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annierosebel's review against another edition
5.0
As usual when I read YA, I've got to acknowledge that I am not the target audience for this book.
It's a heavy read - but I'm actually so glad today's teenagers have books that talk about porn, disordered eating, and social media in such an honest and accessible way.
Every time I read YA I am reminded of how rough teenagers have it and how strong we demand they be.
I think this book is clever. It's engaging and enjoyable to read, while talking about feminist issues like 'choice' and violence against women and girls - and without pitting girls and women with different points of view or experiences against each other. It really highlighted how misogyny and patriarchy cause all of the girls and women to suffer, and how complicit men and boys become though not questioning the reality presented to them.
Holly Bourne writes well, and you find yourself drawn to both protagonists, regardless of who you perhaps relate to more.
I was also so glad to see some queer representation, as well as some (admittedly light) acknowledgement of intersectionality with Vanessa being Black.
I don't really have a sense of what age this would be appropriate for - I unfortunately think girls younger than ever are probably exposed to porn and appearance pressures - but I hope young women find it and are reassured and encouraged to act in their best interests.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Medical content, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Sexism
The book contains discourse about pornograohy and violent sexual content.annabelreadsandwrites's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Racism
leah08855's review against another edition
- 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
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
amyashcroft's review against another edition
- 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