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Caterpillars Can't Swim
Ryan finds his freedom in the water, where he is not bound by gravity and his wheelchair. When he rescues his schoolmate, Jack, from the water their lives become connected, whether they like it or not. Ryan keeps Jack's secret about that day in the water, but he knows that Jack needs help. The school is full of rumors about Jack's sexuality, and he has few friends. Almost against his better judgement, Ryan decides to invite Jack on a trip to Comic Con he's planned with his best friend Cody, the captain of the school's swim team. The three boys make an unlikely combination, but they will each have the chance to show whether they are brave enough to go against the stereotypes the world wants to define them by.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
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March 9, 2018
3 “Jack” Stars
“Fine. I hate that word. One of the most useless words in the dictionary. It’s the typical non-answer to everyone’s favorite non-question, “How are you?” Just a totally empty word that says absolutely nothing.”
Disclaimer: Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the cover because it holds a lot of meanings, is simple, and somehow aesthetically pleasing to my eyes.
This review comes from me, a person who can relate deeply with being LGBTQIA, suicide attempt survivor, and small town citizen. This is important for you to have in mind while reaidng my review, thank you.
This book follows three teenagers in the journey of trying to understand judgment in the small town and learn how to be open-minded.although I really think the learning part was lacking quite a bit.
To rate and review this book I had to think a lot, and I have decided to evaluate this story with my positive side. I am trying to stay with the impression that the author's intentions were good. As well as the purpose of trying to represent real-life situations even if they very much painful and unfair. But this doesn’t mean I am not going to discuss why I feel so conflicted on some themes.
Plot:
Ryan has cerebral palsy affecting the mobility of his legs under the knees, for this reason, he is disabled and uses a wheelchair. One morning he presence a person in a yellow dress drowning in the river,after jumping to save the person from dying, he learns the person was a guy. From here these characters need to deal with the aftermath of this incident and question their way of viewing things. As the story is set in a very small town with a huge prejudice towards anything out of “normal”, the characters need to confront bullying, stigma, homophobic comments, etc. Well, I would say Jack is the main one to receive most of the treatments mentioned above, as the other characters also inflicted this.
I enjoyed how to plot was developed and mainly the comicon part.
Setting:
The small town that reflects so much of my own city that I basically hated it. Is full of judgment and very much not open-minded at all. Everyone knew everything about other people, which made people be way over conscious and preoccupied with what others thought. But after hearing the author I know this was the intention, and I appreciate it.
What I want to say is the basically this book is reflecting the hardships people in small, close-minded like these characters go through. Is not saying that is okay but more like trying to show the reality. I really struggle to understand this as I want the whole world to be understanding, open-minded and respectful, but I guess we are very far from that. I appreciated that the author wanted to represent a town like this, is needed to remind people that not all places are perfect.
Characters:
Jack: A gay teen who is struggling to fight with all the prejudice and homophobia in his small town. He is an insecure teenager that needs protection at all costs. I could resonate with him the most and it broke my heart in so many instances, as I have encountered myself in many similar situations. I feel this was the best character of the whole story, and the one that taught us the most to be open-minded and the struggles teenagers face in small towns.
The next two following characters really rubbed me in the wrong side, I guess they are the most human but at the same time quite irritating. One was almost perfect but then had very annoying behaviors, while the other was just very assholy and then came up with some good actions.
Ryan: The main character we follow, he is an a wheelchair which I appreciated as it brings diversity to the main characters we are usually following around. I loved his humor and sarcasm but very much until there. Although he had good intentions he really messed up a lot of stuff. He literally used the incident of saving someone as a bragging situation, and all the good things he did were basically not on purpose.With the train thought of “what did I say that I hope they don’t agree, why, why, why” basically saying his intentions weren’t really the truth. UGHHH it really frustrated me. He also kept having worries about the effect op people’s opinions on him regarding the other characters sexuality, I guess this is relatable as we are selfish humans, but honestly not all is revolving him.
Coddy: Now he was really an ass. I am sorry but I didn’t like him one bit, he was homophobic and just didn’t seem to care for anything apart from himself. Sure he had some moments were it was cool, but then he was just very rude and made awful comments. At the same time, i kind of liked this as he was straightforward the contrary from Ryan.
Themes:
Open-mindedness:
I struggled with this quite a lot. We see the progress of the characters in this book trying to break through the stigmas or taboos on some issues. And it was cool at the start, it was real, the way people start asking the question, perhaps even wrong questions, but they took the first step. My problem began when they never grew from that, they kept going back towards the close-minded setting and there was no concise learning outcome. It bothered me and I cannot pass over it.
LGBTQIA:
OKAY UFFFF.
Very much a lot of homophobic comments and a particularly violent scene. I guess it wouldn’t have angered much if our main character had been Jack, but as Ryan was the one narrating we also got some hurtful comments from his perspective too. Some people may read this and be like “oh is not that hurtful, or bad.” well that's honestly not the point, the thing is they are still hurtful. I am on the LGBTQIA spectrum so I know how much this hurts. This book has also a lot of stereotyping towards gay people, honestly. I mean the make-up scene was if a guy had make-up then he suddenly was homosexual too. Or they treated Jack as if the gayness was contagious, it doesn’t work like that! Again I just disliked this the most part because sometimes it was coming form the thought of our mc.
But it also had a very good representation in terms of the thoughts one has as being LGBTQIA person from a small town. I repeat I really wish Jack had been our mc . The thoughts of thinking something is wrong with us, or how hurtful can be with towards our family, of the fear of not being accepted, or how much it hurts our mental health, IS ALL RELATABLE AND TRUE. It really broke my heart and I could relate hella lot.
Mental health:
So then again, for me, the problem was the way Ryan viewed this. As a person who has attempted suicide ot felt very bothersome to hear the characters joking or throwing very lightly suicide. I mean joke of how Jack ruined the day for jumping to a river or how the mc felt so responsible and therefore everything was Jack’s fault was enerving. But then I know where this comes from, I know many people who take mental health lightly as a joke, they taboo it and just ignore you when you are in a bad place. I really wish we had gotten a bit deeper into that aspect.
Friendship:
Now, it funny to talk of friendship, as I don’t think there was a truthful, healthy friendship in this book. The relationship between Ryan and Jack I will call more as a feeling of duty a self-inflicted obligation. There was not once the term friend mentioned, it was always everything so tensed and not natural. I didn’t like, so I hope the point wasn’t to represent a great friendship because there wasn’t one.
Disability:
I found the representation of the disability was great. Our main character was just a normal teenager who happened to be in a wheelchair and had quite a few obstacles with it, but it read so natural, everything was just one more thing in his everyday life. I really enjoyed this. Also, the fact he swam and was on the swimming team was awesome, I loved this so much.
In the end, I was able to understand this book in a more positive way, yet I don’t think this exactly my cup of tea. I think I would have liked it way more if we were following Jack directly through the whole book. I really want for more of you to read this and share your opinion and take on the story because I would love to hear you all.
“Fine. I hate that word. One of the most useless words in the dictionary. It’s the typical non-answer to everyone’s favorite non-question, “How are you?” Just a totally empty word that says absolutely nothing.”
Disclaimer: Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the cover because it holds a lot of meanings, is simple, and somehow aesthetically pleasing to my eyes.
This review comes from me, a person who can relate deeply with being LGBTQIA, suicide attempt survivor, and small town citizen. This is important for you to have in mind while reaidng my review, thank you.
This book follows three teenagers in the journey of trying to understand judgment in the small town and learn how to be open-minded.
To rate and review this book I had to think a lot, and I have decided to evaluate this story with my positive side. I am trying to stay with the impression that the author's intentions were good. As well as the purpose of trying to represent real-life situations even if they very much painful and unfair. But this doesn’t mean I am not going to discuss why I feel so conflicted on some themes.
Plot:
Ryan has cerebral palsy affecting the mobility of his legs under the knees, for this reason, he is disabled and uses a wheelchair. One morning he presence a person in a yellow dress drowning in the river,after jumping to save the person from dying, he learns the person was a guy. From here these characters need to deal with the aftermath of this incident and question their way of viewing things. As the story is set in a very small town with a huge prejudice towards anything out of “normal”, the characters need to confront bullying, stigma, homophobic comments, etc. Well, I would say Jack is the main one to receive most of the treatments mentioned above, as the other characters also inflicted this.
I enjoyed how to plot was developed and mainly the comicon part.
Setting:
The small town that reflects so much of my own city that I basically hated it. Is full of judgment and very much not open-minded at all. Everyone knew everything about other people, which made people be way over conscious and preoccupied with what others thought. But after hearing the author I know this was the intention, and I appreciate it.
What I want to say is the basically this book is reflecting the hardships people in small, close-minded like these characters go through. Is not saying that is okay but more like trying to show the reality. I really struggle to understand this as I want the whole world to be understanding, open-minded and respectful, but I guess we are very far from that. I appreciated that the author wanted to represent a town like this, is needed to remind people that not all places are perfect.
Characters:
Jack: A gay teen who is struggling to fight with all the prejudice and homophobia in his small town. He is an insecure teenager that needs protection at all costs. I could resonate with him the most and it broke my heart in so many instances, as I have encountered myself in many similar situations. I feel this was the best character of the whole story, and the one that taught us the most to be open-minded and the struggles teenagers face in small towns.
The next two following characters really rubbed me in the wrong side, I guess they are the most human but at the same time quite irritating. One was almost perfect but then had very annoying behaviors, while the other was just very assholy and then came up with some good actions.
Ryan: The main character we follow, he is an a wheelchair which I appreciated as it brings diversity to the main characters we are usually following around. I loved his humor and sarcasm but very much until there. Although he had good intentions he really messed up a lot of stuff. He literally used the incident of saving someone as a bragging situation, and all the good things he did were basically not on purpose.With the train thought of “what did I say that I hope they don’t agree, why, why, why” basically saying his intentions weren’t really the truth. UGHHH it really frustrated me. He also kept having worries about the effect op people’s opinions on him regarding the other characters sexuality, I guess this is relatable as we are selfish humans, but honestly not all is revolving him.
Coddy: Now he was really an ass. I am sorry but I didn’t like him one bit, he was homophobic and just didn’t seem to care for anything apart from himself. Sure he had some moments were it was cool, but then he was just very rude and made awful comments. At the same time, i kind of liked this as he was straightforward the contrary from Ryan.
Themes:
Open-mindedness:
I struggled with this quite a lot. We see the progress of the characters in this book trying to break through the stigmas or taboos on some issues. And it was cool at the start, it was real, the way people start asking the question, perhaps even wrong questions, but they took the first step. My problem began when they never grew from that, they kept going back towards the close-minded setting and there was no concise learning outcome. It bothered me and I cannot pass over it.
LGBTQIA:
OKAY UFFFF.
Very much a lot of homophobic comments and a particularly violent scene. I guess it wouldn’t have angered much if our main character had been Jack, but as Ryan was the one narrating we also got some hurtful comments from his perspective too. Some people may read this and be like “oh is not that hurtful, or bad.” well that's honestly not the point, the thing is they are still hurtful. I am on the LGBTQIA spectrum so I know how much this hurts. This book has also a lot of stereotyping towards gay people, honestly. I mean the make-up scene was if a guy had make-up then he suddenly was homosexual too. Or they treated Jack as if the gayness was contagious, it doesn’t work like that! Again I just disliked this the most part because sometimes it was coming form the thought of our mc.
But it also had a very good representation in terms of the thoughts one has as being LGBTQIA person from a small town. I repeat I really wish Jack had been our mc . The thoughts of thinking something is wrong with us, or how hurtful can be with towards our family, of the fear of not being accepted, or how much it hurts our mental health, IS ALL RELATABLE AND TRUE. It really broke my heart and I could relate hella lot.
Mental health:
So then again, for me, the problem was the way Ryan viewed this. As a person who has attempted suicide ot felt very bothersome to hear the characters joking or throwing very lightly suicide. I mean joke of how Jack ruined the day for jumping to a river or how the mc felt so responsible and therefore everything was Jack’s fault was enerving. But then I know where this comes from, I know many people who take mental health lightly as a joke, they taboo it and just ignore you when you are in a bad place. I really wish we had gotten a bit deeper into that aspect.
Friendship:
Now, it funny to talk of friendship, as I don’t think there was a truthful, healthy friendship in this book. The relationship between Ryan and Jack I will call more as a feeling of duty a self-inflicted obligation. There was not once the term friend mentioned, it was always everything so tensed and not natural. I didn’t like, so I hope the point wasn’t to represent a great friendship because there wasn’t one.
Disability:
I found the representation of the disability was great. Our main character was just a normal teenager who happened to be in a wheelchair and had quite a few obstacles with it, but it read so natural, everything was just one more thing in his everyday life. I really enjoyed this. Also, the fact he swam and was on the swimming team was awesome, I loved this so much.
In the end, I was able to understand this book in a more positive way, yet I don’t think this exactly my cup of tea. I think I would have liked it way more if we were following Jack directly through the whole book. I really want for more of you to read this and share your opinion and take on the story because I would love to hear you all.
April 29, 2017
While I did enjoy "Caterpillars Can't Swim" quite a bit, it's definitely not like the type of YA story that I typically read.
The story is told entirely from the perspective of Ryan, who is tied to his wheelchair, due to cerebral palsy in his legs, below his knees. He's on the swim team and, other than his disability, he's a fairly average teenager.
Next we have Jack, who is bullied because he's gay, small and unassuming. He's deathly afraid to come out to his religious mother, which is one of the reasons that he ends up nearly drowning, then being saved by Ryan.
I'm not really sure how I feel about the tentative 'friendship' that ensues between Ryan and Jack, which doesn't really feel like a true friendship. It honestly feels like Ryan now has a duty to continue protecting Jack, especially from himself.
I'm not a huge fan of that. At no point during the story do I remember Ryan actually saying that Jack *is* his friend. The one point in the story where Jack asks Ryan to be there for him, while he finally confronts his greatest fear, Ryan wants to bail and only goes after being convinced by a pretty girl, then expresses that "I’m wishing I was anywhere else in the whole world." To me, that is not actual friendship.
This story feels more like an After School Special about a handicapped, straight boy, whose life intersects, somewhat unwillingly, with someone very different from himself, and that someone just happens to be gay.
I do appreciate that Ryan, knowing what it's like to be different, does truly accept Jack for who he is; however, his 'friendship' still feels like it was held at arm's length.
I also do appreciate that Ryan's egotistical best friend, Cody, does eventually move from begrudgingly tolerating Jack (and his differences) to somewhat more of an acceptance, even if that only happens once Cody witnesses first-hand just how dire Jack's situation really is.
My friends will ask, so I'll just say it up front. This is not a romance. I definitely wouldn't categorize it as M/M, either, mainly because there is no second "M" to be found here.
Also, while the story ends on a positive note, we only know that Jack survives. At least for now.
I do wish there was an epilogue to the story, one in which we see Jack actually *thrive*. Possibly a few years in the future, when Jack has escaped the small, homophobic town and finds his tribe. His happy.
Overall, I'd rate the story at at just under 3.5 stars, as it was well-written and believable, even if it wasn't quite what I was hoping for.
-----------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the story was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
October 30, 2017
I was attracted to this novel because of its lgbt subject matter as I have come to develope a special place in my heart for the said genre. While it didn’t blow my mind, it was a satisfying read.
This book embodies the innocence of youth, with its uncoloured view of the wider world. That then slowly gets deconstructed as they grow and are exposed to other people and their opinions. Both boys (Ryan and Jack) need to find themselves, make up their own minds while blundering through this thing called life.
Caterpillars can't swim captures that essence of growing up and making a realisation of something that always was – and in some cases – blaringly obvious. This aspect of the novel is what really had me silently cheering.
However, ultimately the book felt a little flat for me. Maybe because I enjoy a more angsty, or adventure based story. So it’s personal preference of the overall experience I’m basing my rating on – not content alone.
This book embodies the innocence of youth, with its uncoloured view of the wider world. That then slowly gets deconstructed as they grow and are exposed to other people and their opinions. Both boys (Ryan and Jack) need to find themselves, make up their own minds while blundering through this thing called life.
Caterpillars can't swim captures that essence of growing up and making a realisation of something that always was – and in some cases – blaringly obvious. This aspect of the novel is what really had me silently cheering.
However, ultimately the book felt a little flat for me. Maybe because I enjoy a more angsty, or adventure based story. So it’s personal preference of the overall experience I’m basing my rating on – not content alone.
May 31, 2017
I loved this book! It draws you in from the first chapter with great action and unique, interesting characters. You even fall in love with Cody the jerk! Issues of disability, mental health and sexual orientation in a small town are dealt with in a realistic way without being preachy. The struggles the boys face and the friendship that forms between them is compelling and feels authentic. Highly recommended!
April 26, 2017
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM in exchange for my honest review.**
GRADE: B+
In a wheelchair due to CP, Ryan is the unlikely rescuer when his classmate Jack jumps from a bridge into the river. His best friend Cody, who lacks a filter, doesn't understand the friendship developing between the two, especially with the rumors that Jack is gay. The unlikely trio travel to Comic Con, with Ryan hopeful he can keep his friends from killing each other, figuratively.
Liane Shaw, also a teacher, has a great way of getting into the heads of some of the stressors teenagers experience. All of her books are worthwhile reads. CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM is a true gem encompassing such themes as disability, LGBT, bullying, suicide/depression, family and dating. I read the book in one sitting, rooting for Jack and Ryan, and even Cody to a lesser extent.
Shaw created three diverse, complex main characters. I love that she made Jack's sexual orientation somewhat ambiguous that didn't fit into a box. He was gay, liked makeup and women's clothes, but wasn't transsexual or as Ryan asked, transvestite. Cody's handling of Jack's orientation grew incrementally from homophobic to understanding.
CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM, and all of Shaw's books are important fixtures in realistic YA fiction.
GRADE: B+
In a wheelchair due to CP, Ryan is the unlikely rescuer when his classmate Jack jumps from a bridge into the river. His best friend Cody, who lacks a filter, doesn't understand the friendship developing between the two, especially with the rumors that Jack is gay. The unlikely trio travel to Comic Con, with Ryan hopeful he can keep his friends from killing each other, figuratively.
Liane Shaw, also a teacher, has a great way of getting into the heads of some of the stressors teenagers experience. All of her books are worthwhile reads. CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM is a true gem encompassing such themes as disability, LGBT, bullying, suicide/depression, family and dating. I read the book in one sitting, rooting for Jack and Ryan, and even Cody to a lesser extent.
Shaw created three diverse, complex main characters. I love that she made Jack's sexual orientation somewhat ambiguous that didn't fit into a box. He was gay, liked makeup and women's clothes, but wasn't transsexual or as Ryan asked, transvestite. Cody's handling of Jack's orientation grew incrementally from homophobic to understanding.
CATERPILLARS CAN'T SWIM, and all of Shaw's books are important fixtures in realistic YA fiction.
June 5, 2021
This book has so many twists and different elements. I loved it!!
June 23, 2019
3 Stars
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
With Caterpillars Can't Swim, Liane Shaw addresses some very important subject matter and disability is one of those. Due to a medical condition, Ryan is tied to a wheelchair. Although he can't walk, he is still able to compete in swim competitions for his school. Because the novel is told in Ryan's POV, the reader learns a lot about being in a wheelchair in general, being the only person in town with such a disability and how people react to a person in a wheelchair. Ryan doesn't want to be pitied or get privileges because of his disability, he wants to be treated like everyone else. He is not always happy with the fate that is his life, but he still makes the best of it and handles it with a great amount of self-confidence. Despite all the self-confidence, he still wonders why some people treat him like he has a contagious disease.
Some people seem afraid of me, like they'll catch whatever I have and forget how to walk or something.
The other important subject matter Shaw addresses is homosexuality. In the book, the kids at Ryan's high school assume that Jack is gay. They call him names, bully him and make his life miserable in general, even though they don't know for sure whether Jack is gay or not. They just do it because it's cool and Jack is an easy target. I don't think one can generalize Jack's situation in the book. I'm certain that there are many positive stories out there in this world about homosexual kids or homosexual adults, but I'm also certain that there are many stories that are just like Jack's or very similar. And that fact alone makes me upset and sad. Why are people so malicious? There's nothing wrong with being gay. What's wrong is the people who make them feel they are not worth a dime.
Shaw's story about Jack was moving and she conveyed his fears and anxiety perfectly. It's the kids who suffer most from it. People shouldn't try to fix them, they should accept and most of all love them for what and who they are.
No one cares if it's a boy or a girl.
It's just a caterpillar that changed into a butterfly.
And it's okay and right and normal.
Besides the important subject matter, the story was nice and solid. I enjoyed reading the story from Ryan's POV. He had a fun sense of humor and a fun way of seeing things. Although he felt uncomfortable at first, he handled Jack's situation perfectly.
The ending, however, was not what I expected. It was abrupt and left me with many questions. I don't know if the reader should make up his or her own mind about the ending or if Liane Shaw plans a sequel to this book. If she doesn't plan a sequel, I would've wished for a better conclusion.
Be sure to check out Caterpillars Can't Swim. The release day is scheduled for September 17th!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this copy.
Read full review here: Brina and the Books
With Caterpillars Can't Swim, Liane Shaw addresses some very important subject matter and disability is one of those. Due to a medical condition, Ryan is tied to a wheelchair. Although he can't walk, he is still able to compete in swim competitions for his school. Because the novel is told in Ryan's POV, the reader learns a lot about being in a wheelchair in general, being the only person in town with such a disability and how people react to a person in a wheelchair. Ryan doesn't want to be pitied or get privileges because of his disability, he wants to be treated like everyone else. He is not always happy with the fate that is his life, but he still makes the best of it and handles it with a great amount of self-confidence. Despite all the self-confidence, he still wonders why some people treat him like he has a contagious disease.
Some people seem afraid of me, like they'll catch whatever I have and forget how to walk or something.
The other important subject matter Shaw addresses is homosexuality. In the book, the kids at Ryan's high school assume that Jack is gay. They call him names, bully him and make his life miserable in general, even though they don't know for sure whether Jack is gay or not. They just do it because it's cool and Jack is an easy target. I don't think one can generalize Jack's situation in the book. I'm certain that there are many positive stories out there in this world about homosexual kids or homosexual adults, but I'm also certain that there are many stories that are just like Jack's or very similar. And that fact alone makes me upset and sad. Why are people so malicious? There's nothing wrong with being gay. What's wrong is the people who make them feel they are not worth a dime.
Shaw's story about Jack was moving and she conveyed his fears and anxiety perfectly. It's the kids who suffer most from it. People shouldn't try to fix them, they should accept and most of all love them for what and who they are.
No one cares if it's a boy or a girl.
It's just a caterpillar that changed into a butterfly.
And it's okay and right and normal.
Besides the important subject matter, the story was nice and solid. I enjoyed reading the story from Ryan's POV. He had a fun sense of humor and a fun way of seeing things. Although he felt uncomfortable at first, he handled Jack's situation perfectly.
The ending, however, was not what I expected. It was abrupt and left me with many questions. I don't know if the reader should make up his or her own mind about the ending or if Liane Shaw plans a sequel to this book. If she doesn't plan a sequel, I would've wished for a better conclusion.
Be sure to check out Caterpillars Can't Swim. The release day is scheduled for September 17th!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this copy.
October 14, 2017
*4.9*
My ONLY critique is I wish there would have been more to the end after the climax. Other than that, this story was touching, entertaining, and eye opening. I felt a spectrum of emotions for both Jack and Ryan. The two definitely felt like real teenagers, and not an adult author trying to sound like teenagers. They weren't perfect and that made them likable. I'd never read a book with a protagonist that was in a wheelchair. Some of the everyday struggles Ryan had I was completely ignorant to. I'm glad that this book enlightened me to something I should have already known. As an able bodied person, my privilege blinded me. I'm glad Liane Shaw had educated me through her book. On a more fan girl-esque note, I want to protect Jack from everything awful in the world. I love him dearly. (I would love to see a sequel with him.) Overall, I would recommend this to everybody. It's quick and cute, but it packs a hell of a punch.
*Advanced Readers Copy provided by NetGalley*
My ONLY critique is I wish there would have been more to the end after the climax. Other than that, this story was touching, entertaining, and eye opening. I felt a spectrum of emotions for both Jack and Ryan. The two definitely felt like real teenagers, and not an adult author trying to sound like teenagers. They weren't perfect and that made them likable. I'd never read a book with a protagonist that was in a wheelchair. Some of the everyday struggles Ryan had I was completely ignorant to. I'm glad that this book enlightened me to something I should have already known. As an able bodied person, my privilege blinded me. I'm glad Liane Shaw had educated me through her book. On a more fan girl-esque note, I want to protect Jack from everything awful in the world. I love him dearly. (I would love to see a sequel with him.) Overall, I would recommend this to everybody. It's quick and cute, but it packs a hell of a punch.
*Advanced Readers Copy provided by NetGalley*
July 8, 2017
(I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
Ryan is a star swimmer on the school swim team and gearing up for a trip to Comicon with his best friend Cody. He’s never had a real girlfriend and his little brother’s the typical pest. One day, as he wheels to the river like usual, his life completely changes – he rescues Jack from drowning. Now, he’s the town hero (the boy in the wheelchair saves someone’s life!), but what if Jack didn’t want to be saved? Ryan must navigate a new friendship and a dark truth.
As a 9th grade teacher, I’m always on the lookout for new fiction to add to my classroom library. Shaw checks a lot of boxes with this one – a diverse cast of characters, big questions about gender and sexuality, and an excellent portrayal of bullying. And yet, she does all of these things without being pedantic, and shares amazing insight from 20 years in education.
I LOVED this book.
-It was a fun story, and I especially loved the portrayal of Comicon. Shaw really captured the experience, all the way down to there being nowhere to sit down at lunchtime!
-I loved Ryan as a character. He is /good/, but sometimes better than his friends want him to be. He also does an amazing job of showing the Good Face, even while fighting his own emotions. I really like that, because it shows that Goodness is a thing that we can all learn and work towards in every situation, and that people aren’t just magically Good without trying.
-I was skeptical about a book with three male characters carrying the show (Ryan, Jack, and Ryan’s best friend, Cody) because, hello, Bechdel Test? Admittedly, this book does not pass the BT, BUT it has a few stand-out moments with a well-developed secondary character, Claire. I can’t tell you more without spoilers, but she’s amazing.
There you are. This is an excellent light read that tackles heavy issues, and I strongly recommend it for your classroom library.
Ryan is a star swimmer on the school swim team and gearing up for a trip to Comicon with his best friend Cody. He’s never had a real girlfriend and his little brother’s the typical pest. One day, as he wheels to the river like usual, his life completely changes – he rescues Jack from drowning. Now, he’s the town hero (the boy in the wheelchair saves someone’s life!), but what if Jack didn’t want to be saved? Ryan must navigate a new friendship and a dark truth.
As a 9th grade teacher, I’m always on the lookout for new fiction to add to my classroom library. Shaw checks a lot of boxes with this one – a diverse cast of characters, big questions about gender and sexuality, and an excellent portrayal of bullying. And yet, she does all of these things without being pedantic, and shares amazing insight from 20 years in education.
I LOVED this book.
-It was a fun story, and I especially loved the portrayal of Comicon. Shaw really captured the experience, all the way down to there being nowhere to sit down at lunchtime!
-I loved Ryan as a character. He is /good/, but sometimes better than his friends want him to be. He also does an amazing job of showing the Good Face, even while fighting his own emotions. I really like that, because it shows that Goodness is a thing that we can all learn and work towards in every situation, and that people aren’t just magically Good without trying.
-I was skeptical about a book with three male characters carrying the show (Ryan, Jack, and Ryan’s best friend, Cody) because, hello, Bechdel Test? Admittedly, this book does not pass the BT, BUT it has a few stand-out moments with a well-developed secondary character, Claire. I can’t tell you more without spoilers, but she’s amazing.
There you are. This is an excellent light read that tackles heavy issues, and I strongly recommend it for your classroom library.
August 24, 2017
*I was voluntarily provided a complimentary review copy by the publisher.
A sweet book with an important message. But it is also pretty one dimensional with the story being driven by the need to teach teens tolerance and not allowing the story to flow naturally.
A sweet book with an important message. But it is also pretty one dimensional with the story being driven by the need to teach teens tolerance and not allowing the story to flow naturally.
September 20, 2017
I am always here for LGBT characters and this book doesn’t disappoint when it comes to representation, the main character also being wheelchair bound himself too so that’s awesome - I can’t remember a book with a protagonist in a chair and it’s also cool he has a life. People with disabilities I have found tend to be written like they are isolated and though of course in the book he talks about how people judge him, he has friends and is on a swim team etc.
For a book that’s got a very serious start, this book yes has it’s emotional moments, however, Ryan brings light to the dark in this book and also is a very human character - he doesn’t know what to say in the situations he’s put in and I am not sure anyone else with ease would either, the sense of humour shines in this book considering it’s topics. The character development throughout this book is excellent and it reminds me of in some ways of the writing style of Alire Saenz.
A really easy read that took me a morning to get through, this is a great YA book with an important story to tell, one about friendship, tolerance and being different. It can feel plodding in places, but as it goes on this book gets better.
(I got an ARC from Netgalley for this book in exchange for a honest review)
For a book that’s got a very serious start, this book yes has it’s emotional moments, however, Ryan brings light to the dark in this book and also is a very human character - he doesn’t know what to say in the situations he’s put in and I am not sure anyone else with ease would either, the sense of humour shines in this book considering it’s topics. The character development throughout this book is excellent and it reminds me of in some ways of the writing style of Alire Saenz.
A really easy read that took me a morning to get through, this is a great YA book with an important story to tell, one about friendship, tolerance and being different. It can feel plodding in places, but as it goes on this book gets better.
(I got an ARC from Netgalley for this book in exchange for a honest review)
June 17, 2017
I was given the opportunity to read an electronic copy of Caterpillars Can't Swim. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Confined to a wheelchair most of the day because of cerebral palsy, which has left him limited use of his lower legs and feet, Ryan Malloy feels free and happy when he is swimming with the high school team. After Ryan saves a fellow student from drowning, he soon realizes that there is more to life than just swimming. As his eyes open up to the world around him, will Ryan become more than he thought possible?
Looking beyond yourself and helping others is not often the subject of a YA novel featuring a young man as the main character, so I was pleasantly surprised by Caterpillars Can't Swim. Ryan is a strong, determined teenager whose life gets thrown a curve ball after he saves another student. Cody, Ryan's best friend, is portrayed as a typical jock teenager, but even he has layers to him. Both help Jack in different ways, which makes the book seem more realistic. Caterpillars Can't Swim is a well written novel with great characters. I would recommend it to other readers, especially teens who are struggling or who know others who may be. This book will help open a dialogue, not only between parents and teens, but can also be a helpful tool for educators, counselors, or other professionals.
Confined to a wheelchair most of the day because of cerebral palsy, which has left him limited use of his lower legs and feet, Ryan Malloy feels free and happy when he is swimming with the high school team. After Ryan saves a fellow student from drowning, he soon realizes that there is more to life than just swimming. As his eyes open up to the world around him, will Ryan become more than he thought possible?
Looking beyond yourself and helping others is not often the subject of a YA novel featuring a young man as the main character, so I was pleasantly surprised by Caterpillars Can't Swim. Ryan is a strong, determined teenager whose life gets thrown a curve ball after he saves another student. Cody, Ryan's best friend, is portrayed as a typical jock teenager, but even he has layers to him. Both help Jack in different ways, which makes the book seem more realistic. Caterpillars Can't Swim is a well written novel with great characters. I would recommend it to other readers, especially teens who are struggling or who know others who may be. This book will help open a dialogue, not only between parents and teens, but can also be a helpful tool for educators, counselors, or other professionals.
December 13, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley on return for an honest review*
This was such a touching, honest book about real boys and their real lives. I felt drawn into the story immediately and couldn't put the book down until I knew how it ended. There was so much growth and understanding as well as a dose of reality for what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or gay in an unaccepting place. Throughout the hard and emotional times there was also a lot of laughter and smiles. This was a touching quick read.
This was such a touching, honest book about real boys and their real lives. I felt drawn into the story immediately and couldn't put the book down until I knew how it ended. There was so much growth and understanding as well as a dose of reality for what it is like to be in a wheelchair, or gay in an unaccepting place. Throughout the hard and emotional times there was also a lot of laughter and smiles. This was a touching quick read.
November 10, 2017
This is a very beautifully written story on disability and sexuality. It is less to make others aware and empathetic but more to help a lot of people not be confused and lost. The central characters are realistic and flawed , yet they rise above their designated roles and support each other.it is so good that you do not wish to take a break in the reading session. This makes me love YA so much !
November 5, 2017
ORIGINAL POST: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This book is one for anyone he loves to read the topics that a lot of authors skirt around. That's not to say this book is not readable. It's the complete opposite. Caterpillars Can't Swim by Liane Shaw is inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Caterpillars Can't Swim follows Ryan. he is the small town "disabled" guy in a wheelchair from a young age from Cerebral Palsy. He's on the swim team and has friends and enjoys life. One day he saves a fellow student from drowning. Everyone is talking about this kid, Jack, of trying to commit suicide, being gay, and much more. Ryan, for reason unknown to him, befriends Jack. Ryan's best friend, Cody, is not as open minded as Ryan about Jack potentially being gay, yet Ryan invites jack to go to Comic Con with them.
Throughout the story you watch as Ryan remains open minded, faces situations that make him uncomfortable for no other reason than the fact that it seems to help Jack, and places himself between Jack and those who wish to do him harm. While Ryan, Jack, and Cody took a journey in this book, I found that as a reader I got to go on a journey too. Shaw wrote these characters that are so different from each other, yet found ways to be friends and have things in common. I loved how the topics of sexual orientation and disabilities were broached, yet did not take away from the seriousness of suicide and the struggles that people face when trying to be who they are, yet hide from those they love. So many hard hitting topics were intertwined throughout this novel and yet it flowed seamlessly the entire time. It didn't come off as shoving these topics in our face as readers, but just helped the understanding of what people go through.
Anyone and everyone should read this book. The story had fun moments, hard to read moments, moments that made you tear up, and a final light at the end of the tunnel. Such an incredible book. I wish there was more. Check it out and I will be checking out more of Liane Shaw's books.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
This book is one for anyone he loves to read the topics that a lot of authors skirt around. That's not to say this book is not readable. It's the complete opposite. Caterpillars Can't Swim by Liane Shaw is inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Caterpillars Can't Swim follows Ryan. he is the small town "disabled" guy in a wheelchair from a young age from Cerebral Palsy. He's on the swim team and has friends and enjoys life. One day he saves a fellow student from drowning. Everyone is talking about this kid, Jack, of trying to commit suicide, being gay, and much more. Ryan, for reason unknown to him, befriends Jack. Ryan's best friend, Cody, is not as open minded as Ryan about Jack potentially being gay, yet Ryan invites jack to go to Comic Con with them.
Throughout the story you watch as Ryan remains open minded, faces situations that make him uncomfortable for no other reason than the fact that it seems to help Jack, and places himself between Jack and those who wish to do him harm. While Ryan, Jack, and Cody took a journey in this book, I found that as a reader I got to go on a journey too. Shaw wrote these characters that are so different from each other, yet found ways to be friends and have things in common. I loved how the topics of sexual orientation and disabilities were broached, yet did not take away from the seriousness of suicide and the struggles that people face when trying to be who they are, yet hide from those they love. So many hard hitting topics were intertwined throughout this novel and yet it flowed seamlessly the entire time. It didn't come off as shoving these topics in our face as readers, but just helped the understanding of what people go through.
Anyone and everyone should read this book. The story had fun moments, hard to read moments, moments that made you tear up, and a final light at the end of the tunnel. Such an incredible book. I wish there was more. Check it out and I will be checking out more of Liane Shaw's books.
April 30, 2017
5 Stars! This is a book you will not be able to put down!
I decided to read this book because I was browsing Netgalley and the title and cover looked fascinating. I was awarded this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb promised I would find an unlikely friendship between two very different unconventional teen boys and it delivered with a fantastic story and unforgettable characters.
Ryan finds happiness and independence in the water where he is free of his wheelchair and the mobility issues that make him very different from everyone else. One day in the very early morning hours, Ryan becomes an instant hero when he rescues fellow classmate Jack after he falls into the river. The question is did Jack fall or did he jump? Only Jack and Ryan know the truth. Like Ryan, Jack is also very different from his fellow classmates and is struggling immensely with his sexuality. The two boys form a friendship, and together with Ryan’s friend Cody embark on a trip to Comic Con where the three boys find unique friendship despite their differences and stereotypes.
I enjoyed Caterpillars Can’t Swim a lot as you can tell from my star rating. Once I started this book I burned through the pages. I am recommending this book to everyone! It was an incredible story with fantastic dialog and amazing characters. I absolutely loved the three main characters Ryan, Jack, and Cody. The story is told from Ryan’s perspective. You immediately love Ryan because of his struggles with his own disability from cerebral palsy coupled with societies stereotypes of disabled people. Ryan learns through his friendship with Jack that he’s open minded and tolerant of people that don’t fit into a specific societal mold. Jack though battling with his own identity and self esteem turns out to be this wonderful person and fantastic friend to Ryan. Cody is Ryan’s best friend and fellow swim team athlete. He is the typical jock filled with enough confidence to fill the pool him and Ryan swim in and the prejudice to go along with it. What I loved about Cody was his obliviousness about Ryan’s disability and eventually his acceptance of Jack’s sexuality. Cody even being extremely arrogant is this clever and funny kid with a heart of gold. Of all the characters Cody seemed the most realistic to me. He would say the most ridicules and sometime hateful things but it made you love love him and his flaws. The only thing I can say about this book that I found peculiar is why this book is listed under the genre LGBT, Teens/YA. The main focus of this book is not a M/M relationship but is instead about prejudice, tolerance, and eventual acceptance of people different from oneself.
Fans of YA/teen realistic fiction would love this story. I recommend this book to an audience of age 16 and older due to mainly language and the topic of suicide. This is not a book with steamy romance or violence.
I decided to read this book because I was browsing Netgalley and the title and cover looked fascinating. I was awarded this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb promised I would find an unlikely friendship between two very different unconventional teen boys and it delivered with a fantastic story and unforgettable characters.
Ryan finds happiness and independence in the water where he is free of his wheelchair and the mobility issues that make him very different from everyone else. One day in the very early morning hours, Ryan becomes an instant hero when he rescues fellow classmate Jack after he falls into the river. The question is did Jack fall or did he jump? Only Jack and Ryan know the truth. Like Ryan, Jack is also very different from his fellow classmates and is struggling immensely with his sexuality. The two boys form a friendship, and together with Ryan’s friend Cody embark on a trip to Comic Con where the three boys find unique friendship despite their differences and stereotypes.
I enjoyed Caterpillars Can’t Swim a lot as you can tell from my star rating. Once I started this book I burned through the pages. I am recommending this book to everyone! It was an incredible story with fantastic dialog and amazing characters. I absolutely loved the three main characters Ryan, Jack, and Cody. The story is told from Ryan’s perspective. You immediately love Ryan because of his struggles with his own disability from cerebral palsy coupled with societies stereotypes of disabled people. Ryan learns through his friendship with Jack that he’s open minded and tolerant of people that don’t fit into a specific societal mold. Jack though battling with his own identity and self esteem turns out to be this wonderful person and fantastic friend to Ryan. Cody is Ryan’s best friend and fellow swim team athlete. He is the typical jock filled with enough confidence to fill the pool him and Ryan swim in and the prejudice to go along with it. What I loved about Cody was his obliviousness about Ryan’s disability and eventually his acceptance of Jack’s sexuality. Cody even being extremely arrogant is this clever and funny kid with a heart of gold. Of all the characters Cody seemed the most realistic to me. He would say the most ridicules and sometime hateful things but it made you love love him and his flaws. The only thing I can say about this book that I found peculiar is why this book is listed under the genre LGBT, Teens/YA. The main focus of this book is not a M/M relationship but is instead about prejudice, tolerance, and eventual acceptance of people different from oneself.
Fans of YA/teen realistic fiction would love this story. I recommend this book to an audience of age 16 and older due to mainly language and the topic of suicide. This is not a book with steamy romance or violence.
September 23, 2017
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This short YA novel isn't without flaws. But this might even be a benefit, and I did certainly enjoy reading it.
In Caterpillars Can't Swim the reader encounters three main characters as different from each other as possible: Ryan, who is unable to walk but perfectly capable of not only swimming but also everything else; Jack, who is deeply unhappy and struggling with his own identity and finally Cody, a very extrovert, tall and probably good looking guy who does not seem to have any difficulties neither with himself nor with the rest of the world. So far, so good.
I really liked the idea of throwing those three characters in one story, to show how they may or may not get together and turn out to become friends. However, what did bother me in the end was that, besides them not really turning out as friends, there is this consistent air of Jack - with his self-doubts, his pain and his suicidal behaviour - being a nuisance to Ryan. I slightly disliked that as I think it might come across negatively to someone who identifies with Jack when reading this novel, BUT: I think it's also something important to understand. Handling someone who's struggling the way Jack does can be exhausting, and if you're young and insecure yourself you might find yourself overwhelmed by it. After all, Ryan is "just a kid" himself, thus it is relatable that he often feels negative emotions, maybe even annoyance towards Jack instead of sympathy. I'm not sure if this was this novel's intended message, it is what I read into it though.
I do recommend this novel nonetheless for it is different from a lot of YA novels. It's not a love story, it's the story of three types of characters and how they can get in touch and which difficulties this might bring with it, entirely without judging one character as better or more capable than another. They are different, but that's okay. And I think this - besides everything I criticized above - is an important message.
This short YA novel isn't without flaws. But this might even be a benefit, and I did certainly enjoy reading it.
In Caterpillars Can't Swim the reader encounters three main characters as different from each other as possible: Ryan, who is unable to walk but perfectly capable of not only swimming but also everything else; Jack, who is deeply unhappy and struggling with his own identity and finally Cody, a very extrovert, tall and probably good looking guy who does not seem to have any difficulties neither with himself nor with the rest of the world. So far, so good.
I really liked the idea of throwing those three characters in one story, to show how they may or may not get together and turn out to become friends. However, what did bother me in the end was that, besides them not really turning out as friends, there is this consistent air of Jack - with his self-doubts, his pain and his suicidal behaviour - being a nuisance to Ryan. I slightly disliked that as I think it might come across negatively to someone who identifies with Jack when reading this novel, BUT: I think it's also something important to understand. Handling someone who's struggling the way Jack does can be exhausting, and if you're young and insecure yourself you might find yourself overwhelmed by it. After all, Ryan is "just a kid" himself, thus it is relatable that he often feels negative emotions, maybe even annoyance towards Jack instead of sympathy. I'm not sure if this was this novel's intended message, it is what I read into it though.
I do recommend this novel nonetheless for it is different from a lot of YA novels. It's not a love story, it's the story of three types of characters and how they can get in touch and which difficulties this might bring with it, entirely without judging one character as better or more capable than another. They are different, but that's okay. And I think this - besides everything I criticized above - is an important message.
September 14, 2017
Reviewed for Netgalley
Caterpillars Can’t Swim…but they do eventually morph into beautiful butterflies just as the relationship between three high school boys changes from ugly and awkward into something beautiful that breaks down barriers and saves a life in the process.
Wheelchair-bound Ryan becomes a local hero when he pulls an unconscious Jack out of a river and saves his life, but what could have been an ending is only the beginning as Ryan becomes entwined in Jack’s secretive, unhappy life.
Liane Shaw deftly handled issues such as homophobia, physical disability, depression, and suicide and portrayed them in a way that was gripping without being preachy or clichéd. Her characters were fresh and managed to escape so many of the stereotypes that are usually present in books about high schoolers. Cody could have easily been a one-dimensional jerk, but he had layers that were at times chopped right off to reveal surprising truths about himself. He was abrasive and rude and charming and even sweet in his own way. It’s rare that a reader wants to hug and slap a character all in the same paragraph, but Cody was definitely refreshing and believable in his reactions to Jack. I also liked Ryan from the start. He was snarky and funny and genuine. He was a perfect mix of someone who had accepted his disability and someone who occasionally got completely pissed off about being stuck in a wheelchair. His discomfort and uncertainty about Jack were palpable and made him real to me.
The lack of an insta-friendship was a welcome change. I enjoyed seeing the friendship between Ryan and Jack build over time. Their comradery required honesty and a slow-building trust which wouldn’t have been credible if it had been rushed. And I loved the ending. Jack’s problems didn’t just disappear with a new friendship. Everything wasn’t neat and tidy. The ending was scary and messy and let the reader know that Jack has a long road ahead of him, but that road just might end in a happier place.
Caterpillars Can’t Swim is not your typical YA story, and that is something I really enjoyed about it. This was my first Liane Shaw book, but her writing style and her approach to topics that can be difficult to write about in a fresh, non-stereotypical fashion really appealed to me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Caterpillars Can’t Swim…but they do eventually morph into beautiful butterflies just as the relationship between three high school boys changes from ugly and awkward into something beautiful that breaks down barriers and saves a life in the process.
Wheelchair-bound Ryan becomes a local hero when he pulls an unconscious Jack out of a river and saves his life, but what could have been an ending is only the beginning as Ryan becomes entwined in Jack’s secretive, unhappy life.
Liane Shaw deftly handled issues such as homophobia, physical disability, depression, and suicide and portrayed them in a way that was gripping without being preachy or clichéd. Her characters were fresh and managed to escape so many of the stereotypes that are usually present in books about high schoolers. Cody could have easily been a one-dimensional jerk, but he had layers that were at times chopped right off to reveal surprising truths about himself. He was abrasive and rude and charming and even sweet in his own way. It’s rare that a reader wants to hug and slap a character all in the same paragraph, but Cody was definitely refreshing and believable in his reactions to Jack. I also liked Ryan from the start. He was snarky and funny and genuine. He was a perfect mix of someone who had accepted his disability and someone who occasionally got completely pissed off about being stuck in a wheelchair. His discomfort and uncertainty about Jack were palpable and made him real to me.
The lack of an insta-friendship was a welcome change. I enjoyed seeing the friendship between Ryan and Jack build over time. Their comradery required honesty and a slow-building trust which wouldn’t have been credible if it had been rushed. And I loved the ending. Jack’s problems didn’t just disappear with a new friendship. Everything wasn’t neat and tidy. The ending was scary and messy and let the reader know that Jack has a long road ahead of him, but that road just might end in a happier place.
Caterpillars Can’t Swim is not your typical YA story, and that is something I really enjoyed about it. This was my first Liane Shaw book, but her writing style and her approach to topics that can be difficult to write about in a fresh, non-stereotypical fashion really appealed to me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
October 3, 2017
Characters
Ryan is the most level headed and beautiful character I’ve ever had the delight to read. While he has a physical disability that does indeed cause him some frustration, I like that he is able to move past it and, as a character, show us that the chair is part of who he is.
Jack is a little bit of a mystery; owing to it being a first person narrative. At times I wish I could have had a few chapters from his perspective, just because I was itching to hear his voice. However, it’s not long before Ryan has broken down the barriers and Jack opens up. It’s worth the wait.
Plot
The plot is much more complex that it appeared on the surface. It obviously has to deal with the immediate aftermath of the incident involving Ryan and Jack, but it evolves into a bittersweet road trip of self-discovery and growth.
I was about to grumble about the lack of a female presence outside of the two mothers, but then Clare and her friend turn up and I’m much happier
The final act is a sucker punch and brave twist to Jack’s journey that will have you reaching for the tissues.
Writing
Well, it had me hooked, and it’s the first book I’ve read in one sitting in a long while. I didn’t even put it down to eat or make a cuppa.
I was so invested in the characters that I NEEDED to know what happened. The chapters were a perfect length and there was no lulls that interrupted the flow.
Utterly perfect, from start to finish.
Ryan is the most level headed and beautiful character I’ve ever had the delight to read. While he has a physical disability that does indeed cause him some frustration, I like that he is able to move past it and, as a character, show us that the chair is part of who he is.
Jack is a little bit of a mystery; owing to it being a first person narrative. At times I wish I could have had a few chapters from his perspective, just because I was itching to hear his voice. However, it’s not long before Ryan has broken down the barriers and Jack opens up. It’s worth the wait.
Plot
The plot is much more complex that it appeared on the surface. It obviously has to deal with the immediate aftermath of the incident involving Ryan and Jack, but it evolves into a bittersweet road trip of self-discovery and growth.
I was about to grumble about the lack of a female presence outside of the two mothers, but then Clare and her friend turn up and I’m much happier
The final act is a sucker punch and brave twist to Jack’s journey that will have you reaching for the tissues.
Writing
Well, it had me hooked, and it’s the first book I’ve read in one sitting in a long while. I didn’t even put it down to eat or make a cuppa.
I was so invested in the characters that I NEEDED to know what happened. The chapters were a perfect length and there was no lulls that interrupted the flow.
Utterly perfect, from start to finish.
May 12, 2022
For lack of a better word, the "layout" of this book was not what I expected. I haven't read many books that deal with LGBT+ themes through a protagonist that isn't queer (or at least believes they aren't but then comes to accept that they are). But Shaw went a very interesting route by choosing someone who is in a wheelchair. The characters say as much in the book themselves, that those two things aren't the same, but they do have commonalities, and when it comes to being the only one in a small town, Ryan and Jack are more alike than they are different just because they have a bigger difference from "everyone else" than most people do.
Not having Jack be the main character means being a step removed from his emotions and inner thoughts, which might be a smart move considering where he is at mentally for most of the book. Using Ryan as our lens gives us a filter we can relate to, especially when it comes to discomfort and not knowing how to deal with heavy issues other people are going through. And we learn about Ryan himself and a bit about life in a wheelchair and what having CP is like at the same time.
The plot, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Given that Ryan is the narrator, the assumption is that he is also the protagonist. Jack wasn't really "on the page" enough to be the protagonist, but Ryan didn't seem to grow enough as a character to be the protagonist either.
Jack, on the other hand,
I also want to briefly talk about Cody. He has his good moments, for sure, and those moments come when it counts. But on a day to day basis, he's kind of an asshole. Friend selection is limited in small towns, and even more so when you're in a wheelchair, and sure Cody is one of the few people who doesn't treat Ryan differently because he's in a chair. But it feels at times he goes so far in the other direction that he's quite callous and careless about it.
Even with the heavier subject matter, the book is a very quick read. Teen books often are, but this one felt especially so with most of the book being many very small paragraphs or direct dialogue. There were times when I couldn't be sure who was talking because the format of the dialogue and actions confused who was doing what, and "he" could refer to Ryan, Cody, or Jack when all were present. There was also very little setting. There were moments with sufficient description, like the convention or the bridge, but often times it felt a bit like floating heads, where I know who is talking but I don't know where they are or why they are where they are. Sometimes I thought they were in one place based on what they were saying but when a setting element was finally introduced it turned out I was totally wrong, both location and time wise.
Not having Jack be the main character means being a step removed from his emotions and inner thoughts, which might be a smart move considering where he is at mentally for most of the book. Using Ryan as our lens gives us a filter we can relate to, especially when it comes to discomfort and not knowing how to deal with heavy issues other people are going through. And we learn about Ryan himself and a bit about life in a wheelchair and what having CP is like at the same time.
The plot, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Given that Ryan is the narrator, the assumption is that he is also the protagonist. Jack wasn't really "on the page" enough to be the protagonist, but Ryan didn't seem to grow enough as a character to be the protagonist either.
Jack, on the other hand,
I also want to briefly talk about Cody. He has his good moments, for sure, and those moments come when it counts. But on a day to day basis, he's kind of an asshole. Friend selection is limited in small towns, and even more so when you're in a wheelchair, and sure Cody is one of the few people who doesn't treat Ryan differently because he's in a chair. But it feels at times he goes so far in the other direction that he's quite callous and careless about it.
Even with the heavier subject matter, the book is a very quick read. Teen books often are, but this one felt especially so with most of the book being many very small paragraphs or direct dialogue. There were times when I couldn't be sure who was talking because the format of the dialogue and actions confused who was doing what, and "he" could refer to Ryan, Cody, or Jack when all were present. There was also very little setting. There were moments with sufficient description, like the convention or the bridge, but often times it felt a bit like floating heads, where I know who is talking but I don't know where they are or why they are where they are. Sometimes I thought they were in one place based on what they were saying but when a setting element was finally introduced it turned out I was totally wrong, both location and time wise.
June 26, 2020
This book is actually pretty funny and deals with a lot of important issues such as suicide, lgbt, physical disabilities, and most importantly, the importance of being yourself, no matter what. Would totally recommend!
November 5, 2017
A deceptively simple yet ultimately readable novel for young readers with an important message that comes through without being overly preachy in tone.
August 31, 2017
Ah, how I look forward to the times when books like this are commonplace, and neither character must struggle for acceptance in his own way. Until that day, titles like this one are necessary since they remind us that heroism comes in many different forms and for some teens, just making it through the day is hard enough. Sixteen-year-old Ryan spends most of his time in a wheelchair since he has CP. Being on land is hard for him because of his limited mobility. But swimming is something he can do well, and it's part of his therapy, his exercise, and his solace. It's a good thing that he's a strong swimmer because he needs all the strength he can muster to rescue his school mate Jack after he tries to kill himself by drowning. Ryan is lauded for his heroic actions, but he wants nothing to do with the attention. In his eyes, he just did what needed to be done. As it turns out, Jack has been hiding his true identity, sure that his classmates and mother will ridicule him or fail to understand. Whether because he thinks that he is responsible for Jack because he saved his life or because he also wishes that others could see past his wheelchair, acknowledging it but not letting it define him, Ryan attempts to befriend Jack. When his best friend Cody plans an outing to a comic convention, Ryan persuades Jack to accompany them, which only serves to make Jack long for a more open relationship with his mother. I give the author credit and plenty of points for her good intentions even though Ryan almost seems too good to be true and I wish his relationship with Jack had been based on more than a notion of saving someone from himself or his worst demons. Still, the book will open the eyes of many teen readers who may be able to put themselves in the shoes of the characters. I had to smile at the notion of the swim team intervening with the bullies who were trying to give Jack and Ryan a hard time.
June 29, 2017
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book through Goodreads first reads program, so I thought I would share my thoughts (which were not required as a condition of receiving the book.) The book starts out with two boys, very different from each other but both with a strong love of the water. Ryan loves the water because he is in a wheelchair and that is the only place where he feels that he fits in. One evening Ryan is sitting in his wheelchair looking at the water when he sees a girl drowning. He instinctively dives in and pulls her out of the water. Only it isn't a girl that he just saved it's a boy, Jack, to be exact. Everyone is so happy that Jack is saved except Jack himself who seems a little angry. This leaves Ryan questioning things. Why is jack angry? And why was there a skirt with Jack in the water? Things take a bad turn when Jack starts to get bullied at school for being gay. That is when Jack confides in Ryan that he is indeed gay however he can't come out due to his religious family's upbringing. The two boys become close and develop a bond that cannot be broken both with the understanding of what it means to not fit in. I enjoyed this book because it didn't come off preachy like it had the potential to be. I also really enjoyed the main character, Ryan he had struggles that he had to deal with in life but he didn't let that get him down and she didn't use that as an excuse for anything like a weaker person would have. Ryan's sense of humor and strong sense of being made what could of been a super serious book light and funny. Nice job. If you like books about teen struggles, and/or coming of age stories this is one that shouldn't be missed. The story was great and the way that the author wrote it was fantastic simplistic but not overly childish and I feel that because of that it has the potential to reach more readers. Nice job.
December 6, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told from Ryan's perspective. He is a teenager, who due to cerebral palsy in his legs, has to use a wheel-chair. Living in a small town isn't easy. Even his school had to be changed to be inclusive of him specifically as he is the only wheelchair user in his town. The only time he doesn't really feel all that different is when he is swimming. He actually is on the swim team and really good at it too.
One day while he is hanging out in the park, he sees a boy wearing a skirt walking into the water and not coming back up. That's how his life intersects with Jack's, even though rather unwillingly as he acted mostly on instinct by jumping in after him and saving him.
This is the story of two outsiders, who very unwillingly become something akin to friends, but only due to their shared outsider-status. This is a story about growing up and growing as a person, about learning things about oneself and others and kind of even about friendship. Even if it's not really one, at least not at first.
Personally, I found the story quite interesting, though it is certainly not my favorite story. There were some parts that bothered me, like Cody's constant homophobia, which really grated on my nerves. Ryan was definitely an interesting character and I liked seeing him grow and learn more about him. I also liked that he was quite funny with a dry sense of humor which I greatly enjoyed.
The ending was quite abrupt and not at all what I was expecting, but otherwise, this was certainly a nice story, though it did not pull me in as much as I had hoped it would.
This book is told from Ryan's perspective. He is a teenager, who due to cerebral palsy in his legs, has to use a wheel-chair. Living in a small town isn't easy. Even his school had to be changed to be inclusive of him specifically as he is the only wheelchair user in his town. The only time he doesn't really feel all that different is when he is swimming. He actually is on the swim team and really good at it too.
One day while he is hanging out in the park, he sees a boy wearing a skirt walking into the water and not coming back up. That's how his life intersects with Jack's, even though rather unwillingly as he acted mostly on instinct by jumping in after him and saving him.
This is the story of two outsiders, who very unwillingly become something akin to friends, but only due to their shared outsider-status. This is a story about growing up and growing as a person, about learning things about oneself and others and kind of even about friendship. Even if it's not really one, at least not at first.
Personally, I found the story quite interesting, though it is certainly not my favorite story. There were some parts that bothered me, like Cody's constant homophobia, which really grated on my nerves. Ryan was definitely an interesting character and I liked seeing him grow and learn more about him. I also liked that he was quite funny with a dry sense of humor which I greatly enjoyed.
The ending was quite abrupt and not at all what I was expecting, but otherwise, this was certainly a nice story, though it did not pull me in as much as I had hoped it would.
December 2, 2018
Liane’ Shaw’s examines the paralyzing impact of bullying on teens in this raw, honest and emotional novel. What stands out for me is the prejudice against two teens — one who has a physical disability and the other teen who is struggling with his sexual identity. This is the first time I’ve seen the differences appear together in a compelling story, especially when the teen who is disabled is the hero.
The main character Ryan, was born with cerebral palsy and has spent his life in a wheelchair. However the story really doesn’t focus on his disability, but his funny, upbeat personality and his role on the school swim team. Jack is sad and depressed. He has no friends, and keeps to himself. Ryan befriends Jack, listens to his pain as he deals with his identity, and keeps his secrets. Kids suspect that Jack’s gay and bully him. Ryan’s friend, Cody, steps in when he sees the school bullies harassing both Ryan and Jack after school. Cody is hyper, wacky, funny, obnoxious, and someone you can dislike one moment and love the next. He provides for a lot of comic relief in the story.
I really liked the metaphor of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, a mirror of what happens when three unlikely teens come together to support each other. Especially Cody, who is homophobic. His growth as a character meant the most to me
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The plot is complicated and brave. Jack’s drowning happens early in the story with a lot of drama and action. Readers may wonder where the story is headed. But the pacing is fast, engaging and lighthearted at times. There is more to this deeply moving novel that readers will find appealing. It is an inspiring story about family, friends and hope.
The main character Ryan, was born with cerebral palsy and has spent his life in a wheelchair. However the story really doesn’t focus on his disability, but his funny, upbeat personality and his role on the school swim team. Jack is sad and depressed. He has no friends, and keeps to himself. Ryan befriends Jack, listens to his pain as he deals with his identity, and keeps his secrets. Kids suspect that Jack’s gay and bully him. Ryan’s friend, Cody, steps in when he sees the school bullies harassing both Ryan and Jack after school. Cody is hyper, wacky, funny, obnoxious, and someone you can dislike one moment and love the next. He provides for a lot of comic relief in the story.
I really liked the metaphor of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, a mirror of what happens when three unlikely teens come together to support each other. Especially Cody, who is homophobic. His growth as a character meant the most to me
.
The plot is complicated and brave. Jack’s drowning happens early in the story with a lot of drama and action. Readers may wonder where the story is headed. But the pacing is fast, engaging and lighthearted at times. There is more to this deeply moving novel that readers will find appealing. It is an inspiring story about family, friends and hope.
November 4, 2017
"Caterpillars Can't Swim" is a well intentioned book about some big social acceptance issues facing today's adolescents. It can kind of be described as a mash-up of teenagers facing disabilities, other teens growing up gay and closeted- all within the context of the real prejudices of small town life. From the get-go, it's pretty evident that lessons are going to be properly learned under the guise of fiction. While it is not preachy, the book is very wordy as the narrator Ryan (an appealing 16 year old confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy) spends a lot of the books examining life, especially after he saves Jack a fellow schoolmate who tries to drown himself because his closeted life has become unbearable. Despite his CP, Ryan is a good swimmer and becomes the school hero, and inadvertently feels continued responsibility for Jack. Despite the strong beginning, not much really happens in the book even when Jack and Ryan travel to another community to attend Comic-Con in the company of Ryan's best friend Cody, who in some ways is the most authentic of the three main characters. Sometimes in fiction "less is more" and it feels at times that the author is just trying too hard to educate us - and her intended YA audience.
May 16, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I definitely liked this book but it was not about what I thought the story was going to be. Ryan is a swimmer who has CP and is stuck in a wheelchair. Jack is confused about his sexuality, or not totally confused but unable to tell anyone else that he is gay. Ryan ends up saving Jack's life when Jack kind of drifts into the river and is a poor swimmer. I love how they become friends. Ryan has his swim team friends but they are pretty superficial, including his best friend Cody. He and Jack talk a little, and Ryan begins to wants to help Jack be happier after they get to know each other better. On their trip to the Comic Con, all three of them start out uncomfortable with each other, but as the weekend progresses, they each learn more about the other two. Jack is slowly coming to terms with being gay and Ryan definitely learns how to have a real friendship with someone. Ryan is a great character, he is super funny, smart and sarcastic. I love all the stuff he thinks/says. I feel bad for Jack but as the story progresses he definitely gets stronger and learns more how to be himself both from the boys that he met at the Con and from Ryan as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2017
To start out, this book is not even remotely a romance novel. It’s a book about life, growing up, friendships, hardships, family, love, and a combination of those.
I do believe I’m the wrong target audience for this book so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped. I felt like this book was a YA novel written for young adults instead of being of the YA genre (if that distinction makes sense to you).
That being said, the story being told was a good one, an important one. It’s real, the people are real – warts and all. It touches on very heavy subjects that are often undermined and ignored. I believe this book is a good way to create awareness to a wide range of topics and self-reflection that young people might not have thought about before; disabilities, mental illness, sexual orientation, but also friendship and family.
A great book to read for a younger audience!
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I do believe I’m the wrong target audience for this book so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped. I felt like this book was a YA novel written for young adults instead of being of the YA genre (if that distinction makes sense to you).
That being said, the story being told was a good one, an important one. It’s real, the people are real – warts and all. It touches on very heavy subjects that are often undermined and ignored. I believe this book is a good way to create awareness to a wide range of topics and self-reflection that young people might not have thought about before; disabilities, mental illness, sexual orientation, but also friendship and family.
A great book to read for a younger audience!
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 22, 2017
Caterpillars Can't Swim
by Liane Shaw
Second Story Press
Teens & YA
Pub Date 01 Mar 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Caterpillars Can’t Swim Through Second Story Press and Netgalley:
The water gives Ryan the freedom that land does not. Ryan has Cerebral Palsy and uses a chair to get around but when he is swimming he feels free. Gravity is not his enemy when he is in the water.
Jack is attracted to the water as well, but to him it is a permanent escape. Dogged by rumors f his sexuality dissapearing all together seems better than to deal with the rumors everyday. He is terrified that coming out will make him a bigger target and hurt his adoring Mother.
Ryan saves Jack’s life and keeps his secret. Inviting him to join him to join his best friend Cody and himself to Comic-Con.
Will Cody, Ryan and Jack become friends, or will Jack continue to think they are like everyone else?
I give this powerful novel five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
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