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courtlynn93's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.25
The stream of consciousness narrative style was fresh and interesting. I really liked that the growth and development of the character took place over time. There were no moments that made my heart sink into my stomach like most coming of age stories which I really enjoyed. The stakes were in a way ‘low’ but real for a high school junior
anniehatch's review against another edition
4.0
I’m sorry I didn’t ask to feel this seen!!!!
I enjoyed this. And related to it probably a little too much.
I enjoyed this. And related to it probably a little too much.
catherine_silva25's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Now I know what it’s like to work at Panera. Also if your slipping on ice or hydroplaning DON’T step on the breaks!
chelseayedinak's review against another edition
4.0
* I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one and I'll admit it took me a minute to get into, but I really wound up enjoying it. It tells the story of an overachieving high school student who seeks to discover what's left when she stops doing things out of obligation. It was pitched as Booksmart meets Perks of Being a Wallflower and I think that's an excellent description. It has a lot of the internal storytelling and character growth that other classic coming-of-age novels like Perks have. It can be hard to pull off writing about someone having an existential crisis like Mary has because it is such an internal struggle, it can be difficult to maintain for the length of a novel, but Katie Heaney pulls it off, in large thanks to her supporting characters. For me, I wanted more scenes with those characters like the guidance counselor and Mitch, as well as more diving into Mary's family and why she is so generally isolated. Those were my main, small, qualms, but overall I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of my depressed high school years and trying to figure out life with no idea what I wanted and being confused how easy things seemed for other people. I don't want to give away the ending at all, but the final scenes of the book were by far my favorite and I'm glad Mary figured some things out. If you were or are a lost soul in high school feeling like everyone else received a guide you never did, this book might be for you.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one and I'll admit it took me a minute to get into, but I really wound up enjoying it. It tells the story of an overachieving high school student who seeks to discover what's left when she stops doing things out of obligation. It was pitched as Booksmart meets Perks of Being a Wallflower and I think that's an excellent description. It has a lot of the internal storytelling and character growth that other classic coming-of-age novels like Perks have. It can be hard to pull off writing about someone having an existential crisis like Mary has because it is such an internal struggle, it can be difficult to maintain for the length of a novel, but Katie Heaney pulls it off, in large thanks to her supporting characters. For me, I wanted more scenes with those characters like the guidance counselor and Mitch, as well as more diving into Mary's family and why she is so generally isolated. Those were my main, small, qualms, but overall I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of my depressed high school years and trying to figure out life with no idea what I wanted and being confused how easy things seemed for other people. I don't want to give away the ending at all, but the final scenes of the book were by far my favorite and I'm glad Mary figured some things out. If you were or are a lost soul in high school feeling like everyone else received a guide you never did, this book might be for you.
megancrusante's review against another edition
4.0
Read cover to cover in one sitting. Perfectly captures high school for real people.
kmull2012's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
rmacyn's review against another edition
4.0
aaaanother very fast iphone work read. libby said i spent a little over an hour on this one, which, hm.
misha_ali's review against another edition
4.0
In short, comphet the YA novel. I enjoyed it, very relatable experiences when you have low grade anxiety about being an overachiever child and decide to see what happens when you don't try so hard and the answer is that the world keeps on spinning and your dissatisfaction keeps on growing.
brencoombs's review against another edition
2.0
I kept trying to understand why I was bothering to continue reading.
nitza_pizza37's review against another edition
4.0
Sooooo relateable it feels fake. I wish it were longer, and that we could’ve seen Mary develop a bit more - but I definitely felt seen as my adolescent, (gay unbeknownst to myself) over-achiever self.
I laughed out loud so many times, and was equal parts introspective! Hope to read more from Heaney :)
I laughed out loud so many times, and was equal parts introspective! Hope to read more from Heaney :)