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meredithamadee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really enjoy Abbi Waxman’s writing! She describes life and circumstances in such a funny and relevant way. She describes things that everyone notices but might not have the words for. I love her humor and warm-hearted writing and it’s definitely what keeps me picking up her books. This story was a little heavier than I expected and featured too much body and fat shaming for my liking which is why I knocked off a star. Compared to her other books I’ve read (Nina Hill… and Garden of Small Beginnings) this one tipped the scales to heavier as opposed to having a good balance of reality and heartwarming content. Regardless, I love her writing and definitely recommend her books! I think my mom friends would love this one due to its insights into parenting and marriage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer and Fatphobia
kiersif's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Almost gave up a few times, wish I had.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
daria_g's review against another edition
0 out of 5 ⭐️ I had to put down this book when I was almost done (80%) because I got so disgusted with the characters and the author. The author strikes me as extremely judgemental to have the majority of her characters to gang up on a character who makes a very human mistake. After Ann cheats on her husband and he finds out, the majority of her former friends and neighbors (except Francis) turn on her as though they have never been tempted and thejr marriages are absolutely perfect. Her husband's behavior is the most disgusting. I understand and know that the news like this hurt tremendously. I can understand how in the moment he could and would say all the hurtful things and wish her death. But a month after what happened, he calls his wife "a fat cow", accuses her of not loving their kids, tells her to "shut up" and tells her to her face that he wants to "punch her" and "kill" her. Yes, Ann fucked up. But she is sitting in front of him, apologizing and trying to work things out as an adult, while he is throwing a fit like a kid and throwing low punches. Yet, the author treats Ann like she is mentally insane and appears to sudebwith all the judgemental characters. I felt honestly disgusted bevause the second half of the book is just a pile of dirt and shit that the author keeps throwing at this one character. Abbi Waxman, get off your high horse. We are past that age when women were stoned for death for adultery
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic friendship, Fatphobia, Violence, and Toxic relationship
theespressoedition's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Part of me doesn't particularly want to write up this review because I've never found a single fault with any other book by this author and yet this book really hit me the wrong way. It makes me sad since I went into it expecting to absolutely love it from start to finish.
I'll keep it super short and simple: This book left me with the ick. I don't like reading stories that revolve around infidelity and every moment of this one was related to that topic. Sure, there were parts that made me laugh aloud, but for the most part, I was uncomfortable as I delved into the lives of these characters. I walked away from it feeling despondent and sensitive - not the emotions I anticipated or desired.
It's irreverent and awkward and there were a few plot holes thrown in as well. Definitely not one I would pick up again.
I'll keep it super short and simple: This book left me with the ick. I don't like reading stories that revolve around infidelity and every moment of this one was related to that topic. Sure, there were parts that made me laugh aloud, but for the most part, I was uncomfortable as I delved into the lives of these characters. I walked away from it feeling despondent and sensitive - not the emotions I anticipated or desired.
It's irreverent and awkward and there were a few plot holes thrown in as well. Definitely not one I would pick up again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Fatphobia, Cursing, and Infidelity
Moderate: Alcohol, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer
mollywill's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Cancer
rachelkreadsbookz's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
There is a ton around adultery in detail and the effect on the whole family so if that is a plot point you are not comfortable with you should skip this one.
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