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dowryofbooks's review
2.0
2/5 stars
This story opens with the band members of one of the most iconic pop bands of the early 2000's doing an interview in which they learn their fourth band member, Cassidy Holmes, who quit the band years ago, has now committed suicide. We're plunged back to the early 2000's, unraveling Cassidy's journey and rise to fame. This alternates between past, present, and all four band members perspectives as the pieces of the story slowly come together.
After reading the summary of this book, my expectations immediately put this book on the same level as Daisy Jones & the Six. That was my fault. I don't know if my opinion on this would be different had I not previously read Daisy Jones. However, I do think this book had so much potential. It touched on a lot of important topics. The characters were individually dealing with their own heavy struggle. Some examples being: rape, abuse, racism, anorexia, being gay in the 90s & early 2000s. With all of those topics being discussed and more, I feel like this book should have packed a harder punch for me than it did.
Where it fell flat for me was with the characters and the overall story feels unfinished. I was never able to connect to the characters or feel for the struggles they were going through. Listening to the audiobook, I had trouble being able to distinct one girl from the other. They were almost interchangeable. This was a really slow burn story and not really caring for the characters at all left me feeling bored for much of it. Also I feel like some parts were never wrapped up. It felt like it ended mid story. Like the relationship between Cassidy and Rose, Cassidy and Alex. There was no closure for me.
Anyways, my rating may be a little harsh. If the premise sounds interesting to you I only have to say, don't go into this expecting the plot or characters to be anything like Daisy Jones & the Six.
This story opens with the band members of one of the most iconic pop bands of the early 2000's doing an interview in which they learn their fourth band member, Cassidy Holmes, who quit the band years ago, has now committed suicide. We're plunged back to the early 2000's, unraveling Cassidy's journey and rise to fame. This alternates between past, present, and all four band members perspectives as the pieces of the story slowly come together.
After reading the summary of this book, my expectations immediately put this book on the same level as Daisy Jones & the Six. That was my fault. I don't know if my opinion on this would be different had I not previously read Daisy Jones. However, I do think this book had so much potential. It touched on a lot of important topics. The characters were individually dealing with their own heavy struggle. Some examples being: rape, abuse, racism, anorexia, being gay in the 90s & early 2000s. With all of those topics being discussed and more, I feel like this book should have packed a harder punch for me than it did.
Where it fell flat for me was with the characters and the overall story feels unfinished. I was never able to connect to the characters or feel for the struggles they were going through. Listening to the audiobook, I had trouble being able to distinct one girl from the other. They were almost interchangeable. This was a really slow burn story and not really caring for the characters at all left me feeling bored for much of it. Also I feel like some parts were never wrapped up. It felt like it ended mid story. Like the relationship between Cassidy and Rose, Cassidy and Alex. There was no closure for me.
Anyways, my rating may be a little harsh. If the premise sounds interesting to you I only have to say, don't go into this expecting the plot or characters to be anything like Daisy Jones & the Six.
aatkinss's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
hourstickby's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
readingwitht's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
brooketaylor's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
reindeerbandit's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wowowowow excellent also being famous sounds like it SUCKS also i wish XXX misery and peace for the other three #nospoilers but you’re gonna know who i mean
taylorlechat's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book in nearly one sitting, which says a lot on its own. I just wish it had gone a little bit further. There is so much darkness and mystery among celebrities that this book could have been more dramatic and pushed the envelop more. The author seemed hesitant to do so which is not surprising for a debut novel. Overall I really enjoyed the book and especially enjoyed the way mental health was portrayed, even more so after reading the authors note.
cecarson's review against another edition
3.0
For being a lengthy book, it had an understandably slow build but the ending felt rushed. The story of the dark side of fame was entertaining, which almost makes it that much more disturbing.