Review of "Finally Heard" (Finally Seen #2) by Kelly Yang
Kelly Yang has a magical way of weaving important messages into her middle-grade novels, and "Finally Heard" is no exception. After falling in love with her "Front Desk" series, I couldn’t wait to dive into the sequel of "Finally Seen." From the very first page, I was captivated by Lina’s journey—one that felt deeply relatable and significant in our social media-driven world.
This book picks up with Lina thriving in her bath bomb business, navigating school with her best friends, and grappling with the changes of adolescence. While I loved seeing Lina’s growth, what truly resonated with me was her struggle to reconcile her vibrant personality with the pressures of social media and peer dynamics. Yang portrays this clash beautifully, emphasizing how sole reliance on social media can obscure genuine connection—a lesson that feels particularly relevant today.
Yang’s characters—especially Lina—are wonderfully nuanced. As she steps into the spotlight of social media, the weight of expectations begins to bear down on her. The line, “Sometimes those who don’t deserve our kindness need it the most,” struck a chord with me. It perfectly encapsulates the underlying wisdom of the book: kindness, both online and off, is paramount. It also highlights the challenges of navigating friendships and self-identity in the age of the internet.
The pace of the story allows for both introspection and action, maintaining engagement without overwhelming the reader. Yang’s writing style is approachable and lively, with quick, witty dialogues that had me chuckling out loud. One memorable moment is when Lina’s friend pitches a movie concept: “It’s called You’ve Got a Package. It’s like You’ve Got Mail but about two people who fall in love when an Amazon package gets delivered to the wrong house.” This delightful quirkiness is just one example of how Yang infuses humor and creativity in her storytelling.
Interwoven in the narrative are vital discussions about internet safety, the dangers of cyberbullying, and the allure of the “infinite scroll.” As someone who has navigated social media for years, I found the insights from characters like Mrs. Carter especially enlightening. Yang doesn’t shy away from the conflict of being a digital native, showing its dark side while also celebrating its potential for connection and creativity.
Quotes like, “You’ve heard the term use it or lose it? That applies to our brain as well,” left me reflecting long after I turned the last page. They’re not just words on a page; they resonate because they address the very real struggles young readers face today.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Finally Heard" to young readers, educators, and parents alike. It’s a book that encourages meaningful conversation about friendship, kindness, and the complexities of growing up in a digital age. Kelly Yang’s ability to tackle these issues in a way that is engaging, relatable, and educational is what makes her one of my favorite authors. This book certainly left an impression on me, and I can’t wait to see what Yang will explore next. If you’re looking for a heartwarming yet thought-provoking read that balances humor with important lessons, look no further than "Finally Heard." Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking!
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