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maggies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a fun follow-up to The Bookish Life of Nina Hill! Nina is just a side character in this one, but it was so fun to revisit her world a bit. The found family dynamics were *chef's kiss* including the many many animals. There was a little bit of "cool girl" stuff going on with Laura, but I got over it because she really was so lovable—they all were, except for Nick, the cad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Fatphobia
withlivjones's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is an endearing read that is pretty much a sitcom in book format - a cast of colourful characters, moments of slapstick comedy, several interwoven plot lines, and a will-they-won’t-they romance. On top of that, there are some incredibly validating lines about mental health, looking after oneself, and the fact that it’s completely okay and normal to ask for help finding your feet. What’s not to love?
I thought that the slowburn romance between Laura and Bob was very well written. So much pining! And I also loved the omniscient narration style that gives insight into all the characters’ thoughts and reminds us that nobody’s perfect. However, some characters were definitely more one-dimensional than others - particularly Nick and Madeleine - and while the scene with them provided a lot of light comedy, their archetypal characteristics ended up being quite jarring when juxtaposed with the much more fleshed-out housemates. It would have been perfect for a sitcom, but in a book there really is space to explore every aspect of a character, even the minor ones. I also felt a little like the loose ends were wrapped up a bit too quickly and conveniently at the end of the book.
Overall, this really is a great read for someone looking for a cozy and lighthearted book to water their crops, clear their skin, heal their trauma etc.
I thought that the slowburn romance between Laura and Bob was very well written. So much pining! And I also loved the omniscient narration style that gives insight into all the characters’ thoughts and reminds us that nobody’s perfect. However, some characters were definitely more one-dimensional than others - particularly Nick and Madeleine - and while the scene with them provided a lot of light comedy, their archetypal characteristics ended up being quite jarring when juxtaposed with the much more fleshed-out housemates. It would have been perfect for a sitcom, but in a book there really is space to explore every aspect of a character, even the minor ones. I also felt a little like the loose ends were wrapped up a bit too quickly and conveniently at the end of the book.
Overall, this really is a great read for someone looking for a cozy and lighthearted book to water their crops, clear their skin, heal their trauma etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
Moderate: Vomit
tabbysassy's review
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A perfectly enjoyable read, though the romantic buildup sometimes wavered into the realm of repetitive rather than anticipatory, and the villains are laughably bad people.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Vomit
bluesky5283's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved it. Witty, warm and uplifting. The characters are brilliant and very well written, and I loved how mental health was portrayed. It's filled with clever observations of daily life as small incidental details that make you feel like you're in the world with them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Vomit
mswarning's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.25
It was really sweet, but not a lot happened. It's definitely a slowburn with little payoff. The ptsd portrayal was nice to see and pretty realistic so at least there's that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Vomit, and Alcohol
kayyphan's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit, Pregnancy, and Alcoholism
theespressoedition's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
Typically, I wait a few days before writing a review after I've finished reading a book. However, I'm making an exception for Adult Assembly Required because I loved this book so much I couldn't wait longer than five minutes before putting my thoughts into words.
First of all, Abbi Waxman never fails me. I have absolutely adored every book I've read by her so far (and I only have one left to catch up on from her backlist). This is a feat that not many other authors have been able to accomplish - yes, even my favorites. So thank you, Abbi, for always knowing exactly what to write. Your books feel like a giant hug or comforting mug of tea or something else equally cozy and heartwarming.
While Laura may be portrayed as the protagonist of this book, I'd vouch that there is no true "main character" and that's what makes this book so lovely. Unlike so many other books that follow just one person per chapter, Adult Assembly Required was like standing in the middle of a room filled with people and being able to hear all of their thoughts at once. Okay, terrible example because that sounds like an awful experience. I'm trying to say something good here!
The book is written in the third person, but no singular individual is the focus of any chapter. Instead, at any given moment, you have the chance to understand what's going on from Maggie's perspective, or Polly's, or even Bob's, and it's lovely. It provides a really atmospheric feeling to the entire book and makes you feel like you're just one of the many members of the household. Rather than reading about lounging by the pool, I was dipping my toes in as well. Instead of just reading about a car ride, I was in the passenger seat. It was so immersive and unique and I loved every minute of it.
In addition to the creative method of storytelling, I loved that we were able to sneak a peek into the lives of characters from Abbi's other books! Oh, how this made my heart jump for joy. Whether it was the first moment of hearing the name "Impossibly Handsome Bob" again or witnessing Nina in passionate fact-vomiting mode or even hilariously outspoken Claire introducing herself for the first time, it just made me feel the warm fuzzies all over. This wonderful cast is so precious and no matter who you are, you'll find yourself relating to at least someone!
Of course, as always, I appreciated the wonderful representation of anxiety and how it was navigated. While it was super frustrating to hear the way that the people in Laura's previous life talked about her, belittled her, gaslighted her, and generally made her feel as though she wasn't worthy of feeling her feelings, I was grateful for how other stood up for her and helped her get to a better place. Everyone had their own struggles throughout the book, whether it was social anxiety, alcoholism, estranged relationships, or something else - they were, each and every one of them, so real and relatable. The camaraderie in the house and the support of each person was so special and made me tear up while laughing aloud. The best combination, if you ask me!
I could truly go on forever about how sweet this book. Do yourself a favor and give it a read!
First of all, Abbi Waxman never fails me. I have absolutely adored every book I've read by her so far (and I only have one left to catch up on from her backlist). This is a feat that not many other authors have been able to accomplish - yes, even my favorites. So thank you, Abbi, for always knowing exactly what to write. Your books feel like a giant hug or comforting mug of tea or something else equally cozy and heartwarming.
While Laura may be portrayed as the protagonist of this book, I'd vouch that there is no true "main character" and that's what makes this book so lovely. Unlike so many other books that follow just one person per chapter, Adult Assembly Required was like standing in the middle of a room filled with people and being able to hear all of their thoughts at once. Okay, terrible example because that sounds like an awful experience. I'm trying to say something good here!
The book is written in the third person, but no singular individual is the focus of any chapter. Instead, at any given moment, you have the chance to understand what's going on from Maggie's perspective, or Polly's, or even Bob's, and it's lovely. It provides a really atmospheric feeling to the entire book and makes you feel like you're just one of the many members of the household. Rather than reading about lounging by the pool, I was dipping my toes in as well. Instead of just reading about a car ride, I was in the passenger seat. It was so immersive and unique and I loved every minute of it.
In addition to the creative method of storytelling, I loved that we were able to sneak a peek into the lives of characters from Abbi's other books! Oh, how this made my heart jump for joy. Whether it was the first moment of hearing the name "Impossibly Handsome Bob" again or witnessing Nina in passionate fact-vomiting mode or even hilariously outspoken Claire introducing herself for the first time, it just made me feel the warm fuzzies all over. This wonderful cast is so precious and no matter who you are, you'll find yourself relating to at least someone!
Of course, as always, I appreciated the wonderful representation of anxiety and how it was navigated. While it was super frustrating to hear the way that the people in Laura's previous life talked about her, belittled her, gaslighted her, and generally made her feel as though she wasn't worthy of feeling her feelings, I was grateful for how other stood up for her and helped her get to a better place. Everyone had their own struggles throughout the book, whether it was social anxiety, alcoholism, estranged relationships, or something else - they were, each and every one of them, so real and relatable. The camaraderie in the house and the support of each person was so special and made me tear up while laughing aloud. The best combination, if you ask me!
I could truly go on forever about how sweet this book. Do yourself a favor and give it a read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Car accident, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit and Alcoholism
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