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kaelynmerrithew's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book was just so boring and predictable. The premise was so promising, especially with the dual timeline, but nothing interesting was done with it. I thought it would at least be juicy but honestly the whole thing just came off as disjointed with inconsistent characterizations and unfinished thoughts. Disappointed in this one. :(
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Outing, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Adult/minor relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent and Toxic friendship
sstewart89's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Drug use, Bullying, Outing, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, and Cursing
Moderate: Death of parent
noblecharley's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Brutal, but good. Like the main character, it starts out much happier and naive, but you slide more and more into the darker side of this emotionally abusive relationship between adult mentor and child mentee, although neither is even fully aware of it. I flew through this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming and Gaslighting
Minor: Outing and Death of parent
gretchenplz's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Reviews seem to be mixed on this book, but I really enjoyed it.
I was hooked on this book from just looking at the cover, and was not disappointed by the narrative itself.
This book scratched that itch that Daisy Jones & the Six did, with the right amount of drama mixed with reflection. I think (Dance Mom's-inspired or not) this book brings up a lot of important topics about child labor in the entertainment industry, the ethics of realty television, and the responsibilities that adults have to care for children.
My one real criticism is that the format (while I understand why the author decided to write it this way) detracted from the resolution and the overall point the ending made. I could have used one more chapter about the reaction to the reunion special and Belle's healing journey after. But maybe that's a story for another time.
I was hooked on this book from just looking at the cover, and was not disappointed by the narrative itself.
This book scratched that itch that Daisy Jones & the Six did, with the right amount of drama mixed with reflection. I think (Dance Mom's-inspired or not) this book brings up a lot of important topics about child labor in the entertainment industry, the ethics of realty television, and the responsibilities that adults have to care for children.
My one real criticism is that the format (while I understand why the author decided to write it this way) detracted from the resolution and the overall point the ending made. I could have used one more chapter about the reaction to the reunion special and Belle's healing journey after. But maybe that's a story for another time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Drug use, and Outing
Minor: Pedophilia
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