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I love Elizabeth Acevedo and will read every book she writes. She's also a fantastic audiobook narrator, which is how I consumed this story. Unfortunately I couldn't get into this one as easily as her previous works. There were too many characters and I couldn't keep track of them all. The writing was poetic and beautiful as usual, but I wish the story focused on one or two main characters rather than four sisters and two cousins.

I love memoirs, especially when the author narrates the audiobook version, so I was excited to get my hands on this from my library. I remember Alyson Stoner from the Missy Elliot video, as most people do, as well as some Disney shows and movies. Being a child star is tough and I was anticipating learning about what they went through growing up. It’s fascinating to learn about someone’s life and to have access to so much - it really fills my curiosity. It’s hard to rate memoirs since it feels like I’m rating someone’s life, rather than the presentation and writing of it. This was an interesting listen and had some difficult parts to hear about, but this book was written well, narrated excellently (forgot they were a voice actor) and kept my interest. It was nice to see Alyson evolve and find their true purpose and identity in life, and I wish them much success in their personal and professional life.

Finished the audiobook and started reading the ebook, but didn’t feel like finishing it. Picked up this book because there is a tv adaptation for it.

The narrator pronounced a few words wrong so that threw me off. Ex: rifled. I had a feeling this book would be similar to TSITP and it was in some ways. I was really hoping there wouldn’t be a love triangle between the brothers but alas there was one revealed towards the end. The relationship between Percy and Sam was okay, I didn’t like Percy much and kept mistaking her for a male character due to her nickname. And for her to befriend her bully Delilah was strange, and to not apologize to her for so many years?? The miscommunication that led to the main characters not talking for 12 years was not worth it, especially when the mmc knew about it and wouldn’t return any emails.

There’s a sequel with Charlie’s story but not sure if I’ll pick that one up, might leave the Barry’s Bay universe behind.

David Archuleta, the man that you are! I was so excited to get this audiobook from my library after waiting 6 weeks. He narrates it himself and his voice is comforting to listen to. I’ve enjoyed his songs, followed him on TikTok a while back, and have enjoyed seeing his personal growth in coming out and being true to himself.

David delves into his childhood, growing up in a Mormon family, becoming a singer, and being discovered for his talent on various shows. I felt very nurturing listening to his story because I just wanted to protect him from his father and everyone else who took advantage of him. It was frustrating to hear his struggles and to know how much he experienced. It was interesting to see his various relationships evolve and how he tried so hard to stay in the church, despite not finding support for LGBTQ believers.

Overall, this was a tough listen but David did a great job sharing his story with the world, and I’m proud he did it (thanks for the push, Jeanette McCurdy). The three new songs at the end were a nice touch and they had good messaging that were inspired by his journey.

This was an entertaining audiobook. The narrators did a good job and I liked the few sound effects scattered throughout. I thought it was neat that the podcast episodes were interspersed with the main story. The grandma was my favorite character and her misandry was refreshing, badass woman. The rest of Lucy’s family and acquaintances sucked and were not supportive at all, no wonder she left town. Lots of cheaters too, no one seemed too surprised about it all either.

I enjoy mysteries and like to guess who the murderer/suspect is, but this one has me guessing throughout the whole book. I cried when Lucy’s memory of that fateful night came back to her as it demonstrated the strong friendship between her and Savvy; willing to protect each other no matter what. It was emotional! Maybe not the most realistic reveal, but it did the job.

Overall this was an enthralling book and I’m interested in more from this author.