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internationalreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a fun book to kick off the new year! Serena is charming, ambitious, and dealt with an issue that many of us face throughout our adult lives. All of her old friends seemed too busy to hang out with her, so she went on a quest to make some new gal pals! Her various friend dates were both awkward and hilarious, really demonstrating the risks inherent in "putting yourself out there."
I also loved how Serena navigated her complicated family relationships by getting some distance when necessary, but also stepping up and putting in the work to mend fences with her sister and parents. Lalli included some lovely chapters from the viewpoint of Serena's mother, Sandeep, as she explained what it was like to immigrate to the U.S. from India and raise two daughters in a new country.
I do agree with other reviewers that the story would have been stronger without the romance elements. It also felt like some elements came out of nowhere and were subsequently wrapped up too quickly at the end of the story. Still, this was an enjoyable, lightheaded book about a woman who knows what she wants out of life and doesn't succumb to expectations about what she "should" be doing, which made for a truly refreshing read.
I also loved how Serena navigated her complicated family relationships by getting some distance when necessary, but also stepping up and putting in the work to mend fences with her sister and parents. Lalli included some lovely chapters from the viewpoint of Serena's mother, Sandeep, as she explained what it was like to immigrate to the U.S. from India and raise two daughters in a new country.
I do agree with other reviewers that the story would have been stronger without the romance elements. It also felt like some elements came out of nowhere and were subsequently wrapped up too quickly at the end of the story. Still, this was an enjoyable, lightheaded book about a woman who knows what she wants out of life and doesn't succumb to expectations about what she "should" be doing, which made for a truly refreshing read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexism, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
cath_collette's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
bookdragon217's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, and Domestic abuse
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