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mxbluet18's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Trigger warnings for Arden Grey include: abuse and mentions of self-harm.
☆
☆
In regard to representation in Arden Grey, there is an asexual lesbian main character. A trans male side character. A minor Latina character, and a minor Black character who is also asexual.
~
I picked this up after seeing a couple of reviews for it and reading the synopsis, and I got it from an independent queer bookstore. Probably the biggest factor in me picking it up was the fact that there is a trans male side character and an asexual lesbian main character. Even from just reading that it had those characters I felt a connection to it. And that's only become stronger as I read it and was introduced to the characters and saw their developing personalities. And while the queer elements of the story are something I enjoyed, there are other characters who drew my eye as well, ones who had just as rich a development and who I feel I know on a deeper level than that of characters.
~
I have so many feelings and emotions about this book, but O don't really have words to put any of it down. So I'll say this instead, while I can't really comment on how accurate the experiences of abusive relationships in the book are, what I will say is if you feel like something happening isn't right, firstly, tell someone about it, don't try to deal with it by yourself in silence. And secondly if you are able to, give the relationship space and yourself time to think and find out if those things are abusive, and get out in whatever way you can.
~
And on a less serious note, this is quite honestly one of the best books I've ever read, and definitely the best I've read this year.
☆
☆
In regard to representation in Arden Grey, there is an asexual lesbian main character. A trans male side character. A minor Latina character, and a minor Black character who is also asexual.
~
I picked this up after seeing a couple of reviews for it and reading the synopsis, and I got it from an independent queer bookstore. Probably the biggest factor in me picking it up was the fact that there is a trans male side character and an asexual lesbian main character. Even from just reading that it had those characters I felt a connection to it. And that's only become stronger as I read it and was introduced to the characters and saw their developing personalities. And while the queer elements of the story are something I enjoyed, there are other characters who drew my eye as well, ones who had just as rich a development and who I feel I know on a deeper level than that of characters.
~
I have so many feelings and emotions about this book, but O don't really have words to put any of it down. So I'll say this instead, while I can't really comment on how accurate the experiences of abusive relationships in the book are, what I will say is if you feel like something happening isn't right, firstly, tell someone about it, don't try to deal with it by yourself in silence. And secondly if you are able to, give the relationship space and yourself time to think and find out if those things are abusive, and get out in whatever way you can.
~
And on a less serious note, this is quite honestly one of the best books I've ever read, and definitely the best I've read this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Bullying
anniereads221's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Bullying, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Gaslighting
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