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Wider Than the Sky
by
In the wake of sudden tragedy, twin sisters uncover a secret that rips open their world. Katherine Rothschild explores the pain and power of forgiveness in a stunning debut novel that will shatter your heart and piece it back together, one truth at a time.
Sixteen-year-old Sabine Braxton doesn’t have much in common with her identical twin, Blythe. When their father dies fr ...more
Sixteen-year-old Sabine Braxton doesn’t have much in common with her identical twin, Blythe. When their father dies fr ...more
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Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
January 19th 2021
by Soho Teen
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I had high expectations for Wider than the Sky because of the description, some positive reviews and the gorgeous cover (yes, I know, don't judge a book by its cover- but you cannot tell me that this one isn't stunning.) Unfortunately it was quite disappointing and let me down on almost all fronts.
Before we get into that, here is a quick summary of the story. Wider than the Sky follows Sabine and her twin Blythe, who have to move to a new town after their father mysteriously dies. It goes throu ...more
Before we get into that, here is a quick summary of the story. Wider than the Sky follows Sabine and her twin Blythe, who have to move to a new town after their father mysteriously dies. It goes throu ...more

Dec 14, 2020
Susana
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
2021-releases,
contemporary,
detailed-reviews,
lgbtq,
arcs,
e-books,
young-adult,
2021-reads,
sibling-relationships
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eArc via Eldelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars ⭐
Release date: January 19
This book is out now!
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I think I was expecting a very different story from what I got, but that was not necessarily a negative outcome.
Sabine is a sixteen-year-old girl whose father died from an unexpected, mysterious ilness. Along with her twin sister, Blythe, she has to deal with the aftermath of his death, i ...more
3.5 stars ⭐
Release date: January 19
This book is out now!
I have such mixed feelings about this book. I think I was expecting a very different story from what I got, but that was not necessarily a negative outcome.
Sabine is a sixteen-year-old girl whose father died from an unexpected, mysterious ilness. Along with her twin sister, Blythe, she has to deal with the aftermath of his death, i ...more

Thank you, NetGalley for the e-arc.
After the death of their father, twins Sabine and Blythe find themselves transplanted into an old mansion with their mom and their dad's friend, Charlie. Hoping to solve the mystery of why Charlie is living with them and why their mom won't give them the whole truth of their dad's death and why they're living with a stranger in a house, Sabine delves into the history of a dad she thought she knew.
There was a lot to process in this book with some heavy topics: ...more
After the death of their father, twins Sabine and Blythe find themselves transplanted into an old mansion with their mom and their dad's friend, Charlie. Hoping to solve the mystery of why Charlie is living with them and why their mom won't give them the whole truth of their dad's death and why they're living with a stranger in a house, Sabine delves into the history of a dad she thought she knew.
There was a lot to process in this book with some heavy topics: ...more

1.5/5 Stars
I hate writing negative reviews, especially for queer books and books by debut authors, but this one was such a disappointment. It follows Sabine as her, her twin sister Blythe, and their mother leave everything behind to move into a ramshackle old mansion with a stranger named Charlie, who just happened to show up in the hospital room when their dad died. Sabine, curious to find out what’s been going on, does some snooping and finds more secrets than she bargained for.
I had such high ...more
I hate writing negative reviews, especially for queer books and books by debut authors, but this one was such a disappointment. It follows Sabine as her, her twin sister Blythe, and their mother leave everything behind to move into a ramshackle old mansion with a stranger named Charlie, who just happened to show up in the hospital room when their dad died. Sabine, curious to find out what’s been going on, does some snooping and finds more secrets than she bargained for.
I had such high ...more

The gorgeous cover is what tricked me into requesting and reading this book. Going into this I expected a story of grief, hope, and acceptance. I thought I would get poignancy and a new favorite book. I hate to write such a poor review because this book touches on the LQBTQ community and polyamorous representation and I feel like that is rarely touched in YA novels.
Our main character Sabine is the worst. Her father dies and she and her family moves from Southern California to the Bay Area. At h ...more
Our main character Sabine is the worst. Her father dies and she and her family moves from Southern California to the Bay Area. At h ...more

I want to thank NetGalley & Soho Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciate so much many of the discussions that this book has and tries to have, as well as the amount of diversity since it shows polyamorous relationships and bisexual characters, on the other hand, the execution doesn't seem to be successful, it felt quite messy and the actions of the characters are simply rude and inappropriate. I cannot speak for own-voices readers so I will n ...more

Dec 23, 2020
Carmen Reyna
marked it as to-read
Saw this and now I gotta read it because of that beautiful cover. I think it’s my favorite cover, like ever. Wow. Ok that’s all.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What a book!
This book really packed a punch and twisted my soul. It was beautiful, poignant and elegant in its prose, the characters all were complex and well written and the writing was poetic and read well on the page. I genuinely did enjoy myself when I was reading this contemporary novel and I believe that it has something special that would make people want to pick it up and read it.
Wider than the Sky foll ...more
What a book!
This book really packed a punch and twisted my soul. It was beautiful, poignant and elegant in its prose, the characters all were complex and well written and the writing was poetic and read well on the page. I genuinely did enjoy myself when I was reading this contemporary novel and I believe that it has something special that would make people want to pick it up and read it.
Wider than the Sky foll ...more

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of WIDER THAN THE SKY by Katherine Field Rothschild in exchange for my honest review.***
3 STARS
After Sabine’s father dies unexpectedly of an “infection” she, her identical twin Blythe and their mother move to a run down mansion owned by their dad and his “friend” Charlie. Together the twins grieve separately and apart as they adjust to their new surroundings and their new found knowledge about who their dad really was.
I have mixed feel ...more
3 STARS
After Sabine’s father dies unexpectedly of an “infection” she, her identical twin Blythe and their mother move to a run down mansion owned by their dad and his “friend” Charlie. Together the twins grieve separately and apart as they adjust to their new surroundings and their new found knowledge about who their dad really was.
I have mixed feel ...more

The premise of this book is pretty unique, especially in a YA story so I was excited to jump in. The book follows Sabine, who's father has passed away suddenly and as a result she, her twin, and her mom have to move in with a mysterious stranger named Charlie. The twist is that Charlie was her father's lover, he was bisexual and in a polyamorous relationship with his wife and Charlie. I'm not bisexual or polyamorous so I can't speak to the accuracy, but it didn't paint the adults in a good light
...more

read this review on my blog now!!!
I received an advanced copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Soho Teen for providing this galley!
I make it a point to always remember my age when I review a YA novel. At 22-years-old, I am decidedly not the target audience for Young Adult novels, and age is something that I believe should be at the forefront of reviewers’ and bloggers’ minds when they read, assess, and critically engage with Young Adult novels. As a re ...more
I received an advanced copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Soho Teen for providing this galley!
I make it a point to always remember my age when I review a YA novel. At 22-years-old, I am decidedly not the target audience for Young Adult novels, and age is something that I believe should be at the forefront of reviewers’ and bloggers’ minds when they read, assess, and critically engage with Young Adult novels. As a re ...more

Following her father's unexpected death, Sabine's life was uprooted. Relocated from her childhood home to a crumbling mansion was jarring enough, but learning about her father's "other life" shook her foundation to its core. Sabine made some questionable decisions while she struggled with these changes and her grief, but would she be able to undo some of the damage she had done?
I have a penchant for grief books, and therefore, was eager to read Wider Than the Sky. I really don't have an opinion ...more
I have a penchant for grief books, and therefore, was eager to read Wider Than the Sky. I really don't have an opinion ...more

I loved this story of 16yo Sabine, who loses her father twice: first when he dies unexpectedly, and again through what she perceives as his betrayal of her family. Sabine’s journey toward reconciliation and acceptance of both tragedies drives the story forward…plus: romance! Sabine’s “undiagnosed literary medical condition,” also called “poeting” by her twin sister, where she spouts Emily Dickinson lines in times of stress, is brilliant and funny and sad. Couldn’t put it down.

Although the target audience are teens, every parent should read this book to understand the impact our actions, and inactions, have on our children. The main character, Sabine's journey to forgiveness was believable and true to life. Great character development, touching and uplifting.
...more

Thank you so much, Soho Press and Soho Teen, for granting me this wish!
Sabine and her twin Blythe don't have much in common with one other. Blythe loves hoodies and jeans, she's more practical, while Sabine prefers poetry and design and when their father suddenly dies from an unexpected illness, each copes in her own way. Blythe by obsessing over getting into MIT, their father alma mater and Sabine by "poeting", a quirk of bursting into poetry at inappropriate moments.
Their world is ripped open ...more
Sabine and her twin Blythe don't have much in common with one other. Blythe loves hoodies and jeans, she's more practical, while Sabine prefers poetry and design and when their father suddenly dies from an unexpected illness, each copes in her own way. Blythe by obsessing over getting into MIT, their father alma mater and Sabine by "poeting", a quirk of bursting into poetry at inappropriate moments.
Their world is ripped open ...more

Thank you to Netgalley and Soho Press for the advanced reader's copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Polyamory, HIV and discussions about safe sex with a positive partner, wrapped up in an emotional storyline.
This had a lot of things I really liked, but just didn’t catch me how I’d hoped.
Sabine has dealt with the unexpected loss of her father, a move to a new town, and things seem to be going downhill from there. She’s made a cool friend and found a new crush, only to realize he’s her n ...more
Polyamory, HIV and discussions about safe sex with a positive partner, wrapped up in an emotional storyline.
This had a lot of things I really liked, but just didn’t catch me how I’d hoped.
Sabine has dealt with the unexpected loss of her father, a move to a new town, and things seem to be going downhill from there. She’s made a cool friend and found a new crush, only to realize he’s her n ...more

I received a DRC from Edelweiss
2
No one has been able to tell Sabine why her dad died, or why Charlie, a man who claims to have known him but she's never met, suddenly appeared the day he died- or why they had to move in with Charlie, in a house that mysteriously has both his and her mom's names on the lease. All Sabine wants to do is go back home and remember her dad as he was. But what if she didn't know her dad?
I spent the majority of this book really angry, honestly. I'm not a fan of the char ...more
2
No one has been able to tell Sabine why her dad died, or why Charlie, a man who claims to have known him but she's never met, suddenly appeared the day he died- or why they had to move in with Charlie, in a house that mysteriously has both his and her mom's names on the lease. All Sabine wants to do is go back home and remember her dad as he was. But what if she didn't know her dad?
I spent the majority of this book really angry, honestly. I'm not a fan of the char ...more

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I had high expectations for this one since the premise sounded so interesting, but it fell flat to me and I had a hard time finishing it.
The book follows Sabine and her twin sister Blythe, who after their father dies, move to a different house with their mother and a stranger named Charlie.
You're probably expecting to read about both of them, right? Wrong. Sabine is the only narrating voice; Blythe rarely gets mentioned, she' ...more
I had high expectations for this one since the premise sounded so interesting, but it fell flat to me and I had a hard time finishing it.
The book follows Sabine and her twin sister Blythe, who after their father dies, move to a different house with their mother and a stranger named Charlie.
You're probably expecting to read about both of them, right? Wrong. Sabine is the only narrating voice; Blythe rarely gets mentioned, she' ...more

Katherine Rothschild’s debut novel is written in the voice of an original and exciting new author. Her quirky characters are richly and drawn. The plot is plum full of unexpected twists. The insular small town setting is a character unto itself. A word of caution: do yourself a favor and restrain yourself from the temptation to read the back cover before you’re deep into the book. I refrained and am so glad I did. While the enticing details may draw the reader in, IMHO, too many spoilers! Having
...more

Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Teen for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. I'll post that review upon publication.
Updated 1/20/21
3.25 stars
There is a lot happening in this quick YA read.
At the start of the novel, twins Sabine and Blythe experience a tragedy that upends their lives, resulting in a big move, a whole lot of questions, and ultimately some surprising answers. Despite twinning, Sabine takes center stage in this one. Her friendships, a possible romance, and he ...more
Updated 1/20/21
3.25 stars
There is a lot happening in this quick YA read.
At the start of the novel, twins Sabine and Blythe experience a tragedy that upends their lives, resulting in a big move, a whole lot of questions, and ultimately some surprising answers. Despite twinning, Sabine takes center stage in this one. Her friendships, a possible romance, and he ...more

First of all thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I have decided to give this book 2.5/3 stars.
Now as the synopsis states this book follows Sabine’s story. Sabine and her identical twin, Blythe, are going through a hard situation as her lives change drastically after their father’s death. They have to move, new house, now school, they now live with a man named Charlie who they simply don’t know.
So, at the beginning I was pretty much liking the boo ...more
I have decided to give this book 2.5/3 stars.
Now as the synopsis states this book follows Sabine’s story. Sabine and her identical twin, Blythe, are going through a hard situation as her lives change drastically after their father’s death. They have to move, new house, now school, they now live with a man named Charlie who they simply don’t know.
So, at the beginning I was pretty much liking the boo ...more

Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 35%
When tragedy strikes in the form of their father's sudden passing, twin sisters, Sabine and Blythe are thrusts into a world turned upside down. When they move into an old mansion owned by a mysterious stranger, Charlie, they discover secrets of their late father, threatening to overturn their already shaky lives. Wider Than the Sky is a story of family, grief and finding your footing again.
First off, it's not the book; it's me. ...more
DNF @ 35%
When tragedy strikes in the form of their father's sudden passing, twin sisters, Sabine and Blythe are thrusts into a world turned upside down. When they move into an old mansion owned by a mysterious stranger, Charlie, they discover secrets of their late father, threatening to overturn their already shaky lives. Wider Than the Sky is a story of family, grief and finding your footing again.
First off, it's not the book; it's me. ...more

This book managed to make me cry the whole way through, my little heart was shattered.
It dealt with loss, grief, family, relationships and so much more. The characters weren't perfect, but they found their way in the end. And what a beautiful message it had: family is often so imperfect and so nontraditional, but you can make it what you want it to be.
I have to admit, though, I was quite frustrated with some decisions at times. I get that they're portrayed as imperfect humans, and I loved that, ...more
It dealt with loss, grief, family, relationships and so much more. The characters weren't perfect, but they found their way in the end. And what a beautiful message it had: family is often so imperfect and so nontraditional, but you can make it what you want it to be.
I have to admit, though, I was quite frustrated with some decisions at times. I get that they're portrayed as imperfect humans, and I loved that, ...more

Dec 12, 2020
artemis
rated it
it was ok
Shelves:
fiction,
ya-books,
2-star,
netgalley,
bi-characters,
contemporary,
lgbt-characters,
m-lgbt-characters
Thank you to Soho Teen/Soho Press and NetGalley for providing me with an excerpt in exchange for an honest review.
This is going to be a spoiler-y review a little bit so warning for that for those who have not read this book. Also, I'm not a teenager nor did I go through a teenager phase cause I spent it being depressed, suicidal and having to grow up faster than expect so I feel like my criticisms of the character's behaviour may be misguided because I personally didn't understand them.
The book ...more
This is going to be a spoiler-y review a little bit so warning for that for those who have not read this book. Also, I'm not a teenager nor did I go through a teenager phase cause I spent it being depressed, suicidal and having to grow up faster than expect so I feel like my criticisms of the character's behaviour may be misguided because I personally didn't understand them.
The book ...more

This is a beautifully written contemporary story about loss, discovery, love, and forgiveness. I've recommended this book to my teen and tween as it chronicles Sabine's journey after the death of her father with a subtle sense of humor and even a little romance. (And since there's nothing explicit, my 12 yr old can read it without me flinching.)
...more

How well can we ever really know a person? And what happens when secrets only surface after that person is gone?
I haven't been this conflicted over a book in a long time. WIDER THAN THE SKY is about Sabine, who discovers her late father was bisexual, polyamorous, and died of HIV .... also, that he had plans to turn their home into a halfway house for the LGBTQIA community. Sabine is left feeling betrayed and angry at her father's "double life," feelings made even more complicated by school drama ...more
I haven't been this conflicted over a book in a long time. WIDER THAN THE SKY is about Sabine, who discovers her late father was bisexual, polyamorous, and died of HIV .... also, that he had plans to turn their home into a halfway house for the LGBTQIA community. Sabine is left feeling betrayed and angry at her father's "double life," feelings made even more complicated by school drama ...more

Note: I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley in order to provide an honest review.
Oof, okay, I have some thoughts on this one. I was honestly really excited for some good commentary and character work out of this YA novel, especially since it was compared to “Tell the Wolves I’m Home,” which had similar themes and I read last year and loved. Unfortunately, I felt like this book fell short in a variety of ways.
A few of the smaller things included some plot points that just ...more
Oof, okay, I have some thoughts on this one. I was honestly really excited for some good commentary and character work out of this YA novel, especially since it was compared to “Tell the Wolves I’m Home,” which had similar themes and I read last year and loved. Unfortunately, I felt like this book fell short in a variety of ways.
A few of the smaller things included some plot points that just ...more

I received an ARC of Wider Than The Sky by Katherine Rothschild thanks to the publisher through NetGalley for free for an honest review.
The summary gives a lot away so read it at your own risk. I will be including a short summary that I wrote to still give you an idea of what the book is about without the spoilers.
Sabine and Blythe, twin sisters, are devastated by the sudden death of their father which is compounded with an equally sudden move. On top of that, a strange man keeps showing up. Con ...more
The summary gives a lot away so read it at your own risk. I will be including a short summary that I wrote to still give you an idea of what the book is about without the spoilers.
Sabine and Blythe, twin sisters, are devastated by the sudden death of their father which is compounded with an equally sudden move. On top of that, a strange man keeps showing up. Con ...more

Sixteen-year-old twins Sabine & Blythe are dealing with the sudden death of their father from an unknown illness when at the hospital they meet Charlie a friend of their fathers who had something to discuss with their Mother Maryann. After they bury their father, the next week they are moving 6 hours away to Thornewood into a crumbling mansion fixer upper with Charlie after having sold their home. After their father’s death to deal with her grief Sabine develops a habit of “poeting” in which she
...more
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