★★★★★ 5
Amazing
Format: Hardcover
"You know a poem's good if it makes people feels things"
And this novel-in-verse is beyond good. Each word is perfectly chosen to bring you naturally into Selah's world, and her voice is crystal-clear. This was an emotional read for me, and there were so many points that I felt my eyes welling up, sometimes in sympathy and sometimes with joy at her journey.
Her friends, teachers, classmates, and family were fully formed as well. I feel like I know and understand them all so well. I want to go chill in Pop's basement. I want to give Selah's Mom a hug and tell her she's doing great. I'd love to be on a team with Mrs. V, and I absolutely adored Selah's close friend Noelle with her smeagoling and dogged determination to stand by her friend. They are people I would have loved to hang out with them.
Loved, loved, loved the dragon metaphors. They made Selah's feelings, wants, and desire so clear and relatable. I have a slight obsession with the dragons of Birk, so of course, I gave a little cheer everytime they were mentioned. The FantasyCon scene was lovely, and I loved how it was a turning point on Selah's journey towards finding herself. I always love when the dear nerdly community pulls through.
Anyway, I'll probably be throwing this book at everyone's head for a while. It's beautiful, profound, a little cathartic, and important. But also, it's a really enjoyable read! Like, Selah's just a really cool girl. Everything about it was just right, and I feel better for having read it.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
