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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Not my normal cup of tea, this science fiction novella was interesting and heartwarming. I love the concept of losing weight but maintaining mass — such a mind boggling idea. I also loved the main characters willingness to step in and change the narrative of a town blinded by bigotry and in so doing, rebuild the livelihood and self-image of his neighbor. A story of friendship, acceptance, and letting go, my second King story did not disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Fatphobia, Lesbophobia, Suicide, and Terminal illness
mamaquiereleer's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Terminal illness, Lesbophobia, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Alcohol and Body shaming
imstephtacular's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
2.75
I have complicated feelings about this one. I am a huge fan of King usually, but this one really left me conflicted.
What I liked: fast pace, cinematic writing, loveable characters (to an extent)
What I didn't: tons of fatphobia (I almost put it down immediately), savior complex plot
I liked that this was quick and an interesting concept, but the themes did not sit well with me.
What I liked: fast pace, cinematic writing, loveable characters (to an extent)
What I didn't: tons of fatphobia (I almost put it down immediately), savior complex plot
I liked that this was quick and an interesting concept, but the themes did not sit well with me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Medical content, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Death
sarah_3141's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Lesbophobia
eviecook0708's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I'll start by saying that I enjoyed this book. It was a super fast read and definitely worth the time I spent on it. I like King's style and thought the premise was very inventive and unique. I do have some mixed thoughts, though.
One thing I really liked was the way the story viewed death and portrayed death positivity and preparedness. The story has an emotionally satisfying ending in that respect, and I think that's especially nice considering there wasn't much time to build up a significant connection to the characters.
However, as a queer woman, I found the way that the homophobia in the story was dealt with a little off-putting. This might just be my reading, but it felt sort of like a self-congratulatory straight savior thing where the straight man notices homophobia in his town for the first time, decides he doesn't like it, and pretty much completely fixes the issue for the lesbians in the story through one confrontation and a good deed, and that's basically all it took, one guy being like "huh that kinda sucks :/". I think I understand what King was going for, but it comes off a little odd to someone who has experienced homophobia firsthand and has spent so much time trying to find ways to fight against it.
Overall, I think it's an interesting story with a good premise. I would say go for it, especially since it's so short. I enjoyed the time I spent on it regardless of the issues I had with the handling of the homophobia.
One thing I really liked was the way the story viewed death and portrayed death positivity and preparedness. The story has an emotionally satisfying ending in that respect, and I think that's especially nice considering there wasn't much time to build up a significant connection to the characters.
However, as a queer woman, I found the way that the homophobia in the story was dealt with a little off-putting. This might just be my reading, but it felt sort of like a self-congratulatory straight savior thing where the straight man notices homophobia in his town for the first time, decides he doesn't like it, and pretty much completely fixes the issue for the lesbians in the story through one confrontation and a good deed, and that's basically all it took, one guy being like "huh that kinda sucks :/". I think I understand what King was going for, but it comes off a little odd to someone who has experienced homophobia firsthand and has spent so much time trying to find ways to fight against it.
Overall, I think it's an interesting story with a good premise. I would say go for it, especially since it's so short. I enjoyed the time I spent on it regardless of the issues I had with the handling of the homophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Terminal illness
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, and Fatphobia
readandfindout's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Trigger warnings: Fatphobic language, homophobia
Overall rating: 3 stars
Style/writing: 2.5 stars
Themes: 3.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 2 stars
Overall rating: 3 stars
Style/writing: 2.5 stars
Themes: 3.5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 2 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Terminal illness
Minor: Fatphobia
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