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home_in_books's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Even though I gave 5 stars to this book, I cannot say that reading it has been an enjoyable experience. In fact, this novel made me often feel uncomfortable and sometimes it hit too close to home. In fact, even though I believe that everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime, I must warn you to check the trigger warnings before getting into it. Personally, if I had read it a couple years ago, I would’ve been destroyed by it.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
The book should become a feminist manifesto because, as the author said at the end, that is not dystopia but our sad reality. It centres body and beauty standards in our society, it questions our way of viewing women, sex, love and many other things. It’s not just a beautiful story of two girls finding themselves, but also an invitation to consider how many of the things they say seem exaggerated but are actually part of our culture.
The author writing also really struck me and her way to represent perfectly how girls feel everyday.
I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books, but I have to wait to be in the mood for it otherwise I won’t be able to stand the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Body shaming, and Sexism
kie111k's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed the book, and its exploration of societal standards and the 'unofficial' laws that dictate the lives of women and young girls- especially the inclusion of queer people and different races within the feminist message.
However I also thought that the message was very powerfully hinted at from the very beginning- and whilst this made it clear and presented it nicely, it also took away the chance of a deeper realisation for the characters; as it almost felt like we sort of watched them have these realisations from afar, rather than go through it with them. (if that makes any sense.)
Also I feel like Joni was given too much responsability as a character- like the whole plot of her being one of few 'truly awakened' kids was a very important part of the story, but I almost saw it as condescending to the other characters? in a way? that Joni knew everything and anything about this point of view so much so that she had the power to 'awaken' other kids. It sort of took away from the freeing aspects of the feminism movement that Joni didnt help Belle subtly at all and literally said "im going to awaken her". I dont know if this is unfounded but I just thought it kinda presented Joni as the person educating and gave her this weird power over her peers when in reality, though shes privy to the tricks of her society, she doesnt really have the ability (i would say) to force her view onto others even if it is objectivly right. I think id have preferred a slower, more subtle/built up realisation from Belle that came more from her understanding through experience and emotional change (helped by Joni!!) rather than being talked at, and having to accept a lecture that, from her point of view, was basically being forced on her. Belle went through some amazing character development and i think there was room for Joni to aswell where she may have lacked some come the end of the book.
saying that though, the book was lovely! I really did enjoy the unstable relationship dynamic between Joni and Belle that developed as the book went on, and how they kinda got to see the world from eachothers point of view near to the end. I also, despite my qualms with the context, really REALLY enjoyed Jonis long monolouge about beauty standards and the damning repetitive circle they create and suck women and girls into- and how applicable it is to modern society and social media.
The family background for both characters was also super interesting and i love the way that whilst they were so different, there were similar, and very in depth feelings and issues in the relationships with both the girls and their parents. Nothing can be perfect 100% of the time and I think Holly Bourne was successful in showing that through how Joni reacted to her mother and vice versa, and how Belle did with her mother and father.
Overall, great book! Would recomend perhaps to a reader who is slightly less versed in feminist literature as this book is very clear and solid with the message its aiming to get across and what is standing in the way of it in both this dystopia and oir modern world.
However I also thought that the message was very powerfully hinted at from the very beginning- and whilst this made it clear and presented it nicely, it also took away the chance of a deeper realisation for the characters; as it almost felt like we sort of watched them have these realisations from afar, rather than go through it with them. (if that makes any sense.)
Also I feel like Joni was given too much responsability as a character- like the whole plot of her being one of few 'truly awakened' kids was a very important part of the story, but I almost saw it as condescending to the other characters? in a way? that Joni knew everything and anything about this point of view so much so that she had the power to 'awaken' other kids. It sort of took away from the freeing aspects of the feminism movement that Joni didnt help Belle subtly at all and literally said "im going to awaken her". I dont know if this is unfounded but I just thought it kinda presented Joni as the person educating and gave her this weird power over her peers when in reality, though shes privy to the tricks of her society, she doesnt really have the ability (i would say) to force her view onto others even if it is objectivly right. I think id have preferred a slower, more subtle/built up realisation from Belle that came more from her understanding through experience and emotional change (helped by Joni!!) rather than being talked at, and having to accept a lecture that, from her point of view, was basically being forced on her. Belle went through some amazing character development and i think there was room for Joni to aswell where she may have lacked some come the end of the book.
saying that though, the book was lovely! I really did enjoy the unstable relationship dynamic between Joni and Belle that developed as the book went on, and how they kinda got to see the world from eachothers point of view near to the end. I also, despite my qualms with the context, really REALLY enjoyed Jonis long monolouge about beauty standards and the damning repetitive circle they create and suck women and girls into- and how applicable it is to modern society and social media.
The family background for both characters was also super interesting and i love the way that whilst they were so different, there were similar, and very in depth feelings and issues in the relationships with both the girls and their parents. Nothing can be perfect 100% of the time and I think Holly Bourne was successful in showing that through how Joni reacted to her mother and vice versa, and how Belle did with her mother and father.
Overall, great book! Would recomend perhaps to a reader who is slightly less versed in feminist literature as this book is very clear and solid with the message its aiming to get across and what is standing in the way of it in both this dystopia and oir modern world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Fatphobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
xavreadsbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia
annabelreadsandwrites's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racism
amber_bookworm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
What a book to start the year with. Powerful, evocative, an excellent read. The only thing that stopped me from rating 5 stars was some of the linguistic choices at times by the author which felt a bit jarring. Would definitely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Dysphoria, Medical trauma, Toxic friendship, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexism
olivia_b2509's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75
I would want more if the slight lgbtq element but that is a personal opinion and only very slight
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexism, Sexual violence, Dysphoria, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Cursing, and Fatphobia
murderousscottishgremlin's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- 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? No
2.0
I found this disappointing and thought it added nothing new to the conversation, but I’m aware I’m not the target audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Sexual violence, Eating disorder, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racism
leah08855's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Bullying, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
megan_j's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
Spoilers throughout
This was sub par. I can appreciate the message, but it’s very surface level. It does make you take a look at yourself though, and the content and media you consume, and the reality of that content. We can all look at the kardashians and think about how amazing they look but the reality is much different. I would definitely recommend it to younger girls but I feel like I need something a bit more in depth for my age atm. The characters were definitely well rounded and lovable though and I really found myself rooting for them throughout and was disappointed that they didn’t get what they were hoping for in the end. Didn’t do quite enough to push it to 4 for me.
This was sub par. I can appreciate the message, but it’s very surface level. It does make you take a look at yourself though, and the content and media you consume, and the reality of that content. We can all look at the kardashians and think about how amazing they look but the reality is much different. I would definitely recommend it to younger girls but I feel like I need something a bit more in depth for my age atm. The characters were definitely well rounded and lovable though and I really found myself rooting for them throughout and was disappointed that they didn’t get what they were hoping for in the end. Didn’t do quite enough to push it to 4 for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Classism, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Eating disorder
on_my_bookshelf's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Body shaming, and Bullying