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beanwa's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
3.0
I really enjoyed Pretend I'm Dead, but this one was a miss for me. The story felt disjointed and random, I was disappointed that Mona's story didn't pick up from where we left her. All the lessons she learned in the first book did not carry over to this one - I was disappointed that Jesus and her dog got written out in the first few pages. It was like Mona had regressed and reset, I found her really unlikeable (which hadn't been the case w Pretend I'm Dead)!
Also, I have to agree with other reviewers that the incessant tales of sexual trauma felt gratuitous. It's to the point where it became absurd and over the top, I really don't like it when authors use sexual trauma for shock value and that's what it felt like here.
I wouldn't recommend this one unfortunately, Pretend I'm Dead is much better and feels like a more purposeful and coherent story!
Also, I have to agree with other reviewers that the incessant tales of sexual trauma felt gratuitous. It's to the point where it became absurd and over the top, I really don't like it when authors use sexual trauma for shock value and that's what it felt like here.
I wouldn't recommend this one unfortunately, Pretend I'm Dead is much better and feels like a more purposeful and coherent story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
ssem's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-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
4.0
daniellewalters's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
3.5
takin492's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Rape
lbhreads's review against another edition
2.75
really enjoyed ‘pretend i’m dead’ and was excited to read this sequel/companion novel, but after finishing it, i'm not really sure it was necessary. mona was an interesting character in the first book, but it feels like this one was just a way to dump more trauma on her and make her dark past even more gratuitous.
still enjoy jen beagin's writing though - and her most recent book ‘big swiss’ is still one of my favourites of the year!
geertjeb's review against another edition
4.0
Loved both the (dark) humor and the storyline. The ending felt sudden. But I'm glad I got to know Jen Beagin and I can't wait for Big Swiss!
bayleaff's review against another edition
4.0
Another winner from Jen Beagin. I really like this character, and I hope we get more of her in the future. This one was a little stranger and darker than the first, with Mona revisiting her past more often. I still love the extended vignette-like style the chapters have, and enjoyed getting to know the new characters in Mona's life. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending (Mona's random fatphobia was super off-putting and immediately took me out of the narrative) but I'm hoping it could work as a set up for another volume in the series. I noticed a couple of funny overlaps in imagery between this book and "Big Swiss" — both have a dog named Piñon, both have donkeys, and both contain references to Sweden. Not important, but interesting!
poopooman's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-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
3.0
l3nduhhh's review against another edition
Well... this is what I get for picking books by their clever covers and titles!! First Bunny and now this! It was engrossing and funny and sad and weird... I did always wonder why vacuums had lights on them. Read in less than 24 hours so while I feel confused on the ending I am still out of my reading funk!
readsfordee's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Had legitimately funny passages.. Different than the first book, but good. Didn't love the ending,