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maddie_can_read's review against another edition
- 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
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
Loved the Canadianisms. So cool to read about Thunder Bay! Wished Lakehead University was mentioned haha.
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Abandonment
Minor: Body horror, Child abuse, Death of parent, Drug use, Cancer, Cursing, Death, and Vomit
rei_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, Grief, Mental illness, Abandonment, Infidelity, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Vomit, Terminal illness, and Miscarriage
kastygian'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
3.5
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.
Moderate: Miscarriage, Death of parent, Cancer, and Death
Minor: Sexual assault
larcadip's review
3.0
Moderate: Death, Cancer, Death of parent, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
sarahholliday's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Amber and Kevin are both likable and unlikable in their own unique ways—you desperately want to root for them even as you want to take them by the shoulders and shake them. But that's also what makes the story compelling. Neither is entirely right or wrong in the way they see the world, or how they approach life's challenges.
If you go into this book expecting the space & sci-fi elements to take center-stage, you're going to be disappointed. But I sort of enjoyed how much Willis made them the background for the real human drama to play against. Of course, in our day and age of privatized wealth, extreme privilege, and obsession with social media, the next major space development won't have the same noble aura of NASA's previous advancements. It will be farcical and half-baked and driven by dreams of profit. And because of that it will fade into the background of our lives with the other examples of wealthy behavior that impact all our wellbeing even as they have nothing to do with our day-to-day lives.
I really enjoyed Girlfriend on Mars and am looking forward to reading more from Willis. This would make a perfect beach read for someone looking for a story at the intersection of fluff and thought-provoking.
Graphic: Terminal illness, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Death, Body shaming, Cursing, Death of parent, Drug use, Miscarriage, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Ableism, Eating disorder, Addiction, and Fatphobia