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savvyrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rating: 4/5 stars
Meredith has not left her house for over three years, but slowly begins to make progress on the journey to healing with the help of her friends.
This is extremely character-driven literary fiction, and I’m glad I read it on audio because that is usually my preferred format for that genre! I expected a meditation on mental health, and instead got one on friendship, sisterhood, and trauma…which is fine, but not exactly what the synopsis seems to suggest. That said, I found the characters really enjoyable, and Meredith’s journey was super poignant and beautiful. I was a bit frustrated because I kept wanting *more* from the book (though exactly what I can’t articulate)…but would still recommend to lit fic lovers in the mood for some very deep topics!
CW: Self harm; sexual assault; physical and emotional abuse; mental health/trauma generally
Graphic: Abandonment, Terminal illness, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
besidemyshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Rape, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, and Mental illness
revengesrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Infidelity, Alcohol, Cancer, and Death of parent
coligmueller's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Emotional abuse, and Self harm
elliethecatlover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
showmeyourbookies's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Minor: Sexual assault, Mental illness, and Self harm
theonlybaillie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
But it was for me amazingly. There are elements of hope and light in the darkness, such as found family and supportive friends. There is also very deep complex trauma and family relationships in this book, and the entirety of the effects and messy healing process are not concealed or tied in a pretty bow. We get the real, raw deal in this book. Not a lighthearted read, but a real read with a lot of depth.
Graphic: Child abuse, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief, Miscarriage, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Misogyny, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Violence, Death, Cancer, and Abandonment
sleeson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Claire Alexander wrote such a great novel. I want to share this book with others. Mild swearing. Mild sexual content.
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Rape
_bailey_reads_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Also I can tell the author of this book did their research on what a therapist is actually like or has actually been to therapy themselves. It was refreshing to read a book where the therapist actually gave the character sound advice and there was an actual relationship and bond formed between therapist and client.
The overall story was well written, Meredith is a complicated character and who is deeply struggling. I found myself really relating to her. I think she’s a character that would be difficult for people to relate to if they have little to no experience with severe anxiety or depression. I was rooting for her from beginning to end. Her journey is not an easy one and as the story unfolds more and more is revealed about Meredith and why she is the way she is.
I really recommend this to anyone suffering from severe anxiety or depression. Anyone who feels hopeless and like life is not going to get better. This book made me feel less alone and gave me some hope that I will get through the difficult times!
Graphic: Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Self harm, Pregnancy, Grief, and Body horror
leannesbookshelf's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Self harm, Mental illness, and Rape
Minor: Eating disorder