Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida

3 reviews

valjeanval's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If you would like a master-class in voice, particularly writing the voice of thirteen year old girl, look no further. I don't think I've ever read an early teen thought process that worked as well as this one. I think I generally shy away from "coming of age" stories because they so often feel trite. Eulabee's voice is that perfect intersection of intelligent immaturity that I feel really captures this age. The flash forward at the end is also inspired. Just a fantastic piece of fiction that I'd recommend to just about anyone.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Suicide, and Bullying

Minor: Alcohol, Death, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

cassandrareadsbooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, but I settled on 4 because I did enjoy the main character. It’s a coming of age during the mid 80s and the last chapter flashes forward to 2019. 

Eulabee and her family are quite likable and I think it’s due to the fact that they live in an extremely wealthy neighborhood but don’t come from money.  Both parents had to work for their money and status in society. Other characters are descendants of the Mayflower or heiress to fortunes. Eulabee’s mother is from Sweden and her dad is American (Hungarian descent). 

Eulabee remains true to herself always. She isn’t defiant or overly rebellious, and is rather an honest and truthful person who is not easily swayed by the affluent people in her town. She is a thirteen year old girl who attends an all girls private school, so there is some naivety that comes with that kind of upbringing. However, she’s much more smarter than people perceive her to be. Perhaps it’s the real reason why she’s ostracized. Her suspicions about the kidnapping are true.

Everything surrounding Maria Fabiola and her disappearance comes full circle in the last chapter. She lies for attention and she lies because something deep inside of her feels she is lacking. All the money doesn’t matter if you can’t be your true self.

Expectations for this novel: enjoy the story and enjoy the characters. Do not expect a plot twist or to have a visceral reaction.

I feel like this book was going to be like season 1 of the Hulu show Cruel Summer but it did not have that plot twist I was looking for. There was no tension building.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Blood, Body shaming, Miscarriage, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Death, and Death of parent

headachesince03's review against another edition

challenging funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, Misogyny, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Suicide, Sexism, Blood, Bullying, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Child abuse, Classism, Death, Drug use, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Murder

Moderate: Violence, Vomit, Racism, and Rape

Minor: Homophobia and Outing