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glauxgirl's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
rkreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for providing me with an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this audiobook! 10/10 would recommend! That being said a few chapters cut off early but I assume that is an ARC issue.
The author and the narrator both did a fantastic job making Joel feel like a real teenager. The writing makes his voice sound so genuine and, somewhat ironically, normal. The story flowed really well and the pacing was fantastic. I don't know if this is just because I listened to the audiobook, but I can't remember feeling like there were moments that were dragging or rushed.
My favorite part of this book is the relationships! Lisabeth Posthuma really excels at depicting multiple different types of relationships without any of them feeling weird or out of places (unless its in line with the characters- I'm looking at you Godfather). Joel has a very complicated relationship with both of his parents and this handled very well in the book but the thing that really blew me away was that I was reading a YA novel where the parents actually did parent things like wanted to know where their kids were and actually paid attention to what they were or were not doing. I also really enjoyed the dynamic of all the video store employees. If you like books with a friend group or big cast of characters- this one is for you!
Out of all the amazing relationship depictions in this book I have to say a few words about the Baby + Solo dynamic. It was so enjoyable to watch their friendship develop, even while they are both going through some really tough stuff. Their relationship developed in a very natural and authentic way and it was a joy to watch unfold.
This book handles some very serious issues but Lisabeth Posthuma skillfully maneuvers through them and dedicates the appropriate amount of time to tackles these issues. I really love how much a focus was put on proper treatment and coping mechanisms for varying mental health issues and varying severities or issues.
I LOVED this audiobook! 10/10 would recommend! That being said a few chapters cut off early but I assume that is an ARC issue.
The author and the narrator both did a fantastic job making Joel feel like a real teenager. The writing makes his voice sound so genuine and, somewhat ironically, normal. The story flowed really well and the pacing was fantastic. I don't know if this is just because I listened to the audiobook, but I can't remember feeling like there were moments that were dragging or rushed.
My favorite part of this book is the relationships! Lisabeth Posthuma really excels at depicting multiple different types of relationships without any of them feeling weird or out of places (unless its in line with the characters- I'm looking at you Godfather). Joel has a very complicated relationship with both of his parents and this handled very well in the book but the thing that really blew me away was that I was reading a YA novel where the parents actually did parent things like wanted to know where their kids were and actually paid attention to what they were or were not doing. I also really enjoyed the dynamic of all the video store employees. If you like books with a friend group or big cast of characters- this one is for you!
Out of all the amazing relationship depictions in this book I have to say a few words about the Baby + Solo dynamic. It was so enjoyable to watch their friendship develop, even while they are both going through some really tough stuff. Their relationship developed in a very natural and authentic way and it was a joy to watch unfold.
This book handles some very serious issues but Lisabeth Posthuma skillfully maneuvers through them and dedicates the appropriate amount of time to tackles these issues. I really love how much a focus was put on proper treatment and coping mechanisms for varying mental health issues and varying severities or issues.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit, Homophobia, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
MC is in recovery from depression and other mental illness. There are brief mentions of his time in a mental health facility.
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