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toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Trouble Girls" is a sapphic YA novel about two best friends who are about to go on a road trip, but after a night of unthinkable violence, they end up on the run from the law.
This book was an extremely quick read with engaging characters and an action packed story. I thought that the chemistry between the two main characters was electrifying and their devotion to each other unlike anything I've seen in YA recently. Even when things were at their worst, I never questioned their love for each other, it's the kind of love that was not only romantic, but familial. You can tell that they aren't going to let each other go without a fight. The way that things unfolded, especially their relationship, was realistic in most aspects, but there were some things that I thought were weird about the journey. However, I can't really explain that without giving away spoilers and I try to keep these spoiler free.
I really thought it was cool and kind of claustrophobic how it felt like I was with these girls the whole time. When they expressed being too hot, or hungry, or thirsty, or dead tired, it felt like I could feel it, too, which is something I don't always experience. I liked how the ending left things open for interpretation, which is also really all I can say about that.
Something that really stressed me out was the lack of chapters. There aren't any chapters, it's just continuous, separated by page breaks. It was still a good and easy read, but I really, really would have preferred chapters. It made my head hurt.
Extra points for the beautiful cover.
This book was an extremely quick read with engaging characters and an action packed story. I thought that the chemistry between the two main characters was electrifying and their devotion to each other unlike anything I've seen in YA recently. Even when things were at their worst, I never questioned their love for each other, it's the kind of love that was not only romantic, but familial. You can tell that they aren't going to let each other go without a fight. The way that things unfolded, especially their relationship, was realistic in most aspects, but there were some things that I thought were weird about the journey. However, I can't really explain that without giving away spoilers and I try to keep these spoiler free.
I really thought it was cool and kind of claustrophobic how it felt like I was with these girls the whole time. When they expressed being too hot, or hungry, or thirsty, or dead tired, it felt like I could feel it, too, which is something I don't always experience. I liked how the ending left things open for interpretation, which is also really all I can say about that.
Something that really stressed me out was the lack of chapters. There aren't any chapters, it's just continuous, separated by page breaks. It was still a good and easy read, but I really, really would have preferred chapters. It made my head hurt.
Extra points for the beautiful cover.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Gore, Racism, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Alcohol, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Body horror, Murder, Dementia, Lesbophobia, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Drug use and Drug abuse
Minor: Cancer
ergaich's review against another edition
Too much SA. Characters not intriguing enough. No true plot/character development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Murder
Moderate: Dementia, Terminal illness, and Sexual content
bookcrushin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was an intense read, I kind of enjoy the revenge fantasy of it all, but also it is a lot of trauma, so be sure to check CWs to read safely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Sexism
Minor: Dementia, Vomit, Terminal illness, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Drug use, and Alcohol
paytograce's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
For a deep dive review, check out our podcast: You Have to Read this Book!! (Anchor.fm/youhavetoreadthisbook) out June 1!
Content Warning: sexual assault, rape, racism, minors with alcohol, suggestions of abuse, parental death, ailing parent, murder
Trouble Girls is troubling indeed.
To quote our protagonist, Trixie Denton “It’s so ridiculous it’s almost comical.”
If a book doesn’t have a really amazing, interesting plot then I need interesting characters with good development.
The reviews and synopsis of Trouble Girls was so promising I was thrilled to receive an ARC. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much plot and there was even less character development.
We follow Trixie and Lux as they run from one terrible decision to the next, and by the end of the story we see no growth, no remorse, and no change. Trixie is such an unreliable narrator that I’m not even convinced that the ending happened how it was written or that any of the odd characters they meet were real.
Rubin brings up social issue after social issue, just barely scratching the surface and then moving on. I was unconvinced of any overall moral code or resolution. The whole story had a 90’s grunge aesthetic but nothing deeper than that.
I was disappointed to say the least. This is not one you have to read.
Content Warning: sexual assault, rape, racism, minors with alcohol, suggestions of abuse, parental death, ailing parent, murder
Trouble Girls is troubling indeed.
To quote our protagonist, Trixie Denton “It’s so ridiculous it’s almost comical.”
If a book doesn’t have a really amazing, interesting plot then I need interesting characters with good development.
The reviews and synopsis of Trouble Girls was so promising I was thrilled to receive an ARC. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much plot and there was even less character development.
We follow Trixie and Lux as they run from one terrible decision to the next, and by the end of the story we see no growth, no remorse, and no change. Trixie is such an unreliable narrator that I’m not even convinced that the ending happened how it was written or that any of the odd characters they meet were real.
Rubin brings up social issue after social issue, just barely scratching the surface and then moving on. I was unconvinced of any overall moral code or resolution. The whole story had a 90’s grunge aesthetic but nothing deeper than that.
I was disappointed to say the least. This is not one you have to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Death of parent
caidyn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, what a debut. I'm one of the minority who hasn't watched the movie Thelma and Louise. I know, I know. But it's such a cultural thing that I know what it's roughly about and I know the ending that it's famous for. And this book was excellent. I've had it on my radar for ages and I'm so grateful that Wednesday Books granted me access to this ARC. Because after reading around 15% of it, I preordered it because I knew I needed to own it. I really loved Lux and Trixie. The complicated relationship, the wrestling with sexuality, the past that was so underwritten and gorgeously done. It was a fantastic book and I can't wait to see what this author does next.
Wow, what a debut. I'm one of the minority who hasn't watched the movie Thelma and Louise. I know, I know. But it's such a cultural thing that I know what it's roughly about and I know the ending that it's famous for. And this book was excellent. I've had it on my radar for ages and I'm so grateful that Wednesday Books granted me access to this ARC. Because after reading around 15% of it, I preordered it because I knew I needed to own it. I really loved Lux and Trixie. The complicated relationship, the wrestling with sexuality, the past that was so underwritten and gorgeously done. It was a fantastic book and I can't wait to see what this author does next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexism
patioclus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Thank you so much to netgalley and Wednesday books for providing me with an ARC. This has not affected my review in any way.
I'm really sad I didn't enjoy this more. I would like to preface this by saying that I've never seen Thelma and Louise, but going off of the IMDB summary I would say this book certainly delivered as a Thelma and Louise retelling. I also want to say that as a 22 year old, I'm not the target audience for the book.
I didn't appreciate that there were no chapters in the book, however I'm not sure if that was the ARC formatting or if the final copy will be like that as well, so I have ignored this complaint in my review. My biggest issue with this book was that I did not vibe with the writing. It felt incredibly repetitive and I think the story easily could have been 100 pages shorter. I also didn't connect with either of the characters, but particularly Lux. She didn't really seem to have a personality besides being the object of Trix's affection. I would have loved to get more background on their friendship and on Lux's character in general so that I could be more invested in their relationship. Being bisexual, I have no complaints with the queer representation in general, I only wish I had felt more invested in Lux and Trix's relationship, as that was the big selling point of the book for me.
I also felt like the overall message of the book was a little disjointed. It was very clearly inspired by the MeToo movement, but Lux and Trix's motivations are kind of all over the place. I would have preferred to either expand on the Trouble Girls persona they developed and make it a major storyline or cut it out completely and just focus on the two of them on the run. In addition, while I understand what the author was going for, I don't need the main character to call men "hogs" every paragraph to understand the message about rape culture this book was going for. It ultimately felt repetitive and cheesy to me.
Overall, I loved the concept, I was ultimately just underwhelmed.
I'm really sad I didn't enjoy this more. I would like to preface this by saying that I've never seen Thelma and Louise, but going off of the IMDB summary I would say this book certainly delivered as a Thelma and Louise retelling. I also want to say that as a 22 year old, I'm not the target audience for the book.
I didn't appreciate that there were no chapters in the book, however I'm not sure if that was the ARC formatting or if the final copy will be like that as well, so I have ignored this complaint in my review. My biggest issue with this book was that I did not vibe with the writing. It felt incredibly repetitive and I think the story easily could have been 100 pages shorter. I also didn't connect with either of the characters, but particularly Lux. She didn't really seem to have a personality besides being the object of Trix's affection. I would have loved to get more background on their friendship and on Lux's character in general so that I could be more invested in their relationship. Being bisexual, I have no complaints with the queer representation in general, I only wish I had felt more invested in Lux and Trix's relationship, as that was the big selling point of the book for me.
I also felt like the overall message of the book was a little disjointed. It was very clearly inspired by the MeToo movement, but Lux and Trix's motivations are kind of all over the place. I would have preferred to either expand on the Trouble Girls persona they developed and make it a major storyline or cut it out completely and just focus on the two of them on the run. In addition, while I understand what the author was going for, I don't need the main character to call men "hogs" every paragraph to understand the message about rape culture this book was going for. It ultimately felt repetitive and cheesy to me.
Overall, I loved the concept, I was ultimately just underwhelmed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexism, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Islamophobia
beyondstardust's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book was sapphic as hell and I am here for it. 3.5 stars.
Trouble Girls made me feel. And if you know me, you know that I'm dead inside, and potentially harboring a demon somewhere within my body that requires sustenance in the form of doughnuts every weekend. But this book made me feel.
First of all, the cover is gorgeous. That bisexual pink/blue/purple lighting, mMm. Yes. Second of all, I know that I haven't read a lot of books that are quite so brutal about murder and living on the run... following a murder.
Trouble Girls is a fun adventure of running away from consequences while discovering change, taking readers across the southern US as Trixie and Lux escape from their West Virginia origins. What starts off as a (moderately) innocent adventure to a bar on a college campus turns into a wild adventure of two teens on the run, trying to escape a fate that they're sure is going to befall them as a consequence of their actions. It's an exploration of having to grow up too fast, growing feelings, sexuality, and experimentation. It's been a while since I've read a book that felt a little gritty and dangerous, and this book was both of those things.
I enjoyed the feel of this book as a whole. The setting, the descriptions of the landscapes that they drove through, all coupled with the looming feeling of getting caught sets the stage for an intriguing novel, full of neon lights and blurred nights and set against the backdrop of sticky, sweet, sweltering heat. The constant danger encroaching on them as they race across the nation and gradually up the stakes -- set the stage with murder, then sprinkle in some other crimes as they make their way across the southern United States with a finite amount of cash and a car that could kick the bucket at any time.
I gave Trouble Girls three and a half stars because as much as I enjoyed the fast pace of the book, I found myself skimming a lot near the end. I would've loved a little bit past the actual end of the book, which I found to be abrupt and inconclusive, which is perhaps what the author was going for. But in light of this book focusing heavily around our two protagonists heading up a #MeToo movement, the conclusion of the book seemed to focus less on that and more on... well, anything else. I did love that this book took a movement and ran with it, but the ending left me a little empty. And remember, I'm already dead inside.
Cute book, though. Honestly, give me something with the bisexual lighting and murder girls and I'll read it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Trouble Girls made me feel. And if you know me, you know that I'm dead inside, and potentially harboring a demon somewhere within my body that requires sustenance in the form of doughnuts every weekend. But this book made me feel.
First of all, the cover is gorgeous. That bisexual pink/blue/purple lighting, mMm. Yes. Second of all, I know that I haven't read a lot of books that are quite so brutal about murder and living on the run... following a murder.
Trouble Girls is a fun adventure of running away from consequences while discovering change, taking readers across the southern US as Trixie and Lux escape from their West Virginia origins. What starts off as a (moderately) innocent adventure to a bar on a college campus turns into a wild adventure of two teens on the run, trying to escape a fate that they're sure is going to befall them as a consequence of their actions. It's an exploration of having to grow up too fast, growing feelings, sexuality, and experimentation. It's been a while since I've read a book that felt a little gritty and dangerous, and this book was both of those things.
I enjoyed the feel of this book as a whole. The setting, the descriptions of the landscapes that they drove through, all coupled with the looming feeling of getting caught sets the stage for an intriguing novel, full of neon lights and blurred nights and set against the backdrop of sticky, sweet, sweltering heat. The constant danger encroaching on them as they race across the nation and gradually up the stakes -- set the stage with murder, then sprinkle in some other crimes as they make their way across the southern United States with a finite amount of cash and a car that could kick the bucket at any time.
I gave Trouble Girls three and a half stars because as much as I enjoyed the fast pace of the book, I found myself skimming a lot near the end. I would've loved a little bit past the actual end of the book, which I found to be abrupt and inconclusive, which is perhaps what the author was going for. But in light of this book focusing heavily around our two protagonists heading up a #MeToo movement, the conclusion of the book seemed to focus less on that and more on... well, anything else. I did love that this book took a movement and ran with it, but the ending left me a little empty. And remember, I'm already dead inside.
Cute book, though. Honestly, give me something with the bisexual lighting and murder girls and I'll read it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
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