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c_ab_bage's review against another edition
4.0
(real rating: 3.5 ⭐️)
i think what really saved this book for me is the relatability of frances (and aled to an extent), but that was also the downfall, if i’m being honest.
while i really could see a lot of my struggles reflected in frances, and i really appreciate it, it came off extremely preachy and forced at times. because i relate to her so much, i’m aware how easy it can be for her to sound pretentious without meaning to, but sometimes it was just far too much.
another issue i had is honestly more of a personal preference, but the janky communication in this book between the characters was intolerable to read at some points- which may be dramatic, but it was rough. it wasn’t purposeful miscommunication, but it was there and without it, the plot wouldn’t have worked, so i have a right to be a bit annoyed with it.
overall though, i found myself loving frances and aled’s relationship, wishing i had someone like that, while also becoming a big fan of the side characters. it was a pretty easy read to just, read, yknow? enough plot to keep you going without bombarding you with conflict. it was a wholly average book, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
i think what really saved this book for me is the relatability of frances (and aled to an extent), but that was also the downfall, if i’m being honest.
while i really could see a lot of my struggles reflected in frances, and i really appreciate it, it came off extremely preachy and forced at times. because i relate to her so much, i’m aware how easy it can be for her to sound pretentious without meaning to, but sometimes it was just far too much.
another issue i had is honestly more of a personal preference, but the janky communication in this book between the characters was intolerable to read at some points- which may be dramatic, but it was rough. it wasn’t purposeful miscommunication, but it was there and without it, the plot wouldn’t have worked, so i have a right to be a bit annoyed with it.
overall though, i found myself loving frances and aled’s relationship, wishing i had someone like that, while also becoming a big fan of the side characters. it was a pretty easy read to just, read, yknow? enough plot to keep you going without bombarding you with conflict. it was a wholly average book, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
sanjubee's review against another edition
4.0
I truly think this is the first book I've read that really nails the teenage internal dialogue. So much of this book, especially the main characters' struggles with academic pressure and college, really hit home. It was extremely relatable, and I can imagine myself connecting even more with this book if I had read it back when I was applying for college. And the main friendship was very refreshing! My only gripe is that the main plots didn't have a fully satisfying ending to me. However, I can see the Big Resolution Scene (which felt unrealistic and almost cartoonish to me) being very cathartic for other readers.
apurplehyacinth's review against another edition
5.0
Alice Oseman physically cannot write a bad book.
radio silence was so much more than i expected and i literally cannot express my love for this book enough. of course, i cried several times but that’s not new
radio silence was so much more than i expected and i literally cannot express my love for this book enough. of course, i cried several times but that’s not new
joanapmo's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
pisces_angel's review against another edition
5.0
can’t believe i’m almost done with the osemanverse
ambermarie1915's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
katypotaty0908's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
Moderate: Mental illness and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death
lamina_miah's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like I would have liked this book better when I was younger but I don't want to devalue the impact it would have on people going into university.
It's a bit typical teenage-stuff with a dose of abusive mum-but still a great delve into that very specific era of tumblr, fandoms, and people realising university isn't the only option (without shading that Daniel still goes to uni and Frances goes to college). Every character finds a different path to take.
I think the issue is that we readers in the future know where the path of YouTubers, influencers and content creators has now gone - so to me, Aled and Frances' careers have a dark and dwindling cloud hanging over them that I couldn't ignore whilst reading.
It's a bit typical teenage-stuff with a dose of abusive mum-but still a great delve into that very specific era of tumblr, fandoms, and people realising university isn't the only option (without shading that Daniel still goes to uni and Frances goes to college). Every character finds a different path to take.
I think the issue is that we readers in the future know where the path of YouTubers, influencers and content creators has now gone - so to me, Aled and Frances' careers have a dark and dwindling cloud hanging over them that I couldn't ignore whilst reading.
eilys's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
elina_st's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
4.75
I really loved this book. The characters were superb, especially Raine (sooo good sidekick!!)
I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something I miss, therefore 4.75 ⭐️
I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something I miss, therefore 4.75 ⭐️