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swiftlyjo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had to speedread this because it was a library loan and I was busy so I'm glad it was really easy to do that, because I really flew through this book. Such an engaging story that kept throwing plottwists at me in a way that still seemed believable, strong characters and just a really well told story that will stick with me. I appreciated the message that so many white people (probably including myself sometimes) try so hard to think they're the good ones by comparing themselves to whoever's "more racist" and then patting themselves on the head, and I think the book portrayed it in a way where it wasn't overly in-your-face but still a strong message. Also, as someone who's babysat as a job before, I adored how much of a loveletter to babysitters this was. Briar đź’•
Would have been five stars if the ending had been slightly more satisfying – it felt a bit rushed.
Would have been five stars if the ending had been slightly more satisfying – it felt a bit rushed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Police brutality
esophagus18's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
one of the first books i’ve binge read in a very long time time
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racial slurs, Racism, Police brutality, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Body shaming, Vomit, and Abandonment
jojo_'s review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Cultural appropriation, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death, Vomit, Police brutality, Stalking, and Death of parent
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
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
4.75
This is absolutely as good as everyone said it was! Can't wait for more from Ms. Reid. She has such a way with natural dialogue that I only dream of even approaching one day. I also really felt like the interactions between the friends felt real and authentic - the phone bowl, the secret job negotiations in a bathroom. To me, those scenes feel so true to your 20s.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Police brutality, and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
kellyofcali's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book has a juicy, gossipy feel (in the best way) that keeps you hooked while also exploring themes of race, racism, and privilege amidst all the drama. I had mixed feelings about the ending (but then, what in real life ends exactly how you want it to?), but this book will both make you think and keep you entertained!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Gaslighting and Toxic friendship
Minor: Police brutality
mkrreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- 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
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Police brutality
jessalex610's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Racism
ojreads's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This fast paced book draws the reader in with deep bonds between characters and quick moving plot. The main character is like many of us a little lost in life trying to meet expectations and be happy. Additionally sorting through her own priorities of the life she wants to lead in the world. The ending comes quick with a vindictive FU but the last paragraph set 5+ years in the future minimizes the joy but illustrates how it can be difficult to close a chapter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Police brutality
linaanderson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Police brutality, and Alcohol
cheesepuppy's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
4.0
For a book with the word “fun” in it, this was not fun.
The writing is great. The story is done well.
Fellow white people, I hope you pick this up and take it to heart. The author did a wonderful job making this story feel so real. It feels like a friend could have told me this happened. I think it was really smart how the white main characters both say each other is racist. The visual drawn of them pointing at each other with blame is perfect. We are all part of the problem.
BIPOC friends:
I wouldn’t dream of telling non-white people to read this. To anyone not white, this book is full of traumatic shit. If you don’t want the triggers of racism, appropriation, and all that comes with it, skip this book. Know that it may be a good suggestion for your white friends and move on. Please go read something that won’t be painful.
Overall, I honestly wish this story had told us more about our main character and less about the overtly racist secondary characters. Though, I understand that would’ve changed the point the author was trying to make.
The writing is great. The story is done well.
Fellow white people, I hope you pick this up and take it to heart. The author did a wonderful job making this story feel so real. It feels like a friend could have told me this happened. I think it was really smart how the white main characters both say each other is racist. The visual drawn of them pointing at each other with blame is perfect. We are all part of the problem.
BIPOC friends:
I wouldn’t dream of telling non-white people to read this. To anyone not white, this book is full of traumatic shit. If you don’t want the triggers of racism, appropriation, and all that comes with it, skip this book. Know that it may be a good suggestion for your white friends and move on. Please go read something that won’t be painful.
Overall, I honestly wish this story had told us more about our main character and less about the overtly racist secondary characters. Though, I understand that would’ve changed the point the author was trying to make.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Vomit