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kshertz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Minor: Car accident, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
cassielaj's review
- 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
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Car accident
Laura’s ex-fiancé makes an appearance that is totally infuriating and could be triggering (love-bombing, condescension, emotional manipulation)pagesfromhome's review
- 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? Yes
3.75
I also found myself frustrated with how slow Laura's character development happened. She's clearly dealing with a lot and I absolutely love how Waxman approached what she's facing, but I would have loved to see glimmers of growth throughout the story, rather than it all just being suggested at the end.
It was nice for all of the characters from Waxman's previous LA books to come together, I just felt like by focusing on everyone else, I lost my focus on Laura who I was hoping to really partner with throughout the story. But the romance was sweet, the friendships are top-notch, and Waxman is a master of writing animals which is a skill that should be more appreciated.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Bullying
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
serendipitysbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Car accident and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic relationship
kayyphan's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit, Pregnancy, and Alcoholism
rebeccap's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Mental illness, Car accident, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit and Alcoholism
beccarwolf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Car accident
readwithvirginia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This one was a treat! A classic coming of age, discovering what it means to be an adult read. Laura has moved to LA from New York leaving behind an over-bearing and protective family, ex-fiancé, and the picture of a life they all had for her. She is stepping out on her own for the first time and well a few days in her apartment catches fire and she has no where to go. So what does she do? Head to a bookstore (that girl had the right thought process there). From there we meet a parade of wonderful characters that help Laura discover who she is and help her find her place in this crazy world.
Being an adult makes NO SENSE and this book helps you see a young woman learning that for the first time. It’s okay to ask for help and try new things. None of us have any idea what we are doing so we have to lean on each other to get anywhere.
Also the airport scene was so worth the wait 🥰
The only thing that kept me from making this 5 stars was that I did get confused while reading a few times since you can hear all of the characters thoughts at once. It was odd being in everyone’s head. I ended up appreciating it but it took awhile for me to get used to especially since there were so many individual characters.
I haven’t read any other Abbi Waxman but trust that I cannot wait to go find out more about these characters especially Nina!
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism
reading_ladies_blog's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Car accident and Panic attacks/disorders