Review will be posted week of May 15, 2017

Lucy is pretty much the perfect girl. She's a high school junior who does well in school, she is on the swim team, her boyfriend is a perfect gentleman, and she gets along very well with her parents. Her dad is a pastor and Lucy just assumed she would be spending another summer working at Bible camp, which is something she actually looks forward to doing. But Lucy's world is turned upside down when her mother's cancer reappears. Her mother encourages Lucy to take a job at another camp that that her friend runs. It isn't a Bible camp; it is for kids that are dealing with tough times and Lucy's mom thinks she could really help the children. Lucy doesn't necessarily want to do this, but if her mom is asking her, she tries her best. To top it off, her seemingly perfect boyfriend wants to take a break from their relationship, so this is really going to be a different sort of summer for Lucy. While at camp, she meets new people, she is forced out of her comfort zone more often than not, and even learns some long kept family secrets. Emery Lord's The Names They Gave Us is a moving YA story that will definitely tug on my people's heartstrings.

Even though I really couldn't relate to Lucy in The Names They Gave Us, I appreciated her story, which is always the mark of a great author. Lucy is very religious and starts questioning her faith once her mother's cancer returns. I could appreciate this part of the novel as there always comes a point in most people's lives when this happens. Although Lucy is one of the most religious characters I've encountered in years, Lord doesn't write her as being overly preachy or annoying. She is frustratingly naive, but endearing. When Lucy's mom requests she goes to Daybreak, I knew that Lucy's world was going to open up tremendously and I was happy for her to be out of her comfort zone.

Summer camp is the best setting for a character who is pretty sheltered. Lucy gets the opportunity to meet people who are different than herself and expand her horizons. It truly is Lucy's coming-of-age story and I loved this aspect of The Names They Gave Us. Lucy even starts a romance while at camp, but that is definitely not the focus of the story.

While at camp, Lucy unearths a major family secret and while I found this compelling, I thought it was a bit rushed. I sort of wanted Lucy to explore this a bit more, but since it was towards the end of the novel, we really didn't have much of a chance to even process it greatly.

Nonetheless, The Names They Gave Us definitely tugged on my heartstrings. I didn't enjoy it as much as Lord's other novels that included a swoon-y romance, fantastic dialogue and friendships, or a great road trip, but I think many young adults may connect with Lucy's story and that is what's most important.

review book



Book Covertitle: The Names They Gave Us
author: Emery Lord
pages: 400
format: e-ARC
buy it: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
rating: 3.5/5 (from hated to loved) or 6/10 (all books I've ever read)
recommended for: Fans of sweet, witty contemporaries like Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee, and The Memory Book by Lara Avery.
Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?

in depth


I’ve always been iffy on books that feature devoutly Christian characters. Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist? Fine. But Christian . . . I never know if it’s going to come off super judgey. As a (very) lapsed Catholic agnostic whatever, I tend to get a resurgence of indoctrinated guilt. But Lord’s book was a compassionate, self-aware portrayal of a Christian girl. It was a beautiful story about how faith can enrich your life, how it can be a struggle, and how it can create love and kindness rather than judgment and exclusion. Lord also threw in some cheek; Lucy addressed many of the preacher’s kid or Christian kid stereotypes when talking with her new friends.

As is characteristic of Lord’s writing, Lucy's voice was sharp and felt realistically teen-ish. Her inner monologue is so relatable in its anxieties, its slight judginess and subsequent guilt, its insecurity. Especially talking about her crush. (Bonus: YA book with an MC who doesn’t want to have sex yet! I so rarely see teens in YA that captured me and my friends at that age.) All of her characters radiate life and become as dear as Lucy. Her friends and family are equally well represented, and we even get to know some of the adorable camp kids.

It’s a very slice-of-life book while also dealing with the big issue of Lucy’s mom’s cancer. I thought Lord did a great job of getting into the head of someone whose family member is sick—and the family member, too. It’s a realistic tightrope between mourning and normalcy, defensive humor and seriousness. But not all their discussions are about cancer, like some books; it’s typical mother-daughter stuff too. Lord also approaches gender issues (Anna is trans and, in my very limited outsider opinion, empathically portrayed) and suicide with care and tact. Not to mention first loves and swoons, nervousness about the post high school future, and normal teenage shenanigans. Oh, and consent! Sweet, sweet consent.

I had a few nitpicks, because I’m me. It ends a bit abruptly (what happened though!?). Although I can see why Lord chose to cut it where she did, the part of me invested in these characters really wanted to know what happened down the line. I also found a few points somewhat unrealistic. Like, where are these teens getting alcohol? How do they let a counselor teach unsupervised swim lessons to a camper? What did Lucy ever see in Lukas? (Just kidding. But seriously.) Also I still have no idea what the title is.

However, overall it’s a win. If you’re looking for something heartfelt but also wickedly funny (because I can’t do straight heartfelt, let’s be real), Lord’s books are always a win. The Names They Gave Us is a strong fourth novel from a powerful voice in young adult contemporary fiction.
in a sentence

The Names They Gave Us is a witty, heartfelt story about losing--and finding--faith, whether that faith is in God or in other humans.


rating





will i read this author again? um yes always and forever
will i continue the series? N/A




Note: I received this copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. The price of the book and its origin in no way affected my stated opinions.

I am thoroughly impressed by this story. Lucy finds that her summer is going down quite differently from what she imagined. Her boyfriend "paused" them, her mother has cancer again, and she's working at a camp for troubled youth. As she questions God about the unfairness of her circumstances, Lucy slowly comes to terms with herself and how life as it really is.

I really liked Lucy's character progression. It was incredibly believable to me. I kept thinking of the time when my faith was rocked by external events. While I was older than Lucy at that time, I felt a very similar reaction. Lucy grows up tremendously through this story. She discovers love for those different from her; she establishes herself as her own person; she makes her faith her own. I really enjoyed this story.

I've been so excited for this book ever since I heard about it as I've loved pretty much every book I've read by this author. However, this one wasn't my favorite.

It took me such a long time to get into this book. I honestly didn't start getting invested until camp Daybreak. I really enjoyed seeing Lucy as a counselor and I think she was fantastic with the kids. I also really loved the camp side characters. Anna, Keely and Jones particularly stand out.

One of my major drawbacks was the pacing, it felt like it took forever for me to get invested, then once I was starting to enjoy it more, it would slow down again. This really interfered with my enjoyment of this book, not to mention a stronger connection with the characters. Another major drawback for me was the ending, I don't want to go into details due to spoiler reasons, but it felt rushed and to me, it felt unresolved, if that makes sense.

Overall, The Names We Gave Us is a book that I've been looking forward to since reading the summary a while ago, and while there were certain aspects I enjoyed, pacing and the ending kept me from being fully invested in this story and these characters.

So basically, The Names They Gave Us pretty much confirms that I'll read and enjoy anything that Emery Lord writes. As with Emery Lord's other novels, the prose is gorgeous and Emery Lord truly has a talent for setting the scene and the showcasing emotion in her characters. And of course true to form, the friendships that she writes are just perfect (in particular the friendship that forms between Anna and Lucy), it kind of made me feel like I missed out on something special, having never been to an overnight summer camp. I also felt that Lucy came off as an authentic person as she had her flaws and was incredibly relatable.

While not a perfect novel (there were some parts where the pacing seemed off and the ending felt slightly abrupt, especially after the major reveal), The Names They Gave Us is lively and powerful coming of age story about love, loss, family, friendship and the magic of summer. A must read for fans of contemporary YA fiction, those who can't wait for summer to get here and even for those who are nostalgic about their summer camp days.

A few minutes after finishing The Names They Gave Us, with a teary face, I sat down and thought to myself "How does she keep doing this to me?". She being, Emery Lord, author who likes to destroy me with feels. I've read all four of her books now and every one of them has been an emotional and memorable read that I will always cherish. The Names They Gave Us, was just ... gorgeously written, and for now, it is my second favorite book from her.

Despite being religious, I always think to myself that I won't enjoy books that have a focus on faith and religion. Having read several books now, I know that there are actually authors who can write stories about faith without coming across as preachy. I honestly think that it's important that there are books out there for teen about teens and their relationship with faith, which is why I think The Names They Gave Us will resonate with many readers. Grace has a complicated relationship with her religion, and I absolutely loved how Emery Lord depicted that here. A lot of her doubts, the sometimes shaky foundations of her faith, the strength of her relationship with God resonated with me on many levels. I saw a lot of my teen AND current self in Grace. Grace wasn't just all about her religion. She was a sweet girl, really struggling with the resurgence of her mother's cancer and how that affects her relationship with her religion. Deep down, she was an inherently good person and throughout the book you really see her goodness come out in the small, but consequential scenes.

The Names They Gave Us wasn't just Grace's story of coming to terms with the ongoing changes in her life. Her family life, the new friendships she forges and the romance she finds, all add to her story. Grace's parents were such important figures in her life. I loved how much of a role they played here, and how involved they were in her life. Not only that, but they were not portrayed as the stereotypical pastor and pastor's wife that you sometimes see. They were open-minded and kind and absolutely loving. Some of my favorite scenes in The Names They Gave Us were Grace's scenes with her parents. The new friends that she makes at her camp, were another highlight for me. This was such a diverse cast in race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and personalities, and I absolutely loved that. They were all very different from each other, but they still fit together seamlessly. They made me laugh, think and sometimes, tear up. Then there was Henry, Grace's love interest, who as with all Emery Lord book boyfriends, made me swoon with his charm, kindness and loving nature. Henry was a sweetheart, and his slow growing relationship with Grace was awkward, sometimes complicated, but so sweet and swoony. Their kisses and conversations made me positively giddy.

The Names They Gave Us was an emotional roller coaster of a book - it made me smile, laugh and by the end, cry. It has to be one of the most honest books I have ever read, and that I will wholeheartedly recommend. In fact, if you're a YA contemporary fan and have yet to read Emery Lord, I demand that you read her books right away.

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord is amazing. I simply could not put this book down. I love, love, love this book. Lucy's mom is dealing with cancer the second time. Her mom asks her to work at Daybreak another camp, not the usual church. Lucy helps the other kids with their issues and makes friends with the other camp leaders. She also finds love again. She also learns more about her mom and the life before. Lucy faces her inner battle with faith, a camp for troubled youth whose counselors are just as burdened with their own baggage as their young campers are, diversity of race and sexual identities, and an outpouring of love between family, friends, and strangers.

Lord introduces us to a compelling cast of characters as Lucy spends the summer before her senior year not at her family's church camp like always but as a counselor at the neighboring camp, a camp for kids dealing with tough stuff in their lives. From anxiety disorders to drug addicted parents to teen pregnancy, the campers and many of the counselors have issues they are dealing with and Lucy's not sure how she will know how to help these kids. This is a huge change from the careful, religious life she's always known, but it turns out that a summer filled with messiness and swimming and music and new friends can be more life-changing than she ever thought.

Although the main storyline, Lucy dealing with her mom's diagnosis and questioning her faith there are so many storylines running through this book. Even though she's self-identified faith as the central tenet to her being, Lucy is also a talented musician, a passionate swimmer, and a girl who longs to fit in and has had few real friends outside her family. When she's separated from her family for the summer for the first time ever, Lucy has space to work out other areas of her being. It crushes her to be away from her mom during this terrible time in their lives, but it's ultimately so good for both of them.

It was a beautiful representation of a Christian protagonist struggling with hard questions. I was really concerned about how Lucy would be portrayed in this book, but I thought Lord was pretty much on point with her characterization. Her questions about faith were so honest and real.

I loved the characters and their stories and the growth. But I hated the ending. It left me wanting more. I didn't like that a lot of stuff happened and then we don't get to see how it pans out. I just need more from these characters. My heart was broken.

I received this ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Names They Gave Us is an emotional, raw, unusual coming of age story. I loved it. Emery writes like your best friend telling you the deepest secrets of her heart. I can't help but be drawn to the vulnerability and honesty of her novels.

Emery Lord is an auto buy author, so I don't even read the synopsis of her books any more. I just know I'm going to love them.

Love love loved Lucy. She's an amazing character: strong, loyal, curious. I truly enjoyed being in her head and reading her struggle. Her found group of friends were fantastic and I adore the way Emery writes every friendship like its ride or die. And her parents were perfection.

The underlying theme of this story is Lucy and her faith. I'm not particularly religious, so when I saw that, I was a little reserved about how it could possible take over the story. And it totally does, but in the best way possible.

This book was a quiet heartbreak I wasn't ready for. It does have its swoons and banter like always, but there's so much feeling in it. It made my cold, black heart beat a little faster and nearly cry twice. If that's not a glowing recommendation, I don't know what is.

**Huge thanks to Bloombury for providing the arc free of charge**

As stated in the publisher note, I really appreciate being approved for this title. I was so excited to read it because I have loved Emery Lord's other books. I was not aware that this one had a character whose mother had cancer. My aunt passed away last month from cancer, and it was to hard for me to read the story, and I had to stop. I am very sorry, but thank you again for the opportunity.

First, thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book I've been so excited about!

I love Emery Lord books, but I didn't expect to be so bowled over by this book. The prose is gorgeous, the storytelling is divine, and I'm in love with pretty much every character. There's A+ diversity (race, religion, sexuality), a frank discussion of religion (something that fascinates me as a former teenager Bible-thumper), and definite "it's awesome to be you, whoever that is" message.

There are so many quotes I want to add, because I highlighted the shit out of this book, but I'll save that for when the final product comes out. Just know, I'm incredibly in love with this book.

What a great book! Emery Lord is a name that I associate with great writing and this book fell right into that. Great characters, great plot, and amazing theme. Only problem I had was the ending. Not a complete ending and I felt this book deserved one.

4.5 Stars

Moving and open-ended. I laughed. I cried. I finished and drove across town to hug my mom. There is a sweetness about all of the sadness. The author shines light into all of the dark corners. There is so much pain within this story, but it is peppered with love and hope and all good things.

I guess what keeps it from being a full 5 stars for me was the way Lucy's parents hid soooooo much from her. Also, she just accepted it and rolled with it. Without giving too much away, I will simply say that I have never met a 17-year-old who would just drop something so serious.

Honestly though, while there is sweet romance in the story, this book is really about Lucy and this amazing trial of her faith. And she comes out at the end so much stronger than she ever knew she could be.

Oh wow. Everything Emery Lord writes is so lovely and openhearted and tender and funny, and this one is no exception. THE NAMES THEY GAVE US has all of the trademark characteristics of an Emery Lord novel: delightful friendships, a completely charming romance, and nuanced family relationships. Lucy is earnest, strong, and a bit naive; she's trying and learning, and I love how her faith comes across as something that seeps into all aspects of her perspective but does not define her. She's absolutely lovable and feels vibrantly alive. Another beautiful Emery Lord book!

I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
This was a good coming of age teen book, but I have come to expect great books from Emery Lord, and this book just wasn't as good as her others. The book didn't flow well, and the twists and turns felt forced rather than eye-opening. A Decent read and I have already purchased it for my collection, but again, not as good as some of her other titles.

Luce's mom is dealing with cancer the second time. Her mom asks her to work at Daybreak another camp, not the usual church. Luce's helps the other kids with their issues and makes friends with the other camp leaders. She also finds love again. She also learns more about her mom and the life before. I did like that she wanted the truth , and did't shy away from it. This wasn't a cancer book, nor was this religious book. I did like that this book talked about faith . Overall I really loved this book. I'm still thinking about this book after I finished it last night. This book wasn't preachy and Luce is trying to find her way with her faith , family, friends, relationships.

Lucy's life is fairly predictable - the steady boyfriend, Lukas, good grades, being a good pastor's daughter, summer's working at a church camp with her family and living a quiet life. Then her mom is diagnosed with cancer and Lucy starts questioning her faith and her life choices. As a reaction, Lukas pauses their relationship and Lucy is set even more adrift. When Lucy's mom asks her to work at a different camp for the summer, Lucy questions life even more. It doesn't help when Lucy finds that the new camp is one for children with problems. But once Lucy lets Camp Daybreak grow on her she sees that she and the campers can help each other through their hurts and fears.

Emery Lord wrote my favorite YA book, so she’s always going to get something resembling a pass for me even if what she does isn’t perfect. <i>When We Collided</i> was a gorgeous emotional roller-coaster, but I can’t help but feel like <i>The Names They Gave Us</i> is a step backward in terms of what Lord has shown she’s capable of and the emotional gravity of her more recent work.

The story follows Lucy, a girl raised by a pastor in a very religious family. Her mother has cancer, her boyfriend wants to put their relationship on pause, and so it’s decided that it will be a good idea for Lucy to spend her summer at the secular summer camp nearby as opposed to the religious camp she has traditionally gone to each year. There, she meets a lot of new kids and counselors and has her horizons widened in ways she never predicted.

The good first: Emery Lord knows how to write a compelling main character who is flawed and interesting without making them unrealistic. Lucy is religious and semi-sheltered, but this isn’t presented in a shameful way, or in a way that shows her to be some sort of freak that we shouldn’t buy into, and that’s fairly refreshing. It makes for an interesting way to create some conflicts without being insulting.

The bad, though? Lord has succeeded, up until now, to putting together narratives that don’t appear to be checkbox worthy, and this just feels like a sort of tolerance tale that we’re along for the ride on. Teen pregnancy? Check. Trans issues? Check. Cultural differences? Check. Worse, Lucy (while, again, not being raised to be intolerant at all) does not give much of an impression about any internal struggle or confliction about any of these issues. On one hand, kudos to her (and Lord) for making it no big deal, but what instead happens is a complete lack of opportunity to demonstrate some empathy for the other side in an era where none exists. And that might be fine on its own, but with the current social situation in YA publishing, it’s difficult not to wonder whether it impacted things.

Overall, a good read, but it had a lot of potential to be better. As an evangelist for <i>The Start of Me and You</i> for years now, I’ll still be pointing to that for the best of YA. This one felt more <i>Open Road Summer</i>, which is a misstep at this point.