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saramoser's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Classism, Infidelity, Sexual content, Pedophilia, Mental illness, Drug use, Cursing, Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcoholism, Car accident, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Gaslighting, Grief, and Rape
meeklovestoread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I do see what the author was going for by having Billy's case coincide with Cassie's own internal issues, however, I think the author should've just stuck to one topic because I feel like it all becomes a bit convoluted as the book goes on. Although the case is centered on Billy and his actions I still don't feel like Billy's character was flushed out enough for us (the reader) to make the assertion of his guilt or innocent. All we had was Cassie's biased depiction of who Billy was and not much from him directly. And based on their interactions, Billy seems to contradict the perception that Cassie has in her head (maybe that was the point, I'm not sure). I also feel like the true facts of the case and Billy's relationship with Diana were also unclear, especially toward the end. I'm still not sure what really happened.
Similar to Billy, many of the characters are so unlikeable which isn't a determining factor for me in terms of classifying a good book; however, not only were the characters unlikeable but they were also flat. There still wasn't much depth to them which is jarring considering the pacing of this book is so slow you'd think it would give time to flesh out the characters. In the end, I felt no sympathy toward anyone (minus Cassie).
I do appreciate Cassie's internal conflicts. I found them to be quite a realistic approach to how someone in her situation would approach and view things.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Rape, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Death of parent, Classism, and Pedophilia
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Sexual content, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Alcohol, and Car accident
jennastopreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Incest, Emotional abuse, Rape, Car accident, Adult/minor relationship, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Alcoholism and Death of parent
kerrygetsliterary's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Cursing, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Alcohol, Body shaming, Car accident, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
readingwithcats's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
iamkallia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Car accident
thatswhatshanread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I went into this one not knowing much about it, other than it being a BOTM choice that really intrigued me. I think it’s important to let the story do the talking, rather than personal bias or other people’s reviews. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid that, but I think especially with this book, you need to recognize that the scenes are written very deeply in the POV of the MC, a rich and privileged young woman, though troubled and much more than what appears on the surface.
This book dares you to play devil’s advocate for the worst possible scenario you could face as a woman. A case you would immediately fight against. Unthinkable, especially in today’s society. As a woman. As someone identifying as a woman. A daughter. A sister. A mother. A human being.
A sexual assault case. A rich, handsome, white Princeton-educated young man versus the “obsessive” ex-girlfriend. We all know the story, unfortunately all too well.
Where “When We Were Bright and Beautiful” differs is that it’s told from the POV of the accused’s older sister who believes him to be innocent. What ensues with her life, her secrets, her family’s secrets, and the trial as a whole is unsettling and shocking, but far more than just in the ways you’d expect.
Dysfunctional lives of the rich and (in)famous. This is an incredible family drama that’s centered around privilege, control, and power. It’s a sickly accurate view of high society and rape culture, while in some ways being another stepping stone in the never-ending fight to believe victims.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Classism, Gaslighting, Grief, Pedophilia, Addiction, Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Confinement, Car accident, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Sexism, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, and Medical content
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail