Reviews with content warning for Eating disorder - My Year of Rest and Relaxation

I don't know that the author needed to add as much drug use and detail about it as they did. I think it fell flat at the end of the day because it became redundant.

of course we all saw the end coming but i didn't care as much because i didn't feel for the main character or value their friendship much at all.

also. This book seems like a self lobotomy, as if we didn't learn that sedating people with mental illness doesn't actually switch psychosis off. I don't like the message of this book, and i don't find it sardonic

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umm_igor's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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curlykira's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’ve just finished this book and I’m sitting here trying to establish how I feel about it. It could be a 4* book but I’m just not sure… if I could give it a 3.95 that would probably be my ideal rating.

So much of the book is about the main character taking medication and sleeping or complaining that she wishes that she is asleep that is does become a bit monotonous.

It was also hard to keep going in places because the main characters are all deeply flawed and not very likeable, but that’s by the author’s design and it serves a purpose. However in other places this book is cutting and raw and shows a side to mental health that those unfamiliar with it might be unaware of- it’s not all manic depression and anguish, often it is just feeling numb and tired. This book pushes that point constantly. Overall, it was an interesting read that will probably stay with me for its premise and it was well written, I just don’t think it is necessarily a book to enjoy- more one to challenge and subvert preconceived notions you might have about what a woman with mental illness might look like. Lots of people seem to count this as a vacation read but despite the title, I do not think this is a book for one’s own rest and relaxation.

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cami_is_reading's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Jesus, the ending ruined it.

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pinkfreud1's review against another edition

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reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I dont think this book is for everyone, but I do think it is a very well written, dark comedy about how one copes with the unfuilfilling life one lives. The character is very self-aware, and I enjoyed reading about her, and her year of rest and relaxation.

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