Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Delilah Green Doesn't Care

This was such a cute book!
The first half dragged on for me a but then it really picked up!! Almost didn’t finish but I’m so glad I did.

I love all of the characters so much. I love the focus on female relationships (friendship, romance, siblings, mother/daughter). It was wonderful!
I’ve been wanting to read a queer book with a focus on women as the lead and supporting characters.

I appreciated the plus-size representation but after looking at the thin characters on the cover, I’m not sure I read Claire correctly.
All of the characters were white.

There was a lot of drinking. I don’t know if this story would’ve happened without alcohol.

I loved the descriptions of Delilah’s photographs. I loved her relationship with Ruby. I loved the camping chapter.

This is a side thing but I found it hard to remember the characters names? I really don’t think that Delilah Green is a fitting name for the main character. Her personality opposes the name. Which maybe is the point?
And I feel the name Astrid would’ve been better suited to the step-mother and Isabel as the step-daughter. It’s very small but I kept confusing Astrid and Isabel in the beginning.

I loved how differently Claire and Delilah interpreted the same events. It was written in a way that reflected their own insecurities. This meant their miscommunication was understandable and not frustrating to read.

I thought the sexual scenes were written well with a focus on foreplay and consent. It was refreshing after reading the quick and blunt descriptions in ‘Verity’ by Coleen Hoover.

I was surprised by Astrid’s relationship with her fiancé. It was triggering to read at times. I feel like this book used the abuse as a plot device to bring the characters together without acknowledging the abusive nature of the relationship. I was expecting a conversation from the characters about it. The signs of an abusive relationship were subtly threaded throughout the novel but it wasn’t explicitly stated. This might’ve been a deliberate choice to not isolate the audience.

I didn’t like how much was told at the start, I feel like a lot could’ve been cut out to create a better flow. But I did enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in the Bright Falls series!

Content Warnings

a_libra_library's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

THIS BOOK IS SO WONDERFULLY QUEER OMG.

From the get go delilah and Claire had me trapped. The bubbling passion and the hidden glances. To the family bonding and creation of friendships around them. I just want to scream.

I love love love this book so much.
Approaching themes like grief,acceptance, family troubles, queerness and more this was a book of wonder all wrapped into one.

Although the emotions throughout were a rollercoaster I was happy to see such a happy ending both romantically, as well as platonically with both friends and family.

If that sounds interesting and you want queer photographer meets retro teen mom in a town filled with their own traumatic pasts then this is the book for you!

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thereadinghammock's review

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emotional funny reflective fast-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? Yes

5.0

I loved this book from page one. All the main characters were relatable, hilarious, and wonderfully, deeply flawed. From the jump, Delilah was a hysterical and terribly unreliable narrator, reluctant to drag herself home for her estranged sister, Astrid's, wedding. Claire, one of Astrid's childhood best friends and adorable train wreck adult, is just trying to be a good Mom while considering getting back in the dating saddle. Being queer and dating in the small town you grew up in is never easy, so when dark, brooding, and unrecognizable Delilah walks in to the local bar, Claire shoots her shot and sparks fly, however briefly before Astrid recognizes her sister and Delilah and Claire begin their "We shouldn't, but I want to" dance.

I love how Ashley Herring Blake explored the repercussions of the trauma of losing one's parent at such a young age, while tackling some of the awkward family dynamics of blended families, while balancing the deep seated prejudices that come with adolescent misunderstanding. Needless to say, this book covers some heavy baggage while still feeling breezy and fun. I especially loved the supportive female friendships that took center stage to this story. Astrid, Iris, and Claire being the best friends they can be to each other. Claire and Delilah growing closer through the story, bonding with their blossoming friendship and through Ruby's admiration of Delilah. Claire, Iris, and Delilah hatching a plan to get Astrid to call off the wedding to the absolute trash bag of a human that is her fiancé Spencer. And finally, the one that got me the most, Delilah and Astrid, reconciling after decades of misunderstanding and finally finding their path to forging their tentative sisterly bond.

I'm so glad I picked up this book after seeing it recommended time and time again on Bookstagram!

Content Warnings

amandamyers's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was so good. So good. It's fun and dramatic and queer and interesting. Delilah returns to her hometown after years away in NYC pursuing her photography career. She's called back to photograph her stepsister's wedding, and their relationship is full of tension and resentment, on both sides. Claire, one of Delilah's stepsister's best friends is juggling her business, her tween daughter, and her unreliable ex. There's understandable trust issues and intimacy issues for both of them, and seeing them work through these issues, and how they impact both their romantic relationship, and their platonic relationships with others is really interesting.

I became really invested in these characters and their problems, but beyond that, the story is genuinely fun to read. The plot involving Astrid's wedding, and the associated hijinks were great, and the common goal, even with the motivations being slightly different made for great bonding.

One of my favorite parts is the inclusion of a visibly bisexual character. This representation is so important to me, and this felt real and wonderful. Claire's unapologetically bi and I love her for it!

I would recommend this book if you like: flirting!!, queer love, supportive friends, hijinks!!
I would not recommend this book if you hate: single parent romance, small towns.

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