DiverseCity discussion

Discuss your thoughts!!

I think this book has started out INCREDIBLY! So far I think the best book we've chosen... so far.

I already love Rain and Ethan. I think that the representation of autism (not that I'm an expert or know much about it) is insanely good. So realistic and believable. The relationship between Rain and Ethan at the moment is beautiful; it's so sweet and melts my heart. I love sibling bonds in books and don't think we see enough of them - at least I don't in the books I read - so it's nice to have a new read.

Obviously the blurb hints that Ethan wants to move away from the protection of Rain and become more independent. We are seeing that evolve slightly through Ethan's journal, particularly the entry at the end of chapter 5. I'm interested to see how this develops and really like the addition of the diary entries. It's a great way to communicate how Ethan is feeling. Having autism, the book mentions he struggles to do this, so it's a realistic way to put his thoughts across.

I'm not sure about Hope at the moment. I'm finding her a little annoying. But I haven't really given her a chance. We've only seen a small amount of her so maybe she'll develop into a much more complex character than I am seeing right now.

I also don't think I like the blog entries. For me they don't contribute to the book or the plot or the storyline. Rain does mention that someone is asking her questions regularly and maybe that is Liam, in which case I see why they exist. But at the moment, I think they're kind of boring and pointless.

I liked how we were led to believe that maybe Liam actually wasn't that nice. But then it was like... oh wait... he is! I was made to sort of dislike him which makes me like him even more now. I can't wait for this romance to develop... which I hope it will!

It's weird that all of the students know that the headteacher will never punish them because it's a small town and he's friends with all of their parents. How small is the town? I don't know, personally I found this weird.

But otherwise I am REALLY enjoying this book so far! I have very high expectations and thought it's an incredible start!

Gosh that comment is like a review in itself haha. Why do I make these things so long?...

Thank you very much! ;)

Awh wow that's amazing that you worked with a boy that did something similar. That shows that quite a lot of research has gone in to the book. (I'm not sure if the author knows someone close to them with autism, I will have to find out) But yeah I 100% agree with you, it is such a good representation!

Haha love what you wrote on your notes! I was more like... oh... No... I thought he was supposed to be the amazing boyfriend. I was distraught.

So sorry I’m late, but I plan on binge reading this in the coming days, because I really love it!

The relationship between Rain and Ethan is so sweet and being a person that believes sibling love is the best kind of love, I can’t wait to go deeper into how their relationship progresses. I think Rain is a bit too protective over Ethan, especially when it comes to Hope’s feelings about her brother, but I completely understand it. She knows nothing else than how to take care of Ethan for 16 years and just wants the best for him. Her life revolves around Ethan and even though she takes it too far sometimes, it doesn’t bother me too much.

A little side note though that I’m not counting against the book itself: I find that I’ve been reading a lot of books with the beautiful, outgoing best friend and it’s becoming a bit repetitive to me. I’m not sure if anyone feels that way, it’s just something I’ve noticed haha!

So far, it’s a great book with a great premise being set up!

Don't worry Ana! It's not a super long book and took me like three days to read.

I know what you mean, like it's what she's best at. She has never needed to back off a little. Her behaviour is just the way they are together.

I've never really had that issue. Generally the books I read that have a beautiful, don't follow the friend that much. Rules of Rain does follow Hope quite closely thought but for me it's something new. Although now you've mentioned it I'll probably notice it more.

I'm glad you're enjoying it!