Reviews

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses: A Novel by Kristen O'Neal

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tessaf's review against another edition

3.0

Look it was a fun read (I was immediately drawn into the concept), I love the werewolf stuff and the tumblr side of things. But, and it really got stuck with me a lot, Priya feels like the author initially wrote a white character and then went "oh shit diversity sells, I will just make her Indian American with minimal effort and that'll sell more" (and some of the things I have seen in reviews by POC readers make me think this might not be off base to say), given that the author is white herself and is in no way from the culture it seems a weird choice, like she was trying to put in more rep (badly done rep) to make this story more attractive to an audience?? Disclaimer: I am white, I could very much be wrong about my reading of the writing here (I can't say if she has actually made efforts that I'm not noticing because I don't know to look for it, her writing is naturally clunky so maybe that's what I'm seeing), so if there are Tamil readers who feel that it was done well, I would say look at what they have to say, but I guess if you're looking into this one, see what readers of colour are saying about it first.

maryamthehobbit's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Ok this book!! What to say about it. It took me by surprise about part way through as the plot changed from what I was expecting but in the best way. Brigid and Priya’s platonic soulmate plotline reminds me of my own platonic soulmate and I love that there wasn’t an overt love story driving this book! Brigid was hilarious, Priya was so real, all the other support group members were so loveable! Loved this book and can see myself rereading it soon.

wheredotheducksgo's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

Very very cute and fun book with a strong friendship at the center. Also, pretty accurate representation of Tumblr culture and, unfortunately, yes, I am expert at that.

keighme95's review against another edition

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5.0

This was the book I never knew I needed. I bought it over a year ago, but could never muster up the courage to read it until recently. As someone managing chronic pain, unsure of where it came from or why, I felt so deeply so many of the things discussed, the quotes by the characters. I’ve been mad at God, just like they have. I’ve let myself get dark, I’ve been told it was in my head, I’ve fought for doctor recognition. Things all of the characters in the chat group have been through. I won’t say there weren’t parts that were triggering, but they were in a way that I needed to experience. To read about relatable characters and listen to their insights. This book was very well written and served the purpose of being not only an entertaining read, but also an inspiring one. I am very happy I finally found the courage to start it.

docwald's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

partly_stars's review against another edition

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3.75

The beggining was sloww, i would cut some of the onlune conversations in kenght but i gotta say its probably the most realistic portayal of the way tumblr and discied ppl chat lmao
I liked the discusions on chronic ilnesses, the portrayal of that fes realistic. I like how horryfying the werewol transformation itself was, especially the teeth
Also Priya's family feels very bemivable and a bit i overbearing but also loving