Reviews

it‘s been two months since i‘ve started this book…with a looong break in between. And i feel like this last hour of reading has been very important to me. Charlie and Sam and Patrick have helped me to figure things out… i do love this book <3

bumbleyybee's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

crysbooks's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

lindih's review against another edition

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3.0

This was weirder than I expected it to be. Nevertheless, I enjoyed more than I thought.

After reading this, I now understand why it’s considered a classic, but I don’t understand why it’s considered YA when there’s so much explicit stuff in here. I guess it’s because Charlie is in high school and learning to navigate life as a teenager that makes it YA, but at the same time, it felt too graphic at times, especially with some of the other characters’ relationships and partying.

I absolutely loved Bill the teacher. Especially by the end when he tells Charlie how special he is and that it was an absolute privilege to teach him?? Uggh so sweet. Not going to lie, I was a bit concerned where his friendship with Bill was going, but I’m very glad it was kept as a wholesome relationship.

It kind of broke my heart how Charlie couldn’t seem to be able to navigate certain social constructs and how easily he seemed to be influenced. I guess it makes sense for his character because of the impact that Michael’s suicide had on him and also what his aunt Helen did (oh my gosh that was so sad!!!).

The concept behind being “infinite” was so intriguing. It kept being used as “when we were infinite,” like past tense, thus contradicting the idea of being “infinite.” I think that really shows just how much stock we put into certain times of our lives. It may seem like forever—in both a positive and negative light—but in hindsight, it isn’t, and although those moments never truly leave us, we can carry them with us rather than let the “old days” drag us down. I hope that makes sense and that I took away from that quote accurately.

I think the ending was perfect and fit so well with Charlie’s character. I’m still confused as to who he was writing to, but maybe we’re not supposed to know; maybe it’s all of us. It was a bit difficult to understand the point of the book as I was reading it because to me, it felt like a teenager going through peer pressure and figuring out life, but the ending makes it clear. Despite all the difficulties in life, as long as we keep going and surround ourselves with people who love and care about us, everything will be okay. Because by the end, Charlie made it. And that’s key.

babygreenbean's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

killallrockstars's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

andrea_juhls's review against another edition

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medium-paced

5.0

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