Reviews tagging 'Cancer'

Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis

9 reviews

kathburke's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

A brilliant commentary on contemporary life. 

From social media and influencer culture to religious guilt and climate anxiety, Willis covers just about every hot-button topic that makes the world feel bleak. I’m usually not a fan of book with unlikeable protagonists, but Amber and Kevin feel so very real, and give a really insightful look into the different ways people deal (or fail to deal) with existential and intrapersonal conflict. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

maddie_can_read's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Very unique book. Definitely not for everyone. I really enjoyed it. 

For me, what took the rating down was that it dragged a bit between the 30%-60% mark. And more importantly, the cover, title, and genre label of science fiction sets up the reader for certain expectations 
that aren't really met until like the last 10% of the book. like the book didn't feel like science fiction. I remember another review saying they think it would have been better if the book was set further in the future and I agree.


Loved the Canadianisms. So cool to read about Thunder Bay! Wished Lakehead University was mentioned haha.
I really liked the realistic sad ending, especially when contrasted with the humour and satire present in the rest of the book. This part made the book feel the most like science fition to me

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ninebookishlives's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny

3.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kastygian's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Amber is dissatisfied with her life and wants something more. Her boyfriend Kevin is content to continue their lives as they are. So Amber signs up for MarsNow, a reality TV competition to send two people to mars, without telling Kevin. And thus starts the unraveling of our two main characters. 

The story is told in two POVs, Kevin’s first person account, and the other following Amber in third person. Rooted in the 20-teens through 2020s, the story is an all encompassing critique of modern society. Influencer culture, evil billionaires, and the overwhelming dread and doom about future society and sustainability that is the hallmark of left-leaning zillenials. 

The book is funny, real and honest, sad, and sweet at times. It very easy to get into and easy to get lost in and devour half the book in one sitting. I do think the book could’ve been a little shorter, but I enjoyed my time spent with Kevin and Amber. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

emmagee's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

larcadip's review

Go to review page

3.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kmagers's review

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

heyitssones's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

daisywilkes's review

Go to review page

dark informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Thoroughly depressing. Two horrible people try to out do each other as to how awful and negative they can  be about their relationship and the future of the earth. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...