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aurora_smith12's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Addiction, Suicide, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Death
readsyrids'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
4.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Addiction, Infidelity, Alcoholism, and Fire/Fire injury
ellis_elisha's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Suicide, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Miscarriage, Abortion, Pregnancy, Car accident, and Vomit
zara89's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, Death, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy, Police brutality, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Abortion, and Miscarriage
jane_austyn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Alcohol, Infidelity, Grief, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Fatphobia, Suicide attempt, Misogyny, Gaslighting, and Suicide
zoemain's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
I swear I just read 365 pages of filler content.
The synopsis is very misleading. This book did not have any of the gossip or mystery that was implied.
First of all, entire book is said to be about the end-of-summer party Nina hosts, but the party makes up about 5% of the book’s content. This is because the main character barely attends her own party once it finally starts 2/3 of the way into the novel. Instead she’s seeking refuge in her room, she’s hiding in the pantry… she even walks down to the beach for a few hours. I’d only suggest you read this book if you want some examples on how to NOT be a good host.
Second, I was anticipating mystery when I read that “by morning the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames.” The whole novel I was wondering how the fire was going to start. Turns out that was literally only half a page of content. The fire started up in the lamest, most anticlimactic way
So you’re probably wondering: “Well, if the book’s not about the party, or how the fire starts, what’s it about?” Well, nothing much. There’s some backstory with Nina’s mum trying and failing to raise her kids, but the novel’s honestly mainly about Nina’s dad, Mick. Mick cheating, leaving, becoming famous. I’d honestly be way more interested in a book entirely about Mick.
This book claimed to be We Were Liars but instead it’s got some content about bad parenting and that’s about it.
Moderate: Abandonment and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent