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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
bye this is just heterosexual radio silence meets history is all you left me
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Blog: https://www.booktasticallymazing.com/
Actual Rating: 4.1
~Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of AMELIA UNABRIDGED by Ashley Schumacher in exchange for my honest review.~
First thoughts when receiving the ARC: *silence* MOTHER OF HOLY WATER DROPS, I CANNOT BREATHE, I CANNOT. MY LUNGS. MAMAAAAA, I HAVE AN ARC. I GOT IT. I GOT IT. NOW HOW THE HECK DO YOU OPEN THI-
First thoughts when opening the book: *joker like smile* I am going to enjoy this so MUCH.
First thoughts when a certain character died: What--How did that--Oh my goat. I cannot feel my face. I cannot feel my heart.
First thoughts when meeting the love interest: ... Okay. *nodding* Alright, I can deal.
First thoughts when I finished the book: Um, why do I feel a bit broken inside. *swallows waterfalls* I-
*a week later, because yes, I needed time.*
Okay...this was slightly disappointing. One sentence. Well, two (because I need the rest for the full review that will approximatelyobliterate kindly ask for a vital part of me).
1.) Less than a week
2.) A connecting rope between characters (I think I just threw up a little)
Will not spoil, so if you know what I mean. Then you know what I mean.
ALSO, THE LOVE INTEREST WAS ANO--as I was saying, no spoilers present, and I hope that if you have requested this ARC, that you shall receive it. BECAUSE I NEED TO SAY SOME STUFF THAT MAY OR MAY NOT, EXPRESS MY ANGER TOWARDS THE--
*goes into hermit mode for the time being*
I'M BACK. Alright, being completely honest here, I have never reviewed an ARC (if it's not already completely obvious) therefore, this might be a complete mess. But really, when isn't it a complete mess? Don't answer that. Even though my bookish soul is craving to throw spoilers and rant against some well deserved stuff, I will be slightly unable to do so (ugh). Here it is, my friends. A completely glossed over ~spoiler free~ review of Amelia Unabridged. (bear in mind I had to redo it at least 3 times, since yes, spoilers were included.)
Well, you see, let's start with the charact-*realizes she cannot do so, because that would be considered spoilerific* YOU KNOW WHAT? FINE. I'LL STOOP TO THIS LEVEL.
The writing in this lushly imaginative novel, truly inspired my tear ducts to go for a run, amidst the pandemic. Since we all know who dies (considering the SYNOPSIS, publishers please don't come after me) I can truly say...that I felt something. Maybe not as much as I could've, SINCE said character was in the story for less time than one of my pimples (those things are basically people, I've even named some of those. Example: YOU BLOODY DISGUSTING FAT NUISANCE. Or my personal favorite: WHY IN THE PECKING WORLD DO YOU EXIST). As I was saying, the writing was so heart-wrenching and outstandingly painful to read, and that truly added a lot more to the story than some might think.
(A second try) The characters. Some made me conflicted, some annoyed me to the end of my patience limit, and some used the word 'please' definitely too much. Like, too much. Apart from that, I absolutely adored the dynamic and friendship (FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FEMALE AND A MALE, WHO WOULD'VE ThOUght?!). The utterly magnanimous foundation that was constructed between each one of them. And I cannot express how thankful I am, that said characters actually had LIVES, apart from being the main character's friends, family, etc.
The romance~ ... I actually, well. Um...it wasn't as good as it could've been. (reference to the two sentences written at the beginning, but shhhh, don't tell) Also, seriously?
The overall cryability (yes, that's a thing) of this story: A solid 7 and a half. I wish I would've felt it more, alas, I'm a heartless witch. Thank you, brain, for commanding such grandiousness to spew from my vocal facility. Now, my loves, my ducklings, my CoNeCTioN (uh-huh, you KNOW), this shall be the end of this horrifically spoiler free ✨masterpiece✨. Also, I want to forget the dang epilogue. I NEED to forget it. Like, it is for my well-being.
Can you tell I have to do a million things but instead I am laying in bed, writing this review and watching You of the Tube?
P.S: I am TOTALLY doing something productive, right?
Also, yes, I would totally recommend this book to people in search for a story that will be as cute as it is pungent in its very core. Want romance? It has it. Want drama? Oh yes, it has a LOT.
Actual Rating: 4.1
~Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of AMELIA UNABRIDGED by Ashley Schumacher in exchange for my honest review.~
First thoughts when receiving the ARC: *silence* MOTHER OF HOLY WATER DROPS, I CANNOT BREATHE, I CANNOT. MY LUNGS. MAMAAAAA, I HAVE AN ARC. I GOT IT. I GOT IT. NOW HOW THE HECK DO YOU OPEN THI-
First thoughts when opening the book: *joker like smile* I am going to enjoy this so MUCH.
First thoughts when a certain character died: What--How did that--Oh my goat. I cannot feel my face. I cannot feel my heart.
First thoughts when meeting the love interest: ... Okay. *nodding* Alright, I can deal.
First thoughts when I finished the book: Um, why do I feel a bit broken inside. *swallows waterfalls* I-
*a week later, because yes, I needed time.*
Okay...this was slightly disappointing. One sentence. Well, two (because I need the rest for the full review that will approximately
1.) Less than a week
2.) A connecting rope between characters (I think I just threw up a little)
Will not spoil, so if you know what I mean. Then you know what I mean.
ALSO, THE LOVE INTEREST WAS ANO--as I was saying, no spoilers present, and I hope that if you have requested this ARC, that you shall receive it. BECAUSE I NEED TO SAY SOME STUFF THAT MAY OR MAY NOT, EXPRESS MY ANGER TOWARDS THE--
*goes into hermit mode for the time being*
I'M BACK. Alright, being completely honest here, I have never reviewed an ARC (if it's not already completely obvious) therefore, this might be a complete mess. But really, when isn't it a complete mess? Don't answer that. Even though my bookish soul is craving to throw spoilers and rant against some well deserved stuff, I will be slightly unable to do so (ugh). Here it is, my friends. A completely glossed over ~spoiler free~ review of Amelia Unabridged. (bear in mind I had to redo it at least 3 times, since yes, spoilers were included.)
Well, you see, let's start with the charact-*realizes she cannot do so, because that would be considered spoilerific* YOU KNOW WHAT? FINE. I'LL STOOP TO THIS LEVEL.
The writing in this lushly imaginative novel, truly inspired my tear ducts to go for a run, amidst the pandemic. Since we all know who dies (considering the SYNOPSIS, publishers please don't come after me) I can truly say...that I felt something. Maybe not as much as I could've, SINCE said character was in the story for less time than one of my pimples (those things are basically people, I've even named some of those. Example: YOU BLOODY DISGUSTING FAT NUISANCE. Or my personal favorite: WHY IN THE PECKING WORLD DO YOU EXIST). As I was saying, the writing was so heart-wrenching and outstandingly painful to read, and that truly added a lot more to the story than some might think.
(A second try) The characters. Some made me conflicted, some annoyed me to the end of my patience limit, and some used the word 'please' definitely too much. Like, too much. Apart from that, I absolutely adored the dynamic and friendship (FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FEMALE AND A MALE, WHO WOULD'VE ThOUght?!). The utterly magnanimous foundation that was constructed between each one of them. And I cannot express how thankful I am, that said characters actually had LIVES, apart from being the main character's friends, family, etc.
The romance~ ... I actually, well. Um...it wasn't as good as it could've been. (reference to the two sentences written at the beginning, but shhhh, don't tell) Also, seriously?
The overall cryability (yes, that's a thing) of this story: A solid 7 and a half. I wish I would've felt it more, alas, I'm a heartless witch. Thank you, brain, for commanding such grandiousness to spew from my vocal facility. Now, my loves, my ducklings, my CoNeCTioN (uh-huh, you KNOW), this shall be the end of this horrifically spoiler free ✨masterpiece✨. Also, I want to forget the dang epilogue. I NEED to forget it. Like, it is for my well-being.
Can you tell I have to do a million things but instead I am laying in bed, writing this review and watching You of the Tube?
P.S: I am TOTALLY doing something productive, right?
Also, yes, I would totally recommend this book to people in search for a story that will be as cute as it is pungent in its very core. Want romance? It has it. Want drama? Oh yes, it has a LOT.
I enjoyed this 2021 young adult romance.
•
First, don’t read the synopsis. I didn’t and I liked that I wasn’t able to predict the story. Amelia and Jenna have such a great friendship— it’s my favorite thing about the book— but things happen and their friendship is brought to a halt. Amelia Unabridged is about grief, and romance, and that scary time of life when you’re forced to figure out who you are and what you want to be. (That part spoke to me even though I’m 46!)
•
I loved the dog in this book! Wally reminded me so much of my own dog Samwise. Amelia is seriously bookish so reading and writing are other fun aspects. This book is very clean! The romance is so sweet and teenagers will love this book because there is a lot of angst and melodrama and long inner monologues. Those things are always a part of the perfect young adult book but for me it was sappy in places. Also though, I think maybe my sappy meter is very sensitive
•
First, don’t read the synopsis. I didn’t and I liked that I wasn’t able to predict the story. Amelia and Jenna have such a great friendship— it’s my favorite thing about the book— but things happen and their friendship is brought to a halt. Amelia Unabridged is about grief, and romance, and that scary time of life when you’re forced to figure out who you are and what you want to be. (That part spoke to me even though I’m 46!)
•
I loved the dog in this book! Wally reminded me so much of my own dog Samwise. Amelia is seriously bookish so reading and writing are other fun aspects. This book is very clean! The romance is so sweet and teenagers will love this book because there is a lot of angst and melodrama and long inner monologues. Those things are always a part of the perfect young adult book but for me it was sappy in places. Also though, I think maybe my sappy meter is very sensitive
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is so cliche and bleh. Amelia is probably one of the most annoying characters I have ever come across and I felt uninterested in her storyline. I’m quite surprised I made it across the whole book actually. (The whale conversation is the stupidest and most cringe thing I have ever read like what) The author seems to think their relationship is a lot cuter and more clever than it actually is. Also Amelia is a big fat mooch.
A coming-of-age story about loss, grief, love, and finding oneself. Amelia, the protagonist, learns to cope with traumatic circumstances through photography, reading, and fostering relationships with "found family". The themes explored in this story are relatable to young adult and adult readers alike. However, it is definitely targeted toward a mature teen demographic. The narrative definitely follows the "follow your heart" storyline in a simplistic and perhaps even irresponsible way. Amelia's parents are notably absent and disengaged from her life, and while she gets support from other characters, I feel that the author did not explore the impact this had on Amelia's mental health. It is implied through the language the author uses, but there is a lack of acknowledgment from the character herself.
With all of that said, the writing is rich, engaging, and poignant. I felt invested in the characters and genuinely wanted that saccharine happy ending.
With all of that said, the writing is rich, engaging, and poignant. I felt invested in the characters and genuinely wanted that saccharine happy ending.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first few chapters were fine, there were some beautiful thoughts worth highlighting and I was really enjoying it. But then BOOM, the first sentence of chapter 3 completely shattered me (if you read blurbs, the "plot twist" won't surprise you but I don't so I was shocked). And this was where the "fun" begun, well more like pain. I know it sounds like I'm gonna criticize the book but it's the exact opposite! It was absolutely heartbreaking yet so beautiful. I have never ever cried this soon into a story. The poetic language helped with that a lot.
I loved the one sentence that kept repeating again and again and again like a refrain in a song reminding Amelia the harsh truth, that always made me want to cry.
And the epilogue? KILLED ME.
I loved the one sentence that kept repeating again and again and again like a refrain in a song reminding Amelia the harsh truth, that always made me want to cry.
And the epilogue? KILLED ME.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Death of parent
a book about grief, loss, acceptance, and forgiving yourself, amelia unabridged is a beautiful story. but i still felt a little underwhelmed.
- insta-love all the way: just because your characters have acknowledged the insta-love doesn't make it any less bad! along with that, this book bordered on the "the love interest heals all " trope which was also not that great. like please go to therapy and don't listen to your gen z boyfriend! i think often with two characters both with emotional scars, they rely on each other strongly in a naive way, where they think their love interest can cure all their problems, and so we got a insta-lovey relationship with no actual communication. it's a trope that is often really harmful, and made me a tad bit uncomfortable.
- otherwise; this book just lacked the spark everyone promised me? 2015-2016 gaby read a lot of mental health and trauma books, so maybe this book just slipped through the cracks for me? this book talks about mental health and grief in a thoughtful and meaningful way, but it's not really anything i haven't heard before. nothing ground breaking, nothing special, and nothing that makes me feel the need to rate it any higher than i have.
- insta-love all the way: just because your characters have acknowledged the insta-love doesn't make it any less bad! along with that, this book bordered on the "the love interest heals all " trope which was also not that great. like please go to therapy and don't listen to your gen z boyfriend! i think often with two characters both with emotional scars, they rely on each other strongly in a naive way, where they think their love interest can cure all their problems, and so we got a insta-lovey relationship with no actual communication. it's a trope that is often really harmful, and made me a tad bit uncomfortable.
- otherwise; this book just lacked the spark everyone promised me? 2015-2016 gaby read a lot of mental health and trauma books, so maybe this book just slipped through the cracks for me? this book talks about mental health and grief in a thoughtful and meaningful way, but it's not really anything i haven't heard before. nothing ground breaking, nothing special, and nothing that makes me feel the need to rate it any higher than i have.