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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
I really enjoyed this book, especially because of its great portrayal of OCD, which is rarely seen and often misunderstood. Mikey’s internal dialogue, especially how he views his role within his friend group and struggles with self-worth, was almost painfully relatable. The contrast between Mikey's issues and him learning about his friends' struggles was a nice, realistic reminder that we aren’t the center of the universe—everyone has their own stuff they’re working through.
My biggest issue with the book, though, was the romantic subplot between Mel (19) and this nurse they meet, who’s like 26 or so. Yes, Mel is technically an adult, but a 26-year-old dating a high school senior just felt icky to me. It was brushed over, but it didn’t sit right, like—why is this grown man hanging around high schoolers? Minor age gaps are fine when both people are in a similar stage of life (like both in adulthood with established jobs or whatever), but when one person is in high school or even just starting college, it creates a weird power imbalance. (I feel strongly about this as a 23-year-old who teaches high schoolers! To my kiddos remember this: If someone my age is giving you romantic attention—run! There’s a reason they can’t find someone their own age.)
dnf at page 64
yeah this book just isnt for me i was dying of boredom
yeah this book just isnt for me i was dying of boredom
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-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
This is my second Patrick Ness book, and I wasn't as surprised/blown away by it as I was with More than this. BUT, it really was a great, original read. I absolutely loved the dualty between the indie kids and the 'rest of us' 'stories. The dialogue and writing is great, and all the characters felt amazingly real to me. I missed a little something for this story to be perfect, though. Patrick Ness, beware. I'm going to EAT ALL of your books.
Full review coming soon on Drizzle & Hurricane Books
Full review coming soon on Drizzle & Hurricane Books
Cool concept executed in an interesting way that ultimately crumbles with as the book loses sight of its original theme and undermines everything it built with an ending that feels contrived and out of touch with the rest of the novel's tone.
Ness doesn't exactly stay in a genre, but that makes his books all the more fun, as long as you're willing to go along for the ride. This perfectly captures that feeling of impending adulthood - kids on the cusp of high school graduation, responsibility, and sometimes badly needed freedom.
The fact that this stage of life happens in a world where supernatural things sometimes happen and most of the time don't is going to draw in some extra readers. "Realistic Fiction" this isn't, but it's not exactly fantasy sci-fi either- it's just life, and if you see Buffy running by, well, give her a wave.
The fact that this stage of life happens in a world where supernatural things sometimes happen and most of the time don't is going to draw in some extra readers. "Realistic Fiction" this isn't, but it's not exactly fantasy sci-fi either- it's just life, and if you see Buffy running by, well, give her a wave.