Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy : Book Review

"Stop Pretending" by Sonya Sones is an incredibly moving and poignant novel written in verse, which takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the life of a young girl named Colette. From a young age, Colette is diagnosed with leukemia, and the story follows her as she navigates various treatments and hospitalizations. Through her beautifully written poems, readers gain insight into the challenges she faces while striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy in her life.

Sones' writing style is immersive and captures the depth of Colette's emotions with sincerity and grace. The use of verse adds a unique and impactful dimension to the story, allowing for a concise yet powerful depiction of Colette's inner thoughts and feelings. It keeps readers engaged and invested in the progression of Colette's journey, skillfully harmonizing the pacing of the story.

Colette's character is relatable and genuine, making her struggles and triumphs even more compelling. She is a well-rounded and multi-dimensional character, showcasing her fears, hopes, and dreams, as well as the harsh realities of living with a life-threatening illness. The interactions she has with other characters, like her best friend, her mother, and her doctors, add an additional layer of complexity to her story, highlighting the significance of support systems during challenging times.

Beyond exploring the physical and emotional toll of illness, "Stop Pretending" also delves into themes of self-discovery and acceptance. Colette's journey towards finding her own identity and learning to accept her changed circumstances is both inspiring and heartrending. Sones handles these themes with sensitivity and grace, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Stop Pretending" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that expertly depicts the struggles of a young girl facing illness. Sonya Sones' evocative and moving writing captures the essence of Colette's journey, leaving a lasting impact on readers. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that celebrates the power of hope and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

What are readers saying?

Stop Pretending, a novel penned by Sonya Sones, has garnered a mixed reception from readers. The story revolves around Colette, a thirteen-year-old girl who becomes consumed by her older brother's battle with cancer.

A number of reviewers lauded the book for its raw and emotionally resonant portrayal of the impact of cancer on a family. They found Sones' writing style to be captivating and powerful, enabling them to forge deep connections with the characters. These readers appreciated the book's ability to evoke a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from sadness to hope. They believed that it provided an honest depiction of the challenges faced by individuals grappling with a loved one's illness.

However, others expressed disappointment with Stop Pretending. Some felt that the characters lacked depth and were underdeveloped, which hindered their overall enjoyment of the story. They struggled to establish a connection with Colette and her family, thus dampening their reading experience. Furthermore, a few reviewers found the book overly simplistic and yearned for the complexity they anticipated from a young adult novel.

Despite the mixed reviews, many readers commended Sones' accessible and easy-to-read writing style. They admired her ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity, making the book suitable for both young adult and adult audiences. Nevertheless, some readers desired more depth and complexity in the storytelling, finding the writing style too simplistic.

All in all, Stop Pretending elicited a range of reactions from reviewers. While some found it to be a compelling and emotionally charged tale, others felt it lacked depth and complexity. Nonetheless, most readers agreed that the book's accessibility and sensitive approach to challenging topics made it a worthwhile read.

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