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nea95217's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
3.25
kwmcm25's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
gabbyscarlet's review against another edition
3.0
While reading the first few pages, I was VERY confused by the writing style. Sentences were short and random. Quite frankly, I didn’t read the synopsis or other reviews of this book (I typically don’t), and it wasn’t until later that I discovered our main character was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I have never read any book from the perspective of someone who is neurodivergent.
While reading this, it was beyond important to get a glimpse into the main character’s mindset and communication style. After I accomplished that, this book was beyond easy to read and comprehend.
I enjoyed the overall plot of the book and admired Zelda’s passion for Vikings. I think all the characters played an important role in the story.
There were two main things that I did not enjoy from this book. Firstly, I desperately wanted to see Hendo brought to justice, which is probably just my inner criminal justice major talking. The other thing was AK-47 leaving. I felt like it wasn’t necessary and Zelda could have developed on her own in other ways. She had no history of living on her own or being completely independent and although she had all the ingredients for that recipe, I still think it was a bit far-fetched for her to just suddenly live on her own.
Overall, this was a 3.5 ⭐️ book for me.
While reading this, it was beyond important to get a glimpse into the main character’s mindset and communication style. After I accomplished that, this book was beyond easy to read and comprehend.
I enjoyed the overall plot of the book and admired Zelda’s passion for Vikings. I think all the characters played an important role in the story.
There were two main things that I did not enjoy from this book. Firstly, I desperately wanted to see Hendo brought to justice, which is probably just my inner criminal justice major talking. The other thing was AK-47 leaving. I felt like it wasn’t necessary and Zelda could have developed on her own in other ways. She had no history of living on her own or being completely independent and although she had all the ingredients for that recipe, I still think it was a bit far-fetched for her to just suddenly live on her own.
Overall, this was a 3.5 ⭐️ book for me.
patriciabwalker's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the main character and story line.
malongorose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
muhavipi's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book a surprise. Not my usual genre of fiction, but it drew me in and kept me there. One of the fastest books I've finished in a while.
nonprofitkate's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
boyfouronetwo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
devoe1se's review against another edition
4.0
As many other reviews stated, this book is reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, as it centers around a 21-year-old woman with ASD, Zelda. Zelda is under the care of her older brother following foster placement with an abusive uncle. This story follows Zelda and her understanding of the world as she navigates it with the help of her day program and her brother, whom she is very close to. Zelda learns of some shady activity her brother falls into, and in doing so, begins to navigate the world of adult relationships.
Zelda lives her life by a set of rules, many of which are based on how Vikings lived. She is fascinated by Viking history, and strives to live as one. MacDonald does a wonderful job incorporating many real-life struggles to those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including juggling appointments with a psychiatrist, managing activities of daily living, and navigating the social world. While the story itself wasn't always gripping, there were times when the reader can relate with many of the characters and their life experiences. The storyline moves along well and reads easily.
Zelda lives her life by a set of rules, many of which are based on how Vikings lived. She is fascinated by Viking history, and strives to live as one. MacDonald does a wonderful job incorporating many real-life struggles to those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including juggling appointments with a psychiatrist, managing activities of daily living, and navigating the social world. While the story itself wasn't always gripping, there were times when the reader can relate with many of the characters and their life experiences. The storyline moves along well and reads easily.
me_alley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
5.0
I really really loved this book. I am a sucker for a neurodiverse narrator, especially female. Zelda is 21, she goes through so much growth in this book. It’s the perfect mix of character development and plot. We see the world through her eyes as she navigates therapy, getting a job, her first sexual experiences, and coping with survived trauma. She is truly loved by those around her, her brother Gert, boyfriend Marxy and her brother’s on-again-off-again girlfriend Annie, who zelda calls “AK47.” The best word I can use to describe this book is endearing. Something about the clear cut and blunt way that Zelda (and narrators like her) describes the world help me to better understand myself and the complexity of honesty. How she responds to rules. How she tries to figure out the rules of our culture that really don’t make sense to her. I laughed out loud several times.