Scan barcode
torispringismywifetyvm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Eating disorder
Minor: Sexual harassment
bookbrig's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
I think this would be a good fit for any of our teens who are into realistic stories. June has a super believable teen voice, and the story successfully blends mean girl/popular jock social pecking order stuff with a focus on disordered eating and secrets. My favorite part was June's love for her sister and the way their relationship slowly becomes the center of the story. I really hated everything else because realistic stories that deal with tough issues are absolutely my very least favorite type of book ever. BUT I know we have teens who will love this and ask for books like this, so at least this one was a quick read. I'd give a content warning for disordered eating, fat shaming, and unwanted sexual contact, though I do think most of those are covered in the flap copy.
Unrelated to the story, so many reviews I read complain about this book being in verse. One, I think it works really well in verse, giving the words on the page more punch. And two, if you don't like books in verse (they aren't my favorite either) that's fine, but. If you knew going in that this was poetry, why are you now complaining that you had to read poetry? It's like the reviews of YA that say the book was "too teenager-y" which are actually useful for me because I'm looking for stuff to suggest to teenagers but also confuse me because, like, what else were you expecting when you picked up a book written for teens? ANYWAY that all has very little to do with this book, aside from the note that this is a good fit for your kids looking for a shorter but still nuanced story.
Unrelated to the story, so many reviews I read complain about this book being in verse. One, I think it works really well in verse, giving the words on the page more punch. And two, if you don't like books in verse (they aren't my favorite either) that's fine, but. If you knew going in that this was poetry, why are you now complaining that you had to read poetry? It's like the reviews of YA that say the book was "too teenager-y" which are actually useful for me because I'm looking for stuff to suggest to teenagers but also confuse me because, like, what else were you expecting when you picked up a book written for teens? ANYWAY that all has very little to do with this book, aside from the note that this is a good fit for your kids looking for a shorter but still nuanced story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual harassment
More...