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Gloves Off
A page-turning and immersive YA novel in verse, telling the story of Lily who is mercilessly bullied at school and who turns to boxing in an attempt to fight back; a story of hope and resilience breaking through even the most difficult situations.Lily turns sixteen with two very different sides to her school, where she is badly bullied, and home with her mum and dad, warm and comforting but with its own difficulties. After a particularly terrible bullying incident, Lily's dad determines to give his daughter the tools to fight back. Introducing her to boxing, he encourages Lily to find her own worth. It is both difficult and challenging but in confronting her own fears she finds a way through that illuminates her life and friendships. Meeting Rose, and seeing that there is another world out there, enables her to live her own life fully and gives her the knowledge that she is both beautiful and worth it.__________________'Stunning … Gloves Off punches in the guts' – Nicola Morgan, author of Blame My BrainShortlisted for the Bristol Teen Book Award Shortlisted for the Hounslow and Ealing Teen Read Shortlisted for the Warwickshire Secondary Book Award Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021
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First published August 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 5, 2020
GLOVES OFF was a quick but satisfying read of a young person going through a transformation of identity, poor self image and sexual identity told in a backdrop of hideous bullying. The whold book is told in prose and I loved that aspect. I slipped into the style of prose immediately and I found the words powerful.
butterfly bright,
dragonfly gold,
(their teeth as sharp as fangs
their nails like claws.)
Lily was sixteen, living in a household where food and weight were issues and that seemed to be taking a toll on how she was perceived and treated at school. She had no real friends and she was utterly isolated in her misery. As events escalated, Lily’s father called time on what was happening and motivated Lily to fight back in both a psychological and literal sense; she started boxing training.
The story was engaging, the characters were very much so. The story was told mainly from Lily’s POV but there was the occasional Lily’s mother POV. Lily had great character and identity growth. The sexual identity issues were in the background but they were handled well. It was good to see Lily find some friends, a sense of community and something more.
i am going to be the girl
who rises up
out of the mud
out of the gutter
out of silence
out of a void that has been carved for me
This is not your average story, it is special, especially considering how well the prose was written.
Thank you to Guppy Publishing and Darkroom Tours for the review copy. This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
butterfly bright,
dragonfly gold,
(their teeth as sharp as fangs
their nails like claws.)
Lily was sixteen, living in a household where food and weight were issues and that seemed to be taking a toll on how she was perceived and treated at school. She had no real friends and she was utterly isolated in her misery. As events escalated, Lily’s father called time on what was happening and motivated Lily to fight back in both a psychological and literal sense; she started boxing training.
The story was engaging, the characters were very much so. The story was told mainly from Lily’s POV but there was the occasional Lily’s mother POV. Lily had great character and identity growth. The sexual identity issues were in the background but they were handled well. It was good to see Lily find some friends, a sense of community and something more.
i am going to be the girl
who rises up
out of the mud
out of the gutter
out of silence
out of a void that has been carved for me
This is not your average story, it is special, especially considering how well the prose was written.
Thank you to Guppy Publishing and Darkroom Tours for the review copy. This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
August 28, 2020
CW: Fat shaming bullying which includes physical assault.
i am going to be the girl
who rises up
out of the mud
out of the gutter
out of silence
out of a void that has been carved for me,
i am a girl
i own my destiny.
This was such a powerful and inspirational verse novel. Be warned, the bullying in this book is horrific. It isn't just verbal abuse. She is physically assaulted as well. Lily was a fantastic main character and I think the author captured her journey from victim to victor superbly. I also thought Bernadette's story was sensitively told and I felt a bit teary at times during her parts. An important story where Lily's physical changes were a by-product of the change in how she saw herself - and that is a strong, confident person who is worthy of loving and being loved.
i am going to be the girl
who rises up
out of the mud
out of the gutter
out of silence
out of a void that has been carved for me,
i am a girl
i own my destiny.
This was such a powerful and inspirational verse novel. Be warned, the bullying in this book is horrific. It isn't just verbal abuse. She is physically assaulted as well. Lily was a fantastic main character and I think the author captured her journey from victim to victor superbly. I also thought Bernadette's story was sensitively told and I felt a bit teary at times during her parts. An important story where Lily's physical changes were a by-product of the change in how she saw herself - and that is a strong, confident person who is worthy of loving and being loved.
March 18, 2020
I thought this book was actually a novel. But it is a kind of YA novel but told in verses. I didn't realise that it was a book of verses, but as I love poetry, flash fiction, and books told in verses, I really enjoyed Gloves Off. I have also read and reviewed a crime book in verses. So in all Gloves Off was right up my street!
November 12, 2025
“Je hebt het recht om te winnen”
December 9, 2025
Ik snap waarom dit boek de prijs Beste Boek voor Jongeren (categorie vertaald) heeft gewonnen. Zowel voor het verhaal als de vertaling van Merel Leene.
Goed verhaal, go Lily!
Goed verhaal, go Lily!
July 14, 2022
Un très beau roman en vers qui m’a brisé le cœur. C’est très dur (TW grossophobie, harcèlement et violence) mais il est très inspirant.
October 24, 2025
Gebald verhaal dat deugd heeft van de “verse” vorm met een (te) hoog luctor et emergo gehalte. Lily komt tot haar recht als getormenteerde puber. Haar thuis en haar lichaam zitten haar in de weg. De omslag naar boksen als verlossing komt wat abrupt maar geeft haar wel de ruimte voor een nieuwe ik. Ook de aftastende relatie met Rosie (en zeker wat de breakup met Lily deed) hadden meer pagina’s verdiend.
Maar de afdronk is positief, zeker ook vanwege het perspectief van moeder dat af en toe voorbij komt en voor meer verdieping zorgt.
Maar de afdronk is positief, zeker ook vanwege het perspectief van moeder dat af en toe voorbij komt en voor meer verdieping zorgt.
February 28, 2020
I know that they aren't for everyone, but I love verse books! They are quick to read, but can still pack a massive punch (no pun intended...probably). Gloves Off is no exception to this, a book of few words, it is harrowing, and completely knocked me for six (I'll stop with the boxing puns now!).
Lily's bullying was horrific. There are no other words for it. It's brutal in it's intensity, and it's the very worse kind, both physical and mental. The style of writing really made me feel like I was in Lil's head. The juxtaposition of the different verse styles, really helped illustrate her mental state at each point. I thought she was incredibly brave, to keep getting up and carrying on, even during the worst of times. My heart ached for her.
The inclusion of her mum's point of view added a new dimension. It allowed us a glimpse into other factors in Lily's life, that perhaps we wouldn't have got if we were just following along with her journey. Equally unpleasant, it showed how many factors can play a part in what weighs on a teen's mind.
A wonderful little book, with an uplifting message. Life is hard, but when you get knocked down, you need to pick yourself back up again....ok I'll show myself out.
Lily's bullying was horrific. There are no other words for it. It's brutal in it's intensity, and it's the very worse kind, both physical and mental. The style of writing really made me feel like I was in Lil's head. The juxtaposition of the different verse styles, really helped illustrate her mental state at each point. I thought she was incredibly brave, to keep getting up and carrying on, even during the worst of times. My heart ached for her.
The inclusion of her mum's point of view added a new dimension. It allowed us a glimpse into other factors in Lily's life, that perhaps we wouldn't have got if we were just following along with her journey. Equally unpleasant, it showed how many factors can play a part in what weighs on a teen's mind.
A wonderful little book, with an uplifting message. Life is hard, but when you get knocked down, you need to pick yourself back up again....ok I'll show myself out.
March 8, 2020
Gloves Off is a heartbreaking read told through verse about finding your inner strength. I adore verse novels and I read Gloves Off very quickly in one sitting!
Our main character, Lily, is horribly bullied at school and suffers at the hands of her class mates. She dreads going to school every day, her parents are devastated and struggle to understand how to help her.
Lily starts to see a different way of life after taking up boxing, there's still ups and downs where she learns how to control herself around those who bullied her but her outlook on life steadily changes.
Louisa Reid has tackled a few heavy topics within this novel, weight is one of the most focal subjects as both Lily & her mother struggle with their self-worth and confidence due to other people's opinions on their weight and body size.
An engaging and uplifting read that I would definitely recommend.
Our main character, Lily, is horribly bullied at school and suffers at the hands of her class mates. She dreads going to school every day, her parents are devastated and struggle to understand how to help her.
Lily starts to see a different way of life after taking up boxing, there's still ups and downs where she learns how to control herself around those who bullied her but her outlook on life steadily changes.
Louisa Reid has tackled a few heavy topics within this novel, weight is one of the most focal subjects as both Lily & her mother struggle with their self-worth and confidence due to other people's opinions on their weight and body size.
An engaging and uplifting read that I would definitely recommend.
October 5, 2022
Excellent.
Loved the writing in verse. It's perfect for the story. It makes it even more poignant but also easy to read.
I LOVED Bernadette's POV. It made the story even better.
I felt so much pain and rage for Lily.
The best thing about this book is that Lily does not turn to a terrible diet or extreme sport to lose weight. She turns to boxing to get her body back, to live again, to feel safe.
Also a tiny detail that I thought interesting and lovely :
Loved the writing in verse. It's perfect for the story. It makes it even more poignant but also easy to read.
I LOVED Bernadette's POV. It made the story even better.
I felt so much pain and rage for Lily.
The best thing about this book is that Lily does not turn to a terrible diet or extreme sport to lose weight. She turns to boxing to get her body back, to live again, to feel safe.
Also a tiny detail that I thought interesting and lovely :
August 4, 2024
3.5🌟
Mijn moeder had dit boek voor mij gekocht, niet echt mijn stijl. Opzich een goede gedachte erachter maar ja, dat was het ook. En het is ook heel raar geschreven, met van die hele korte zinnen zoals een gedicht ofzo. Dus jaa.
Mijn moeder had dit boek voor mij gekocht, niet echt mijn stijl. Opzich een goede gedachte erachter maar ja, dat was het ook. En het is ook heel raar geschreven, met van die hele korte zinnen zoals een gedicht ofzo. Dus jaa.
September 9, 2020
Ffffffffffffar out. I am ruined. Bloody hell. This was too much for omg. It was good tho. Like wowzza. And also it had a Rosie in it as the shimmery lesbian. I have never felt more affirmed.
December 24, 2023
Une belle fin pour une histoire déchirante de par les sujets traités – grossophobie & harcèlement hardcore. J'ai beaucoup aimé ce récit et je pense qu'il est important de le faire lire aux adolescents.
September 5, 2025
Combinatie van vorm en thematiek is heel sterk. Werkt goed. Vrij vers en boksstoten gaan mooi samen.
[minor spoiler ahead] een romantisch lijntje had van mij niet gehoeven, de familiedynamiek, school en vriendschappen waren wat mij betreft genoeg geweest [/spoiler voorbij]
Zitten heel mooie zinnen, beeldspraken en woordspelingen in. Ook complimenten voor de prachtige vertaling van Merel Leene.
[minor spoiler ahead] een romantisch lijntje had van mij niet gehoeven, de familiedynamiek, school en vriendschappen waren wat mij betreft genoeg geweest [/spoiler voorbij]
Zitten heel mooie zinnen, beeldspraken en woordspelingen in. Ook complimenten voor de prachtige vertaling van Merel Leene.
July 5, 2021
2.5
I was the girl who was fat in school and bullied because of it. Spat at, verbally abused, pushed, shoved, hit… I can connect with Lily. I can connect with her mother..the emotions she feels, the shame, the anger. Feeling guilt, worthlessness, unloved and miserable. Fear of stepping out the front door..
Some people think it’s okay to body shame. Hurling insults at strangers or peers at school. I’ve experienced my fair share. People thinking they have a right to comment on my body, what I eat or how I spend my spare time.
I respect Lily’s transformation and find it inspiring with the effort she puts in. She builds confidence and fights back physically. But it still feels like she’s pushed or bullied into the transformation. I’m conflicted because Lily is not a fighter at the beginning of the story and she’s not by the end either. She doesn’t want to fight, she doesn’t want to fight Rose or hurt her but she’s pushed into the ring by everyone except her mother.
Why should we change who we are to avoid abuse? Why should we become fighters for others not to want to hurt, abuse, manipulate or threaten us purely because we exist?
The message? Toughen up, become resilient, fight back and change who you are. Let’s not deal with the bullies, the abusers, the people who physically or sexually assault.. NO, let’s victim blame shall we? So why didn’t you stand up to them, why are you letting them do this to you? You should change your gentle soft ways, harden up, fight back.
That’s a messed up message to send out to teenagers.
Shit.. that’s a messed up message to send out to ANYONE.
💜
So yes, I am torn.
My mind is split in two.
I’m inspired,
But I’m tired
Of all the people who,
Will tell me that we’re soft
We shouldn’t take to heart
The words and actions of others,
Though they shred and rip apart.
A delicate large snowflake,
Unique and soft and proud.
The damage we could do
When gathered as a crowd.
Snowflakes all together,
Compassion binds us true.
Kindness, love and warmth
Hopeful through and through.
💜
Poem by Rhyannon Smith. Copyright 2021.
Inspired by “Gloves off”
I was the girl who was fat in school and bullied because of it. Spat at, verbally abused, pushed, shoved, hit… I can connect with Lily. I can connect with her mother..the emotions she feels, the shame, the anger. Feeling guilt, worthlessness, unloved and miserable. Fear of stepping out the front door..
Some people think it’s okay to body shame. Hurling insults at strangers or peers at school. I’ve experienced my fair share. People thinking they have a right to comment on my body, what I eat or how I spend my spare time.
I respect Lily’s transformation and find it inspiring with the effort she puts in. She builds confidence and fights back physically. But it still feels like she’s pushed or bullied into the transformation. I’m conflicted because Lily is not a fighter at the beginning of the story and she’s not by the end either. She doesn’t want to fight, she doesn’t want to fight Rose or hurt her but she’s pushed into the ring by everyone except her mother.
Why should we change who we are to avoid abuse? Why should we become fighters for others not to want to hurt, abuse, manipulate or threaten us purely because we exist?
The message? Toughen up, become resilient, fight back and change who you are. Let’s not deal with the bullies, the abusers, the people who physically or sexually assault.. NO, let’s victim blame shall we? So why didn’t you stand up to them, why are you letting them do this to you? You should change your gentle soft ways, harden up, fight back.
That’s a messed up message to send out to teenagers.
Shit.. that’s a messed up message to send out to ANYONE.
💜
So yes, I am torn.
My mind is split in two.
I’m inspired,
But I’m tired
Of all the people who,
Will tell me that we’re soft
We shouldn’t take to heart
The words and actions of others,
Though they shred and rip apart.
A delicate large snowflake,
Unique and soft and proud.
The damage we could do
When gathered as a crowd.
Snowflakes all together,
Compassion binds us true.
Kindness, love and warmth
Hopeful through and through.
💜
Poem by Rhyannon Smith. Copyright 2021.
Inspired by “Gloves off”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
TW : grossophobie, harcèlement, violence pas très explicite, haine de soi
Je commence à collectionner les romans ados/YA en vers libres et je dois avouer que j'aime beaucoup. Celui-ci m'a particulièrement touchée, probablement car le sujet m'a touchée moi, douloureusement, quand j'étais plus jeune. Lily est grosse, elle déteste son corps, elle est harcelée à l'école. Quand son père réalise tout ça, il commence à l'entraîner pour qu'elle devienne boxeuse, et donc capable de se défendre. C'est un cheminement cathartique pour Lily, qui va trouver un moyen de réagir, de faire sortir sa rage, et qui au même temps se fait de nouvelles amies (mais pas que ! 🏳️🌈❤️)
J'ai aimé le fait qu'on suit aussi l'histoire de sa mère, aussi emprisonnée depuis longtemps dans un corps qu'elle déteste, et qui va justement essayer, pour sa fille, d'améliorer sa qualité de vie.
Un texte puissant, très conseillé.
Je commence à collectionner les romans ados/YA en vers libres et je dois avouer que j'aime beaucoup. Celui-ci m'a particulièrement touchée, probablement car le sujet m'a touchée moi, douloureusement, quand j'étais plus jeune. Lily est grosse, elle déteste son corps, elle est harcelée à l'école. Quand son père réalise tout ça, il commence à l'entraîner pour qu'elle devienne boxeuse, et donc capable de se défendre. C'est un cheminement cathartique pour Lily, qui va trouver un moyen de réagir, de faire sortir sa rage, et qui au même temps se fait de nouvelles amies (mais pas que ! 🏳️🌈❤️)
J'ai aimé le fait qu'on suit aussi l'histoire de sa mère, aussi emprisonnée depuis longtemps dans un corps qu'elle déteste, et qui va justement essayer, pour sa fille, d'améliorer sa qualité de vie.
Un texte puissant, très conseillé.
October 7, 2024
Briljant vertaald door Merel Leene. De versvorm van deze roman pakte me net zo hard als de vorige deed - knalhard, raak en zacht waar het kan.
Het op zich niet originele gegeven van meisje uit een liefdevol gezin in een lagere sociale klasse dat fysiek gepest wordt op school. De bokslessen die haar vader regelt nadat hij het zat is, vormen een keerpunt: vriendschap, minder uitzichtloosheid en het ontwikkelen van een mening worden ineens haalbaar voor Lily.
Door de vorm, de subtiele perspectiefwisseling naar de moeder (en wat zij heeft meegemaakt) maken dit echter een unieke jeugdroman die ook heel geschikt is voor minder ervaren lezers.
Van deze auteur las ik lang lang geleden de roman die misschien de meest trieste en fysiek misselijk makende is die ik ooit las, maar prachtig:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
---
Pagina 202
'hoe kan het dat ze zo straalt?
eet ze de zon bij het ontbijt
met maneschijn na?'
Het op zich niet originele gegeven van meisje uit een liefdevol gezin in een lagere sociale klasse dat fysiek gepest wordt op school. De bokslessen die haar vader regelt nadat hij het zat is, vormen een keerpunt: vriendschap, minder uitzichtloosheid en het ontwikkelen van een mening worden ineens haalbaar voor Lily.
Door de vorm, de subtiele perspectiefwisseling naar de moeder (en wat zij heeft meegemaakt) maken dit echter een unieke jeugdroman die ook heel geschikt is voor minder ervaren lezers.
Van deze auteur las ik lang lang geleden de roman die misschien de meest trieste en fysiek misselijk makende is die ik ooit las, maar prachtig:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
---
Pagina 202
'hoe kan het dat ze zo straalt?
eet ze de zon bij het ontbijt
met maneschijn na?'
November 17, 2022
Quelle belle lecture ! De la poésie plein les yeux, une bonne dose d'émotion, de magnifiques messages... j'ai adoré !
Les mots de Louisa Reid, et ceux de Clémentine Beauvais pour la traduction sont vraiment plein de beauté et de force. On suit ici Lily, une jeune fille qui se fait harceler, qui va apprendre à en parler, et surtout à relever la tête et à rendre les coups. C'est l'histoire d'une jeune fille qui s'affirme qui prend confiance en elle, et qui découvre l'amitié, le sens du mot famille, mais surtout l'amour !
J'ai été très touchée par cette lecture sur le harcèlement oui, mais surtout sur le chemin de Lily vers la riposte et vers la libération de cette situation. La forme en poésie apporte énormément de douceur et de rythme à l'histoire, c'est une oeuvre aussi belle dans la forme que dans le fond ! J'ai vraiment adoré ce livre !
Les mots de Louisa Reid, et ceux de Clémentine Beauvais pour la traduction sont vraiment plein de beauté et de force. On suit ici Lily, une jeune fille qui se fait harceler, qui va apprendre à en parler, et surtout à relever la tête et à rendre les coups. C'est l'histoire d'une jeune fille qui s'affirme qui prend confiance en elle, et qui découvre l'amitié, le sens du mot famille, mais surtout l'amour !
J'ai été très touchée par cette lecture sur le harcèlement oui, mais surtout sur le chemin de Lily vers la riposte et vers la libération de cette situation. La forme en poésie apporte énormément de douceur et de rythme à l'histoire, c'est une oeuvre aussi belle dans la forme que dans le fond ! J'ai vraiment adoré ce livre !
October 10, 2022
C’est mon premier roman en vers libre, j’étais un peu dubitative au début étant peu familière avec ce style…
Et pourtant j’ai accroché. J’ai été touché par l’histoire de Lily, par le harcèlement qu’elle subit qui m’a rendu triste et en colère.
J’ai été émue par son combat et par les personnes qui finissent par l’entourer.
C’est un livre qui étonnement m’a donné une envie de me battre et qui a résonné en moi.
J’ai adoré ❤️
Et pourtant j’ai accroché. J’ai été touché par l’histoire de Lily, par le harcèlement qu’elle subit qui m’a rendu triste et en colère.
J’ai été émue par son combat et par les personnes qui finissent par l’entourer.
C’est un livre qui étonnement m’a donné une envie de me battre et qui a résonné en moi.
J’ai adoré ❤️
December 11, 2019
Four and a half stars. Verse. Somewhat confronting, especially the attitudes of the other girls in Lily's life. Focus expanded to include mum's secrets and desires.
Complex nuanced. But also easy to relate to and read.
Complex nuanced. But also easy to relate to and read.
May 23, 2019
Lily lives in a perpetual nightmare...
To see the full review, click here: https://bit.ly/2PiLCCr
To see the full review, click here: https://bit.ly/2PiLCCr
September 5, 2019
Love this book! Must Reid for everyone!
February 4, 2020
My coffee got cold reading this one. A very engrossing novel about overcoming challenges and fighting your way to the top. Recommended.
December 4, 2025
Dit boek heeft mij net zo ingepakt als tape de handen van een bokser. De vorm werkt uitstekend, ook de afwisseling met de hoofdstukken vanuit het oogpunt van Bernadette (inclusief hoofdletters en interpunctie). Wat zijn kinderen soms kut, en wat gaan we wreed om met dikke mensen. Love interest had er voor mij niet in gehoeven.
January 18, 2023
J’ai eu un peu de mal à accrocher au début, je voyais juste la grossophobie intériorisée du personnage principal puis j’ai été surprise d’être entraînée vers un récit touchant et empouvoirant (enfin une grosse qui casse la figure de son agresseur 💪💪) C’est une agréable surprise !
July 27, 2023
Right a poem book and really good but does have its flaws
March 2, 2020
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Gloves Off, I want to say thank you to Dark Room Tours and Guppy Books for sending me a copy of this book.
I would like to highlight that I do not think this book is going to be for everybody as it is written in verse. I did not know this when I first picked the book up and I think had I have known it was written in verse I wouldn't have given it a chance. I am so glad that I clearly do not pay attention to detail when it comes to asking to be part of blog tours because I loved this book. I have found a new love for books written in verse.
Gloves Off is beautifully written, I was honestly hooked on Louisa's every word. There is definitely something to say about a book written in this way and how it immerses you in a way that no other book could.
I really liked the characters in this book apart from Aidan, he was an arse and he got everything he had coming to him. I felt so sorry for Lily but was so so proud of how far she came and the fact that she worked so hard to face her demons. Honestly I could not get enough of her character, she is such a fighter and such a role model to readers who may be her age. I wish I had read this book at 16 years old, it would definitely have opened my eyes to the fact that what other people think of me should not define who I am as a person.
This book really dealt with some hard hitting and horrible subject matters including bullying and body image. Body image I feel was explored so well as it was explored through the eyes of a teenager and also an adult. It showed that these issues don't always lie with the younger generation as other people may feel. It can affect others as well and that is something to always keep in mind when you are communicating with another. I thought this was really important and unusual to see within a young adult setting. The element of bullying really did strike a chord with me. I feel like was done so so well, the verse writing really added effect and made the really feel like they were experiencing this with Lily. I will say at times i found it hard to read. It really made me think of the society that we live in today, because Gloves Off is such an accurate depiction.
Whilst it is not my normal book, Gloves Off has really opened my eyes to a new writing style and I am really keen to pick up something similar in the future. I would recommend that others pick this up just be aware of the trigger warnings first.
I would like to highlight that I do not think this book is going to be for everybody as it is written in verse. I did not know this when I first picked the book up and I think had I have known it was written in verse I wouldn't have given it a chance. I am so glad that I clearly do not pay attention to detail when it comes to asking to be part of blog tours because I loved this book. I have found a new love for books written in verse.
Gloves Off is beautifully written, I was honestly hooked on Louisa's every word. There is definitely something to say about a book written in this way and how it immerses you in a way that no other book could.
I really liked the characters in this book apart from Aidan, he was an arse and he got everything he had coming to him. I felt so sorry for Lily but was so so proud of how far she came and the fact that she worked so hard to face her demons. Honestly I could not get enough of her character, she is such a fighter and such a role model to readers who may be her age. I wish I had read this book at 16 years old, it would definitely have opened my eyes to the fact that what other people think of me should not define who I am as a person.
This book really dealt with some hard hitting and horrible subject matters including bullying and body image. Body image I feel was explored so well as it was explored through the eyes of a teenager and also an adult. It showed that these issues don't always lie with the younger generation as other people may feel. It can affect others as well and that is something to always keep in mind when you are communicating with another. I thought this was really important and unusual to see within a young adult setting. The element of bullying really did strike a chord with me. I feel like was done so so well, the verse writing really added effect and made the really feel like they were experiencing this with Lily. I will say at times i found it hard to read. It really made me think of the society that we live in today, because Gloves Off is such an accurate depiction.
Whilst it is not my normal book, Gloves Off has really opened my eyes to a new writing style and I am really keen to pick up something similar in the future. I would recommend that others pick this up just be aware of the trigger warnings first.
March 3, 2020
I was a little thrown when I first opened the book and saw how the book was written. It was in a more poetry/diary style and wasn’t sure how I’d take to that. Well within the first couple of entries I was already loving the flow and raw honest emotion that came off the pages in waves. One part in particular stands out to attest to this.
I don’t like to be SEEN. and - like that - SPOTTED at my worst. I like to pretend that no one knows who I am, that I’m hiding well, hiding here, in front of you- invisible”. Powerful.
The story is about a teenager called Lily who is overweight and being ostracised and bullied relentlessly by students at her school, even some that she used to call friends. After one such incident her Dad takes her aside and tries to help toughen her up by introducing her to boxing. Lily feels so low and self loathing but somehow she sticks with it and keeps going. The narrative revolves around her journey of self discovery about herself, who she is and what she can do. She discovers more about who her mother is who is also experiencing issues with self worth due to weight.
I don’t want to go into too much detail regarding the ending but I have to same this story was very moving for me. As someone who had weight issues growing up this struck a deep cord within me and even now many years later it still can hurt. This was a beautifully harsh reality check regarding issues of self hatred, bullying, dealing with body issues and the unfortunate truth that some people are just horrible to others because they can be.
I’m giving this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, but honestly I would give it more. It’s essential reading for all ages who are going through a hard time in life, young or old, as the lessons here are worth knowing - Love yourself, keep going and there people out there that will love you for you regardless of anything else. I personally wish I had a book like this to read when I was a teenager.
I don’t like to be SEEN. and - like that - SPOTTED at my worst. I like to pretend that no one knows who I am, that I’m hiding well, hiding here, in front of you- invisible”. Powerful.
The story is about a teenager called Lily who is overweight and being ostracised and bullied relentlessly by students at her school, even some that she used to call friends. After one such incident her Dad takes her aside and tries to help toughen her up by introducing her to boxing. Lily feels so low and self loathing but somehow she sticks with it and keeps going. The narrative revolves around her journey of self discovery about herself, who she is and what she can do. She discovers more about who her mother is who is also experiencing issues with self worth due to weight.
I don’t want to go into too much detail regarding the ending but I have to same this story was very moving for me. As someone who had weight issues growing up this struck a deep cord within me and even now many years later it still can hurt. This was a beautifully harsh reality check regarding issues of self hatred, bullying, dealing with body issues and the unfortunate truth that some people are just horrible to others because they can be.
I’m giving this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, but honestly I would give it more. It’s essential reading for all ages who are going through a hard time in life, young or old, as the lessons here are worth knowing - Love yourself, keep going and there people out there that will love you for you regardless of anything else. I personally wish I had a book like this to read when I was a teenager.
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