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courtiny's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Eating disorder and Sexual violence
rachbake's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Minor: Suicide
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've seen some reviews that imply that what this book does is very basic. I think that's part of where the charm lies. It's about thinking - truly believing - that you Know Stuff, that you're Woke and Aware. And yet that still not being enough. Still finding it easier - or even inevitable - to fall into the patterns you think you're resisting.
Anyway. What really stood out to me - what will live forever rent-free in my head - were the sections where Bodie reflected on what else was going on in the world - when she was overhearing conversations at a party, when she turned on the news. To begin with, those sections confused me a bit, they came across as her not caring. But then I realised that that wasn't it: it was the fatigue, of a world where such stories are endless and everywhere. The way that Rebecca Makkai drew on real-world examples, to really reinforce the sheer volume and scope of violence against women. The way that all of the details blend into one. I get shivers just thinking about how incredibly powerful that was, how simple a technique yet how effective.
I also liked that, in terms of the sub-plot (regarding Bodie's ex-partner), there was no easy resolution. She felt certain ways, and she made mistakes, and there were no answers. I definitely couldn't give you the answers. I'm glad Makkai didn't try to.
The ending was a sick realisation: I genuinely felt my stomach plummet when I finally accepted that yes, that was where we were headed. It was handled so perfectly, yet was so awful, all wrapped up in one.
Easily one of my top books of this year, probably my top books of all time.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Sexual violence, and Murder
summerb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Hate crime, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
theoldestbennetsister's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Racism, Self harm, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
chelseylb1988's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Classism
courtneyclouts's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Cancer, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Car accident, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
spacey_gracie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual violence
larareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Drug use, Police brutality, Murder, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
emily_koopmann's review against another edition
2.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder