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kathshiroma's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual violence, Dementia, and Death of parent
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual assault
Lovely writing and beautifully nuanced characters. But it is so obvious when going into POCs’ POVs that the author is white. The conversation between POC characters, specifically the one between a Japanese man and a Black woman, are especially uncomfortable to read. There is also a chapter that focuses on a character’s weight loss journey, with many comments and themes that can be harmful. An overall gorgeous book, but another example of it being better for authors to either be more careful or to simply write what they know.morningsunshine's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Suicide attempt
rugrat306's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
iluvmaryx's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I’ve heard some people say how they did not enjoy the book for its lack of plot but in my opinion that’s kind of the point, the story follows the life’s of several characters and how they deal with their pain and work and relationships but that’s pretty much it, there’s no difficult plot. This was what made the story that much more lovable to me. Getting to know these characters on a deeper level, even having the chance to often relate to them. Other than that I feel like this book has taught me a lot of small but necessary life lessons, or at least has opened my eyes to see them.
I loved this book however, if you do not enjoy books which are character driven or which have triggering moments surrounding suicide and drug abuse then I wouldn’t recommend it. Otherwise I say this is so worth the read!!!
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death
charliwest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction
fictionalsarah's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Moderate: Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Transphobia
luciapoloni's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
annagerman's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
First of all, it just wasn't what I expected. I thought this would be an in-depth exploration of a single relationship, but it dealt in fact with an ensemble of characters, all connected, some of them getting their own POVs. Some of the POVs were really good (Eleonor - although it almost felt like an entirely different book with its own writing style), some of them were fine (Zoe and Andres), and some felt like an unnecessary short story (Santiago). And some were criminally undertreated (justice for Quentin!)
Because of this divide, some themes weren't explored with the proper sensitivity and depth, as I felt that they deserved and that the author was capable of (i.e. transgender, obesity and sexual addiction).
Ultimately, the book was at its strongest when dealing with the titular characters.
Also the plot seemed a bit self-indulgent and immature at times, like they were just gliding from fancy dinners to parties to drugs in hotel rooms. I realize it's a reflection of the character's nature and mental state, but it almost got tedious reading about the woes of rich beautiful people in lavish New York settings.
However I will say, for the most part the writing was beautiful throughout. There were some touching quotes and insightful remarks on human nature and interaction. But there were also points made that seemed tacky, juvenile or repetative.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal death
aru_nika's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
eviecanactuallyread's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol