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spearly's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
figured it was about time I read this, seeing as how I loved the first book. Not sure why it took me so long to get to it.
_________________
Steven does it again.
I LOVED The Exact Opposite of Okay. I loved Izzy's voice as a narrator, I loved the casual tone of the book (makes sense, since it's written as if Izzy threw all her blog posts together to make a book), and most importantly, I loved the story. I loved the commentary on feminist issues like revenge porn, like double standards, like toxic masculinity, like the "friend zone".
And I did enjoy this sequel. I had a big ol' smile on my face by the end. Once again, Steven impressed me with her unique style, the way she crafted Izzy's voice, full of sharp wit, humour, sarcasm, self-deprecation.
Still, I will admit I wasn't as gripped by this story as I was the first book. Which is odd to me, because I loved the additions Steven added into this sequel, weaving in more intersectional issues like BLM and ableism. And it felt especially poignant, since this novel focused more on the political and legislative ramifications of these issues. So I can't quite put my finger on why A Girl Called Shameless didn't capture me as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay.
I will say, while I usually don't like things being introduced or touched on without conclusion, I was happy there didn't end up being a love triangle (again?) between Carson and Zachary. I was glad we didn't see Izzy fully forgive Danny for his ATROCIOUS actions from the first book.</SPOILER>
Regardless, it was a strong sequel, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Steven!
_________________
Steven does it again.
I LOVED The Exact Opposite of Okay. I loved Izzy's voice as a narrator, I loved the casual tone of the book (makes sense, since it's written as if Izzy threw all her blog posts together to make a book), and most importantly, I loved the story. I loved the commentary on feminist issues like revenge porn, like double standards, like toxic masculinity, like the "friend zone".
And I did enjoy this sequel. I had a big ol' smile on my face by the end. Once again, Steven impressed me with her unique style, the way she crafted Izzy's voice, full of sharp wit, humour, sarcasm, self-deprecation.
Still, I will admit I wasn't as gripped by this story as I was the first book. Which is odd to me, because I loved the additions Steven added into this sequel, weaving in more intersectional issues like BLM and ableism. And it felt especially poignant, since this novel focused more on the political and legislative ramifications of these issues. So I can't quite put my finger on why A Girl Called Shameless didn't capture me as much as The Exact Opposite of Okay.
I will say, while I usually don't like things being introduced or touched on without conclusion, I was happy
Regardless, it was a strong sequel, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Steven!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Cursing
Minor: Police brutality, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
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