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borietveld's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I saw the musical in London back in the summer of 2022 and I loved it. I bawled my eyes out. And of course I had a big crush on Connor. So when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. But... at one point in the beginning I was like: it's only from Evan's perspective, I want to know more about Connor. And then the next chapter was from Connor's perspective. I loved those nine chapters he had. I just don't really like Evan. When reading the Sincerely Me scene the song kept playing in my head and because of that I had a hard time reading that scene. But overall, love Connor and Jared. So yeah, that is why the book gets 3.5 stars.
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
I had heard of the musical before reading the book, but the fact that it was a musical was the extent of my knowledge. I didn't know anything about the plot and have never heard any of the songs.
I admit I was a little hesitant when I started to read it, but I was quickly pulled into it. Evan is just such a human character, and I felt so much for him. I appreciated that his story was complicated, that he did bad things that appalled me, but that I could understand why he did them. I also appreciated that the book didn't give him an out or magically fix things, that there were consequences to his actions.
I think what really got me, though, was Evan's mom. As the mother of a teen myself, I can so relate to her, and though I understood Evan's point of view, I wished he had some insight into what she was going through. I can't say how much I appreciate it when media that's oriented at young adults also portrays adult characters as full human beings, with their own hopes, fear, dreams, hang-ups, and screw-ups. The ending left me sobbing.
This book just oozed humanity, and it made me wish I could reach out to everyone who feels insignificant, unloved, unseen, and assure them that their lives have value.
I admit I was a little hesitant when I started to read it, but I was quickly pulled into it. Evan is just such a human character, and I felt so much for him. I appreciated that his story was complicated, that he did bad things that appalled me, but that I could understand why he did them. I also appreciated that the book didn't give him an out or magically fix things, that there were consequences to his actions.
I think what really got me, though, was Evan's mom. As the mother of a teen myself, I can so relate to her, and though I understood Evan's point of view, I wished he had some insight into what she was going through. I can't say how much I appreciate it when media that's oriented at young adults also portrays adult characters as full human beings, with their own hopes, fear, dreams, hang-ups, and screw-ups. The ending left me sobbing.
This book just oozed humanity, and it made me wish I could reach out to everyone who feels insignificant, unloved, unseen, and assure them that their lives have value.
hannahprobst's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
1jessicabearx's review
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This story beautiful.
Evan’s constant lying is frustrating and makes each chapter tense as you worry what he's going to get caught up with or try to get away with next. But that's the whole point of the story so can I really fault that. I wish Evan had faced the consequences for all his actions though, as he gets away with too many things that have ultimately caused others so much pain and frustration.
As a fan of the musical, I found this book added a lot to the story and overall experience. Definitely give it a read if you can!
Evan’s constant lying is frustrating and makes each chapter tense as you worry what he's going to get caught up with or try to get away with next. But that's the whole point of the story so can I really fault that. I wish Evan had faced the consequences for all his actions though, as he gets away with too many things that have ultimately caused others so much pain and frustration.
As a fan of the musical, I found this book added a lot to the story and overall experience. Definitely give it a read if you can!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Mental illness, Death, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Gaslighting, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Grief
Minor: Drug use
booklover000's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to love this because I LOVED the musical. But it just didn’t quite hit it for me. It felt a bit forced, and some of the dialogue felt a touch awkward. I think the author probably had some guidelines, and it can’t be easy adapting a musical to a book instead of the other way around.
It’s still an incredibly touching and important story. I just don’t think I would come back to this one again.
It’s still an incredibly touching and important story. I just don’t think I would come back to this one again.
lavenderwarlock's review
3.0
I found this book pretty enjoyable when I read it. It wasn't like ground breaking but it was well written. It's a bit of a weird and morally grey plot with Evan pretending Conner was his friend but that's the same in the musical too. Evan is a bit weird. Yeah it's alright. I feel like the musical is better.
courtneyeppen's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kristiforkinglovesbooks's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0