Scan barcode
stellahadz's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"You feel like your world changed without your permission."
This book perfectly captures the feelings of shame and disappointment that come with adult life not panning out the way you wanted or expected. I loved Mickey's voice and her introspections about her work, her relationships, her family, and the level of control she can exert (or not exert) over her own life. I also thought the book did an amazing job of expressing the complex feeling of being known and seen in different ways by people from different parts of your life. Tembe Denton-Hurst is a very talented writer, and I look forward to reading more from her.
My only complaint is that the book's description felt a little misleading - the "media scandal" that brings Mickey back into the spotlight doesn't happen until very late in the book, and as a result the last 75 pages or so feel quite rushed and the ending wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked. I expected a bit more flashy drama, but the book was overall on the introspective side. I still enjoyed it, but I think the premise of Mickey returning to her hometown to escape her disappointment in herself and her life would have been strong enough to stand on its own.
This book perfectly captures the feelings of shame and disappointment that come with adult life not panning out the way you wanted or expected. I loved Mickey's voice and her introspections about her work, her relationships, her family, and the level of control she can exert (or not exert) over her own life. I also thought the book did an amazing job of expressing the complex feeling of being known and seen in different ways by people from different parts of your life. Tembe Denton-Hurst is a very talented writer, and I look forward to reading more from her.
My only complaint is that the book's description felt a little misleading - the "media scandal" that brings Mickey back into the spotlight doesn't happen until very late in the book, and as a result the last 75 pages or so feel quite rushed and the ending wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked. I expected a bit more flashy drama, but the book was overall on the introspective side. I still enjoyed it, but I think the premise of Mickey returning to her hometown to escape her disappointment in herself and her life would have been strong enough to stand on its own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Fatphobia, Cultural appropriation, and Body shaming
peachani's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness, Racism, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Racial slurs, Abandonment, Alcohol, Fatphobia, and Cultural appropriation
deetabz's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Lesbophobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Toxic friendship, Cultural appropriation, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Infidelity, Racial slurs, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, and Religious bigotry
More...