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I LOVED IT AND I WILL WRITE A FULL REVIEW LATER
Better late than never right:
I found Too Bright to See in the library and I had never heard of it. So I took it home and read it in two evenings. Reading it honestly almost made me cry of happiness, because this was exactly the book I needed when I was 12 years old.
It’s a middle grade story about 11 y/o Bug who’s grieving the loss of an important family member. It’s a ghost story as well because Bug’s house is old, and haunted. But mainly, it’s a story about identity. kids feeling different than their peers and trying to find themselves.
I resonated a lot with Bug, mainly how I used to think and feel years ago. Struggling with trying to fit in and hating the societal standards. I never expected to find a beautiful story like this in a random library found. Libraries are the best!
Too Bright to See was not the story I expected, but it was even better. I’d say don’t read the synopsis on the back or on GR/SG. Just read the book, it is queer and has ghosts, there’s nothing better right?
Better late than never right:
I found Too Bright to See in the library and I had never heard of it. So I took it home and read it in two evenings. Reading it honestly almost made me cry of happiness, because this was exactly the book I needed when I was 12 years old.
It’s a middle grade story about 11 y/o Bug who’s grieving the loss of an important family member. It’s a ghost story as well because Bug’s house is old, and haunted. But mainly, it’s a story about identity. kids feeling different than their peers and trying to find themselves.
I resonated a lot with Bug, mainly how I used to think and feel years ago. Struggling with trying to fit in and hating the societal standards. I never expected to find a beautiful story like this in a random library found. Libraries are the best!
Too Bright to See was not the story I expected, but it was even better. I’d say don’t read the synopsis on the back or on GR/SG. Just read the book, it is queer and has ghosts, there’s nothing better right?
Really well written story and made me weepy in some parts.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As is my usual style, I didn’t read the synopsis before diving in. I only knew it fell under the LGBTQ+ genre and had ghosts so obviously I was sold.
I loved the plot device of using hauntings/ghosts as an allegory for transness. The mirror ”haunting” Bug is genius. I found some of it a little too perfect but also, it’s a middle school book, it’s allowed to be a little optimistic.
I loved the plot device of using hauntings/ghosts as an allegory for transness. The mirror ”haunting” Bug is genius. I found some of it a little too perfect but also, it’s a middle school book, it’s allowed to be a little optimistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying, Terminal illness, Transphobia
This book was exactly what young me needed to help put into words things I was feeling for so much of my life. I so wish I had known Bug’s story earlier in my life because so many descriptions of feelings and emotions and questions were so vivid and real as someone who experienced many of those, particular at the age Bug experiences them. Perhaps those who haven’t experienced the same questions, doubts, and worries won’t relate and that’s okay because this book feels mostly for people like myself who so deeply relate to its central struggle/conflict. Amazingly vivid descriptions of many emotions I’m intimately familiar with.
Private user's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one is a bit tricky to review without giving away the ending revelation, so I'll keep it short and sweet.
I adored this story.
Bug is a kid entering middle school who is dealing with the death of a close relative, some potential hauntings, and the pressures of fitting in and self-discovery all in one short summer.
That journey is one that if you know, you'll know, even though Bug is still struggling to realize what's happening.
Starting off eerie and ending so perfectly wholesome, this is a book I would 1000% recommend for anyone and everyone.
I adored this story.
Bug is a kid entering middle school who is dealing with the death of a close relative, some potential hauntings, and the pressures of fitting in and self-discovery all in one short summer.
That journey is one that if you know, you'll know, even though Bug is still struggling to realize what's happening.
Starting off eerie and ending so perfectly wholesome, this is a book I would 1000% recommend for anyone and everyone.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved this! I’m not a big spooky story fan, but in order to fulfill my trans readathon bingo this year I had to do it! And reading this book that is, to be fair, for younger readers, was a perfect way to do that. I loved the supernatural spin that the author takes Bug on. It’s a story that really captures the solitude of loss, grief, and self-discovery, but with a beautiful tapestry of support and love. The spooky levels were perfect for me.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes