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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
This started off so well, but by the end I didn't like any of the characters or where the plot had gone!
This book just got worse as I continued reading. I read this book around the age of 15 and remember liking it enough. Re-reading it now in my 20s, I can only imagine someone in the early teens demographic liking it. It was just so immaturely written with poor stereotypical portrayals. It was almost painful to see how stereotypes were "broken" only in the most stereotypical ways. The characters felt like a forced attempt on philosophy that was so cheesy that only young teens would probably buy into any of the messages this book had. But the worst part was the overall plot. It was so incredibly unrealistic and random, it felt like reading a Riverdale episode. I found myself repeatedly thinking "there's no way," and then it just got more unbelievable. I feel like this book had a promising premise and backbone idea, but the actual execution was less than tacky. Consider me disappointed.
I enjoyed the way Wallach weaved the perspectives from the different characters together and used them to create the depth of the story. My only disappointment was the ending - I would have liked to have it tied up more (I'm not big on loose ends) so this is the reason why I gave it 4 stars out of 5.
The concept of this book was spectacular (especially because it somewhat mirrored the current state of our world right now pertaining to the coronavirus) but the actual execution fell short. The characters were beyond dislikable, and each was stereotypical and unreal. The smart girl with strict parents wants to become a singer, the popular athlete boy wants the unpopular girl, etc. I could not help myself from rolling my eyes whenever they spoke. I felt like I was trapped in a cheesy Netflix series (you know the ones).
I really felt like this would be a book that would deliver a big punch and a deeper meaning, but this never happened for me. Maybe my expectations were too high from the cover and reading other reviews before starting it, but the book fell flat when it came to real issues and topics. Additionally, the coverage of POC, LGBTQ+, and women was underwhelming and added nothing new to the conversation (I actually feel like I didn't add anything at all). The second I put the book down, nothing stuck with me and I was never left thinking about it or its characters.
However, on the positive side, Wallach did an amazing job of representing the world in which something like this (or *cough cough* Covid-19) actually happens. Right now in March 2020 we can see grocery stores are becoming empty and people are fighting over what would usually be considered everyday items (toilet paper). We saw this same scenario accurately play out in this novel. Although the characters felt fake and unreal, the world around them was spookily accurate.
For me, the book was not the most enjoyable read for due to the nature of its dislikable characters and its lack of any real meaningful themes. However, I think for an audience who enjoys end of the world stories or is just looking for a quick read, it just might work.
I really felt like this would be a book that would deliver a big punch and a deeper meaning, but this never happened for me. Maybe my expectations were too high from the cover and reading other reviews before starting it, but the book fell flat when it came to real issues and topics. Additionally, the coverage of POC, LGBTQ+, and women was underwhelming and added nothing new to the conversation (I actually feel like I didn't add anything at all). The second I put the book down, nothing stuck with me and I was never left thinking about it or its characters.
However, on the positive side, Wallach did an amazing job of representing the world in which something like this (or *cough cough* Covid-19) actually happens. Right now in March 2020 we can see grocery stores are becoming empty and people are fighting over what would usually be considered everyday items (toilet paper). We saw this same scenario accurately play out in this novel. Although the characters felt fake and unreal, the world around them was spookily accurate.
For me, the book was not the most enjoyable read for due to the nature of its dislikable characters and its lack of any real meaningful themes. However, I think for an audience who enjoys end of the world stories or is just looking for a quick read, it just might work.
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I don’t think I ever truly knew where this novel was going, interesting read but the vague ending was I guess a bit disappointing? I didn’t get invested in the characters and was annoyed by the bouncing around of timelines like other readers mentioned. The story was a bit choppy and I didn’t buy into all of the characters decisions.
This book me forever to read. Not sure why—but it must mean I didn’t love it!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
I loved this book, and omg I'm so much like Anita!!
It is interesting to watch the characters challenge their perception of who they are in the context of the end of the world. When they have a set end date, they must look at what really matters to them and whether or not the labels imposed on them in an infinite world--with their lives possibilities stretched out before them--are who they truly are on the inside. I liked the coming together of students from different social circles and seeing them challenge their preconceived notions of each other, yet the friendships and bonds aren't cheesy. Wallach is pretty gritty in his characterization of these characters, which makes them more believable.
I am between 3 and 4 stars on this one. YA books are just not my favorite. I want something with more detail and that smoothly tells a story instead of having the reader assume a lot. I also like characters with a lot more depth. However, for a YA book, this isn't too bad. You have the classic, stereotyped teenagers discovering themselves. I was amazed at how much the characters drank, smoked, did drugs, and had sex though....and the drama of the fight over Eliza which wasn't really that big of a deal in the end. The idea of the end of the world (or part of it, or none of it) was interesting though.