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stellahadz's review
- 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
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.
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Fatphobia, Cultural appropriation, and Body shaming
calamitydane's review
- 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
Moderate: Grief, Homophobia, Fatphobia, Racism, and Body shaming
maceydowns's review against another edition
- 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
2.75
Graphic: Infidelity, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Mental illness, Homophobia, Racism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Classism, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Drug use, Fatphobia, and Gaslighting
hawk_just_hawk's review
- 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: Homophobia, Drug use, Sexual content, Alcohol, Racism, Racial slurs, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Minor: Religious bigotry
gracescanlon's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The characters, their relationships, and their interactions were believable and well-fleshed out. Mickey’s frustration at the unfairness (at best) of her situation was palpable.
I’d expected the story to primarily be about the racism, micro-aggressions, etc. that Mickey and other POC experience, as well as the effect of her letter and the fallout from its going viral. That was what appealed to me most when I read the inside cover at the library. However, the story focused primarily on Mickey’s current romantic relationship and her reuniting with her first love. It was a good story, but I was still incredibly disappointed that the story I’d been promised was not what I got when I read the book.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Homophobia
Minor: Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment
deetabz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
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
moondreaming's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
i also didn't like any of the characters expect grandma anna and i didn't like or feel a connection to mickey at all.
i found the premise of the book interesting and an important conversation to be had. the actual book itself felt frustrating.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, and Body shaming
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Homophobia
tjminus's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Alcohol and Body shaming