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sadiegenene25'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
The problems (there aren't many)
Although Caddy was a nice character, I never connected with her. I didn't understand her the way I could with Suzanne. Yes, she was meant to be uninteresting, but she crossed the line into blank piece of paper. Also, I hated Rosie. I never liked her. She was mean to both of her friends but never took any responsibility or apologized. She expected them to bend and apologize to her, and she just seemed like a brat. And, of course, Sarah, who complained incessantly to Caddy's mom about Suzanne. Calling her difficult and acting like taking an abused child out of her toxic family was such a terrible burden to bear, oh woe is me, my niece used to get beaten by her father but never mind that because I have to deal with her. What an absolute jerk Sarah was.
The good things
Suzanne. Lovely, broken Suzanne. She was amazing. She was wild and reckless and broken and trouble, and although I can't relate to her situation in any way, something about her drew me in. She was hurting, and I think that's something everyone can relate to.
The way the author gets to the heart of the story, without worrying about people being offended by the sensitive topic, was phenomenal.
This book didn't. Push. A. Romance. I was worried that she would use a boyfriend to "fix" Suzanne's situation, like other books do, like romance solves all your problems and deep-seated traumas.
The characters felt so achingly real. I certainly didn't like all of them, but they felt so authentic.
The WRITING. Sara Barnard needs more recognition for her writing style, because it makes me want to fall down and grovel at her feet.
3/5 stars for a character I just couldn't connect with, and for Rosie being the best friend that's an absolute jerk to her "friends" and never getting called out on it.
Graphic: Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, and Child abuse
georgiamaynard'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
Minor: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Self harm, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
z_thatsit'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
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, and Drug use
Minor: Alcohol, Grief, Death, and Sexual assault
lucys_library's review
5.0
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
thepretentiouspoet's review
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual assault and Self harm