have been a bit more depth to the story than there was though to bring up the excitement level a bit. It did have a pretty decent plot twist that I did not expect, so that was good.
The characters could have been developed little better than they were, but it was a short book s that is to be expected. I did like Annie and Sarah and found them to be pretty well grounded even though they were going through their own issues. Mom and Dad, I could have shot them both. Mom was a nagging, demanding and very critical woman and Dad was pretty non-existent most of the time as his work comes first. I could not stand either one of them and do not think they deserved to be parents.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys realism, YA or contemporary novels with relatable characters. Overall it was a pretty good read. I just think it needed a little more depth to it.
In this book we have twins Annie and Sarah. Annie is the popular girl and Sarah is the shy anxious loner. Annie is changing though, she has gained weight, chops off her hair, quits her pageants and Sarah knows something has happened to Annie when they start hanging out with each other again, and even now Annie is still the center of attention only on a different scale.
I enjoyed the plot of this story, I liked the realism of it. I found the story engaging, it flowed well nd was very easy to read. I do think there could have been a bit more depth to the story than there was though to bring up the excitement level a bit. It did have a pretty decent plot twist that I did not expect, so that was good.
The characters could have been developed little better than they were, but it was a short book s that is to be expected. I did like Annie and Sarah and found them to be pretty well grounded even though they were going through their own issues. Mom and Dad, I could have shot them both. Mom was a nagging, demanding and very critical woman and Dad was pretty non-existent most of the time as his work comes first. I could not stand either one of them and do not think they deserved to be parents.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys realism, YA or contemporary novels with relatable characters. Overall it was a pretty good read. I just think it needed a little more depth to it.
September 1, 2015
Two sisters, twins, Sarah, shy, nervous,happy to be out of the spotlight. Annie, prettier, more social, winner of so many beauty pageants. When Annie chops off her hair, quits competing and gains 45 pounds, Sarah doesn't know what's going on, but then Annie begins to talk...and Sarah Listens.
Told in distinctive and alternating styles, this book covers seven days, but packs an incredible amount of feeling and dysfunction into that week. Sarah's still endlessly second guessing why her first and only boyfriend broke up with her as well as trying to lay low in the verbal war zone her parents and her sister have created at home.
Their parents are so wrapped up in expectations and the family real estate business that they barely know Sarah exists or has unique feelings and problems. All the attention seems to focus on Annie and getting her to be the girl she was. Neither parent has a clue that their daughters are not only really hurting, but are totally unique.
When things finally come to a head at the big party where the girls are expected to perform like pet monkeys, the denouement is sharp and swift. Most readers won't see what's coming. I certainly didn't. This is a gentler treatment of the issue at the heart of the story than most, but that doesn't diminish its impact. I'm a fan of the author's books and was not disappointed by this, reading it in one sitting. It's a worthy addition to any school or public library.
Told in distinctive and alternating styles, this book covers seven days, but packs an incredible amount of feeling and dysfunction into that week. Sarah's still endlessly second guessing why her first and only boyfriend broke up with her as well as trying to lay low in the verbal war zone her parents and her sister have created at home.
Their parents are so wrapped up in expectations and the family real estate business that they barely know Sarah exists or has unique feelings and problems. All the attention seems to focus on Annie and getting her to be the girl she was. Neither parent has a clue that their daughters are not only really hurting, but are totally unique.
When things finally come to a head at the big party where the girls are expected to perform like pet monkeys, the denouement is sharp and swift. Most readers won't see what's coming. I certainly didn't. This is a gentler treatment of the issue at the heart of the story than most, but that doesn't diminish its impact. I'm a fan of the author's books and was not disappointed by this, reading it in one sitting. It's a worthy addition to any school or public library.
October 16, 2015
Another travelling book! I don't think I've ever been so close to the start of a book before, where not much has been written in it. But what meant more to me was reading the letter the person before me had written after I finished the book; I had left it alone before then, not sure if there would be spoilers.
It just resonated with me that if someone's behavior abruptly changes, there is always something that has triggered that change. You need to ask. You need to not judge. You need to not let that person carry their insecurities by themselves. While I don't think that everything will ever get wrapped up in a neat little bow like it sort of does at the end of this book, it's a strong start. Understanding. It's important.
That said...while I felt the book had a lot of truth to it, I don't think I liked it that much. Maybe because of the subject matter, but also because of the secondary characters. They're all just props to tell the story; there's very little substance beyond the twins, Annie and Sarah. Which is a shame, because they're both dealing with a lot and are complex in their own way.
On a stupid little note, it drives me crazy when a 'chapter' is one sentence long. Especially when there's a blank page between each chapter. Such a waste of space!
It just resonated with me that if someone's behavior abruptly changes, there is always something that has triggered that change. You need to ask. You need to not judge. You need to not let that person carry their insecurities by themselves. While I don't think that everything will ever get wrapped up in a neat little bow like it sort of does at the end of this book, it's a strong start. Understanding. It's important.
That said...while I felt the book had a lot of truth to it, I don't think I liked it that much. Maybe because of the subject matter, but also because of the secondary characters. They're all just props to tell the story; there's very little substance beyond the twins, Annie and Sarah. Which is a shame, because they're both dealing with a lot and are complex in their own way.
On a stupid little note, it drives me crazy when a 'chapter' is one sentence long. Especially when there's a blank page between each chapter. Such a waste of space!
January 1, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Carol Lynch Williams' new contemporary young adult novel, Never Said, deals with a handful of difficult adolescent and familial issues, as a set of twin sisters alternates perspectives to uniquely tell their story. The premise of this book had me intrigued from the start with its family dynamics, and even though after I started reading, I saw it played out a bit predictably, I still considered it to be an interesting read. An overall quick read that I liked, Never Said could be a great choice for readers interested in young adult fiction involving serious and challenging topics.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Never Said and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Carol Lynch Williams' new contemporary young adult novel, Never Said, deals with a handful of difficult adolescent and familial issues, as a set of twin sisters alternates perspectives to uniquely tell their story. The premise of this book had me intrigued from the start with its family dynamics, and even though after I started reading, I saw it played out a bit predictably, I still considered it to be an interesting read. An overall quick read that I liked, Never Said could be a great choice for readers interested in young adult fiction involving serious and challenging topics.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Never Said and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
I really like books with siblings as protagonists especially if they are twins, so I knew I'd like this novel since I read the synopsis.
Just as twins Annie and Sarah are different, the book is narrated in two different styles: Annie as verse and Sarah as prose. This type of narrative gave a dramatic and unique touch to the story, because it increases the mystery and keeps you in suspense all the time.
In this story very deep family issues are touched; and I find it amazing how the author knew how to write about them without being too graphic or explicit. In addition, she presents an interesting perspective on this sensitive topic as violence is.
Although I would like to tell more about the book, I'm afraid I'd be giving spoilers; so I can only say that is a very profound book despite its few pages, and I definitely recommend it!
-I received a book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest opinion, which I did-
August 19, 2015
Okay, first off this summary is wrong and Sarah's boyfriend's name is Garrett. Now that we've taken care of that--this is another book with a serious topic and tragedy.
We know from the beginning that something has happened to Annie. I had a guess that I thought was right and I was close but not exact. I really liked her. I love how her story was told in prose/poem format.
Sarah wasn't my favorite. She was the shy one and I wanted to feel bad for her but I really just wanted to tell her to get over her shyness. It was too much.
We all know I love twins so this was an interesting take on their relationship and how they told the story. Without giving too much away, this topic is serious and while it might not be against the law in the way we might normally think, it is and it's something that teenagers need to be talked with about.
We know from the beginning that something has happened to Annie. I had a guess that I thought was right and I was close but not exact. I really liked her. I love how her story was told in prose/poem format.
Sarah wasn't my favorite. She was the shy one and I wanted to feel bad for her but I really just wanted to tell her to get over her shyness. It was too much.
We all know I love twins so this was an interesting take on their relationship and how they told the story. Without giving too much away, this topic is serious and while it might not be against the law in the way we might normally think, it is and it's something that teenagers need to be talked with about.
January 30, 2022
I can't say it's horrible but it's not... good? It's easy to read but the Annie segments, while good in concept, are really badly written. Sarah as a character is all over the place and inconsistent. I genuinely don't get the whole "waiting for marriage" bull, but I'm not American so I guess it's just something I can't relate to? And the whole Garret thing started, lasted, and ended really stupidly.
I would say "good job" if this book had been written and self published by a 15yo, but given that it was written by an experienced author, it should have been worked over a few more times before publication.
I would say "good job" if this book had been written and self published by a 15yo, but given that it was written by an experienced author, it should have been worked over a few more times before publication.
August 26, 2015
Story of teen fraternal twin girls. One a former child beauty queen, the other the shy beauty who always took a back seat. Told in two voices, one prose, one poetry. Rather than analyze, I'd love to know what a YA reader thinks. I'm not a huge fan of the poetry story phenom but this wasn't written for me. Sometimes an author tells a story that needs to resonate with a reader that can only find their own voice through those words.
December 31, 2015
This is a unique book. I've never read a book like this before. The writing was amusing. The combination of two points of view was clever. The story heartbreaking. But the ending? That was what killed me. I guess I was expecting a happier ending. Still this is such a good book! I'm definitely going to read more Carol Lynch Williams' books.
March 2, 2016
3.5. Not the deep tear-you-apart-and-piece-you-back-together-again that Waiting is. But a fabulous book on families and the things we don't see or refuse to see.
February 22, 2017
Never Said (Blink) — Carol Lynch Williams (133 chapters, broken up between one week from Monday thru Sunday) Feb. 21, 2017
I’m going to write this review a little differently. I’m not going to pick apart or judge the plot. This author’s books do something different to me. This is the second book I have read by this author and as I read it, I hoped that it would continue to be the four star that it started out as. But first. Let me tell you a little background experience with this author.
I really hesitated before I bought this book. Why? Because I have read this author before, and though I love her writing, both as she combines poetry with literary strong stories, they are usually deep, and sometimes very emotional. And so, that is why I hesitated before I eventually downloaded this. But that pull: poetry/literary/poetry/literary. WOW. And Ms. Williams is soooo good at it. Not many people can convey poetry in a way that cuts to the core to what each of her characters are feeling, deep into the character’s heart. Plus: there are very few authors that can combine poetry with “regular” writing and make it so accessible to the common reader. And yet. YET! she does. And she does it well. That was the pull for me that sucked me back in.
This book would be all right for YA. I am not one, but there are themes in here that I think are important. If parent(s)/guardian(s) think they may have troubles with some of these themes, by all means, go ahead and read it beforehand. Personally, I think this is a story that everyone should read.
Don’t be intimidated by the 100+ chapters. They are short, snippets of events, which when tied all together make a lot more sense than reading one by itself.
The author’s one-off books are so strong. I like so much how I know I can read them quickly, and know that I will come away a richer person in Soul and heart.
So, did this book live up to a four star rating? Well, actually no. No. This book is not a four star. It’s actually the best book I have read so far in 2017. (It being moving towards the end of February, I guess, isn’t saying a lot. However, I know this will be a memorable book for quite a while in my mind.) So, no. this book is not a four star. This book is a five star!
I loved how this book starts, and ends. There is a lot of character growth within the story. Maybe a little Pollyanna at the end. Maybe. But I don’t care. Very worthwhile read for me.
Five stars.
I’m going to write this review a little differently. I’m not going to pick apart or judge the plot. This author’s books do something different to me. This is the second book I have read by this author and as I read it, I hoped that it would continue to be the four star that it started out as. But first. Let me tell you a little background experience with this author.
I really hesitated before I bought this book. Why? Because I have read this author before, and though I love her writing, both as she combines poetry with literary strong stories, they are usually deep, and sometimes very emotional. And so, that is why I hesitated before I eventually downloaded this. But that pull: poetry/literary/poetry/literary. WOW. And Ms. Williams is soooo good at it. Not many people can convey poetry in a way that cuts to the core to what each of her characters are feeling, deep into the character’s heart. Plus: there are very few authors that can combine poetry with “regular” writing and make it so accessible to the common reader. And yet. YET! she does. And she does it well. That was the pull for me that sucked me back in.
This book would be all right for YA. I am not one, but there are themes in here that I think are important. If parent(s)/guardian(s) think they may have troubles with some of these themes, by all means, go ahead and read it beforehand. Personally, I think this is a story that everyone should read.
Don’t be intimidated by the 100+ chapters. They are short, snippets of events, which when tied all together make a lot more sense than reading one by itself.
The author’s one-off books are so strong. I like so much how I know I can read them quickly, and know that I will come away a richer person in Soul and heart.
So, did this book live up to a four star rating? Well, actually no. No. This book is not a four star. It’s actually the best book I have read so far in 2017. (It being moving towards the end of February, I guess, isn’t saying a lot. However, I know this will be a memorable book for quite a while in my mind.) So, no. this book is not a four star. This book is a five star!
I loved how this book starts, and ends. There is a lot of character growth within the story. Maybe a little Pollyanna at the end. Maybe. But I don’t care. Very worthwhile read for me.
Five stars.
May 16, 2018
A wonderfully character driven novel, Carol Lynch Williams weaves the story of twin sisters into a beautiful, tangled world for her readers. It's two sides of the coin. One sister has severe anxiety, and the other has been gaining weight for who-knows-what reason. The twists and turns will draw you into the world of these two teenagers. Sarah is the forgotten one, especially after her boyfriend dumped her. Annie is the star-child, who used to win pageants and be popular, and who has gained 45 pounds since her last show.
After years of not being close, the two sisters come together in this heart-wrenching tale. I love Annie's character because of her pride and her optimism. I love it when she finally opens up to Sarah about what her life was really like, about how people expected things from her because of her popularity and beauty. I love Sarah because she faces her anxiety and sticks up for her sister. I won't say too much, because it's a pretty short book and I don't want to spoil it. I don't really agree with not feeling things in this book or identifying with the characters. I could tell Sarah had anxiety without it being spelled out. Definitely worth a read.
After years of not being close, the two sisters come together in this heart-wrenching tale. I love Annie's character because of her pride and her optimism. I love it when she finally opens up to Sarah about what her life was really like, about how people expected things from her because of her popularity and beauty. I love Sarah because she faces her anxiety and sticks up for her sister. I won't say too much, because it's a pretty short book and I don't want to spoil it. I don't really agree with not feeling things in this book or identifying with the characters. I could tell Sarah had anxiety without it being spelled out. Definitely worth a read.
October 27, 2018
Never Said is about Sarah and Annie, twins who couldn't be more different. Annie is beautiful, outgoing, and a beauty pageant star. Sarah on the other hand, is painfully shy and struggles with anxiety. The differences between these sisters drives them apart as Sarah feels that Annie is all her parents ever wanted while she continues to disappoint. However, when Annie quits the pageant life, chops her hair, and gains 45 lbs, she begins to understand how Annie felt all along. As the two sisters start to reconnect, Annie gains the courage to say what she never dared say before as she confesses the reason for her big changes.
Williams does a terrific job of characterizing the two different girls and slowly revealing a greater underlying conflict than what is initially shown. It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that left me with the overwhelming impression that you never know what people are dealing with and reinforced the importance of saying what so often remains unsaid.
Williams does a terrific job of characterizing the two different girls and slowly revealing a greater underlying conflict than what is initially shown. It was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that left me with the overwhelming impression that you never know what people are dealing with and reinforced the importance of saying what so often remains unsaid.
April 29, 2018
Randomly picked up this book at the library because it seemed interesting, not realising it was going to hit so close to home. I thought it was a strange, odd book at first but when the final last bit was revealed, my heart broke. I felt so much for the characters.
October 26, 2020
Twin sisters: one a popular, vivacious beauty queen, one crippled by paralyzing shyness. Their only bond is the deep love they have for each other. But lately too much has been left unsaid. Sarah doesn't know why Annie has renounced beauty pageants, hacking off her hair, deliberately gaining weight, and enraging their parents with her piercings. Annie doesn't know how to help Sarah move past grief over being dumped by the boyfriend she had thought was her true love. Beautifully narrated in alternating voices - prose for Sarah, fragments of poetry for Annie - the story relates the events of the crucial week where each sister has to figure out how to say what has too long been kept silent, in order to save both her sister - and herself.
May 23, 2021
Nad touto knihou som dlho premyslala. Bola velmi zaujimavo pisana.
Hlavnymi postavami su dvojcata. Sarah zije v tieni svojej nadhernej sestry, Annie, ktora je obdivovana, ktoru rodicia tlacia do sutazi krasy. Jedneho dna vsak Annie zacne nosit ine oblecenie, zacne sa prejedat, pribera, ostriha si vlasy. Co sa stalo?
Z pohladu Sarah je to klasicky pisany pribeh, no z pohladu Annie je to pisane ako prud myslienok, ako volne verse. Velmi zaujimave. Pravdupovediac, v prvej tretine som si myslela, ze su obe ta ista osoba, len ze jedna z nich trpi schizofreniou. 😇
Dovod zmeny spravania som si domyslela. Bolo mi vsak luto, ze rodicia v romane si nevsimli zmeny v spravani skor, ze k tomu nepristupovali spravne. Ale asi je to tak aj v realite 😔
Hlavnymi postavami su dvojcata. Sarah zije v tieni svojej nadhernej sestry, Annie, ktora je obdivovana, ktoru rodicia tlacia do sutazi krasy. Jedneho dna vsak Annie zacne nosit ine oblecenie, zacne sa prejedat, pribera, ostriha si vlasy. Co sa stalo?
Z pohladu Sarah je to klasicky pisany pribeh, no z pohladu Annie je to pisane ako prud myslienok, ako volne verse. Velmi zaujimave. Pravdupovediac, v prvej tretine som si myslela, ze su obe ta ista osoba, len ze jedna z nich trpi schizofreniou. 😇
Dovod zmeny spravania som si domyslela. Bolo mi vsak luto, ze rodicia v romane si nevsimli zmeny v spravani skor, ze k tomu nepristupovali spravne. Ale asi je to tak aj v realite 😔
Want to Read
February 22, 2018Never Said is a very inspirational book.This book teaches about sexual harassment but is also very entertaining.This book is about how Sarah and Annie deal with bulling and sexual harassment so Annie can move on.Annie does not want to tell anyone about the crippling secret she has kept for almost 4 lonely months and with that trying to ignore the bulling that is going on at school but her parents know nothing.When Sarah finds about the secret and and bulling walls begin to crumble, Sarah comes out of her shy shell and sticks up for her sister and brings her family together.
August 8, 2018
The main topic of the book is one that you don't tend to see in most books. I think the author did a good job at covering the topic and how it should be handled, but I feel that I didn't get enough insight to each of the characters feelings, especially the dad's. Besides that being my main concern, I definitely recommend this book to all genders of all ages.
July 25, 2021
Shy Sarah is used to being overlooked at home and at school because of her beautiful and popular twin sister Annie. Suddenly, however, Annie gives up the beauty pageant circuit, gains weight, and chops off her lovely hair. Slowly, the sisters begin to reconnect, and, with Sarah's support, Annie finally can confront the secret that has drastically changed her life.
April 17, 2025
Did I finish the book? Yes… Did I somehow related to the book? Maybe… Will I read it again? Absolutely Not…
It might be a bit harsh but, I really don’t want to be back in his world..
This book is to painful to read and it didn’t stick with me.. sure I somehow related to some of Annie’s thoughts… But I hate how she delivered and the slight guilt trip in every words she said… And Sarah’s obsession with her Ex pissed me off..
When it comes to these types of books, empathy goes a very long way. And I did not really feel any of this for any of the characters except maybe a tiny bit for Annie. And for the most part; the rest of the characters got on my nerves.
And Annie didn’t really tells what really troubled her and just decided to “gain weight” in order to “blend in” with her loner of a sister…
First book from the said author.. but if I manage to see one more from her; I’m willing to give her another chance…
It might be a bit harsh but, I really don’t want to be back in his world..
This book is to painful to read and it didn’t stick with me.. sure I somehow related to some of Annie’s thoughts… But I hate how she delivered and the slight guilt trip in every words she said… And Sarah’s obsession with her Ex pissed me off..
When it comes to these types of books, empathy goes a very long way. And I did not really feel any of this for any of the characters except maybe a tiny bit for Annie. And for the most part; the rest of the characters got on my nerves.
And Annie didn’t really tells what really troubled her and just decided to “gain weight” in order to “blend in” with her loner of a sister…
First book from the said author.. but if I manage to see one more from her; I’m willing to give her another chance…
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