Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

5 reviews

gwenswoons's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

2.0

I thought this was mostly pretty terrible despite having plenty of memorable and fun characters. The writing felt so repetitive and the sort of mishmash of genres and plots felt so jumbled and clunky. The second-chance love story itself was less painful to me than the rest of it and I think I could have for sure tolerated a simple Nathan and Meddy rom-com! But the murdery cover-up stuff (despite moments of humor with the aunts) is so muddled — we’re supposed to be ok with the fact that they killed this dude because he was a predator? Like, sure, I’m on board for that, but also how are we laughing about that? It’s just like…not funny?? (This aside from the fact that I don’t actually feel like I would read this as a murder to begin with, tasing someone who’s about to assault you?? So like…the entire premise flopped for me?)

Anyway. I found myself wishing the writing and structure of this were much better so I could actually follow up and read more about the characters (many of whom I actually liked on a basic level). But I couldn’t tolerate it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

ajay913's review

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Alcohol

Moderate: Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence

Minor: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Car accident, Murder, and Classism

dtierra's review

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely adored this book. The pacing was excellent and I loved the storytelling. The authors writing is phenomenal. My only minor gripe for this book is the general lack of descriptions for characters! Some parts of the book are a bit unbelievable but given that it’s mostly a comedy, it’s easy to get past if you don’t take it too seriously. Other than that, an incredibly written story and I’m shocked I haven’t seen this book get more hype. My favorite book I’ve read in a long time! Would highly recommend. The romance was really cute and definitely enjoyed it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

onecrab's review

fast-paced

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

3.0

There's so much in this book that is well done. The atmosphere of the dim sum restaurant made me simultaneously claustrophobic and hungry. I think Jesse Sutanto did a great job capturing each characters voice. But the Python-esque shenanigans have left me a bit frustrated. Not to mention - everyone was very okay with the murder and I have a hard time believing that.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death, Sexual violence, and Violence

maddiebusick's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted tense fast-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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cursing, Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Car accident, and Murder