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pandemonicbaby's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I so rarely feel seen by a book like this.
Usually, when characters with OCD show uo in media, they're made fun of for their quirkyness. We never get to see what the world looks like for them, and their concerns are always dismissed by other characters and by the narrative itself.
Aza's struggles with crippling intrusive thoughts and compulsions felt very real, and I found myself comparing my own personal struggle to hers.
This book didn't show a solution to Aza's problems, a magical way to solve everything and "be normal". But it did show that life goes on, and that things can get better, and that being with the people you love can at least help attenuate the suffering, even if just a little, because one of the worst things about OCD is that it makes you believe you are left to suffer alone, with no one to understand you or help you. And true, most people don't understand, but they can try their best to be there for you when you need it.
I thought this was a very tender story about a first love, about friendships and trying to find peace within yourself. It's not an easy journey, but it's not one that you have to do alone.
Usually, when characters with OCD show uo in media, they're made fun of for their quirkyness. We never get to see what the world looks like for them, and their concerns are always dismissed by other characters and by the narrative itself.
Aza's struggles with crippling intrusive thoughts and compulsions felt very real, and I found myself comparing my own personal struggle to hers.
This book didn't show a solution to Aza's problems, a magical way to solve everything and "be normal". But it did show that life goes on, and that things can get better, and that being with the people you love can at least help attenuate the suffering, even if just a little, because one of the worst things about OCD is that it makes you believe you are left to suffer alone, with no one to understand you or help you. And true, most people don't understand, but they can try their best to be there for you when you need it.
I thought this was a very tender story about a first love, about friendships and trying to find peace within yourself. It's not an easy journey, but it's not one that you have to do alone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Toxic friendship, Grief, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
The main character struggles pretty heavily with mental health in this book, and although there are no attempts of suicide or explicit suicidal thoughts, there are some thought spirals and intrusive thoughts and depictions of panick attacks that might trigger some people.jordan_noel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought Aza’s character explored the complexities of OCD and anxiety extremely well. I agree with John Green that Ada describing her condition more directly, rather than purely in vague metaphors, helps others who don’t share her struggles better understand mental illness.
The only real issues I had with the book were the sort of childishness present in even adult topics. For me at least, Aza and Davis’s grief didn’t feel real. It felt like a story. The only real adult figure (Aza’s mom) felt without control and aimless. And though I loved the intricacies of Daisy and Aza’s friendship, I could not find myself to take Daisy’s character seriously. She just did not feel entirely real either.
But overall, I think this book just solidifies John Green’s impact as a writer capable of bringing such important issues to young people. I did enjoy this book.
The only real issues I had with the book were the sort of childishness present in even adult topics. For me at least, Aza and Davis’s grief didn’t feel real. It felt like a story. The only real adult figure (Aza’s mom) felt without control and aimless. And though I loved the intricacies of Daisy and Aza’s friendship, I could not find myself to take Daisy’s character seriously. She just did not feel entirely real either.
But overall, I think this book just solidifies John Green’s impact as a writer capable of bringing such important issues to young people. I did enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Medical trauma, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
jcinf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
As far as I know, I don’t have OCD, but I am a hypochondriac. I felt both seen by this book and I felt my anxiety build on itself. John Green really captures the isolation and self-hatred that comes with medical-induced anxiety.
The characters were extremely lovable. Each interesting and with their own endearing personalities. The friendship between Aza and Daisy was sweet and complicated, but at the same time so simple.
As I’ve said in other reviews, if I find a book memorable I come back and give it 5 stars. So we’ll see if it sticks with me!
The characters were extremely lovable. Each interesting and with their own endearing personalities. The friendship between Aza and Daisy was sweet and complicated, but at the same time so simple.
As I’ve said in other reviews, if I find a book memorable I come back and give it 5 stars. So we’ll see if it sticks with me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death and Death of parent
ailerua's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Terminal illness, Eating disorder, Vomit, Death of parent, Alcohol, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
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