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kell_xavi's review
3.5
The writing reminded me Nina LaCour, with its gentle movement through memory and its aftermath. Though Watch Over Me and We Are Okay, the most similar novels to this one, are both centred around characters 20+ years younger than Alexander’s protagonist, the voices had commonalities: a sense of small wonders, isolation, low self-esteem and a lot of self-blame, kindness and brokenness and pride in small achievements. Part of this is how the titular character here is treated, but the youthful is also a little odd, and I sometimes forgot she had 40 years of life within her.
A couple parts come together too easily, and others are belaboured, which lessens my overall rating. Fiona is a tangled character with a complex relationship to her sister, so it’s inevitably messy , but I think the depiction could’ve been stronger. And I don’t think either trendy pop version of the cover fits the book well! I did enjoy Meredith and her support network though. I liked the jigsaw puzzles and baking, the lack of judgment on age or any sort of expected landmark; I feel that depression and its most difficult effects are represented well in these pages.
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault
Minor: Fatphobia
besidemyshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Rape, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, and Mental illness
catrinlj's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Miscarriage and Cancer
lymadebell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage
There was wide descriptions of emotional abuse from a parent. There was also a number of situations where rape was mentioned or eluded to.becky_bo0p'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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Rape and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, and Miscarriage
theonlybaillie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
But it was for me amazingly. There are elements of hope and light in the darkness, such as found family and supportive friends. There is also very deep complex trauma and family relationships in this book, and the entirety of the effects and messy healing process are not concealed or tied in a pretty bow. We get the real, raw deal in this book. Not a lighthearted read, but a real read with a lot of depth.
Graphic: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Misogyny, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Violence, Death, Cancer, and Abandonment
_bailey_reads_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Also I can tell the author of this book did their research on what a therapist is actually like or has actually been to therapy themselves. It was refreshing to read a book where the therapist actually gave the character sound advice and there was an actual relationship and bond formed between therapist and client.
The overall story was well written, Meredith is a complicated character and who is deeply struggling. I found myself really relating to her. I think she’s a character that would be difficult for people to relate to if they have little to no experience with severe anxiety or depression. I was rooting for her from beginning to end. Her journey is not an easy one and as the story unfolds more and more is revealed about Meredith and why she is the way she is.
I really recommend this to anyone suffering from severe anxiety or depression. Anyone who feels hopeless and like life is not going to get better. This book made me feel less alone and gave me some hope that I will get through the difficult times!
Graphic: Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Self harm, Pregnancy, Grief, and Body horror
dekedescombes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, and Self harm
Minor: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Miscarriage, Domestic abuse, and Forced institutionalization
mwhite0226's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Rape
keirahelena_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Self harm, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Miscarriage