Hold Still

"I lost my best to taking their own life while still in High School and than another at 23. I read this book in summer of the 23rd year and cried through the connection I felt with characters. I had tried to take my own a couple years before this book just gave me many reasons to live. It’s beautiful. "

"I will start with an admission. I do not pretend to even remotely comprehend this disease. I don't think anyone can. Sometimes "There is no reason." I often do not open up to others, I went to a small school, had little to no real friends. So the fact is simply I have never experienced this sudden and brutal loss. I will not lie, I have seen the signs, I have even felt a glimmer of them. I did nothing. <br/><br/>This book was honest and blunt as we should be from time to time. Thats one of the things I loved most about it. You a following a girl, this is what she did, this is were she went, not everything has to have a reason. Sometimes you need to keep your mind from the pain and sometimes you need to just be. I felt an instant connection to Caitlin.<br/><br/>This did indeed bring back teen memories. Sneaking a kiss, reckless driving, feeling for a split second like nothing was more important than that moment in time. The heat of summer, cool ice cream, alone in the city. It felt like every word that Nina wrote was full of passion and sincerity. Caitlin and Ingrid's vision of the old cinema made me wish it was brought to life. Something more than movies. Books, tea, a place to escape. When my best friend and I were young we also talked of a coffee shop. Nothing seems impossible at that age.<br/><br/>Over the years what I have come it realize is that, as a teenager you feel the world more deeply, everything is immediate and new. The simple details of Caitlin finding a coffee just right for her seems so important and precious in that moment. Sometimes, even now, when I walk out into the night I tilt my face up to the stars. It makes me smile, I am unsure why. And I always look around to see if I'm the only one. It makes me feel alone. Seems like a random thought but that's how this story made me feel. I know I'm not the only one but, at that moment in time, I do feel that way. As if I'm the soul person in the world acknowledging this. I don't care if that seems selfish, because it is real, to me, it is real. So take a moment for yourself and your grief but just remember you are not the only one.<br/><br/>Everything was relatable. The character arc of Caitlin and Dylan was slow and easily direct in a beautiful way. After reading I tried to stare at the book like a photo to organize my thoughts. There is so much depth, composition. Meaning more the longer you stare at it. I decided to be more personal. Why? I don't know maybe I'm still caught up in the freeway of the words. All I know is it made me remember and to keep reaching out a hand.<br/><br/>This is only my second book of Nina LaCour but I have found that I love her writing all the same. Her style reads truth and experience. The alternate cover by Mia Nolting had gorgeous illustrations and made it feel more personal. Like a crisp breath of air, though it stings a little on the way down. I have much respect for this author in laying her heart bare. Such complex and real characters it feels like I could walk out in the world and they would be there waiting. This story was powerful and the realization that this happens much too often or even at all is not bearable. So, much much respect for the way Nina went about conveying it."

"This book gave an accurate picture of what it’s like to struggle with mental health, self-harm, and the process of starting over. However, I felt like a lot was missing. Caitlin’s grief process wasn’t described nearly as much as I was expecting. I really had to push through this book. I will say the bittersweet ending made up for it. "

"i read this when it had the old cover in around 2017 (original book was published 2009) and it was so powerful and emotional for me "

"Incredibly touching and beautifully written. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. It was lovely to watch Caitlin grow, learn, and eventually find peace."

"This book will always hold a special place in my heart, it got me through some of the worst times of my life. Beware for some it can be extremely triggering but it is a fantastic book and for those who have been through someone close to them taking their lives, attempting to, or if you have had your own personal experiences this book is incredible, it helps heal in ways i could never describe"

"Hurt my heart and mended it all at once "

"Truly a powerful book that helped me realize how many people would miss me if I choose Ingrids path too."

"I’m in love with book. I’ve read it 4 times. It’s by far my favourite book and it always will be. I love it so much and the story is told perfectly in my eyes. Very dark but a real and accurate depiction of depression, but also what happens to the loved ones left behind "

"one of the only books i’ve ever cried over"