Scan barcode
readtheroomjess's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
readwithchar's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Biphobia, and Sexual assault
katiemack's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I put this one off for a while because I knew it would be heart-wrenching, and it is. At twenty-five years old, Maddie is not only the primary caretaker for her father, who has Parkinson's disease, but also has no support from her mother or older brother, both of whom are conspicuously absent at inconvenient times (her mother in Ghana and her brother in...various places) and contribute nothing financially. On top of this, she loses her job for an infuriating reason.
Through Maddie, Jessica George explores the themes of racism, sexism, and abuse in an occasionally funny but often devastating way; I wanted to both hug Maddie and scream at her to remove herself from dangerous situations. While a little slow at times, the way George structures Maddie's days feels organic; her development is believable, which makes what she experiences all the more frustrating. If you're worried about this feeling like a depressing slog, don't be; the ending is incredibly satisfying.
I put this one off for a while because I knew it would be heart-wrenching, and it is. At twenty-five years old, Maddie is not only the primary caretaker for her father, who has Parkinson's disease, but also has no support from her mother or older brother, both of whom are conspicuously absent at inconvenient times (her mother in Ghana and her brother in...various places) and contribute nothing financially. On top of this, she loses her job for an infuriating reason.
Through Maddie, Jessica George explores the themes of racism, sexism, and abuse in an occasionally funny but often devastating way; I wanted to both hug Maddie and scream at her to remove herself from dangerous situations. While a little slow at times, the way George structures Maddie's days feels organic; her development is believable, which makes what she experiences all the more frustrating. If you're worried about this feeling like a depressing slog, don't be; the ending is incredibly satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
More...