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jennylo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.5
I loved this book. The only reason I've given less than 5 stars is it wrapped up so quickly and I wanted more, I could have taken 5+ more chapters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse
claireeshelby's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Couldn’t put this down. I didn’t have high expectations after its hyped up frenzy, but was pleasantly surprised by how well written and thoughtful this book was. Elizabeth was a relatable character that highlighted how little has truly changed in the last 80 years for women in society’s eyes. Loved the side characters and the seamlessly switching POVs—I never felt lost despite many details and timeline shifts. I did think Mad meeting Wakely was a bit too serendipitous and Calvin’s childhood section of the story was certainly not a plot twist for anyone paying attention. Overall a great read, but not quite 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Suicide
mikaylanh's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really enjoyed this, mainly because of all the amazing side characters. Six-Thirty’s POV was so refreshing - I’ve never seen an author give a pet such a large role in the story. The ending was a bit of a disappointment in my opinion… very predictable. I wasn’t super invested in Calvin’s biological family, so I didn’t care all that much when his mom showed up. Mad’s family tree assignment felt like it dragged on forever because I already put the pieces together by the time it began. Regardless, the writing was so strong and I laughed out loud reading this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
morganm421's review against another edition
Brutal rape in chapter 3 and the story was not compelling enough for me to push through after that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence
chucklesq's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
reading247n's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.75
Loved the premise. The MC was a little bit of a Mary Sue but still loveable. I felt like I was listening to the author speak rather than her characters, which would have been fine if it wasn’t multiple characters and set in the 21st century.
Sometimes, the author employs the “Duh!” method to convince her readers, which makes it less open minded than I would hope. It is a lazier method of discussion that only affirms already held beliefs of a group and attempts to alienate the others who disagree or see it from a different angle. Eg: It lightly speaks about the stupidity stemmed from culture and religion in manner similar to “2+2=5”.
There were also some contradictions. One second being a housewife is not considered real work and and then next second it is. I truly believe in seeking knowledge, but the book seems to hold the opinion that it is not counted unless you monetise it and are in the workforce. I feel like there was not enough separation between seeking knowledge and working. They are not the same.
The story read like a fun essay with too many arguments with too little discussion. It would have been better if the characters had more individuality and realism (especially Mad and six thirty).
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this story and it’s characters. My favourite aspect of the story was the cooking is chemistry section and the importance of knowledge. If it had a sequel, I would read the next book.
Sometimes, the author employs the “Duh!” method to convince her readers, which makes it less open minded than I would hope. It is a lazier method of discussion that only affirms already held beliefs of a group and attempts to alienate the others who disagree or see it from a different angle. Eg: It lightly speaks about the stupidity stemmed from culture and religion in manner similar to “2+2=5”.
There were also some contradictions. One second being a housewife is not considered real work and and then next second it is. I truly believe in seeking knowledge, but the book seems to hold the opinion that it is not counted unless you monetise it and are in the workforce. I feel like there was not enough separation between seeking knowledge and working. They are not the same.
The story read like a fun essay with too many arguments with too little discussion. It would have been better if the characters had more individuality and realism (especially Mad and six thirty).
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this story and it’s characters. My favourite aspect of the story was the cooking is chemistry section and the importance of knowledge. If it had a sequel, I would read the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
tcapo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual harassment
redheadorganist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Abandonment, Death of parent, Suicide, Blood, Death, Grief, Sexism, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Vomit, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Car accident, and Homophobia
Minor: Pedophilia, Child death, and Abortion
jessica13zapata's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Rape
oproy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book. I didn’t watch the show beforehand so it was all new to me. It was heartbreaking and inspiring without being corny. Although Elizabeth felt almost other-worldly, she was relatable. And I liked that the ending was tied up in a neat little bow. Sometimes is nice not to have to guess. Anyways, I would highly recommend this book and will honestly be recommending it to all of my friends in the near future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Rape, and Death
Minor: Eating disorder