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purple676's review
2.0
I should stop having high expectations of books because they almost always disappoint me.
What I did like about this was the main Asian characters, the rest was a story I’ve read many times before. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.
What I did like about this was the main Asian characters, the rest was a story I’ve read many times before. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.
ameserole's review
2.0
Okay, so, I'm just going to say this - it would have been better if the reveal was a twin or something. I'm not even lying because the whole reveal just didn't make sense to me. Maybe it's because I didn't have that much coffee or food while reading How We Fall Apart.. but I'm just going to go with what I said. A twin would have been better.
In this, you will meet a tight group of friends - Nancy, Krystal, Akil, Alexander, and Jamie. Their ring leader is Jamie, who honestly annoyed the crap out of me. She wasn't a good person or friend to anyone. So it didn't really surprise me when she was the first victim either. As for everyone else? Well we get to know what the big secret is but we also get to know their dirty laundry as well.
I didn't really think the secrets were that big of a deal. It's their past and obviously they wanted it hidden but eh - they did nothing for me or anything. It also didn't help narrow down who could be behind it all either. I'll admit that it was pretty obvious that it wasn't someone within the group of friends though.
In the end, it was an okay book that ended up being a bit predictable. I didn't really like any character either but I am glad that I dove into it - I guess? Not sure why it's a series though?
In this, you will meet a tight group of friends - Nancy, Krystal, Akil, Alexander, and Jamie. Their ring leader is Jamie, who honestly annoyed the crap out of me. She wasn't a good person or friend to anyone. So it didn't really surprise me when she was the first victim either. As for everyone else? Well we get to know what the big secret is but we also get to know their dirty laundry as well.
I didn't really think the secrets were that big of a deal. It's their past and obviously they wanted it hidden but eh - they did nothing for me or anything. It also didn't help narrow down who could be behind it all either. I'll admit that it was pretty obvious that it wasn't someone within the group of friends though.
In the end, it was an okay book that ended up being a bit predictable. I didn't really like any character either but I am glad that I dove into it - I guess? Not sure why it's a series though?
dandelia's review
3.0
TW: Depictions of abuse, self-harm, racism, suicidal thoughts, violence, parental neglect, drug use, mental illness, student-teacher relationship, bullying
This was an interesting read
This was an interesting read
jordanfeht's review
5.0
Such a great book! This book was the first time in a while that I could just sit for hours and just read. I’m so happy I followed the author’s Instagram after seeing all the bookstagram videos she made about it!
It was so good! Made the part of me that likes stuff like Pretty Little Liars excited-my mind was on overdrive trying to figure out how it’ll end.
Only reason it’s a 4.5 read for me is the usage of the term “The Incident” and teacher student relationships.
10 out of 10, would recommend.
There better be a sequel!
It was so good! Made the part of me that likes stuff like Pretty Little Liars excited-my mind was on overdrive trying to figure out how it’ll end.
Only reason it’s a 4.5 read for me is the usage of the term “The Incident” and teacher student relationships.
10 out of 10, would recommend.
There better be a sequel!
izzyslittlelibrary's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Drug use, Racism, Xenophobia, Blood, and Alcohol
mannlissa's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
wanderingreadingsoul's review
5.0
This book left me scared. No other way to say it. Jamie Ruan and Nancy Luo could, would have been me in my teens if I had not decided to take a different mindset on studies. Asian children will tell you that Asian parents will push you to excel and be the best like it is an obsession and after a point we start to push ourselves and want and need to excel all by ourselves.
I loved how Katie Zhao captured all that so honestly in this book. Her characterizations of each student was on the mark and so well done that I found myself relating at some level to each and every one of them. The plot kept you on the edge of your seat and that climax!
I liked the subtle touch on racism and untrue beliefs people have about Asians too, that we are naturally smart and somehow don't have to work as hard as others - which is not true. We are not all geniuses, but we all do know and have been taught to do our best and work our hardest.
Overall this book will haunt me for a few weeks. It was so good and so well written and I am looking forward to more YA books from this author!
I loved how Katie Zhao captured all that so honestly in this book. Her characterizations of each student was on the mark and so well done that I found myself relating at some level to each and every one of them. The plot kept you on the edge of your seat and that climax!
I liked the subtle touch on racism and untrue beliefs people have about Asians too, that we are naturally smart and somehow don't have to work as hard as others - which is not true. We are not all geniuses, but we all do know and have been taught to do our best and work our hardest.
Overall this book will haunt me for a few weeks. It was so good and so well written and I am looking forward to more YA books from this author!
amazingracerose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very tropey and gossip girl coded but it was a blast
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A YA thriller about wealth and privilege and the extra pressures children of immigrants face to be the best and perform well in a private NYC high school. Recommended for fans of Gossip Girl, Ace of Spades or White Ivy and excellent on audio narrated by Natalie Naudus - one of my favorites!
TW: self-harm, racism, student-teacher sexual relationship, drug use, mental illness, panic attacks, parental neglect, suicidal thoughts
TW: self-harm, racism, student-teacher sexual relationship, drug use, mental illness, panic attacks, parental neglect, suicidal thoughts