I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I really enjoy reading books with characters that have mental illnesses and being in their head. When I saw this book and read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it. I made the mistake of reading some other reviews on Goodreads though. Some didn’t like one of the MC’s, others didn’t like either one of the MC’s, and a few others were intent that the girl MC was bi. Anyways, I was nervous going in because of the reviews. But I feel like they all got it wrong. I liked both MC’s and the storyline, and think this is a good book on mental illness.

We follow 2 MC’s, Naima and Dew. Both deal with a lot of different mental illnesses and both are not your normal teen. They also both come from very sad backgrounds. Naima is a super fierce girl who not only lost her father while he was serving in the Marines, but she is also dealing with a complex OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and GAD, generalized anxiety disorder. She doesn’t really like anyone, dislikes her stop mom a lot, and is grieving her father like crazy. What makes things worse is that she was mad at him, before he died, for always taking another tour instead of being home with her. She feels better being with her grandmother and grandfather, but she still wants nothing to do with anyone.

Dew is just a super sweet and caring boy. He lost his parents when he was a little younger and was thrown in foster care. At the moment he is with a family that is loving and treats him very well. He even sees traces of his parents in them. Dew deals with a lot of anxiety, especially since he lost both his parents suddenly. He really wants a friend, and when he meets Naima he thinks he found one.

Although Naima wants nothing to do with Dew, he finds ways to break her barriers and become his friend. He is a little strange in his ways of doing it, and she in return is horrible to him, but it’s so understandable since they are both dealing with such loss and mental stuff. I loved that the author note before the beginning of the book talks about how she too deals with the same kind of illnesses that Naimi and Dew deal with. Because of that, I think she has a pretty good grasp on the topic and how to execute it well.

I know this book won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you are interested in different mental illnesses and love reading books with characters that have them, you may very well enjoy this book! Read it and come back and let’s chat!!

I DNFd this book at about 25%. I just couldn't read any more of the story. I felt like our female main character- I can't remember her first name- was so self absorbed and couldn't get passed her grief and anger. She didn't even want to try. The male main character was more relateble for me. He has anxiety and panic attacks. Our female main character was just angry towards everyone and it wasn't fair. I just couldn't keep reading. And I don't know any about the author, but I didn't get the vibe that she experienced this. Again, I don't know anything about her and didn't read her bio to know if that is the case, but I just felt that the 25% I read I didn't feel like she experienced a military grief.

Over two months ago I finished reading this novel and I still think about how little I liked Naima, one of the main characters.
Before I proceed with this review, let me just say that that cover is on point. Kuddos & well done, person responsible!
I wanted to read this book because the premise was that it dealt with mental illness and I wanted to read more about that. It made me feel uncomfortable at times, but books should make you feel & see things outside your reading zone.
What made the novel scattered at times is that we find important information about Naima so far apart that it kept reconstructing the character for me. That's usually fun, but this time it was confusing.
The characters' relationship felt unnatural. I am talking about Naima's family. Through throwbacks we learn about her father and mother, but the present day family of JJ, Kam, and Nell is not something to be desired. Naima is cruel to Nell, despite having been raised by her for years! I understand that Naima is keeping her at a distance, but that mean attitude and that tone were not necessary. I understand this does happen in real life, but it was uncomfortable and unpleasant to read about it. Also, Nell as a step mom was made to seem frail and an extra, as if always OK to overlook. For all she's done for Naima, that's unfair.
Dew is a darling and so are the Brickmans. I rooted for Dew and Faith, and especially for Stella and Thomas in their openness to help the two kids grow roots and feel safe.
Overall the story was just OK for me. I liked it as I was reading it, but still have that feeling of not liking Naima, though. At times it was confusing to understand where the time line was and to piece the story parts together, but it's doable. Maybe it'd work better if read on paperback, not on Kindle as I did.
I am sure this would appeal more to younger readers, someone who could relate more to the confusing feelings Naima and Dew have.

This book is going to be great for some people but it just isn’t for me. I suffered a recent loss and the anxiety in this book made my anxiety horrible it wasn’t for me at this time but something I could possibly come back to in the future!

This was such a good book, and a much needed one for the YA Community! Was so grateful to read this and be a part of tbr Blog Tour.

I received SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID as part of a blog tour that took place last month. I missed the tour, obviously as I'm just now sharing my thoughts. It took me longer to read than I anticipated. I've been considering what I wanted to share about it here. It's one of those books that I'm afraid that it won't come across just how much I loved it and why I think others should read it. This is me giving it a shot.

I loved the humor in the dialogue and the interactions of the characters. Naima and Dew with both a delight to read about. I especially enjoyed Dew and his adoptive family and his relationship with his sister, Faith. There is a lot of open communication and attempts at understanding one another and validating feelings. And then there is Faith and her Nature Boy Rick Flair "woo-ing" - that had me in stitches.

I appreciate this story for its sensitivity with characters who have experienced great losses and the recognition that everyone grieves in their on time, in their own way. The death of their parents isn't something you can get over. Instead, it becomes a part of them and shapes how they experience the rest of the world.

Memorable Quote:

"If we acknowledge our right to feel like hell, for as long as we need to, maybe others will give us a little more breathing room, you know?" - said to Naima by her grandma JJ.

This book really touched my heart. Like another book I read earlier this summer - THE OTHER SIDE by Kim Holden, it really spoke to the idea that we need to take care with other people's feelings.

It is my hope that readers find compassion for these characters, as well as for the people in their own lives who are going through some tough times and experiences. And please, please take the time to read the Author's Note at the beginning of the book. As it sometimes happens, the note becomes a favorite part of the book just as it did with this one. In case it needs to be said (or written), I loved THE SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID and I am so glad that I read it!

A fantastic story that explores mental illness in young adults. Dew is one of my favourite characters as he keeps the book lighthearted with his wit and views of the world. A great read with an important message.

This book was interesting to read, but some of it had just a bit too much going on. I guess that is a common occurrence in many YA books. I'm glad I read it as it was full of emotion and made you think.

SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID by Candace Ganger deals with grief and the ability of the two main characters to cope with the loss of parents. Naima Rodriguez's father has been killed while deployed overseas and she is spending the summer in Indiana with grandparents. Her neighbor, Dew Brickman lives with an adoptive family after losing his own. Both teens (ages 17 and 15) have mental health issues (OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD) as described by the author. It was wise and brave of Candace Ganger to tackle these topics and she says, "may SIX GOODBYES serve as permission to speak your truths – the good and the painful." However, the book is extremely hard to follow – Naima and Dew both narrate, but there only the briefest indication when a voice changes; plus, voicemails or emails (both sent and unsent) from those alive and dead are interspersed. Perhaps that is meant to add to the feeling of unreality which these suffering teens must surely be feeling? Unfortunately, it means confusion and frustration for the reader, too. Again, there is wisdom here; "Smiling tricks the mind and body into thinking you aren't in pain," but there is also plenty of anger and stubbornness. Naima is not a character who elicits empathy. Despite the sincere motivation of the author and the quality of the descriptive passages, SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID is an emotional read and I question sadly whether it will have truly wide appeal. I would encourage interested teachers and students to start instead by looking at Life Inside My Mind or (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, two anthologies which feature short reflections from numerous authors, including Candace Ganger, on personal struggles and mental health.

I have started reading YA recently and surprisingly enjoyed it. To me, things that seem tacky or weird in Adult fiction novels seem sweet and cute in YA books 😂 ✨Book Review✨
‘Six Goodbyes We Never Said’ is a book about two teenagers, Dew and Naima, who have lost their parents and are trying to cope up with their loss. They connect with each other and try to help each other work through their grief and other mental health issues.

This book is definitely a heavy read, but I appreciated how head on it is about mental illnesses. It did fall a little flat in the middle but it still did keep the story going. The author’s note is very touching and personal, talking about her own struggles as well. All in all, worth a read.

Six Goodbyes We Never Said was a poignant novel that hit me right in the soft spot. Dealing with the death of a loved one when I read this, made it all the more real for me. I especially loved the characters in this book along with their very different, very unique family situations. I feel like the author did a good job with the characters in terms of their struggles with grief, anxiety, OCD and feeling like they don't really belong.

I liked it overall and would recommend to a friend.

This was such an emotional read and the emotions felt by the teens at the center of it were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed this one immensely.

3.5 stars

I love when books tackle tough issues like OCD and anxiety and I feel it was handled well in this book. The book didn't always flow well and felt disjointed at times. I hoped for more development with some of the side characters but the development for the two main characters was nicely done.

This book has amazing rep! Something I appreciated was an author note at the beginning where they talked about what mental health issues were going to be prominent in the book. I think the rep was done beautifully, the author showed grief from different aspects. And the rep for OCD was perfect, you truly get to understand how it works mentally for the person with it.

The book was told in 2 point of views, Dew’s and Naima’s. They would both be present in the chapters. However Naima would always start it. something I enjoyed was the voicemails that we get in each chapter, we get to see both sides of the story.

Dew’s sections were just as interesting, something I found unique was his love for journalism, he loves to talk as if he was on tv reporting a news story. Although at times can he could be stepping over boundaries, this aspect allowed for the readers to step more into his mind.

When it comes to their connection, it conveys how people mourn death differently, where Naima wanted to be alone, and didn’t need friends, you have Dew who was the opposite. He truly wanted to help Naima because it would help him. They’re dynamic was great, by the end of the book they learned so much from the other, and grew together.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for granting me early access to "Six Goodbyes We Never Said". I'm currently in the middle of a major move, but I will come back at a later time and write out a full review and rating.

This was a great book. The focus is on two teens struggling with mental illness. Most of it stems from losing their parents. The author does a great job letting you into their minds and thoughts, You will instantly fall in love with Dew and the way he talks to Naima, You will find yourself feeling so much for Naima. The survivors guilt, the guilt of not saying goodbye and the guilt of not being kind as your last words to somebody you love. This books also focuses on the support that they receive from everyone around them. The amazing set of grandparents, two adoptive parents that really try so hard and are so kind, an evil stepmom that is not really evil, and two co-workers that accept them for who they are. Do they get picked on by others for being different. Yes, and the author mentions that in passing but the focus is really on understanding and kindness. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderfully written story about Naima and Dew, both of whom have had losses bring much grief in their lives. They both also experience mental health issues including OCD, GAD and PTSD, each struggling in their own way with their losses. Together they eventually are able to comfort each other and share a hope that they each so desperately need. A beautiful story of two broken teens trying to navigate their losses while also managing to develop and grow a supportive friendship full of understanding and acceptance. Beautifully written characters and story with many poignant moments that will make you laugh and cry. Definitely worth your time!

I was asked to review and feature this book for a blog tour. Honestly when I read the description I wasn’t sure I was actually going to like this book but I ended really enjoying it!

This books had characters that struggle with depression and the lose of a parent. Our main character Naima is trying to process the death of her father while struggling with her depression, OCD and GAD. She is the type of person who does not want your help or your sympathy but deep down she know she’s really need it. Though she will never admit it. Dew, short for Andrew, is trying to process and heal from the loss of both his parents. He has anxiety and major panic attacks that he learning how to work through.

When Naima moves into her grandparents house…Dew really wants to be the friend he knows she needs. Even though she only wants to push him away. It’s really sweet to see how their friendship develops through the book. Also how the characters grow and develop emotional through out the book.


The writing style of this book is unique and it took me a while to get use to it. It honestly matches the personality of the characters. Even though the book handles tougher topic…its an rather easy read.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for a eARC of this book!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

MY REVIEW
I love it when a great cover and an intriguing premise hold up to give you the read you were hoping for.
Six Goodbyes We Never said is a dual POV story following Dew and Naima as they cope with tragedy and their anxiety and other disorders they face every day.
Both characters were well-represented and consistent in their disorders, their coping, and their healing and interactions with others. The voices were strong and they invoked sympathy/empathy.
I love alternative formats in books and Ganger does well without pulling the reader out of the story.
This story is full of pain, grief, depression, sparks of happiness, and all sorts of emotions but has my favorite addition: HOPE.

SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID author Candace Ganger
Candace Ganger is the author of Six Goodbyes We Never Said and The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash as well as a contributing writer for HelloGiggles and obsessive marathoner. Aside from having past lives as a singer, nanotechnology website editor, and world’s worst vacuum sales rep, she’s also ghostwritten hundreds of projects for companies, best-selling fiction and award-winning nonfiction authors alike. She lives in Ohio with her family.
Twitter: @candylandgang + @WednesdayBooks
I sat down with Candace Ganger and asked her a little bit about SIX GOODBYES WE NEVER SAID.
How did you come up with the format for the book. From POV’s to other alternate formatting?
My editor had some great suggestions, such as adding international chapters for backstory in the vein of The Sun is Also a Star. I didn’t intend to give Dew his own full story, but after many drafts, it needed his voice. I also felt that the story needed more about Naima and Ray’s relationship without a ton of flashbacks, so this was how I thought it might work. This was originally in podcast form, but since the release of Courtney Summers’s amazing book, Sadie, I wouldn’t have stood a chance!
Where did the idea for this story come from?
A few places. I wanted to showcase the way my disorders present to help others understand and I’ve written about my struggle with identity and loss as long as I can remember, so this novel was a way to finally say goodbye. I’m still struggling with loss, so this was a way to navigate my own grief. That aside, my brother was a U.S. Marine, I have close friends who have fostered and adopted their children, and Six Goodbyes felt like the best place to tell all of these stories at once.
What is your favorite scene?
This will sound morbid, but the scenes with the urn. Anyone who knows me, knows I love cemeteries and feel a deep connection with the dead. Writing how Naima copes with a loss of this magnitude in this way is how I’d deal; sarcasm and wry humor to shield her from the pain of it.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me this arc. I will be reviewing this book in the near future with an honest rating and review.