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valjeanval's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
If you would like a master-class in voice, particularly writing the voice of thirteen year old girl, look no further. I don't think I've ever read an early teen thought process that worked as well as this one. I think I generally shy away from "coming of age" stories because they so often feel trite. Eulabee's voice is that perfect intersection of intelligent immaturity that I feel really captures this age. The flash forward at the end is also inspired. Just a fantastic piece of fiction that I'd recommend to just about anyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Suicide, and Bullying
Minor: Alcohol, Death, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
raelin's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I would love a good discussion on this book, because I can definitely see great conversations coming out of it. But I did not particularly like Eulabee, although I could definitely relate to her quite a bit with the teenage angst and problems that feel gigantic at the end of middle school but are not in the scope of a longer life. I ached for her wanting to stay or return to the orbit around Maria Fabiola. It was a sad reminder of the terrible cliches and popularity seeking that happen in the dreaded middle school years.
It was very slow moving and the plot seemed secondary to the story of growth we suppose Eulabee gets out of it. From the description I was expecting a lot more plot and mystery, I did not find much. I think if I had gone into without that preconceived notion I would have enjoyed the story a lot more.
I was happy we got a flash forward to 2019 to see what had become of all the kids. I wish we had heard about web toed Keith though. The sad state of Maria was unsurprising but satisfying. And I was happy Eulabee was able to make a bright future for herself. It made for a tidy ending for the book. Although I wish she had told Maria’s husband a little about her trouble making past because I felt sad for the reality of his life with Maria.
It was very slow moving and the plot seemed secondary to the story of growth we suppose Eulabee gets out of it. From the description I was expecting a lot more plot and mystery, I did not find much. I think if I had gone into without that preconceived notion I would have enjoyed the story a lot more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Vomit, Pedophilia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Death of parent
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