The Ethan I Was Before | 
pickStandish doesn‘t shy away from tough topics in her novels & I really appreciate that. There are a lot of kids out there who go through really difficult things at such young ages. Books like this are so important. While some young readers may prefer the perfect escape story, there are others who will benefit from books like this that whisper “you are not alone” throughout the pages.
My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3318808652
“Sometimes we hold on to guilt or grief because it‘s the last thing we have that ties us to the person we miss. We don‘t want to let them go because it feels like we have nothing left. But it‘s dangerous, Ethan. The never letting go. Because until you let go, you can‘t begin to remember. And if you don‘t cherish your memories of Kacey, then she really will be gone.”
pickWell, this was devastating. After his best friend is lost in accident, Ethan‘s family moves from Boston to Georgia to live with his estranged grandfather. Everyone in the family tries to deal with Ethan‘s fragility while leading their lives but then turmoil strikes again. Well-written. The characters are complex and the heartbreak feels profound.
pick“Trying to destroy hope is like trying to clean sand out of your beach bag. There‘s always going to be a grain or two left.”
This is such a beautiful book. It gives you ALL the feels. If you haven‘t read it yet, find a way to get your hands on it. Stack it, borrow it, rent it, or buy it. ❤️ #BFC #BFCR2
Okay! Here is my check in for #BFC week 1! I have done really well on all areas, with the exception of yoga. I‘m not too concerned about it though, since I went well above my 70,000 weekly step goal, so I feel like it all evens out. 🙌🏻 That list of books though! 😂😂😂 I listened to 19/30 audiobooks in week 1, so I‘m thinking I‘m going to increase that goal to 50 📚
Go team #FitWizards!
Lova, wanderinglynn, Peddler410, HeathHof, RainyDayReading, coffeewithbooks, audraelizabeth, jen_the_scribe
"Sometimes we hold on to guilt or grief because it‘s the last thing we have that ties us to the person we miss. We don‘t want to let them go, because it feels like we‘ll have nothing left. But it‘s dangerous Ethan, the never letting go because until you let go, you can‘t begin to remember. And if you don‘t cherish your memories of Kacey, then she really will be gone.”
pick“Sometimes a story is all you have, sometimes that can be enough.” This is a great coming of age story of a young boy learning to forgive himself and live his life to the fullest after tragedy.
I have always been a free spirit as far as reading goes. I read whatever strikes my fancy at any given time. But so many Littens make lovely lists at the beginning of every month, that I decided to try it. I had mixed success, as you can see at the bottom left. I read 12 books, only 5 from the original list. I'm going to try again for February, but I think my list will have fewer books so when I go off-list, I'll still have a chance.
pickGuilt, grief, family relationships and secrets, all interwoven seamlessly through the characters in this middle grade novel. Excellent. Comes out on the 24th. I really wouldn't have thought this was a kids' book. #LitsyAtoZ #E
Book, Tink, Coffee. We're happy. 🤓
Ethan was always ready for adventure and always willing to accept a dare, especially from his best friend, Kacey. But that was before the accident that took her from him. Before his family moved from Boston to the small town of Palm Knot, Georgia.
Palm Knot may be tiny, but it‘s the home of second chances. It‘s also home to Coralee, a girl with big personality and even bigger stories. But her secrets are putting both their lives at risk.
#TBR📚
Just starting this one. It sounds good. It's a middle grade debut novel. Has anyone read it?
