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Reviews tagging 'Medical trauma'
Six Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) by Tess Sharpe
17 reviews
sapphic_alpaca's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death of parent, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Death, Grief, Abandonment, and Cursing
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Gore, Ableism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt
alisonchen's review against another edition
emotional
sad
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Perhaps I just don’t like this genre, but this book follows fanfic tropes beat-by-beat, which felt repetitive. The main problem is that I didn’t like the characters. Penny is insufferable and Tate is long-suffering; I honestly couldn’t tell why she liked Penny so much. I liked their friends, but side characters can’t make up for an annoying first-person POV. I skim-read through most of the family troubles and traumatic backstory.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Grief, and Mental illness
ali1311's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was not really what I expected but I loved it! It was very emotional and deeply about mother-daughter relationships as much as it was about romance. It was a really interesting story of womanhood and woman relationships (in truly all aspects). My biggest note is that the ending felt a bit unfinished, mostly between the friends! I want to know what happened with them in the end and a little more of a wrap up for Anna would've been nice too. But overall I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and it tugged on my heartstrings a LOT. Also there should def be trigger warnings at the beginning of this book so I will add them to this review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Medical trauma, and Emotional abuse
deideo's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, and Mental illness
lizsmithson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was not what I expected. It was definitely heavier than I thought it would be but I found that I really enjoyed how it developed and was mostly satisfied with the ending. Overall a good read but be prepared for it to be sad and heavy at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
codyemma's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Cancer
rampant_reading's review
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One thing I think it is important to note about 6 Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) is that it is not a rom-com, despite the adorable book cover and sweet title. While it is a book with a wonderful romance in it, it also deals with heavy topics like grief, parental death, and trauma. The two protagonists, Tate and Penny, deal with issues faced by many teenagers, but are able to find allies in each other, both as friends and as romantic interests. The writing of this book stays youthful, even while discussing life events that even adults would struggle to cope with, which I think is a big part of what makes the story as a whole so successful. Tate and Penny are each such well-written characters, filled with the complicated and sometimes conflicting emotions that make us human. Overall, 6 Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) is a fantastic new Young Adult novel that tackles mental health issues and trauma in a sensative and relatable way!
My Recommendation-
If you are looking for a heartfelt queer novel filled with characters that feel like they could step off the page and into the real world, you should grab a copy of 6 Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did)! I would especially recommend this book to outdoorsy readers, as the story’s connection to the wilderness is very special!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
livvlikesbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Something about this book reminded me so much of reading fan fiction, I mean it says it in the dedication.
But I loved it.
There were some details that once I read I forgot about. I don’t remember reading that they were on school holidays or vacation or whatever but half way through I thought, huh? Shouldn’t they be in school. But I’m the next few chapters it was clarified, that isn’t anything to do with the book not being set right, that’s just my stupidity.
The metaphor of people making their own coping mechanisms as a toolbox is fun and makes a lot of sense and I like that it wasn’t just mentioned once.
But I loved it.
There were some details that once I read I forgot about. I don’t remember reading that they were on school holidays or vacation or whatever but half way through I thought, huh? Shouldn’t they be in school. But I’m the next few chapters it was clarified, that isn’t anything to do with the book not being set right, that’s just my stupidity.
The metaphor of people making their own coping mechanisms as a toolbox is fun and makes a lot of sense and I like that it wasn’t just mentioned once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship
the_b00kreader's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
This was the first I have read of Tess Sharpe's work and I'm glad to have read it.
Although remaining to be a romance read, Sharpe was able to incorporate many different emotions throughout this book by bringing up some heavy topics.
There was significant detail on the effects that grief can have on different people and the coping mechanisms that each individual has.
There were many moments throughout this book where I just wanted to give Penny and Tate a hug. Both have been through so much but they always made sure they were there for one another. I do admire that about them.
On the romance side of things, this book had it all: the one bed trope, forced proximity, miscommunication, a love-hate relationship, etc.
There was also another little side relationship that I thought was absolutely adorable!
I love Sharpe's writing style and I really loved the text messages that flowed into the story. They certainly added to the overall vibe of the book and also allowed for a quick recovery break for the reader between emotional scenes.
All in all, I would highly recommend reading this book if you haven't already!!
This was the first I have read of Tess Sharpe's work and I'm glad to have read it.
Although remaining to be a romance read, Sharpe was able to incorporate many different emotions throughout this book by bringing up some heavy topics.
There was significant detail on the effects that grief can have on different people and the coping mechanisms that each individual has.
There were many moments throughout this book where I just wanted to give Penny and Tate a hug. Both have been through so much but they always made sure they were there for one another. I do admire that about them.
On the romance side of things, this book had it all: the one bed trope, forced proximity, miscommunication, a love-hate relationship, etc.
There was also another little side relationship that I thought was absolutely adorable!
I love Sharpe's writing style and I really loved the text messages that flowed into the story. They certainly added to the overall vibe of the book and also allowed for a quick recovery break for the reader between emotional scenes.
All in all, I would highly recommend reading this book if you haven't already!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Mental illness, Abandonment, Bullying, Grief, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Addiction, Cancer, Drug abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
abi2xoxo's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
WOW. WOW. WOW. This book has only been released very recently and it doesn't have as many reviews!
I honestly never audibly laugh at a book or actually cry but my god.
pros-
Well-written. I don't know how to elaborate on this but it just is. It is a beautiful book.
All characters have backstories. Sometimes books get lost in their main characters. Every character had a reason for behaving that way that went beyond just being an ex-girlfriend or just being a mum or grandma. It even made me smile when a teacher was introduced for one paragraph and then never appeared again but what they said made me well up and they felt so human.
The fact this book is in little sections and each near-kiss has its own section that goes beyond chapters. I am glad the author knew what to do with this sort of layout because it was so much easier to read and made me feel like if I put the book down and started again at the next section I was almost starting a new 'movie'.
The flashbacks weren't confusing at all to me. They integrated it well into each section and they all became a story within themselves. Each Penny and Tate got an opinion in the flashbacks as well which was nice to see.
Six Times We Almost Kissed (and the one time we did), is from two views!!!!! I enjoy a book so much more when it isn't just one person's view but multiple people speaking.
Death was handled with care. I didn't feel that the grief was unrealistic but I loved that everyone had grief no matter their relationship with George.
When George died I was in a coffee shop and believe me, I had to put my book down otherwise I would have burst into tears.
cons-
One thing missing from this book in relation to the two-view style was that the mums weren't reintroduced. I was a little confused when names suddenly switched and I kept having to remind myself which mum was whose.
Usually, I can find something to nitpick in a book but this book was just awesome.
I recommend and will definitely be reading Tess Sharpe again.
I honestly never audibly laugh at a book or actually cry but my god.
pros-
Well-written. I don't know how to elaborate on this but it just is. It is a beautiful book.
All characters have backstories. Sometimes books get lost in their main characters. Every character had a reason for behaving that way that went beyond just being an ex-girlfriend or just being a mum or grandma. It even made me smile when a teacher was introduced for one paragraph and then never appeared again but what they said made me well up and they felt so human.
The fact this book is in little sections and each near-kiss has its own section that goes beyond chapters. I am glad the author knew what to do with this sort of layout because it was so much easier to read and made me feel like if I put the book down and started again at the next section I was almost starting a new 'movie'.
The flashbacks weren't confusing at all to me. They integrated it well into each section and they all became a story within themselves. Each Penny and Tate got an opinion in the flashbacks as well which was nice to see.
Six Times We Almost Kissed (and the one time we did), is from two views!!!!! I enjoy a book so much more when it isn't just one person's view but multiple people speaking.
Death was handled with care. I didn't feel that the grief was unrealistic but I loved that everyone had grief no matter their relationship with George.
When George died I was in a coffee shop and believe me, I had to put my book down otherwise I would have burst into tears.
cons-
One thing missing from this book in relation to the two-view style was that the mums weren't reintroduced. I was a little confused when names suddenly switched and I kept having to remind myself which mum was whose.
Usually, I can find something to nitpick in a book but this book was just awesome.
I recommend and will definitely be reading Tess Sharpe again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Cancer, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Blood