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mari_is_here's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, Mental illness, and Gore
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
kaicedcoffee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Classism, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Pandemic/Epidemic
kellyung's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Drug use, Infidelity, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pregnancy, Abortion, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
camdelo96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Abortion, Drug abuse, Violence, Suicide, and Drug use
ourladyofcats's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Moderate: Body horror, Classism, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcohol
kelsiecrough's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Here are the things that I liked:
- the use of a unique form, with the definitions and examples being flashbacks
- the symbolism of the black hole was interesting
- I was invested in the main character and wanted her to succeed
- The. subtle tying in of things that are seemingly disconnected
- Every once in a while there was a paragraph that so crisp it had me completely immersed
- the audiobook was pretty good too
- Everything that could possibly go wrong for the character went wrong. Anything that was good was so short-lived that it was very predictable that some thing would happen that would upset the main character or make her life more difficult. While I believe not making it easy for your character is important, making everything that could go wrong go wrong made the plot super predictable and lowered the stakes for the reader.
- I really don't know how to feel about the black hole. On one hand, it was an interesting device to describe the complexity of generational trauma and depression. On the other hand, I wish it was used and explored just a little bit more throughout the book. I also think the fact that everything was going wrong for her plot-wise really softened the symbolism of her collapse mirrored by the black hole.
- Every few paragraphs there was a sentence or two that spelled things out for the reader that I personally would've deleted in revisions.
- Ending was ok, like I stated before, a little predictable. All the subtle tie-ins from throughout the book was nice, but based on the amount of time that was spent describing those things in the beginning, I would think their tie-in would be more pronounced than it was in its current list-like form.
- Honestly, I felt like this could have been a set of short stories or a novella instead of a novel.
Minor: Abortion, Addiction, Drug abuse, Classism, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Misogyny, and Pandemic/Epidemic
smallmac's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Abortion
kels_cullen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicide, Drug abuse, Death, Abortion, and Drug use
takneeah_c28's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Abortion, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Drug abuse
annagerman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story manages to explore so many different aspects and difficulties of modern life without being shallow, in a nuanced sensitive way.
I loved the writing, it was wry and sharp yet poignant. The use of magical realism was done just right, reflecting the complexities of the MC's inner-monologue. The structure of the chapters was also interesting.
I really felt for Cassie. Her views were definitely warped by her mental state, but I still found myself relating to many of her observations. The descriptions of depression and anxiety, and even suicidal indentations, were done particularly well. They are complex and subtle, yet emotionally charged and unsettling.
Verdict - 4.5\5 black holes.
A compelling, complex and absorbing read, tackling major issues, with a touch of magical realism and dark humor.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Abortion, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content and Suicide