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kie111k's review
- 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
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.
Graphic: Sexism and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Fatphobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
xavreadsbooks's review
- 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
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia
amber_bookworm's review against another edition
- 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
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
- 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
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexism, Sexual violence, Dysphoria, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Cursing, and Fatphobia
megan_j's review
- 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
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.
Graphic: Medical content, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Classism, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Eating disorder
amyashcroft's review
- 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
5.0
The novel is split between the perspectives of Joni and Belle, Joni rejects the rules of the Doctrine and doesn’t Mask, and Belle is striving to be a Pretty and is working hard to keep up appearances to win the Ceremony. Despite there differences, they’re both fighting for a scholarship for the Education and are forced to spend more and more time together in order to prepare.
This book is so head-on with the issues of the beauty industry and sexism in modern society. Bourne doesn’t shy away from the gritty details and of her own criticisms of normalised sexism that is experienced by teenage girls, highlighting modern issues from porn to eating disorders and the impact these have on beauty standards. I also thoroughly enjoyed the theme of ageism in society; how the main characters are teenage girls, but we also get to learn how society treats the women around them and how their mothers react to the effects of aging.
You Could Be So Pretty is often hard to read, but there are clear trigger warnings for the issues at the start of the book, which is greatly appreciated, as well as support information at the end. This is definitely an older YA novel, probably best for 16+, I’m 22 and struggled to read some of the content! Holly Bourne was able to critique so many different areas of society and by retitling many of the words used to similar ones, it allowed me to read these difficult topics and feel a separation, helping it feel less overwhelming but still have an impact.
I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to discuss it with others when it’s published!
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Mental illness, Sexism, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Violence, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Medical content, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment and Alcohol