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cayleeguy'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? Yes
4.0
cyntheeez's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
toiletteregina's review against another edition
4.5
"It's funny, isn't it, how sometimes the people who've known you the longest are the ones who know you the least?"
While I didn't enjoy this as much as Nina Hill, I still had a great time reading this and had a lot of fun spending time with its characters – to the point that I even really missed them once I finished the book.
Initially, I had concluded that Adult Assembly Required didn't have as much heart as Nina Hill, but in the end, I came to realize that it had a different kind of heart of its own. It was charming in the same way Nina Hill was, yet it still carried a charm of its own. It also definitely leaned more into romance this time around, all while still tackling significant mental health issues (PTSD and anxiety to name a few).
Some of my favorite parts of the book were the times whenBob would evidently simp and pine over Laura HEHEHE I also liked that they developed a friendship first, as I'm all for the friends-to-lovers trope.
The primary reason I didn't give this a full 5 stars is because some parts of the writing felt a little off-putting to me – a little odd, considering I praised Nina Hill's quirky writing style. Particularly, I remember the author using the word "bitchily" as an adverb (just once, iirc), and that just felt a bit juvenile to me. It didn't give off the same quirkiness that elevated Nina's character in Nina Hill.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable reading experience, and I'd absolutely LOVE for more books to come out in this universe. It's been such a joy immersing myself in the lives of the Nina Hill characters :D
While I didn't enjoy this as much as Nina Hill, I still had a great time reading this and had a lot of fun spending time with its characters – to the point that I even really missed them once I finished the book.
Initially, I had concluded that Adult Assembly Required didn't have as much heart as Nina Hill, but in the end, I came to realize that it had a different kind of heart of its own. It was charming in the same way Nina Hill was, yet it still carried a charm of its own. It also definitely leaned more into romance this time around, all while still tackling significant mental health issues (PTSD and anxiety to name a few).
Some of my favorite parts of the book were the times when
The primary reason I didn't give this a full 5 stars is because some parts of the writing felt a little off-putting to me – a little odd, considering I praised Nina Hill's quirky writing style. Particularly, I remember the author using the word "bitchily" as an adverb (just once, iirc), and that just felt a bit juvenile to me. It didn't give off the same quirkiness that elevated Nina's character in Nina Hill.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable reading experience, and I'd absolutely LOVE for more books to come out in this universe. It's been such a joy immersing myself in the lives of the Nina Hill characters :D
mackenzeereads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
trixx_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a lovely surprise for me because I read several negative reviews about it. This is a slow-paced, yet engaging and entertaining story in which it is easy to become familiar with a character or a situation in life. Laura is trying to come to terms with a trauma and is searching for her place in the world. Nina mostly enjoys books, but she also tries to spend as much time with her friends as possible. Polly seems very cool, but she is also carrying a heavy burden. Bob is a little clumsy and awkward, but his heart is absolutely in the right place.
Laura's family were quite annoying because they were forcibly interfering in her life and trying to mould her in their own image. When they sent Nick after her, I was really angry because how could they have thought that? At least they could have been a little more understanding, but maybe that was realistic.
This book was a nice reading and the stories of several characters touched me as I am still searching for my place in the world. I also liked the presence of many dogs and cats because they made the environment cozy.
Laura's family were quite annoying because they were forcibly interfering in her life and trying to mould her in their own image. When they sent Nick after her, I was really angry because how could they have thought that? At least they could have been a little more understanding, but maybe that was realistic.
This book was a nice reading and the stories of several characters touched me as I am still searching for my place in the world. I also liked the presence of many dogs and cats because they made the environment cozy.
jennixann's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
This book about a girl getting started with a new life in Los Angeles is set in the charming world of Nina Hill. Abbi Waxman writes characters and a community that I'd like to get to know in real life.
readintowonderland's review against another edition
3.5
This book feels like it truly does not know what genre it wants to be in. Most of the book honestly just feels like general fiction, a slice-of-life type story. Then it shifts back and forth to being a romance story. It is too much romance to be a subplot but not enough to really feel like a romance story. For some reason, this ambiguity really diminished my reading experience.
My favorite character in this story is Polly. She is just a hoot! I love her eclectic vibe and overall calm nature. She adds some much-needed kookiness to the story. I wish I could befriend her myself!
The family drama in this book feels quite generic. I would've loved to see some element of it to make this book more unique. That said, it is very realistic for that reason. It is a delicate balance between uniqueness and realism.
I found myself getting frustrated when it was incredibly obvious Laura and Bob fancied each other. Neither of them was willing to make a move or even outwardly convey their feelings to the other. The plot couldn't propel forward because the characters did not have the guts to say anything.
Overall, this story was quite cute. The side characters are what drew me in and made me want to keep reading. The romance elements and the story as a whole just didn't hit.
Please see my blog for a more in-depth review: https://readintowonderland.blogspot.com/2024/05/adult-assembly-required.html
Please see my blog for a more in-depth review: https://readintowonderland.blogspot.com/2024/05/adult-assembly-required.html
rokinkrys56's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0