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monijac89's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jodiecal's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
skaterghost's review against another edition
funny
reflective
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
3.75
gooseofbeverly's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
daniellefff's review against another edition
4.0
Not as good as Big Swiss but still really good.
“In her fantasies they never bothered with phone numbers. He just showed up, wordlessly threw her over his shoulder, and then he carried her down a different alley, where they did some violent making out against a brick wall.
“Do you even know my name?” she asked.
He blushed. “I’m convinced it starts with K,” he said.
“M,” she said. “It starts with M.”
“Mommy?”
She laughed. “Mona.”
“Hm,” he said. “Can I call you Mommy instead?”
“In her fantasies they never bothered with phone numbers. He just showed up, wordlessly threw her over his shoulder, and then he carried her down a different alley, where they did some violent making out against a brick wall.
“Do you even know my name?” she asked.
He blushed. “I’m convinced it starts with K,” he said.
“M,” she said. “It starts with M.”
“Mommy?”
She laughed. “Mona.”
“Hm,” he said. “Can I call you Mommy instead?”
gralicia's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this! There were a few dark detours down Mona's memories that were confronting, but important.
I thought the 4 chapters based on different interactions and characters was a great way to pace the book; almost 4 short stories that interwove.
I just read that there is a sequel and I'll be heading out to find it asap!
I thought the 4 chapters based on different interactions and characters was a great way to pace the book; almost 4 short stories that interwove.
I just read that there is a sequel and I'll be heading out to find it asap!
Graphic: Child abuse
laurakfinnegan's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
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
4.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Self harm, Pedophilia, Drug use, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Addiction, and Toxic relationship
caroline21's review against another edition
4.5
really liked it. Good plot and felt cyclical. also really liked the character, love the way the author writes especially dialogue, and creates interesting worlds
carriepond's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The main character in Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin is Mona, a woman in her 20s who works as maid and volunteers with a needle exchange non-profit. It is through the latter that she meets and begins dating an older man, whom she calls "Mr. Disgusting," just as he emerges from rehab. From there, Mona interacts with a varied cast of characters, all the while sifting through her own baggage in moving and weird ways.
I've read Beagin's most recent novel, Big Swiss, and liked it very much, so I knew what I would probably get with this one, her debut. For those who have read Big Swiss, Pretend I'm Dead is similar vibes, and both very much live in a category of book that I am drawn to-- dark but funny character studies of women who are kind of fucked up but somehow remain endearing. I really enjoyed this one.
I've read Beagin's most recent novel, Big Swiss, and liked it very much, so I knew what I would probably get with this one, her debut. For those who have read Big Swiss, Pretend I'm Dead is similar vibes, and both very much live in a category of book that I am drawn to-- dark but funny character studies of women who are kind of fucked up but somehow remain endearing. I really enjoyed this one.