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stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
CYCLER is without doubt one of the most unique, thought-provoking, hilarious, and crazy stories that I have read so far this year. It’s an unforgettable mishmash of awkward teen love combined with the deeper implications of gender politics and identity.
A quirky story like CYCLER wouldn’t be successful if it weren’t for the incredibly real characters. Jill, Jack, and Ramie are delightfully well developed and memorable; their conversations crack me up, while some of their actions make me cringe with all-too-familiar empathy. With the sure-mouthed, quick-paced, and acidic wit preferred by authors such as Laura Ruby and Robin Benway, CYCLER’s characters will also stick with you for a long time.
The plot is a little shaky at some points, particularly when important romantic connections occur. In fact, a lot of reality must be suspended to appreciate this character-driven story. Jack and Ramie’s relationship developed too quickly, while Jill and Tommy’s also had a note of incredulity to it. All that is forgivable, however, in light of the characters.
If you’re looking for a smart and odd read that’s worth the reread, pick CYCLER up. Mature teens and open-minded adults will fall in love with this quirky “love triangle”/identity crisis story.
A quirky story like CYCLER wouldn’t be successful if it weren’t for the incredibly real characters. Jill, Jack, and Ramie are delightfully well developed and memorable; their conversations crack me up, while some of their actions make me cringe with all-too-familiar empathy. With the sure-mouthed, quick-paced, and acidic wit preferred by authors such as Laura Ruby and Robin Benway, CYCLER’s characters will also stick with you for a long time.
The plot is a little shaky at some points, particularly when important romantic connections occur. In fact, a lot of reality must be suspended to appreciate this character-driven story. Jack and Ramie’s relationship developed too quickly, while Jill and Tommy’s also had a note of incredulity to it. All that is forgivable, however, in light of the characters.
If you’re looking for a smart and odd read that’s worth the reread, pick CYCLER up. Mature teens and open-minded adults will fall in love with this quirky “love triangle”/identity crisis story.
thewallflower00's review against another edition
2.0
This one may have been the longest on my "to-read" list. All I knew was that it was about a girl who turns into a boy for five days every menstrual cycle. I was expecting a different story, one about girls versus boys. Differences between masculine and feminine. Today's societal issues. I thought it was going to offer some enlightenment and insight into how we treat each other based on gender. But this is more like a comic novel.
The girl is obsessed with prom. Right off the bat, I was disappointed. How shallow can you get, starting with a girl who has this gift that provides incredible perspective on a giant issue in high school. And all she cares about is the most asinine thing secondary education has to offer. I really couldn't tell you one more thing she's interested in besides prom.
And when she's a boy, they trap him/her in his/her room for five days, where he has his own fridge and porn. There is no plot in this story until halfway through, when the boy decides he's in love with his/her girl-ego's buxom best friend. Not to mention the unresolved storylines, like her family's dynamic with a mom and dad who are living separate lives in the same house. And that she doesn't tell her two best friends her secret until the very last line. Dude! That is not where you end your novel, that's where you end your first act!
There's a fantastic commentary locked in this story concept and it's wasted on petty YA junk like making plans for how to flirt with boys and shallow stereotypes and the importance of popularity. It focuses on what some Hollywood executive thinks are problems.
The girl is obsessed with prom. Right off the bat, I was disappointed. How shallow can you get, starting with a girl who has this gift that provides incredible perspective on a giant issue in high school. And all she cares about is the most asinine thing secondary education has to offer. I really couldn't tell you one more thing she's interested in besides prom.
And when she's a boy, they trap him/her in his/her room for five days, where he has his own fridge and porn. There is no plot in this story until halfway through, when the boy decides he's in love with his/her girl-ego's buxom best friend. Not to mention the unresolved storylines, like her family's dynamic with a mom and dad who are living separate lives in the same house. And that she doesn't tell her two best friends her secret until the very last line. Dude! That is not where you end your novel, that's where you end your first act!
There's a fantastic commentary locked in this story concept and it's wasted on petty YA junk like making plans for how to flirt with boys and shallow stereotypes and the importance of popularity. It focuses on what some Hollywood executive thinks are problems.
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
3.0
I heard about this book from a publishing email back when it wasn't even published yet. Thought it was a really cool premise and I kept track of it and when it would be published. I was disappointed to find it's pretty explicit about teen sexuality and talks a lot about homosexuality/bisexuality and other gender issues. It's a pretty well written book, but not something younger teens should be reading, in my opinion. Others will think differently, I'm sure. But that's how I view the material.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/cycler-young-adult-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/cycler-young-adult-book-review/
meghan111's review against another edition
2.0
She turns into a boy every month when she gets her period. It would have been better had the girl been less of a stereotype obsessed with the prom.
akashe12's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly what the fuck did I read. How did this get published it’s so terrible.
changelingreader_adrian's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.75
Worst. Read. Of. The. Year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Bullying, Biphobia, Cursing, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
Moderate: Body horror, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Ableism, Sexism, and Outing
beanmom's review against another edition
4.0
A nice take on gender, sexual orientation, and that odd feeling of being "between states" as a teenager. Easy to read and entertaining, but I think it could have done with a bit more fleshing out -- the character of the Dad, for example, was kind of tantalisingly wasted. The back of the book review called it a "screwball comedy" and I did NOT get that kind of vibe AT ALL.
dawnoftheread's review against another edition
3.0
Fun and thought provoking. Plus first teen book I've read with a girl with a bisexual boyfriend.