Reviews

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

krysisreading's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this book! But what made me love it so much is the ending. I was panicking because there was not much left of the book so I was confused as to how the heck it was going to end. But the end explanation was perfect and really wrapped up the entire story well. It gave reasoning behind Fiona's actions and as soon as it was revealed I had a "well duh" moment as all of the signs pointed to a very obvious answer that I had missed! Great book all in all.

heidipolkissa82's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

sierramtee's review against another edition

4.0

I liked this book. I read it quickly and the characters had good substance. But I was waiting for the reboot the entire time. I guess I didn’t understand the synopsis correctly. Anyway, does anyone else wish the publisher information over would show what “genre” a book is, like young adult, adult, etc.?

ooohchet's review against another edition

emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I enjoyed reading the book overall. Just wish there was more at the end. I would’ve liked to see a resolution between Fiona and Jamie where Jamie is held accountable for what he did. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault

rachelellyn's review against another edition

5.0

Okay, I loved this one. I thought the characters were well defined and very relatable and enjoyed the story.

erin_bookish's review against another edition

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

2.5

This plot took a different direction than I was expecting. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I thought it was just eh-- nothing really stuck out to me. I don't have any major problems with it. Just not anything amazing or memorable. 

emilyidelson_'s review against another edition

hopeful relaxing sad

3.5

I felt the ending was a little rushed 

bookedandstarred's review against another edition

3.0

This could've worked if it was around 50 to 100 pages longer. I can appreciate an open ending but not one where the loose ends are all over the place. Whatever happened to Sam's work and financial trouble? Did he fire his agent? Did Fiona's dad go to therapy? Did Jaime Hartley get prosecuted or cancelled? The replacement for the role of Torvald was the only damn thing that ever got resolved.

The Me Too and grooming element in this book was the most frustrating of all as it was just glossed over and only served as a marketing tool, I think.

Should've been a 2-star read, good thing this was narrated beautifully by Julia Whelan.

allisoncrutch's review against another edition

4.0

birds of california is based in california and is about a child actor that left the profession but her on screen brother reappears as a potential lover. i read this book in 3 days or so, mainly on my kindle, because it’s so short. i wasn’t too sure about it but i ended up really liking it and it stuck with my for a few days after i finished it. it is a dual pov, and i feel like both characters were developed pretty well!! the “twist” was pretty predictable, but i was glad that i was kind of right LOL 

rsiegel's review against another edition

5.0

This book was great!!!! It gave me everything I needed it to give me. I still think about Fiona after finishing it a week ago and hope she’s doing well