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jenny_librarian's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I fully expected Mary to come out as aro – or at least ace – by the end of the book. She’s so aspec-coded that I was severely disappointed when she didn’t. Because that’s the only reason I found this book any good.
It’s not bad, mind you. Just boring. It’s very superficial and I didn’t connect with the character at all, even though we have a lot in common (or at least, teen me did). For most of the book, I didn’t see where the author was going with this and kept expecting something bigger to happen, but it never did.
If you’re into drama, this book is not for you. It’s more of a slice-of-life novel that recounts very mild interactions.
I do have one major issue (apart from the aro-coding that amounts to nothing) and it’s the subtext of depression. It’s possible that the MC is depressed for most of the book – she even wonders herself about it at the end – and the way it’s swept under the rug makes me angry. Either don’t mention it at all or actually say it’s depression and treat it properly. Being a bit under the weather and being depressed are majorly different and it’s irresponsible to imply that a YA character is depressed for months without mentioning treatment.
I fully expected Mary to come out as aro – or at least ace – by the end of the book. She’s so aspec-coded that I was severely disappointed when she didn’t. Because that’s the only reason I found this book any good.
It’s not bad, mind you. Just boring. It’s very superficial and I didn’t connect with the character at all, even though we have a lot in common (or at least, teen me did). For most of the book, I didn’t see where the author was going with this and kept expecting something bigger to happen, but it never did.
If you’re into drama, this book is not for you. It’s more of a slice-of-life novel that recounts very mild interactions.
I do have one major issue (apart from the aro-coding that amounts to nothing) and it’s the subtext of depression. It’s possible that the MC is depressed for most of the book – she even wonders herself about it at the end – and the way it’s swept under the rug makes me angry. Either don’t mention it at all or actually say it’s depression and treat it properly. Being a bit under the weather and being depressed are majorly different and it’s irresponsible to imply that a YA character is depressed for months without mentioning treatment.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Homophobia
heytherekaity's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Drug use
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