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notoriousagk's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book club read, and one I went in prepared not to like. I'm inherently skeptical about men writing from a woman's perspective; add in a development disability and sexuality and I didn't expect much good to come out of this one. Imagine my surprise when I finished it in one sitting. More than plot, I read for characters, and I suspect Zee, AK47, and Gert are going to live in my heart for quite a while. Even the supporting characters were beautifully developed.
While the true rating is probably closer to 4.5 stars than 5, I thought this was an excellent read. Given the subject matter, it's a tricky one to recommend, but I'm thoroughly glad I picked it up.
While the true rating is probably closer to 4.5 stars than 5, I thought this was an excellent read. Given the subject matter, it's a tricky one to recommend, but I'm thoroughly glad I picked it up.
ianthereader0's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
This book was nice! I enjoyed the story, though it followed some really familiar beats. Very Matthew Quick (part Silver Linings Playbook and part The Good Luck of Right Now), and if you like his books I think you will probably like this. One thing that I thought was very important about this book was the way that it paints people with disability. Zelda, the main character, is diagnosed with Fetal Alcohal Syndrom, and I appreciated the perspective and representation. I also really liked the characters of this book, and loved rooting for Zelda! I would recommend this book.
This book was nice! I enjoyed the story, though it followed some really familiar beats. Very Matthew Quick (part Silver Linings Playbook and part The Good Luck of Right Now), and if you like his books I think you will probably like this. One thing that I thought was very important about this book was the way that it paints people with disability. Zelda, the main character, is diagnosed with Fetal Alcohal Syndrom, and I appreciated the perspective and representation. I also really liked the characters of this book, and loved rooting for Zelda! I would recommend this book.
awalker313's review against another edition
4.0
This book can make you both laugh and cry. Zelda’s take on the world can be funny, but she lives a tough life. I read another review here that said Zelda’s good looks are awfully convenient, and that had me thinking about whether that was a sexist decision. I think it was because of the fact that fetal alcohol syndrome is on a spectrum, and it is possible for a person with FAS to be beautiful. I was so saddened by how many people took advantage of Zelda, especially Gert’s friends, but I think that it’s realistic (except maybe the “battle” at the end, but that fit the Viking motif). Overall, this was an excellent portrayal of life with a disability.
cbeths's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
rodeorocks13's review against another edition
1.0
I was really excited about this book when i requested it. However I found it to be too slow to really get into. Even after time away from it, I tried again and just couldn't push through. Just not for me.
tonyriver's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful read. Told from the point of view of a young woman with FASD it covers independence, sexual experiences for people with disability, relationships and honor and so much more. Zelda is a great character with unique ways of managing in the world. She is also intensely loyal. Her brother is struggling and resort s to bad solutions and he has a great sometimes girlfriend AK47. The story is wonderfully told and a great read.
imworthyandenough's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️ - this was an odd one. But it was pretty interesting.
hgarf13's review against another edition
3.0
Discusses some hard topics. In spite of trying to have a happy ending, it felt very depressing and lonely.
megrosen88's review against another edition
4.0
This book highlights the deep intellectual capacity, loyalty, courage, and bravery of those with intellectual disabilities. Zelda’s tone is beautifully written and provided wonderful insight into those living with the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In the middle of the book, I thought the plot might be too thin but I was pleased with the storyline in the end. The minor characters of Gert, AK47, Dr Laird, Toucan, Marxy, and the Fat Man each have unique personalities that add authenticity to the novel as well.