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Six Goodbyes We Never Said
Two teens meet after tragedy and learn about love, loss, and letting go
Naima Rodriguez doesn’t want your patronizing sympathy as she grieves her father, her hero—a fallen Marine. She’ll hate you forever if you ask her to open up and remember him “as he was,” though that’s all her loving family wants her to do in order to manage her complex OCD and GAD. She’d rather everyone back the-eff off while she separates her Lucky Charms marshmallows into six, always six, Ziploc bags, while she avoids friends and people and living the life her father so desperately wanted for her.
Dew respectfully requests a little more time to process the sudden loss of his parents. It's causing an avalanche of secret anxieties, so he counts on his trusty voice recorder to convey the things he can’t otherwise say aloud. He could really use a friend to navigate a life swimming with pain and loss and all the lovely moments in between. And then he meets Naima and everything’s changed—just not in the way he, or she, expects.
Candace Ganger's Six Goodbyes We Never Said is no love story. If you ask Naima, it’s not even a like story. But it is a story about love and fear and how sometimes you need a little help to be brave enough to say goodbye.
Naima Rodriguez doesn’t want your patronizing sympathy as she grieves her father, her hero—a fallen Marine. She’ll hate you forever if you ask her to open up and remember him “as he was,” though that’s all her loving family wants her to do in order to manage her complex OCD and GAD. She’d rather everyone back the-eff off while she separates her Lucky Charms marshmallows into six, always six, Ziploc bags, while she avoids friends and people and living the life her father so desperately wanted for her.
Dew respectfully requests a little more time to process the sudden loss of his parents. It's causing an avalanche of secret anxieties, so he counts on his trusty voice recorder to convey the things he can’t otherwise say aloud. He could really use a friend to navigate a life swimming with pain and loss and all the lovely moments in between. And then he meets Naima and everything’s changed—just not in the way he, or she, expects.
Candace Ganger's Six Goodbyes We Never Said is no love story. If you ask Naima, it’s not even a like story. But it is a story about love and fear and how sometimes you need a little help to be brave enough to say goodbye.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
25 people are currently reading
4441 people want to read
About the author
Candace Ganger
4 books109 followersCandace Ganger is a mother, blogger, Entertainment writer for Showbiz Cheat Sheet, and contributing writer for sites like Romper, Teen Vogue, TWLOHA, Bustle, XO Jane & Hello Giggles. She’s also an obsessive marathoner and continual worrier (yay!). Her debut YA novel, THE INEVITABLE COLLISION OF BIRDIE & BASH, is out now via St. Martin’s Griffin, and she’s part of a YA mental health anthology, LIFE INSIDE MY MIND, out now via S&S. Her forthcoming YA novel from St. Martin’s Wednesday Books, SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID, releases September 24, 2019.
Aside from having past lives as a singer, nanotechnology website editor, and world’s worst* vacuum sales rep, she’s also ghostwritten hundreds of projects for companies, best-selling fiction and award-winning nonfiction authors alike. Candace—aka—Candyland— has a severe** Milky Way latte addiction + eats way too many*** donuts/doughnuts but all things in excess, amiright?
FYI: She’s TOTALLY awkward in person (#sorrynotsorry).
*she was okay, at best.
**what counts as severe?
***don’t judge me
Aside from having past lives as a singer, nanotechnology website editor, and world’s worst* vacuum sales rep, she’s also ghostwritten hundreds of projects for companies, best-selling fiction and award-winning nonfiction authors alike. Candace—aka—Candyland— has a severe** Milky Way latte addiction + eats way too many*** donuts/doughnuts but all things in excess, amiright?
FYI: She’s TOTALLY awkward in person (#sorrynotsorry).
*she was okay, at best.
**what counts as severe?
***don’t judge me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
September 15, 2019
3.5 stars
This book might not be perfect, but that doesn't mean it isn't a special read. There are so many good, touching moments sprinkled throughout the story that I do recommend giving this one a look. The author managed to come up with something that felt unique in the YA genre.
Naima Rodriguez has anxiety issues, including OCD, and it's been difficult to keep things under control especially after the death of her father. Dew (yes, that's the name this teenage boy goes by) is also struggling as he has lost both of his parents. So with this horrible thing to have in common, when Naima and Dew meet they will become fast friends, right? Well not exactly. However, they might be able to help each other truly begin to process their grief.
I read an advance digital copy of this book so the published book could be different. but I loved how this one started with an Author's Note as it immediately made me feel invested in the story because it was such a personal one for the writer. I found it easier to connect with Naima rather than Dew and maybe some of the reason for that is I understood her better having dealt with some of the same OCD issues when I was her age. Even though my problems weren't at the same level as hers, I got where she was coming from. And I think that is one of the strengths of the book, as the writer pretty much laid it all out on the table for what it's like for someone suffering from anxiety issues. I also particularly loved the voicemail and unsent email sections of the book between Naima and her father. I thought it worked wonderfully in showing how Naima got to be where she is at in the present day.
Now the reason this wasn't quite a 5 star read for me is I did struggle a bit with Dew and at times during his part of the story I honestly felt bored. However, there were brief moments here and there that I thought were done quite well and by the end, I did think he was overall an asset to the story.
The book at times had a bit of a choppy flow, but I'm very glad I read it because it did get to me on a emotional level. Recommend reading if you are looking for a story that explores the topics of grief and anxiety issues.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book might not be perfect, but that doesn't mean it isn't a special read. There are so many good, touching moments sprinkled throughout the story that I do recommend giving this one a look. The author managed to come up with something that felt unique in the YA genre.
Naima Rodriguez has anxiety issues, including OCD, and it's been difficult to keep things under control especially after the death of her father. Dew (yes, that's the name this teenage boy goes by) is also struggling as he has lost both of his parents. So with this horrible thing to have in common, when Naima and Dew meet they will become fast friends, right? Well not exactly. However, they might be able to help each other truly begin to process their grief.
I read an advance digital copy of this book so the published book could be different. but I loved how this one started with an Author's Note as it immediately made me feel invested in the story because it was such a personal one for the writer. I found it easier to connect with Naima rather than Dew and maybe some of the reason for that is I understood her better having dealt with some of the same OCD issues when I was her age. Even though my problems weren't at the same level as hers, I got where she was coming from. And I think that is one of the strengths of the book, as the writer pretty much laid it all out on the table for what it's like for someone suffering from anxiety issues. I also particularly loved the voicemail and unsent email sections of the book between Naima and her father. I thought it worked wonderfully in showing how Naima got to be where she is at in the present day.
Now the reason this wasn't quite a 5 star read for me is I did struggle a bit with Dew and at times during his part of the story I honestly felt bored. However, there were brief moments here and there that I thought were done quite well and by the end, I did think he was overall an asset to the story.
The book at times had a bit of a choppy flow, but I'm very glad I read it because it did get to me on a emotional level. Recommend reading if you are looking for a story that explores the topics of grief and anxiety issues.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 24, 2019
Different books impact their readers in different ways; and each book impacts its readers in different ways as well. But some books have at least one (universal) appeal or a singular impact on their readers; and I do feel that this book is one such. The Book: Six Goodbyes We Never Said. The Impact: Tugging at heartstrings.
My Thoughts
Reviewer’s (well, my) Note
This review is a day later than intended. For one, I started reading it later than planned; and while I thought I could read it at break-neck speed, this is not a book you can read quickly. It makes you pause, think, remember, and more. And for another, it was a tough review to write. This version here is my third-ish attempt.
The Book Review Itself
This book is kind of an ode for those who suffer from issues discussed in the book, including PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety. As I read it, it made me feel:
– feel empathy for those who have issues like OCD; feel sympathy for and want to reach out to those with PTSD and social anxiety; and simply feel for all of us who have gone through grief at the loss of loved ones sometime in our lives.
What I loved about it:
Naima’s unsent emails in response to her dad’s voicemails (because she never picked up when he called): These conversations (well, sort of, because they ..) are poignant (so much so) and remind you of things left unsaid that SHOULD have been said; because, you know ‘Life is Short’ so make it matter.
Naima’s ‘would you rathers’ that make you ponder, and want to make you pause and keep reading all at the same time. And her side notes that made me smile every once in a while.
Violet’s silver linings peppered all along the book that perk your spirits
Dew’s recordings and neologisms (adorbville for one) that made me smile more often than not.
In addition, this is a book that celebrates family and friendship. I love that it does not automatically dissolve/evolve(?) a friendship between a boy and a girl into romance. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Dew and his foster sister, Faith, evolve from something beautiful into something more beautiful. As a parent, I loved even more the portrayal of every single parental figure in the book. That certainly lifted my spirits.
The dual POV format of the book, which took a while for me to get into, but once I did, I realized the book’s format is just right.
The way the book embraces quirkiness…
Characters that are real – kind, mean, weird, quirky, normal, those wearing their ‘souls on the outside’ and those hiding their hurts ‘in a suit of gleeful’, and everything in between; characters dealing with real issues and real life in real ways.
And yes, Faith, Stella, JJ, Thomas, Kam, Nell, PS the flytrap, Hiccup the Pekingese, and essentially all the other characters who find their way into this book.
This is a #ownvoices book; and it shows.
What might have made it even better:
More Nell..(For those yet to read the book, Nell is Naima’s stepmother and I ached for her)
Lyrics to the songs Dew refers to (by August Moon…)!
That is all…can’t think of anything else
Other Random Thoughts:
I highlighted and bookmarked so many lines in this book that I had to stop doing it at one point.
The pauses I mentioned earlier in the book were oftentimes because I recalled my dad who passed away last November, and I know how tough it is to say goodbye (especially when it has not been said)
While I do know that people respond to issues that they face differently, including grief, Ganger shows that difference in a stark yet real way with the main characters of Dew and Naima.
Quotes I loved (well, only a fraction of them):
“Hope never leaves us – we’re the ones who abandon it.”
“Kindness matters. Not only when it is hard – especially when it is.”
‘…. – maybe the thing we’re all in search of is right in front of us.’
‘Would you rather listen to something that will break you, or always wonder what words may have been?’
‘…..Dad……, even when I felt like the most invisible thing in any room, he saw me.’
‘Everyone needs that person. The one who sees you stuck between the minute and the hour hands of your most painful moments, and reaches out for you.’
In Summary
As I mentioned at the beginning, I feel this book will tug at the heartstrings of everyone who reads it. It might be a hard read for some because of the issues it deals with or for others because of the way it is written with its dual POV and dipping back and forth in time; but it is regardless a read that will, well, tug at your heartstrings ALL THE WAY…
Rating: 5/5
Reading Level: 14 years and above
My Thoughts
Reviewer’s (well, my) Note
This review is a day later than intended. For one, I started reading it later than planned; and while I thought I could read it at break-neck speed, this is not a book you can read quickly. It makes you pause, think, remember, and more. And for another, it was a tough review to write. This version here is my third-ish attempt.
The Book Review Itself
This book is kind of an ode for those who suffer from issues discussed in the book, including PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety. As I read it, it made me feel:
– feel empathy for those who have issues like OCD; feel sympathy for and want to reach out to those with PTSD and social anxiety; and simply feel for all of us who have gone through grief at the loss of loved ones sometime in our lives.
What I loved about it:
Naima’s unsent emails in response to her dad’s voicemails (because she never picked up when he called): These conversations (well, sort of, because they ..) are poignant (so much so) and remind you of things left unsaid that SHOULD have been said; because, you know ‘Life is Short’ so make it matter.
Naima’s ‘would you rathers’ that make you ponder, and want to make you pause and keep reading all at the same time. And her side notes that made me smile every once in a while.
Violet’s silver linings peppered all along the book that perk your spirits
Dew’s recordings and neologisms (adorbville for one) that made me smile more often than not.
In addition, this is a book that celebrates family and friendship. I love that it does not automatically dissolve/evolve(?) a friendship between a boy and a girl into romance. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Dew and his foster sister, Faith, evolve from something beautiful into something more beautiful. As a parent, I loved even more the portrayal of every single parental figure in the book. That certainly lifted my spirits.
The dual POV format of the book, which took a while for me to get into, but once I did, I realized the book’s format is just right.
The way the book embraces quirkiness…
Characters that are real – kind, mean, weird, quirky, normal, those wearing their ‘souls on the outside’ and those hiding their hurts ‘in a suit of gleeful’, and everything in between; characters dealing with real issues and real life in real ways.
And yes, Faith, Stella, JJ, Thomas, Kam, Nell, PS the flytrap, Hiccup the Pekingese, and essentially all the other characters who find their way into this book.
This is a #ownvoices book; and it shows.
What might have made it even better:
More Nell..(For those yet to read the book, Nell is Naima’s stepmother and I ached for her)
Lyrics to the songs Dew refers to (by August Moon…)!
That is all…can’t think of anything else
Other Random Thoughts:
I highlighted and bookmarked so many lines in this book that I had to stop doing it at one point.
The pauses I mentioned earlier in the book were oftentimes because I recalled my dad who passed away last November, and I know how tough it is to say goodbye (especially when it has not been said)
While I do know that people respond to issues that they face differently, including grief, Ganger shows that difference in a stark yet real way with the main characters of Dew and Naima.
Quotes I loved (well, only a fraction of them):
“Hope never leaves us – we’re the ones who abandon it.”
“Kindness matters. Not only when it is hard – especially when it is.”
‘…. – maybe the thing we’re all in search of is right in front of us.’
‘Would you rather listen to something that will break you, or always wonder what words may have been?’
‘…..Dad……, even when I felt like the most invisible thing in any room, he saw me.’
‘Everyone needs that person. The one who sees you stuck between the minute and the hour hands of your most painful moments, and reaches out for you.’
In Summary
As I mentioned at the beginning, I feel this book will tug at the heartstrings of everyone who reads it. It might be a hard read for some because of the issues it deals with or for others because of the way it is written with its dual POV and dipping back and forth in time; but it is regardless a read that will, well, tug at your heartstrings ALL THE WAY…
Rating: 5/5
Reading Level: 14 years and above
June 2, 2019
3.5 stars
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I really enjoyed how it explored topics that tend to be under dealt with in the sphere of YA ( OCD, PTSD and losing a parent). I truly felt for the characters and I believe the author provided a genuine insight into who they were and did a good job building the two main characters.
But I feel like because of this the rest of the story fell away, and there wasn’t really a cohesive plot and other side characters were neglected. So at times, the book was a bit boring because the only thing that is keeping it together are these two characters, but I felt like at times it could have been more engaging.
I also feel like the writing style was a bit underdeveloped and disjointed at times, and the formatting also made it hard to figure out whose point of view the book was coming from.
All in all, I think this book had potential to be really great with the development of the author’s ability, but I enjoyed it; it was a hard hitting novel that left me with much to think after reading it.
I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I really enjoyed how it explored topics that tend to be under dealt with in the sphere of YA ( OCD, PTSD and losing a parent). I truly felt for the characters and I believe the author provided a genuine insight into who they were and did a good job building the two main characters.
But I feel like because of this the rest of the story fell away, and there wasn’t really a cohesive plot and other side characters were neglected. So at times, the book was a bit boring because the only thing that is keeping it together are these two characters, but I felt like at times it could have been more engaging.
I also feel like the writing style was a bit underdeveloped and disjointed at times, and the formatting also made it hard to figure out whose point of view the book was coming from.
All in all, I think this book had potential to be really great with the development of the author’s ability, but I enjoyed it; it was a hard hitting novel that left me with much to think after reading it.
I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2019
I really felt drawn to this book due to the subject of mental illness. I struggle with anxiety and have since I was a young teen.
There were so many unique and touching moments in this book that I definitely recommend giving this book a try. I loved how the author had a personal note in the beginning of the book which automatically grabbed me right away. I feel so touched when the authors give us a glimpse of their lives and what gravitated Ganger to write this novel.
Ganger does a nice portrayal of her characters Naima and Dew struggling with their own challenges of loss, anxiety, and grief. I think this was definitely one of the author's strengths showing her readers what it's like to suffer from mental illness. Naima and Drew built a strong foundation with one another built on strengthening one another up due to the struggles both of them have endured.
What I struggled with a tad bit was the writing style. I felt it was a tad choppy and my interest flowed in and out. I think overall, this was a wonderful story on the struggles of anxiety and grief.
3.5 stars!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Wednesday books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 9/24/19
Published to GR: 9/15/19
There were so many unique and touching moments in this book that I definitely recommend giving this book a try. I loved how the author had a personal note in the beginning of the book which automatically grabbed me right away. I feel so touched when the authors give us a glimpse of their lives and what gravitated Ganger to write this novel.
Ganger does a nice portrayal of her characters Naima and Dew struggling with their own challenges of loss, anxiety, and grief. I think this was definitely one of the author's strengths showing her readers what it's like to suffer from mental illness. Naima and Drew built a strong foundation with one another built on strengthening one another up due to the struggles both of them have endured.
What I struggled with a tad bit was the writing style. I felt it was a tad choppy and my interest flowed in and out. I think overall, this was a wonderful story on the struggles of anxiety and grief.
3.5 stars!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Wednesday books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 9/24/19
Published to GR: 9/15/19
June 19, 2019
Confidence grows when we step out of our comfort zone and do something different.
On my blog.
Rep: biracial Latinx mcs, bi/pan mc with OCD, anxiety & depression, mc with anxiety
CWs: discussions of past suicidal thoughts, panic attacks
I seem to have read an inordinate number of “it’s not you it’s me” books recently, because this is another one of those. I don’t know what it was about this book (most likely I was just in the wrong mood to be reading it), but I just didn’t click with it. So, instead of trying to work out why, I’m going to just give you four reasons you should read this book (okay, so maybe six would have been more apt, but I was struggling).
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a dual-POV story between Naima and Dew, two teenagers grieving the loss of their parent(s). Naima moves to live with her grandparents, who are Dew and his adoptive family’s neighbours, and meets Dew (who, it has to be said, is a little stalkerish). Ultimately, not much happens in the book – it’s like a coming of age story, but without the coming of age bit (Charlotte, this makes no sense, you say. Well, read it to find out).
Like I said, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this one. But that was just me, so here’s four reasons you should read this book.
1) The writing style is unique and the voices of Naima and Dew are so distinct. I don’t think I’ve read a style that sounds so realistic and I definitely haven’t read one that’s so successfully managed to differentiate between two characters.
2) It’s an ownvoices portrayal of OCD, anxiety and depression, which I haven’t read a whole amount of (particularly OCD – I can think of two other books with that). And we all know the value of ownvoices stories.
3) There’s no romance, if that’s not your thing. It’s Naima and Dew becoming friends. A boy and a girl just being friends (even though Dew does start off thinking Naima is his soulmate). Honestly that’s one thing that YA lit needs a whole lot more of.
4) Naima is bi or pan. There’s no label used which did bug me a little, but getting to see a bi character just exist in a story without being either a stereotyped side character or part of a romance? That’s something I do need to see every once in a while (as much as I do love romances).
So, in the end, even though this book wasn’t for me, it’s still a good book, and for the right person could be great.
September 16, 2019
You can read this review and more about this book on my blog illbefinealonereads.
A huge thanks to Wednessay Books for the chance to be a part of this blog tour.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a very enjoyable and heartwarming read.
It tells a unique story, in a unique way. What’s offered aren’t characters that are easy to like, or even to digest, but they’re diverse, vividly placed on the page and so intriguing that I had to finish the book.
I loved the writing in the book. It didn’t have the typical flow, but it helped capture the disorders the characters have. The pacing was really good too, I tend to rush to get things done, but this book slowed me and my thoughts down a whole lot, and the pace of the plot had a lot to do with that. Each character had a voice of their own, which seems to be difficult to pull off, but the dual POV was executed masterfully in this one.
It was just a great read. I recommend it.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating 4/5 stars
YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
A huge thanks to Wednessay Books for the chance to be a part of this blog tour.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a very enjoyable and heartwarming read.
It tells a unique story, in a unique way. What’s offered aren’t characters that are easy to like, or even to digest, but they’re diverse, vividly placed on the page and so intriguing that I had to finish the book.
I loved the writing in the book. It didn’t have the typical flow, but it helped capture the disorders the characters have. The pacing was really good too, I tend to rush to get things done, but this book slowed me and my thoughts down a whole lot, and the pace of the plot had a lot to do with that. Each character had a voice of their own, which seems to be difficult to pull off, but the dual POV was executed masterfully in this one.
It was just a great read. I recommend it.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating 4/5 stars
YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
November 28, 2021
DNF at 45%
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I understand that Naima is grieving, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. Her OCD and GAD (as mentioned in the synopsis) are aspects of her life that she struggles with, but her treatment of Nell was inexcusable. Nell has been in her life for nearly a decade, obviously trying to make a family with her stepdaughter, and Naima was intentionally hurtful and unaccepting. I know there are children that behave similarly in real life, but it was very frustrating to read about. Nell made an effort to learn Naima's quirks and preferences, trying to be there for her however she could, but Naima was cold and indifferent. I really disliked this aspect of the story, and the portrayal of their relationship.
"...or why I use sarcasm and blatant disgust for her as a means of coping with all the things I hate about myself. It has nothing to do with her. I decide this is the first thing I like about her—how she ignores the very real fact that I do, in fact, like her (but don’t you dare tell her)."
Naima's attitude in general left a lot to be desired. She was easily annoyed by others, and only ever thought about herself and what she wanted. She was intentionally cruel and hurtful, which made me unsympathetic to her feelings. I'm not sure why Dew was so fascinated by this grumpy girl that only cared about her own miseries, but he was determined to befriend her despite the snarls and cutting comments. Dew was endlessly kind and thoughtful, and he always managed to put himself in other people's shoes. He imagined how they must be feeling in this or that scenario, and he reacted accordingly. He was patient with Faith (his new sister), understanding that she needed to be shown love despite her outbursts. He noticed fear and pain where others saw anger and aggression. I thought Dew was a remarkable character, and enjoyed his relationship with his adoptive family. His mental flashbacks and remembered sayings really made him a unique and memorable character.
I was a little confused by Naima's family and their dynamics. Her dad would stay with his parents while she lived with Nell and Christian (her stepmother and stepbrother)? Did he just stay with them briefly before deployments? Occasionally when Naima talked about him, it was like he lived separately from her, even when he wasn't deployed. Maybe I misread something, or the ARC was missing a detail or two, but I often found myself wondering where everyone was when the past was reflected on or mentioned.
Even Naima's grandparents kept Nell at a distance. They were polite and civil when she was around, but it was clear everyone wanted her to leave so they could reform their "unit" without her. Nell was married to their son for seven years. She has gone above and beyond for Naima, yet she's still treated like an outsider. Naima's father is also to blame, since he purposefully kept Nell out of the loop, or secretly confessed to his daughter that his wife and stepson "wouldn't understand" something. He perpetuated the problem.
Hiccup (the dog) had cataracts and was deaf in one year, but he was also violent. He attacked people's legs and bit until he pierced the skin. This is not okay. It's really not okay when the dog is around children. Naima's grandparents should have been more responsible with the dog, but he's aggressive with others on multiple occasions.
I really liked that the author chose to tackle mental health and the realities of living with a mind that's not entirely your own. I don't know what it's like to feel compelled to do things a certain way, or a specific number of times, and I've never experienced social anxiety, or an inability to breathe in large crowds. I thought those aspects of the story were wonderfully written and explained; however, Naima was a difficult character to like. She's mean because she can get away with it, and people let her because it's easier than the alternative.
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I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I understand that Naima is grieving, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. Her OCD and GAD (as mentioned in the synopsis) are aspects of her life that she struggles with, but her treatment of Nell was inexcusable. Nell has been in her life for nearly a decade, obviously trying to make a family with her stepdaughter, and Naima was intentionally hurtful and unaccepting. I know there are children that behave similarly in real life, but it was very frustrating to read about. Nell made an effort to learn Naima's quirks and preferences, trying to be there for her however she could, but Naima was cold and indifferent. I really disliked this aspect of the story, and the portrayal of their relationship.
"...or why I use sarcasm and blatant disgust for her as a means of coping with all the things I hate about myself. It has nothing to do with her. I decide this is the first thing I like about her—how she ignores the very real fact that I do, in fact, like her (but don’t you dare tell her)."
Naima's attitude in general left a lot to be desired. She was easily annoyed by others, and only ever thought about herself and what she wanted. She was intentionally cruel and hurtful, which made me unsympathetic to her feelings. I'm not sure why Dew was so fascinated by this grumpy girl that only cared about her own miseries, but he was determined to befriend her despite the snarls and cutting comments. Dew was endlessly kind and thoughtful, and he always managed to put himself in other people's shoes. He imagined how they must be feeling in this or that scenario, and he reacted accordingly. He was patient with Faith (his new sister), understanding that she needed to be shown love despite her outbursts. He noticed fear and pain where others saw anger and aggression. I thought Dew was a remarkable character, and enjoyed his relationship with his adoptive family. His mental flashbacks and remembered sayings really made him a unique and memorable character.
I was a little confused by Naima's family and their dynamics. Her dad would stay with his parents while she lived with Nell and Christian (her stepmother and stepbrother)? Did he just stay with them briefly before deployments? Occasionally when Naima talked about him, it was like he lived separately from her, even when he wasn't deployed. Maybe I misread something, or the ARC was missing a detail or two, but I often found myself wondering where everyone was when the past was reflected on or mentioned.
Even Naima's grandparents kept Nell at a distance. They were polite and civil when she was around, but it was clear everyone wanted her to leave so they could reform their "unit" without her. Nell was married to their son for seven years. She has gone above and beyond for Naima, yet she's still treated like an outsider. Naima's father is also to blame, since he purposefully kept Nell out of the loop, or secretly confessed to his daughter that his wife and stepson "wouldn't understand" something. He perpetuated the problem.
Hiccup (the dog) had cataracts and was deaf in one year, but he was also violent. He attacked people's legs and bit until he pierced the skin. This is not okay. It's really not okay when the dog is around children. Naima's grandparents should have been more responsible with the dog, but he's aggressive with others on multiple occasions.
I really liked that the author chose to tackle mental health and the realities of living with a mind that's not entirely your own. I don't know what it's like to feel compelled to do things a certain way, or a specific number of times, and I've never experienced social anxiety, or an inability to breathe in large crowds. I thought those aspects of the story were wonderfully written and explained; however, Naima was a difficult character to like. She's mean because she can get away with it, and people let her because it's easier than the alternative.
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September 24, 2019
Mental health, what does it mean? Is it a big issue, a small one? Is it real or tall tales? Even in this present enlightened day, despite awareness efforts and campaigns, a large majority still don’t place as much importance to it as they should. In small countries, mental disorders aren’t viewed as genuine or real or worse—they are viewed as a bid for attention. The people with these disorders are seen as being difficult. What so-called “normal people” don’t understand is those with disorders are actually having a difficult time.
Mental health is a fact. It’s a reality. It’s the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person. It’s all about how we feel and think and what affects our thoughts and emotions. Depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorders—they’re facts and ongoing, merciless wars, fought every day, leaving you with fresh wounds over old battle scars.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is the story of two teenagers, Naima and Dew, who have both lost their parents in difficult circumstances and are trying to find a way to cope past the depression and anxiety, the guilt and loss, the pain and the 3 a.m. irrational thoughts.
Naima’s mother died at her birth and her father was a soldier who sacrificed himself for others, whereas Dew lost his parents in a car accident and is now living with foster parents in a new town. Whose grief is harder? Being reminded of what you lost every day, like Naima or starting anew like Dew? Grief is grief and both are faced with reminders every day, both trying to find coping mechanisms to deal with their loss. I think for teens it’s harder with all the volatile emotions that are difficult to master.
This was a hard book to read, not because it wasn’t a good one but because I could recognize myself in so many of the issues Naima and Dew dealt with, the fight to push past the downward spiral that threatens to drag you down and bury you. The unexpected sprinkles of humor added a lightness here and there, showing that life went on. It’s a book worth reading, and I hope, with the patience and understanding it deserves.
Posted on Blog
July 9, 2019
Oh my heart, this book!
I can't even find the words -- enough words, good words -- that adequately convey how impactful, how emotional, how amazing this book is.
Naima and Dew are teens forced to endure unspeakable losses. Both are orphans now living with people who love them, but don't always completely understand them, though they try -- oh, they try so hard. The story dives deep into mental illness including General Anxiety Disorder, OCD, depression, suicide, and the complexities of navigating these disorders is practically Technicolor, it's shown so vividly.
I'm normally a fast reader, finishing most novels in a single day, but this story took me way longer and that's not a bad thing. It forced me to slow down, to feel, to process, to understand what I was reading and that is the novel's most amazing capability -- that I closed the book with a deeper comprehension of just how hard a struggle it can be for people living with such illness to simply get through a day.
Naima and Dew may be, at first glance, annoying characters. But when you take the time, as I just said, to read and read CAREFULLY with deliberation, you feel their pain and ultimately...their hope. Candace Ganger's writing is poetic, poignant, deeply and intensely emotional, and at times, scathing. This novel is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I can't even find the words -- enough words, good words -- that adequately convey how impactful, how emotional, how amazing this book is.
Naima and Dew are teens forced to endure unspeakable losses. Both are orphans now living with people who love them, but don't always completely understand them, though they try -- oh, they try so hard. The story dives deep into mental illness including General Anxiety Disorder, OCD, depression, suicide, and the complexities of navigating these disorders is practically Technicolor, it's shown so vividly.
I'm normally a fast reader, finishing most novels in a single day, but this story took me way longer and that's not a bad thing. It forced me to slow down, to feel, to process, to understand what I was reading and that is the novel's most amazing capability -- that I closed the book with a deeper comprehension of just how hard a struggle it can be for people living with such illness to simply get through a day.
Naima and Dew may be, at first glance, annoying characters. But when you take the time, as I just said, to read and read CAREFULLY with deliberation, you feel their pain and ultimately...their hope. Candace Ganger's writing is poetic, poignant, deeply and intensely emotional, and at times, scathing. This novel is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
April 24, 2020
It took everything in me to finally DNF this.
But as a Goodreads friends said "Life is too short to read books that don’t give you pleasure. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable" - PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps
It's really really hard for me to not give a book (and many other things) soooo many chances. I probably only DNF'd like 2 books max in 2019.
But this is it.! 2020! The year of the DNF/No more 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances, and actually enjoying books and life.!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Updated: The book was altogether too sad everytime I picked it back up. No matter what mood I was in. And I'm sorta morbid and I love morbid things, jokes, and I can the interest in reading and watching about tragedy. But this just felt like Debby Downer. I understand that I have the privilege of never having to deal with the death of an parent(s) and it may have to do with the deep depression that I've been steadily pulling myself out of, but this book was so sad, too sad for me.
It's DEFINITELY a case of It's not YOU it's ME though. Definitely.
But.! Dew was also SO annoying and made me so angry. The author and him. I hate guys who can't and won't take no for an answer. -___-
But as a Goodreads friends said "Life is too short to read books that don’t give you pleasure. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable" - PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps
It's really really hard for me to not give a book (and many other things) soooo many chances. I probably only DNF'd like 2 books max in 2019.
But this is it.! 2020! The year of the DNF/No more 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances, and actually enjoying books and life.!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Updated: The book was altogether too sad everytime I picked it back up. No matter what mood I was in. And I'm sorta morbid and I love morbid things, jokes, and I can the interest in reading and watching about tragedy. But this just felt like Debby Downer. I understand that I have the privilege of never having to deal with the death of an parent(s) and it may have to do with the deep depression that I've been steadily pulling myself out of, but this book was so sad, too sad for me.
It's DEFINITELY a case of It's not YOU it's ME though. Definitely.
But.! Dew was also SO annoying and made me so angry. The author and him. I hate guys who can't and won't take no for an answer. -___-
September 16, 2019
Review coming soon
September 27, 2019
Endearing, real and earnest. Be ready to feel.
September 24, 2019
Read the full review here.
I was really intrigued when I first got the offer to read the early copy of this book. Reading its synopsis, I knew this story is going to be challenging and hard-hitting. Six Goodbyes We Never Said started with a genuine note from the author herself, Candace, explaining why she wrote this story in the first place. Candace also used this note to include a list of potential trigger warnings. I really appreciated this gesture of her and hence, from its very first page, Six Goodbyes We Never Said feels incredibly raw and sincere.
There were so many important issues that highlighted throughout this story. The representation of multiple mental illnesses, bi-racial characters, body positivity, feminism, and the truth of adopting and getting adopted (which is something that I rarely read, but perhaps it’s just my lack of reading). A lot of these issues are already heavy on their own, and I must applaud Candace to combine them all into a single story.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said was a complex story coming from a talented #OwnVoice author. It explores many important topics which need to be discussed more in today’s literature and highlights the truth behind each one gracefully.
Thank you Wednesday Books (Sarah!) for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
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I was really intrigued when I first got the offer to read the early copy of this book. Reading its synopsis, I knew this story is going to be challenging and hard-hitting. Six Goodbyes We Never Said started with a genuine note from the author herself, Candace, explaining why she wrote this story in the first place. Candace also used this note to include a list of potential trigger warnings. I really appreciated this gesture of her and hence, from its very first page, Six Goodbyes We Never Said feels incredibly raw and sincere.
There were so many important issues that highlighted throughout this story. The representation of multiple mental illnesses, bi-racial characters, body positivity, feminism, and the truth of adopting and getting adopted (which is something that I rarely read, but perhaps it’s just my lack of reading). A lot of these issues are already heavy on their own, and I must applaud Candace to combine them all into a single story.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said was a complex story coming from a talented #OwnVoice author. It explores many important topics which need to be discussed more in today’s literature and highlights the truth behind each one gracefully.
Thank you Wednesday Books (Sarah!) for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
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September 19, 2019
I need to start by saying this is a new to me author, and I was completely blown away by everything this book had to offer. After reading the synopsis I knew this would be a book I was goin to love as long as I felt the representation of mental health illnesses lived up to my expectations. To say it did would be an understatement. The whole book is written with the utmost respect and I appreciated every aspect of it.
Naima was one of those characters that grew on me, at first I was just not into her and her attitude problems. The outbursts and every time she snapped were very relatable and real to me. I fell in love with Drew immediately, he is one of my all time favorite character's and I will have a place in my heart for him always. Drew's panics attacks were represented in a way that made me feel like I was living through one myself. They were so realistic to the ones I suffer from I felt someone was in my head retelling exactly how I felt.
This book was everything I wanted and more. I can't wait to read other books by Candace. This is definitely going to be one of my all time favorite authors, and is already on my auto-buy list. The feelings of loss, panic, and anxiety were just all too real. I can't explain the feelings of respect I have for this author.
Naima was one of those characters that grew on me, at first I was just not into her and her attitude problems. The outbursts and every time she snapped were very relatable and real to me. I fell in love with Drew immediately, he is one of my all time favorite character's and I will have a place in my heart for him always. Drew's panics attacks were represented in a way that made me feel like I was living through one myself. They were so realistic to the ones I suffer from I felt someone was in my head retelling exactly how I felt.
This book was everything I wanted and more. I can't wait to read other books by Candace. This is definitely going to be one of my all time favorite authors, and is already on my auto-buy list. The feelings of loss, panic, and anxiety were just all too real. I can't explain the feelings of respect I have for this author.
August 14, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about two teenagers who have to face tragedies. And they have to struggle with the consequences. Dew has social anxiety. And Naima has some disorders combined: OCD(obsessive - compulsive disorder), GAD
( generalized anxiety disorder), PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder).
I thought that this book would be ideal to hear those voices that we don't usually listen to. But, unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the story. I liked the characters. And they did help me to understand a little bit better.
The problem was the pace of the story. It was that slow... I couldn't even finish it. And it doesn't happen to me that much. Sorry.
This book is about two teenagers who have to face tragedies. And they have to struggle with the consequences. Dew has social anxiety. And Naima has some disorders combined: OCD(obsessive - compulsive disorder), GAD
( generalized anxiety disorder), PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder).
I thought that this book would be ideal to hear those voices that we don't usually listen to. But, unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the story. I liked the characters. And they did help me to understand a little bit better.
The problem was the pace of the story. It was that slow... I couldn't even finish it. And it doesn't happen to me that much. Sorry.
October 1, 2019
Thank you to Wednesday Books for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said
By: Candace Ganger
*REVIEW* 💔💔💔💔
This book, y'all. The author prefaces with a personal note about mental health which I found extremely relatable. It's something I've dealt with for the last decade, and my life has been changed by mental illness. Six Goodbyes We Never Said is the story of two teens struggling with grief and mental illness. Naima has lost her father to war and never knew her mother. Dew has lost both of his parents to an accident and now lives with his adoptive parents. These two are connected long before they ever meet in a six degrees of separation kind of way. It's quite interesting and so tragic once you read and understand these connections. Naima travels with her stepmother to her father's hometown with his ashes. Here, she meets Dew. He has major social anxiety and is more comfortable speaking to a recording device than actual people. Dew tries to stay positive. Naima suffers from OCD, GAD, PTSD and depression. She is basically negative about everything. The story alternately relates the struggles of both teens individually and together. I've read numerous reviews saying the story felt choppy, disjointed and boring at times. I don't disagree because it is confusing and drags in places, but I think it's purposely written this way. How do anxiety and grief feel? How does OCD feel? I'm certain it's not smooth or even or exciting, and the story mirrors the hellish reality of mental illness. Naima and Dew have their own perspectives, but they help each other, too, in unexpected ways. I honestly can't explain. It's best just to read it. Whatever your feelings about this story, mental illness is extremely important, and I'm glad the author is so personally invested with these issues and treats them with such respect.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said
By: Candace Ganger
*REVIEW* 💔💔💔💔
This book, y'all. The author prefaces with a personal note about mental health which I found extremely relatable. It's something I've dealt with for the last decade, and my life has been changed by mental illness. Six Goodbyes We Never Said is the story of two teens struggling with grief and mental illness. Naima has lost her father to war and never knew her mother. Dew has lost both of his parents to an accident and now lives with his adoptive parents. These two are connected long before they ever meet in a six degrees of separation kind of way. It's quite interesting and so tragic once you read and understand these connections. Naima travels with her stepmother to her father's hometown with his ashes. Here, she meets Dew. He has major social anxiety and is more comfortable speaking to a recording device than actual people. Dew tries to stay positive. Naima suffers from OCD, GAD, PTSD and depression. She is basically negative about everything. The story alternately relates the struggles of both teens individually and together. I've read numerous reviews saying the story felt choppy, disjointed and boring at times. I don't disagree because it is confusing and drags in places, but I think it's purposely written this way. How do anxiety and grief feel? How does OCD feel? I'm certain it's not smooth or even or exciting, and the story mirrors the hellish reality of mental illness. Naima and Dew have their own perspectives, but they help each other, too, in unexpected ways. I honestly can't explain. It's best just to read it. Whatever your feelings about this story, mental illness is extremely important, and I'm glad the author is so personally invested with these issues and treats them with such respect.
March 21, 2019
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID by Candace Ganger in exchange for my honest review.***
4.5 STARS
Namia, who suffers from OCD and GAD is mourning the loss of her marine father. Dew has PTSD which causes panic attacks and desperately wants to befriend his new neighbor, who wants nothing to do with him. If Namia can let down her guard enough to get to know Dew, they might just be able to help themselves.
SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID drips voice and personality. Candace Ganger, who has a history of mental illness, sees herself in both main characters and really got inside their heads to present these anxiety disorders authentically. Her writing shows that she knows the subject well.
I fell in love with Dew and his innate goodness, the pain he tried so hard to overcome and his relationship with his adoptive family. He’s so raw and honest, I wanted him to thrive. Namia was more difficult for me to embrace. While I intellectually understood her pain, I couldn’t empathize with her cruelty. I wish Ganger would have given more insights into her the cause and effect of her feelings. The trope of YA character who’s hurting so she’s mean and pushes everyone away but everyone keeps trying has never worked for me, no matter how much I cognitively understand anger as a sign of depression.
SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID is a story of love and loss, grief, anxiety in many forms and the healing power of family and friendship.
4.5 STARS
Namia, who suffers from OCD and GAD is mourning the loss of her marine father. Dew has PTSD which causes panic attacks and desperately wants to befriend his new neighbor, who wants nothing to do with him. If Namia can let down her guard enough to get to know Dew, they might just be able to help themselves.
SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID drips voice and personality. Candace Ganger, who has a history of mental illness, sees herself in both main characters and really got inside their heads to present these anxiety disorders authentically. Her writing shows that she knows the subject well.
I fell in love with Dew and his innate goodness, the pain he tried so hard to overcome and his relationship with his adoptive family. He’s so raw and honest, I wanted him to thrive. Namia was more difficult for me to embrace. While I intellectually understood her pain, I couldn’t empathize with her cruelty. I wish Ganger would have given more insights into her the cause and effect of her feelings. The trope of YA character who’s hurting so she’s mean and pushes everyone away but everyone keeps trying has never worked for me, no matter how much I cognitively understand anger as a sign of depression.
SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID is a story of love and loss, grief, anxiety in many forms and the healing power of family and friendship.
July 12, 2019
This book was extremely well written and descriptive. Both Naima and Dew have experienced losses that make them face mental illness and issues. They are able to form a bond that helps them to overcome their pain together and to grow away from their issues. I loved both characters and their dialogues and the people in their lives. There is so much beautiful uniqueness throughout that tied me in and didn't let go. I have already pre-ordered this title and will be recommending this to everyone I know. Thanks for the ARC, Net Galley. This book was truly a gem.
April 5, 2019
From my blurb:
"Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a knowing tour de force filled with crackling wit, pain, and mini, freeze-dried marshmallows. Original and funny, the best parts may be found in the small moments, especially Ganger’s hilarious, spot-on dialogue, as well as tucked within the brilliantly-placed parentheticals. All that a bowl of Lucky Charms. Or maybe six boxes."
"Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a knowing tour de force filled with crackling wit, pain, and mini, freeze-dried marshmallows. Original and funny, the best parts may be found in the small moments, especially Ganger’s hilarious, spot-on dialogue, as well as tucked within the brilliantly-placed parentheticals. All that a bowl of Lucky Charms. Or maybe six boxes."
January 17, 2020
I received a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
CW: grief, suicide, self-harm, mental illness ( ocd, ptsd, anxiety, depression)
I started this back in September but I ended up setting it aside not because of the book I just mentally wasn't in the head space to read at all. I decided to pick it back up now since one of my 2020 goals is to get to my arcs and I did enjoy it when I originally started it. Guess what, I still enjoyed it. So much that I finished in about 2 days, would have been faster but life. We're just keeping this review short and sweet today. I really enjoyed this book and I will just ramble incoherently about how sweet it is. There is so much heartache but there is also so so much love.
This book guys. I was teared up the entire time. Naima and Dew are two of my favorite characters. They are both so strong and vulnerable. Six Goodbyes We Never Said focuses on not just healing for yourself but also how everything can affect your relationships with others and that sometimes healing has many many paths and can require a little bit of help from family and friends. They both have the best support systems I have ever read between parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings it's just bursting with love. Naima and Dew both go through huge loses but they also go through a journey of healing that just makes me so proud of them. I know it's a very real thing for many people. I'm proud of every one of them too.
Did I cry because I was sad and the pain was raw? Yes. Did I cry because there was so much growth happening and I was bursting with pride for these sweet babies? Also yes. Six Goodbyes We Never Said shows that there are people who will love you for who you are no matter what and will also be there for you even when you don't want them to be or even when they don't know how to be. It also shows what it can be like for children of military members, which does not get talked about ever. I think all of the topics of this book are extremely important and I think it's done really well here. There is enemies to friends, witty banter and just cute family moments that just made me all happy on the inside in-between the sad. I also just really love that his nickname is Dew and not Drew. It's just a little thing that makes him even more adorable.
CW: grief, suicide, self-harm, mental illness ( ocd, ptsd, anxiety, depression)
I started this back in September but I ended up setting it aside not because of the book I just mentally wasn't in the head space to read at all. I decided to pick it back up now since one of my 2020 goals is to get to my arcs and I did enjoy it when I originally started it. Guess what, I still enjoyed it. So much that I finished in about 2 days, would have been faster but life. We're just keeping this review short and sweet today. I really enjoyed this book and I will just ramble incoherently about how sweet it is. There is so much heartache but there is also so so much love.
This book guys. I was teared up the entire time. Naima and Dew are two of my favorite characters. They are both so strong and vulnerable. Six Goodbyes We Never Said focuses on not just healing for yourself but also how everything can affect your relationships with others and that sometimes healing has many many paths and can require a little bit of help from family and friends. They both have the best support systems I have ever read between parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings it's just bursting with love. Naima and Dew both go through huge loses but they also go through a journey of healing that just makes me so proud of them. I know it's a very real thing for many people. I'm proud of every one of them too.
Did I cry because I was sad and the pain was raw? Yes. Did I cry because there was so much growth happening and I was bursting with pride for these sweet babies? Also yes. Six Goodbyes We Never Said shows that there are people who will love you for who you are no matter what and will also be there for you even when you don't want them to be or even when they don't know how to be. It also shows what it can be like for children of military members, which does not get talked about ever. I think all of the topics of this book are extremely important and I think it's done really well here. There is enemies to friends, witty banter and just cute family moments that just made me all happy on the inside in-between the sad. I also just really love that his nickname is Dew and not Drew. It's just a little thing that makes him even more adorable.
September 25, 2019
Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of Six Goodbyes We Never Said by Candace Ganger & inviting me to join this blog tour!
Confession? I barely wrote any notes on Six Goodbyes We Never Said, because I was too engrossed by the beautiful writing of Candace Ganger. #couldn’tbebothered.
With each word, sentence, paragraph, chapter — it’s clear just how much emotion Ganger put into her work. Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a perfect #ownvoices read for those well-acquainted with OCD, GAD, Depression & Social Anxiety. Ganger knows what she’s talking about when it comes to mental health, which is definitely helpful when it comes to relating to the characters.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said centers around two characters — Naima & Dew; both dealing with grief & their own mental health. Personality-wise, Naima and Dew are complete opposites. However, as they’re both dealing with similar situations — they are exactly what the other needs. It takes time for these two to come together, but it’s the relationship build-up that makes this story a fantastic & emotionally-packed read.
Besides the two main characters, there are others that add to this read. Dew’s sister, Faith, is absolutely obsessed with the WWE & Rick Flair & runs around the house screaming woooo. Relatable. Violet, a coworker of Dew, is eccentric & into auras, palm reading & all that fun stuff. Naima’s family is extremely supportive & are the kind of relatives I would love to have.
It was wonderful seeing the relationships build throughout Six Goodbyes We Never Said. Naima & Nell’s (stepmom) strained relationship doesn’t necessarily reach a high point, but there’s a definite growth between beginning & end. Dew & his relationship with Faith absolutely warms my heart. Ganger does a wonderful and realistic job at both character & relationship development.
I definitely recommend this book & I feel that Six Goodbyes We Never Said would be a comfort read for those dealing with grief & those who are at a battle with their mental health.
Confession? I barely wrote any notes on Six Goodbyes We Never Said, because I was too engrossed by the beautiful writing of Candace Ganger. #couldn’tbebothered.
With each word, sentence, paragraph, chapter — it’s clear just how much emotion Ganger put into her work. Six Goodbyes We Never Said is a perfect #ownvoices read for those well-acquainted with OCD, GAD, Depression & Social Anxiety. Ganger knows what she’s talking about when it comes to mental health, which is definitely helpful when it comes to relating to the characters.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said centers around two characters — Naima & Dew; both dealing with grief & their own mental health. Personality-wise, Naima and Dew are complete opposites. However, as they’re both dealing with similar situations — they are exactly what the other needs. It takes time for these two to come together, but it’s the relationship build-up that makes this story a fantastic & emotionally-packed read.
Besides the two main characters, there are others that add to this read. Dew’s sister, Faith, is absolutely obsessed with the WWE & Rick Flair & runs around the house screaming woooo. Relatable. Violet, a coworker of Dew, is eccentric & into auras, palm reading & all that fun stuff. Naima’s family is extremely supportive & are the kind of relatives I would love to have.
It was wonderful seeing the relationships build throughout Six Goodbyes We Never Said. Naima & Nell’s (stepmom) strained relationship doesn’t necessarily reach a high point, but there’s a definite growth between beginning & end. Dew & his relationship with Faith absolutely warms my heart. Ganger does a wonderful and realistic job at both character & relationship development.
I definitely recommend this book & I feel that Six Goodbyes We Never Said would be a comfort read for those dealing with grief & those who are at a battle with their mental health.
Read
April 1, 2020This was my first dnf of 2020, which was disappointing because I really wanted to love this book. I was so excited to hear that it had mental health representation, with one of the main characters having anxiety and OCD. Candace Ganger’s writing was good, and from the little I read I do believe she realistically portrayed what living with a mental illness is like. My main reason for dnf-ing this was because I really did not have any interest in the main storyline. It basically follows two teens, Naima and Dew, who have lost parents recently. I think I would have enjoyed this had I continued, but I didn’t want to make myself sit through 300 pages if I wasn’t going to be fully engrossed in what was happening. There were so many other books I wanted to get to and I’m happy that now I dnf-ed this I get to read those
August 24, 2019
First of all, thank you Netgalley for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for my honest review. It's hard to for me to write this review. As I do, I've change from 2 stars to 3 several times. I think this story was a very clever way to highlight the struggles of several disorders, like OCD, and clinical depression, while also encountering the very difficult stages of grief as well as the struggles of fostering/adopting. I think what makes me not love this book is that it highlights some of my own least favorable traits. I found myself having very little patience with the characters. Not helped by me being a combat veteran myself, I felt so much more sympathy, compassion and frustration for the caretakers than I did the kids in this book.
October 31, 2019
Check out my full video review: https://youtu.be/KY3a6SwQIcE
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is an own-voices mental health story, following Naima & Drew, both having lost their parents and meeting… getting some help to say goodbye.
I thought this sounded like a very interesting and emotional read, sadly, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found the writing and the delivering of the story confusing and detaching. The book had its moments, and the characters I liked, but how it was executed and told did not work for me at all. I think the book can be important and good for some, but it was not a book for me. I wanted to like it, but the story that was told was not a match with me. 2/5 stars.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is an own-voices mental health story, following Naima & Drew, both having lost their parents and meeting… getting some help to say goodbye.
I thought this sounded like a very interesting and emotional read, sadly, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found the writing and the delivering of the story confusing and detaching. The book had its moments, and the characters I liked, but how it was executed and told did not work for me at all. I think the book can be important and good for some, but it was not a book for me. I wanted to like it, but the story that was told was not a match with me. 2/5 stars.
August 12, 2019
3.25/5⭐ Thank you netgalley for the eARC. review to come.
September 2, 2019
This review and many others can also be found at Musings of a (Book) Girl.
Content Warnings: mental illness, suicide attempt, self-harm, death of parents
Filled with grief, messy emotions, and some incredible representation, Candace Ganger has woven a poetic story with Six Goodbyes We Never Said.
Naima and Dew are two of the most heartfelt characters I’ve ever experienced. They both suffered incredible losses and are reeling from the aftermath. Though their story is filled with tragedy and grief, there is also a message of hope to it. They remind us that it can take time to realize it but life does go on.
Something I loved about both Naima and Dew is that they each suffer from mental illness in different ways, but that isn’t what defines them. Both characters still have unique personalities and distinct voices that set them apart.
The overall story is very slow-moving the majority of the time. Normally this would be enough to make me dislike a book or even not finish it, but it worked well with Candace’s unique voice and poetic way of writing. There were so many themes to explore and she melded them together exceptionally well.
There is a great deal of representation in this own voices novel as well. Candace has included biracial main characters, bisexual or pansexual main character and possibly a bi or pan side character, fat main character, as well as characters with obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is one of the best books about grief I’ve ever read. It also made me feel incredibly seen by how well anxiety was handled. This is a very heavy book that tackles some big topics. At times it’s hard to get through, but in the end, it’s 100% worth it.
A digital ARC was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Additionally, all quotes should be checked for changes against the final copy.
Content Warnings: mental illness, suicide attempt, self-harm, death of parents
Filled with grief, messy emotions, and some incredible representation, Candace Ganger has woven a poetic story with Six Goodbyes We Never Said.
That’s the thing about absence – it sinks into your skin, clinging to the bone until it’s so much a part of you, you can no longer tell where it ends and you begin.
Naima and Dew are two of the most heartfelt characters I’ve ever experienced. They both suffered incredible losses and are reeling from the aftermath. Though their story is filled with tragedy and grief, there is also a message of hope to it. They remind us that it can take time to realize it but life does go on.
Something I loved about both Naima and Dew is that they each suffer from mental illness in different ways, but that isn’t what defines them. Both characters still have unique personalities and distinct voices that set them apart.
Perhaps weird is my preferred aesthetic. It keeps people guessing.It would be incredibly easy to write Naima off from the very beginning. She is brusque, standoffish, and generally unlikeable. These traits are all on the surface though. There are so many layers to her and it’s worth giving her a chance to find out what she is like underneath all of the sadness.
Sometimes help is not helping.
The overall story is very slow-moving the majority of the time. Normally this would be enough to make me dislike a book or even not finish it, but it worked well with Candace’s unique voice and poetic way of writing. There were so many themes to explore and she melded them together exceptionally well.
There is a great deal of representation in this own voices novel as well. Candace has included biracial main characters, bisexual or pansexual main character and possibly a bi or pan side character, fat main character, as well as characters with obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
It doesn’t matter who you make proud, as long as you find peace within yourself. Make yourself proud.
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is one of the best books about grief I’ve ever read. It also made me feel incredibly seen by how well anxiety was handled. This is a very heavy book that tackles some big topics. At times it’s hard to get through, but in the end, it’s 100% worth it.
A digital ARC was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Additionally, all quotes should be checked for changes against the final copy.
January 12, 2024
1/12/24: I tried to reread but bailed at 50% because Naima is just so mean, to everyone. The farmers market was the last straw.
"The only thing consistent is change. We have to accept it or become our own enemies."
Namia's father didn't come back from his latest tour, and she's having trouble coping with the fact she will never see him again. Because she suffers from OCD, GAD, and PTSD it's making things harder to deal. She's so used to pushing everyone away, that when someone good comes along, she doesn't know how to deal.
Enter Dew. He's living with foster parents because he lost both of his parents in a car accident. That loss has manifested in avoidance and anxiety. His foster sister throws a lot of fits, so she can be hard to deal with, but you wouldn't know it from the way Dew smoothly handles her. His foster parents are good people and they want the best for him. He wants to befriend Namia, but she isn't making it easy. She thinks he's weird and she wants him to stay out of her business.
I really liked Violet, she's a great addition to the book and the author could even give her a book that I would most definitely read. When I read e-books, I highlight things that stick out or things that resonate with me, and there was a lot of highlighting done in this book. The book is beautifully written and it touches on so many real-life issues that people are struggling with (which I greatly appreciate).
Sometimes Dew seemed a little too "on", a little too "perfect", especially in the way he looked at his foster sister Faith. But the way he watched his family form was touching, I loved his positive view of the world and his acceptance to see what was under the surface.
I know this book wasn't for everyone, it does get a bit tedious at times with some repetition. Once Naima gave Dew a chance, the book picked up and I would have liked for them to meet sooner. Despite those small issues, I loved this book. It was witty and poignant, and very thoughtful. Naima's way of playing "Would You Rather" to stay connected to her father was amusing. She's so much stronger than she realizes and I love how assertive she is. She's actually really funny when you get past the tough exterior. I'm not sure where her PTSD comes from as it would be too soon to diagnose after the loss of her father, but as a sufferer, I can relate to her struggles. Very nicely done.
"The only thing consistent is change. We have to accept it or become our own enemies."
Namia's father didn't come back from his latest tour, and she's having trouble coping with the fact she will never see him again. Because she suffers from OCD, GAD, and PTSD it's making things harder to deal. She's so used to pushing everyone away, that when someone good comes along, she doesn't know how to deal.
Enter Dew. He's living with foster parents because he lost both of his parents in a car accident. That loss has manifested in avoidance and anxiety. His foster sister throws a lot of fits, so she can be hard to deal with, but you wouldn't know it from the way Dew smoothly handles her. His foster parents are good people and they want the best for him. He wants to befriend Namia, but she isn't making it easy. She thinks he's weird and she wants him to stay out of her business.
I really liked Violet, she's a great addition to the book and the author could even give her a book that I would most definitely read. When I read e-books, I highlight things that stick out or things that resonate with me, and there was a lot of highlighting done in this book. The book is beautifully written and it touches on so many real-life issues that people are struggling with (which I greatly appreciate).
Sometimes Dew seemed a little too "on", a little too "perfect", especially in the way he looked at his foster sister Faith. But the way he watched his family form was touching, I loved his positive view of the world and his acceptance to see what was under the surface.
I know this book wasn't for everyone, it does get a bit tedious at times with some repetition. Once Naima gave Dew a chance, the book picked up and I would have liked for them to meet sooner. Despite those small issues, I loved this book. It was witty and poignant, and very thoughtful. Naima's way of playing "Would You Rather" to stay connected to her father was amusing. She's so much stronger than she realizes and I love how assertive she is. She's actually really funny when you get past the tough exterior. I'm not sure where her PTSD comes from as it would be too soon to diagnose after the loss of her father, but as a sufferer, I can relate to her struggles. Very nicely done.
September 23, 2019
"Everyone needs that person. The one who sees you stuck between the minute and the hour hands of your most painful moments, and reaches out for you."
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. I started it after a few intense reads and struggled a bit with connecting to Naima so I set it aside for a few days, took a breath, and restarted. And then BAM! I'm so glad I picked it back up on the weekend because once I restarted I couldn't put it down. This book took hold of me, took a piece of my heart, and just reflecting on it now has me tearing up. It's one of the most powerful YA books I've ever read and probably the first time I've ever read a book where I wished I wasn't the empath I am. But I'm enriched for having read it and am in awe of Candace Ganger.
At the center of the story are Naima Rodriguez and Andrew "Dew" GD Brickman. Two souls on the same hellish collision course with the worst thing in life, death. They are both experiencing tremendous and ferociously palpable grief that drives their paths towards and yet away from each other. Naima, traumatized by loss and life is riddled by OCD, GAD, and PTSD. Dew shares many of the same inflictions and as similar as their situations are, couldn't be more different. But trust me, you need to get to know them. There's something in both of them that the reader can connect with, you'll want to experience their journey and see them safely off on their paths toward happiness and health.
I really can't stress how incredibly well this book is written. Ganger's writing is prolific and beautiful. Her style is clever and makes the story the immersive experience it is. My heart clenches at the thought of it, of Naima and Dew 's pain, of the cathartic release it inspired in me - yes, that response! This is a book worthy of the 5++ star, re-read status. And as for those books that I and those books that I thought were intense, just fell a notch a two in comparison.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. I started it after a few intense reads and struggled a bit with connecting to Naima so I set it aside for a few days, took a breath, and restarted. And then BAM! I'm so glad I picked it back up on the weekend because once I restarted I couldn't put it down. This book took hold of me, took a piece of my heart, and just reflecting on it now has me tearing up. It's one of the most powerful YA books I've ever read and probably the first time I've ever read a book where I wished I wasn't the empath I am. But I'm enriched for having read it and am in awe of Candace Ganger.
At the center of the story are Naima Rodriguez and Andrew "Dew" GD Brickman. Two souls on the same hellish collision course with the worst thing in life, death. They are both experiencing tremendous and ferociously palpable grief that drives their paths towards and yet away from each other. Naima, traumatized by loss and life is riddled by OCD, GAD, and PTSD. Dew shares many of the same inflictions and as similar as their situations are, couldn't be more different. But trust me, you need to get to know them. There's something in both of them that the reader can connect with, you'll want to experience their journey and see them safely off on their paths toward happiness and health.
I really can't stress how incredibly well this book is written. Ganger's writing is prolific and beautiful. Her style is clever and makes the story the immersive experience it is. My heart clenches at the thought of it, of Naima and Dew 's pain, of the cathartic release it inspired in me - yes, that response! This is a book worthy of the 5++ star, re-read status. And as for those books that I and those books that I thought were intense, just fell a notch a two in comparison.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
May 2, 2019
Six Goodbyes We Never Said is the story of teens trying to navigate life after loss while figuring out what family and home mean in their new realities. This is no YA love story, it is a story of broken people trying to help each other hold it together and heal.
The author does a great job showing how a song can come to represent everything, how magical thinking can feel like the only “Safe” way to think and the rocky road we travel in our relationships.
The characters are embraced for their unique, individual quirkiness (auras and horoscopes and Rick Flair- oh my).
This was a slow starter and characters appeared with no back story or very small fragments of back story that made it difficult to connect with them at times.
The chapter openings and closings were very interesting and sad: purposefully missed calls from a father far away, emails never sent, an internal monologue made external by way of “reporting”.
I wanted to like Naima but, as she wished, she was prickly and hard to like. The shining star of this story is Dew, sweet and broken and trying to make everyone else well and complete while avoiding his own trauma.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 rounded to 4
The author does a great job showing how a song can come to represent everything, how magical thinking can feel like the only “Safe” way to think and the rocky road we travel in our relationships.
The characters are embraced for their unique, individual quirkiness (auras and horoscopes and Rick Flair- oh my).
This was a slow starter and characters appeared with no back story or very small fragments of back story that made it difficult to connect with them at times.
The chapter openings and closings were very interesting and sad: purposefully missed calls from a father far away, emails never sent, an internal monologue made external by way of “reporting”.
I wanted to like Naima but, as she wished, she was prickly and hard to like. The shining star of this story is Dew, sweet and broken and trying to make everyone else well and complete while avoiding his own trauma.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 rounded to 4
April 24, 2019
It would be terribly easy to dislike and dismiss Naima right from the start of this book. It would also be equally easy to really like Dew from the moment you meet him. However, the longer you travel with these two very wounded teens, the more you realize how much alike they are at their core. She lost Mom before ever getting a chance to know her, then Dad remarried, but became almost as equally absent as Mom, until he was killed while serving his sixth tour in a war zone. No wonder Naima's a complete bundle of trauma, self-doubt and guilt. Dew, on the other hand, grabbed that bucket of lemons life dumped on him and made extra batches of lemonade, one for himself, one for his frightened and angry sister, and one more for the girl whose pain screams to his, the one he learned to know by listening to her dad the summer before he was killed. Messy, awkward and at times frustrating to read because of Naima's terror at letting go and letting people in, this is nevertheless an excellent story and one that will very much resonate with hurting teens and those who like to read about challenges being overcome. The secondary characters, like Violet are frosting on the cake.
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