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bussmanbooks3000's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, Rape, Antisemitism, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Abortion
chloek608's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.0
I recommend this book if you like:
-YA college romance
-slow burn
-Normal People by Sally Rooney
-YA college romance
-slow burn
-Normal People by Sally Rooney
This story switches between the two characters Penny and Sam. I was annoyed however that it isn’t written in first person. This is a very much character based plot and very little happens across the 400 pages. Although we do get to know the characters a lot and dive deep into their issues and lives.
Penny and Sam are unlikely friends who become each other’s emergency contact. Someone they text, vent to, open up to without feeling self conscious.
Penny has just started college and Sam works at a coffee shop and lives in the back as his mum is reckless with money.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Abandonment
Moderate: Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Pregnancy
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
I love an angst filled friends to lovers novel and this book perfectly scratched that itch. The main characters are two total weirdos who bond through texts after they realize neither one of them has anyone to rely on in an emergency situation. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is the ending. I wanted it to keep going a few more chapters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, Pregnancy, and Mental illness
chris_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Miscarriage, and Alcohol
writtenwithoutanending's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Alcoholism, Rape, and Sexual assault
_bethypaige's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship, Addiction, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, and Racism
Minor: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
lesbianfrankiero's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Classism, Pregnancy, and Mental illness
Minor: Abortion, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Drug use, Medical content, and Miscarriage
i would've loved to see more character development tbh, BUT i did love the discussion of mental health, socioeconomic disparity, vulnerability, and the focus on the bond or lack thereof between parent and child thatcrafts_writing's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.5
I found this book at an interesting time in my life: I'm a fairly new college student who hasn't read for fun in a couple of years. So, my reviewing skills might be a little rusty. But, I was excited to get back into reading again and this seemed like a good start for me.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read. It's light-hearted but eventful with emotional scenes and multiple "side plots." Besides the basic synopsis, there wasn't much for a plotline, but there was a lot going on in this book: Penny's storyline, Sam's storyline, the mother's storyline, Judy's (and Mallory's) storyline, etc. In particular, I found myself loving the basic characterizations of each character but struggled to really get to know the side characters. I struggle to put it into words, but there was something missing from Judy and Mallory and later Andy's characterizations. It was hard to understand their motivations. Still, it was a minor flaw.
Other things I loved about this book: how easy of a read this book is. There were sections that were a little harder to read, but for the most part, this book flowed really nicely. I struggled a bit at the beginning because of how YA this story feels. The texting and references were silly and out of character, but once you get further in the book, you realize why. It becomes a bit more in character for them and the way they talk. But, I think this writing style would have been more appropriate with Penny being 15/16 and Sam being 17/18. If the writing style was different, this book could have easily been a new adult instead of a YA.
(Also, can we talk about the cover?! The hardcopy has a theme of light pink and gold, and the character art is beautiful!)
Another thing I loved is that some things didn't have perfect endings. Sam's mother Brandie Rose toward the end still didn't care for her son, but Sam seemed to accept and be able to move on. I'm really glad Choi didn't try and resolve them after she ruined Sam's life. Lorriane's storyline as well. Sam was able to move on from her, albeit a bit suddenly in my opinion. I wish we got a little more in his head about her.
Some things I disliked: Sam's initial character. As a teenager, the "bad boy" type can really seem appealing, but as you get older, it looks like a giant red flag. Some of his actions and the way he reacted considering the seriousness of the situation were a bit off-putting. The way he was almost excited to trap Lola was crazy to me. Of course, I understood his reasoning for wanting to have direction, but I think he should have been freaked out more. He got her pregnant despite knowing the relationship was basically one-sided. The whole pregnancy situation threw me for a loop, and I still don't know how I feel about the whole thing. I didn't particularly enjoy that section of the novel.
Another thing I disliked was generally the first section of the novel. This is the author's first-ever fiction book, and it feels a little bumpy at the beginning. Penny acted overly aggressive, and some of the lines are weird or out of place. I think Choi needed to tweak the beginning after finishing her novel and adjust the characters accordingly. Sure, it's character development, but the shifts from "I hate you" to "you're my friend now" characterizations were like a blink. (I'm looking at you, Mallory).
Why I disagree with some bad reviews: I see a lot of people not liking the writing style, and I think people forget this is a young adult novel. Although both main characters are over 18, the book's demographic is teenagers. Of course, the characters in a realistic fiction story are going to act like whiny teenagers! Because, well, they kind of are. Although, I can agree with people saying Penny's character at the beginning is a bit rude and standoff-ish (actually, there were several moments I got whiplash by how rude characters were!) To me at least, this fizzled out more towards the end.
Pros: it's a light-hearted read, genuinely really funny at times, has good connections between the love interests, as well as creative and unique lines. Really easy to read right through.
Cons: bumpy start, writing/characters are too immature for some people, questionable morals.
Overall, I think it's a great read! If you're extra picky about your YA books seeming too immature, maybe skip this one. The language can come off as trying too hard for some people I've heard, and I can kind of see why. Otherwise, it's a semi-fast read and everything is nicely resolved.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read. It's light-hearted but eventful with emotional scenes and multiple "side plots." Besides the basic synopsis, there wasn't much for a plotline, but there was a lot going on in this book: Penny's storyline, Sam's storyline, the mother's storyline, Judy's (and Mallory's) storyline, etc. In particular, I found myself loving the basic characterizations of each character but struggled to really get to know the side characters. I struggle to put it into words, but there was something missing from Judy and Mallory and later Andy's characterizations. It was hard to understand their motivations. Still, it was a minor flaw.
Other things I loved about this book: how easy of a read this book is. There were sections that were a little harder to read, but for the most part, this book flowed really nicely. I struggled a bit at the beginning because of how YA this story feels. The texting and references were silly and out of character, but once you get further in the book, you realize why. It becomes a bit more in character for them and the way they talk. But, I think this writing style would have been more appropriate with Penny being 15/16 and Sam being 17/18. If the writing style was different, this book could have easily been a new adult instead of a YA.
(Also, can we talk about the cover?! The hardcopy has a theme of light pink and gold, and the character art is beautiful!)
Another thing I loved is that some things didn't have perfect endings.
Some things I disliked: Sam's initial character. As a teenager, the "bad boy" type can really seem appealing, but as you get older, it looks like a giant red flag. Some of his actions and the way he reacted considering the seriousness of the situation were a bit off-putting.
Another thing I disliked was generally the first section of the novel. This is the author's first-ever fiction book, and it feels a little bumpy at the beginning. Penny acted overly aggressive, and some of the lines are weird or out of place. I think Choi needed to tweak the beginning after finishing her novel and adjust the characters accordingly. Sure, it's character development, but the shifts from "I hate you" to "you're my friend now" characterizations were like a blink. (I'm looking at you, Mallory).
Why I disagree with some bad reviews: I see a lot of people not liking the writing style, and I think people forget this is a young adult novel. Although both main characters are over 18, the book's demographic is teenagers. Of course, the characters in a realistic fiction story are going to act like whiny teenagers! Because, well, they kind of are. Although, I can agree with people saying Penny's character at the beginning is a bit rude and standoff-ish (actually, there were several moments I got whiplash by how rude characters were!) To me at least, this fizzled out more towards the end.
Pros: it's a light-hearted read, genuinely really funny at times, has good connections between the love interests, as well as creative and unique lines. Really easy to read right through.
Cons: bumpy start, writing/characters are too immature for some people, questionable morals.
Overall, I think it's a great read! If you're extra picky about your YA books seeming too immature, maybe skip this one. The language can come off as trying too hard for some people I've heard, and I can kind of see why. Otherwise, it's a semi-fast read and everything is nicely resolved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Minor: Racism
riddle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Racism, and Rape
Minor: Miscarriage
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Dysphoria, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
Minor: Miscarriage, Racism, and Bullying