I found it boring. a redo of The Giver? maybe?

This is basically like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for kids.

As a grown-up, I really don't need to read another story about a supposed utopia that is actually *gasp* a dystopia. But, of course, to most child readers this will not come off as a tired trope. "Too good to be true" is a real thing, kids! Be suspicious of anyone who tells you it's possible to live in this world without discomfort. ( )

What a gorgeous, gorgeous book. Handles suicide in a fantastic fashion. I was a bit disappointed that Eventown didn't consist solely of a town where everything was in pairs and there were no odd things out, but that's my own fault for getting too excited over a title. Fantastic characters, really fascinating premise, and a great handling of bigger topics. ( )

Conceptually, I really liked this but the pacing was hellish.

Note to self: check all of Haydu's books out from the library. ( )

children's middlegrade fiction (identical twin 5th grade girls dealing with grief move to a town where standards of happiness are enforced)
This is slower story but atmospheric and creepy enough to make a compulsive read for middlegraders--details like Veema's longing for "a new best friend" while fiddling with half of a best friend necklace amongst the large collection of necklaces she wears every day, Elodee's repeated attempts to make a specific jasmine-olive oil cake that is NOT one of the town's sanctioned recipes, and the secret photograph she finds tucked under the tea-set pique just enough interest to keep one hooked into the story. The ending is gloriously tear-stained and appropriately positive for this age level. I don't think it stands out enough to win the Newbery, necessarily, but it's a solid read. ( )