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annierosebel's review against another edition
5.0
This is powerful stuff.
As usual when I read YA, I've got to acknowledge that I am not the target audience for this book.
It's a heavy read - but I'm actually so glad today's teenagers have books that talk about porn, disordered eating, and social media in such an honest and accessible way.
Every time I read YA I am reminded of how rough teenagers have it and how strong we demand they be.
I think this book is clever. It's engaging and enjoyable to read, while talking about feminist issues like 'choice' and violence against women and girls - and without pitting girls and women with different points of view or experiences against each other. It really highlighted how misogyny and patriarchy cause all of the girls and women to suffer, and how complicit men and boys become though not questioning the reality presented to them.
Holly Bourne writes well, and you find yourself drawn to both protagonists, regardless of who you perhaps relate to more.
I was also so glad to see some queer representation, as well as some (admittedly light) acknowledgement of intersectionality with Vanessa being Black.
I was really pleased that the end acknowledges that this is contemporary fiction written using dystopian language. I think it's a very clever way to make a story about the current reality accessible and less threatening, with a good explanation at the end.
I don't really have a sense of what age this would be appropriate for - I unfortunately think girls younger than ever are probably exposed to porn and appearance pressures - but I hope young women find it and are reassured and encouraged to act in their best interests.
As usual when I read YA, I've got to acknowledge that I am not the target audience for this book.
It's a heavy read - but I'm actually so glad today's teenagers have books that talk about porn, disordered eating, and social media in such an honest and accessible way.
Every time I read YA I am reminded of how rough teenagers have it and how strong we demand they be.
I think this book is clever. It's engaging and enjoyable to read, while talking about feminist issues like 'choice' and violence against women and girls - and without pitting girls and women with different points of view or experiences against each other. It really highlighted how misogyny and patriarchy cause all of the girls and women to suffer, and how complicit men and boys become though not questioning the reality presented to them.
Holly Bourne writes well, and you find yourself drawn to both protagonists, regardless of who you perhaps relate to more.
I was also so glad to see some queer representation, as well as some (admittedly light) acknowledgement of intersectionality with Vanessa being Black.
I don't really have a sense of what age this would be appropriate for - I unfortunately think girls younger than ever are probably exposed to porn and appearance pressures - but I hope young women find it and are reassured and encouraged to act in their best interests.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Medical content, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
The book contains discourse about pornograohy and violent sexual content.chaneoosthuizen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
IT. IS. SO. GOOD! I loved every second! I think it is such an important read for everyone! It highlights a lot of inequality that women face every day!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
molly_au's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
One of the best book written, I believe. It gives a strong reflection of today's society without making it too obvious and "nonfiction-y". I need a second book!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Bullying, Sexism, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism
pernillelsk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Bullying, Sexual assault, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Fatphobia, Abandonment, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Medical trauma
freyathefridayfairy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Fatphobia, Eating disorder, Medical content, Sexual violence, Body shaming, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse
home_in_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Even though I gave 5 stars to this book, I cannot say that reading it has been an enjoyable experience. In fact, this novel made me often feel uncomfortable and sometimes it hit too close to home. In fact, even though I believe that everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime, I must warn you to check the trigger warnings before getting into it. Personally, if I had read it a couple years ago, I would’ve been destroyed by it.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Body shaming, and Sexism
alexisaflop's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I love holly Bourne and I always care so much about her characters. I enjoyed this book and the development of the characters but I wish the ending was a little longer. I want to see Joni and belles reaction past their sort of primal reaction at the end. I love the closure Joni got but don't love how belle didn't get that same closure (I would love to see the decisions they both make in light of the events at the end of the book as I think that would show how much they have developed).
I enjoyed how Bourne touched on some intersectionality and I think I would love this book more if it had a sequel.
I enjoyed how Bourne touched on some intersectionality and I think I would love this book more if it had a sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Bullying, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, and Sexism
kie111k's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed the book, and its exploration of societal standards and the 'unofficial' laws that dictate the lives of women and young girls- especially the inclusion of queer people and different races within the feminist message.
However I also thought that the message was very powerfully hinted at from the very beginning- and whilst this made it clear and presented it nicely, it also took away the chance of a deeper realisation for the characters; as it almost felt like we sort of watched them have these realisations from afar, rather than go through it with them. (if that makes any sense.)
Also I feel like Joni was given too much responsability as a character- like the whole plot of her being one of few 'truly awakened' kids was a very important part of the story, but I almost saw it as condescending to the other characters? in a way? that Joni knew everything and anything about this point of view so much so that she had the power to 'awaken' other kids. It sort of took away from the freeing aspects of the feminism movement that Joni didnt help Belle subtly at all and literally said "im going to awaken her". I dont know if this is unfounded but I just thought it kinda presented Joni as the person educating and gave her this weird power over her peers when in reality, though shes privy to the tricks of her society, she doesnt really have the ability (i would say) to force her view onto others even if it is objectivly right. I think id have preferred a slower, more subtle/built up realisation from Belle that came more from her understanding through experience and emotional change (helped by Joni!!) rather than being talked at, and having to accept a lecture that, from her point of view, was basically being forced on her. Belle went through some amazing character development and i think there was room for Joni to aswell where she may have lacked some come the end of the book.
saying that though, the book was lovely! I really did enjoy the unstable relationship dynamic between Joni and Belle that developed as the book went on, and how they kinda got to see the world from eachothers point of view near to the end. I also, despite my qualms with the context, really REALLY enjoyed Jonis long monolouge about beauty standards and the damning repetitive circle they create and suck women and girls into- and how applicable it is to modern society and social media.
The family background for both characters was also super interesting and i love the way that whilst they were so different, there were similar, and very in depth feelings and issues in the relationships with both the girls and their parents. Nothing can be perfect 100% of the time and I think Holly Bourne was successful in showing that through how Joni reacted to her mother and vice versa, and how Belle did with her mother and father.
Overall, great book! Would recomend perhaps to a reader who is slightly less versed in feminist literature as this book is very clear and solid with the message its aiming to get across and what is standing in the way of it in both this dystopia and oir modern world.
However I also thought that the message was very powerfully hinted at from the very beginning- and whilst this made it clear and presented it nicely, it also took away the chance of a deeper realisation for the characters; as it almost felt like we sort of watched them have these realisations from afar, rather than go through it with them. (if that makes any sense.)
Also I feel like Joni was given too much responsability as a character- like the whole plot of her being one of few 'truly awakened' kids was a very important part of the story, but I almost saw it as condescending to the other characters? in a way? that Joni knew everything and anything about this point of view so much so that she had the power to 'awaken' other kids. It sort of took away from the freeing aspects of the feminism movement that Joni didnt help Belle subtly at all and literally said "im going to awaken her". I dont know if this is unfounded but I just thought it kinda presented Joni as the person educating and gave her this weird power over her peers when in reality, though shes privy to the tricks of her society, she doesnt really have the ability (i would say) to force her view onto others even if it is objectivly right. I think id have preferred a slower, more subtle/built up realisation from Belle that came more from her understanding through experience and emotional change (helped by Joni!!) rather than being talked at, and having to accept a lecture that, from her point of view, was basically being forced on her. Belle went through some amazing character development and i think there was room for Joni to aswell where she may have lacked some come the end of the book.
saying that though, the book was lovely! I really did enjoy the unstable relationship dynamic between Joni and Belle that developed as the book went on, and how they kinda got to see the world from eachothers point of view near to the end. I also, despite my qualms with the context, really REALLY enjoyed Jonis long monolouge about beauty standards and the damning repetitive circle they create and suck women and girls into- and how applicable it is to modern society and social media.
The family background for both characters was also super interesting and i love the way that whilst they were so different, there were similar, and very in depth feelings and issues in the relationships with both the girls and their parents. Nothing can be perfect 100% of the time and I think Holly Bourne was successful in showing that through how Joni reacted to her mother and vice versa, and how Belle did with her mother and father.
Overall, great book! Would recomend perhaps to a reader who is slightly less versed in feminist literature as this book is very clear and solid with the message its aiming to get across and what is standing in the way of it in both this dystopia and oir modern world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Fatphobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
xavreadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia
annabelreadsandwrites's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racism