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megnut's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Bullying
Moderate: Infidelity
katred3's review against another edition
Pacing was too slow. Main charecters were shallow. No real growth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, and Terminal illness
Minor: Medical content, Medical trauma, and Suicidal thoughts
wintah's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
sadly not the book for me. i didn't really like either of the main characters and found them more irritable than likeable or interesting. i didn't really get invested in the story and found it quite slow or even boring a lot of the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Cancer, Terminal illness, and Homophobia
thetrickisto's review against another edition
Annoying main character who is acts hatefully towards a closeted character and swears it is justified.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Outing
Minor: Fatphobia
elderflower's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Sexual content
faithfullymoonstruck's review
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
elianacox's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A large part of this book you are dealing with an irritating narrator.
Let me explain, Alice is upset that she is no longer "dying". She's afraid of commitment and puts everyone she loves down (especially the love interest Harvey). She is afraid of all the life that has been given back to her and the future scares her. I felt so bad for Harvey because he's constantly being used and his feelings being thrown about carelessly.
The story is told in "Then" and "Now" narrative. The "Then" narrative just consistently shows how present day Alice is truly just a bitch.
Alice isn't ready for commit and isn't ready for a relationship. Alice can't let Harvey go for his own betterment. It's very toxic to be honest, and I don't think the narrative ever makes up for how unhealthy the relationship got.
The 2 star rating comes from Alice consistently being toxic and the book ultimately brushing her behavior off.
Let me explain, Alice is upset that she is no longer "dying". She's afraid of commitment and puts everyone she loves down (especially the love interest Harvey). She is afraid of all the life that has been given back to her and the future scares her. I felt so bad for Harvey because he's constantly being used and his feelings being thrown about carelessly.
The story is told in "Then" and "Now" narrative. The "Then" narrative just consistently shows how present day Alice is truly just a bitch.
Alice isn't ready for commit and isn't ready for a relationship. Alice can't let Harvey go for his own betterment. It's very toxic to be honest, and I don't think the narrative ever makes up for how unhealthy the relationship got.
The 2 star rating comes from Alice consistently being toxic and the book ultimately brushing her behavior off.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Toxic relationship
liaratthomas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Cancer
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Violence
thelovelylibrarylady's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
Side Effects May Vary is my favorite book Murphy has written so far. With that being said, this title will not be for everyone. Alice, the main character, is extremely unlikeable, but in a way that makes sense. She has gone through something truly agonizing, and while that does not excuse her behavior, it starts to explain it. If you don't like moody, unlikeable characters, this may not be the book for you. In fact, if I had to describe this book in three words they would be intense, traumatic, and emotional. So if you are ready to commit to having your heart ripped out and going through a fair share of tissues, this would make an excellent read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
reading_rhi's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming and Drug use
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