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medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have mixed emotions about this book.
While the writing was terrific and the plot was promising, the idea that Tori is something of a self-help guru approaching her thirties (think if Cheryl Strayed were a self-obsessed metropolitan) and is realizing that maybe the convoluted message that you can be "brave" should have worked for me. Especially as a millennial who devours self-help books. But I just couldn't get on board with it.
The plot is poignant for a generation that is a bit too obsessed with presenting their perfect self on social media and is equally obsessed with actually becoming that perfect self in real life. It's raw and at times a little uncomfortable.
Holly Bourne's done such a wonderful job creating a female character with such depth. At first glance, Tori seems incredibly superficial and vapid, but as you read on, you learn just how complex she really is. The problem for me was that I had SUCH a difficult time reading on.
The reason I love chick-lit so much is that it's so easy to devour. In this case, it took me almost nine months to finish this book. For that reason, I can only give this book 3 stars.
While the writing was terrific and the plot was promising, the idea that Tori is something of a self-help guru approaching her thirties (think if Cheryl Strayed were a self-obsessed metropolitan) and is realizing that maybe the convoluted message that you can be "brave" should have worked for me. Especially as a millennial who devours self-help books. But I just couldn't get on board with it.
The plot is poignant for a generation that is a bit too obsessed with presenting their perfect self on social media and is equally obsessed with actually becoming that perfect self in real life. It's raw and at times a little uncomfortable.
Holly Bourne's done such a wonderful job creating a female character with such depth. At first glance, Tori seems incredibly superficial and vapid, but as you read on, you learn just how complex she really is. The problem for me was that I had SUCH a difficult time reading on.
The reason I love chick-lit so much is that it's so easy to devour. In this case, it took me almost nine months to finish this book. For that reason, I can only give this book 3 stars.
Slightly judging myself that I read a book that was recommended by Grazia, but I couldn’t not love this. Tori’s cynical inner monologues had me nodding, laughing and actually feeling very validated. Really enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the not so hidden, super competitive “life race” that some women tend to find themselves in at 32.
Holly Bourne is my go-to author for YA - I push her books into the hands of girls knowing that each one they read will give them strength, confidence and spine. I was a bit worried that this adult book would side step those qualities and slide into chick lit; something I imagine Ms Bourne would hate. However my fears were entirely unfounded. This fearless book explores the spiral of uncertainty surrounding a not-terrible but actually-pretty-bad relationship lived under the scruitiny of fans and social media. What pressures do we put ourselves and, unwittingly, our friends under as we desperately deny how bad things are because admission means taking action, and isn’t it too late?
This sharp, witty, and frankly funny book will make you peer at your own relationships, nod knowingly about past disasters, and possibly snort wine down your nose occassionally. Try not to read it in public.
This sharp, witty, and frankly funny book will make you peer at your own relationships, nod knowingly about past disasters, and possibly snort wine down your nose occassionally. Try not to read it in public.
Lol, I need to stop reading chick lit. Picked this up at Oxfam for £1 for the train journey lol.
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Eating disorder, Self harm
Please for the love of all things, just read it.
I didn’t want to be able to relate to the main character of this book: Tori Bailey, an insecure thirty-something author in an unhappy relationship, who’s struggling way more than her online persona suggests. However, like Tori and so many others, I am definitely guilty of comparing myself to others and the happy, perfect lives their social media posts display, making this book heart-breaking, highly relatable, and brutally honest. Although this is an easy and binge-worthy read, it is also essentially a self-care book disguised as fiction. Bourne provides a much-needed reminder that people often present their best selves online, and addresses the huge impact this can have on how we measure our own success! It’s definitely a must-read for any gals out there who ever feel inadequate or as if they need to lead the life society expects of them.
4.5 Stars, read in one day, would recommend to anyone that struggles with societal pressure. Well written, funny and also very touching!