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megelizabeth's review against another edition
2.0
I really wasn't a fan of this book. Mostly because of the way it romanticises and glosses over one definite and another likely grooming situation, which there's just no excuse for. I also didn't connect at all with the protagonist, Emi, and found her and the story generally super pretentious and annoying, particularly with regard to how unbelievable her and her best friend's jobs are (though maybe I just can't grasp that level of privilege). For me, the saving grace was Ava; I really liked her character, and I did come to enjoy the development of her relationship with Emi, despite not really loving Emi herself, and I enjoyed Jamal's character also. Ultimately pretty disappointed by this one then, which is the shame as it would've been so easy to keep the foundation of the story and explore the same themes without resorting to okaying grooming (and giving the characters ridiculous jobs).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
decklededgess's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
3.0
trigger warnings: death of parent, drug abuse mention, underage drinking mention, foster care, homophobia, negligent parent
This is the most quintessential mid 2010s book ever. I relived high school through this (sans the LA vibes). I loved the slow burn and I loved the friendships. I also loved how the main character was technically a supporting character in Ava’s main character life story. This really felt like what most books with “quiet and quirky girls” aspire to because it’s a slow dawning that she’s not actually the lead in her own book. Really well written. Overall I was a bit bored but the merit of this book is undeniable.
This is the most quintessential mid 2010s book ever. I relived high school through this (sans the LA vibes). I loved the slow burn and I loved the friendships. I also loved how the main character was technically a supporting character in Ava’s main character life story. This really felt like what most books with “quiet and quirky girls” aspire to because it’s a slow dawning that she’s not actually the lead in her own book. Really well written. Overall I was a bit bored but the merit of this book is undeniable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Drug abuse, Child abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction
daydreamermoonwalker's review
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
This book was beautiful and poetic and romantic and just everything I want from a romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
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