3 answers2025-02-01 17:37:40
'How It Feels to Float' is a captivating novel that draws the reader into the mind of Biz, a girl who quietly navigates through her complicated feelings and the complex web of her life. Biz sees and talks to her deceased father, and while it's calming at first, this relationship takes a dark turn as she struggles with her mental health.
She's also wrestling with her sexual identity and how she fits into societal expectations. The unexpected support from new friends leads her on a quest to find herself and cope. A beautifully written exploration of mental health, loss, and self-discovery.
5 answers2025-06-23 07:27:01
The romantic drama 'Me Before You' was filmed in several stunning locations across the UK and Wales, giving the film its picturesque charm. The fictional castle where Will lives, Pembroke Castle, is actually the breathtaking Penrhyn Castle in North Wales—a Victorian fantasy fortress with sprawling gardens and opulent interiors. The quaint town scenes were shot in Pembroke, Wales, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings adding to the story’s cozy small-town vibe.
The coastal scenes, including the emotional beach outing, were filmed at Tenby’s South Beach, known for its golden sands and colorful seaside houses. Some indoor scenes, like the butterfly house, were shot at the beautiful Bodnant Garden in Conwy. The production also used parts of Surrey and London for key moments, blending urban and rural backdrops seamlessly. Each location was chosen to mirror the film’s mix of melancholy and hope, with Wales’ lush landscapes amplifying the emotional weight.
5 answers2025-06-23 16:34:58
I've been obsessed with Helena Fox's 'How It Feels to Float' since it came out, and I’ve dug deep into whether there’s a sequel or companion novel. As of now, there isn’t an official sequel, but the book’s themes resonate so strongly that fans keep hoping for one. The story wraps up Biz’s journey in a way that feels complete yet open-ended, leaving room for interpretation.
That said, Fox’s writing style—lyrical and raw—makes this standalone novel feel expansive. If you’re craving more, I’d recommend checking out her other works or books like 'The Astonishing Color of After' or 'I’ll Give You the Sun,' which explore similar themes of grief, mental health, and self-discovery. The absence of a sequel doesn’t diminish the impact of Biz’s story; it just leaves us wanting to revisit her world.
5 answers2025-06-23 18:48:41
'How It Feels to Float' dives deep into grief and loss through the eyes of Biz, a teenager grappling with her father's death. The novel doesn’t just show sadness—it captures the disorienting, fragmented reality of grief. Biz’s hallucinations and conversations with her dead father blur the line between past and present, making her pain feel visceral. The story avoids clichés, instead portraying grief as messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. It’s not about moving on but learning to carry the weight.
The book also explores how grief isolates. Biz’s friendships fray, and her mental health spirals, showing how loss can alienate you from others. Yet, there’s raw honesty in her journey—small moments, like swimming or fleeting connections, become lifelines. The ocean imagery mirrors her emotions: some days she floats; others, she drowns. It’s a poignant portrayal of how grief isn’t something you overcome but something you learn to live alongside.
5 answers2025-06-23 07:15:15
'How It Feels to Float' has been recognized in several literary circles for its raw and poignant exploration of mental health. The novel won the 2020 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction, a significant honor in Australian literature. It was also shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers, showcasing its impact on young adult audiences. Helena Fox’s debut masterpiece was nominated for the 2020 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards in the Young Adult category, further cementing its critical acclaim.
The book’s unique narrative style and emotional depth earned it a spot on the 2020 Gold Inky Award shortlist, an international prize voted by teen readers. Its inclusion in these prestigious lists highlights how the story resonates across different age groups and cultures. The novel’s ability to tackle heavy themes like grief and dissociation with grace has made it a standout in contemporary YA fiction.
5 answers2025-06-23 18:30:45
'How It Feels to Float' portrays LGBTQ+ representation with a raw, unfiltered honesty that resonates deeply. The protagonist, Biz, grapples with her sexuality while navigating mental health struggles, creating a layered exploration of identity. Her attraction to girls isn’t sensationalized; it’s woven seamlessly into her chaotic, poetic world. The novel avoids clichés, instead showing queer relationships as messy, tender, and real—just like Biz’s fragmented psyche.
The supporting characters, like Grace, add nuance. Grace’s fluidity isn’t a plot device but a quiet truth, mirroring Biz’s own uncertain journey. The book’s strength lies in its refusal to tie queerness into neat bows—it’s as unpredictable as life itself. Helena Fox’s writing captures the visceral fear and exhilaration of self-discovery, making LGBTQ+ themes feel achingly personal rather than performative.
3 answers2025-06-25 14:27:18
I remember tracking down the filming locations for 'If I Stay' because the Pacific Northwest backdrop felt so immersive. The movie was primarily shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, which doubles as Oregon in the story. The lush forests and rainy atmosphere perfectly matched the novel's mood. Key scenes were filmed at specific spots like the Seymour River for the car crash sequence and various high schools around Vancouver for the school scenes. The concert hall where Mia performs is actually the iconic Orpheum Theatre downtown. Vancouver's ability to mimic small-town America while offering diverse urban settings made it an ideal choice for this emotional drama.
3 answers2025-06-26 13:33:52
I just watched 'Against the Ice' and was blown away by the landscapes. Most of it was filmed in Iceland, which makes perfect sense given the story's Arctic setting. The production team used remote locations like the Vatnajökull glacier and Höfn to capture that brutal, untouched wilderness. Some scenes were shot near Reykjavík too, but the real star is Iceland's eastern region - those endless ice fields and jagged mountains look straight out of the early 1900s expedition era. The cold practically seeps through the screen, and you can tell they didn't need much CGI to sell the isolation. If you dig these kinds of survival films, check out 'Arctic' with Mads Mikkelsen - another Icelandic masterpiece.