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joensign's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Homophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
Minor: Vomit
kerryamchugh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
3.0
Bisexual rep, young adults coming of age and reliving college years at their five-year-reunion, found family. Spot-on depictions of anxiety/panic attacks. Major tw for narcissistic ex/emotional abuse/controlling relationship, and parental abuse specifically for being queer. All handled with grace in a really lovely sorry that grants happy endings in ways that feel believable and not too pat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Biphobia and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, and Addiction
illtakethenightshiftx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Charlotte Thorne is a burned out, 20something, ‘disaster bi’ who has to go back to college for graduation weekend for work because her boss is the commencement speaker. Commencement also coincides with her 5-year college reunion and some familiar faces pop back into her world.
As a burned out, 20something post-grad who is trying to just survive without completely losing it and myself, I relate to Charlotte on so many levels. Working jobs you don’t love, losing interest in hobbies, losing touch with close friends - it’s all so real. Charlotte also experienced an emotionally abusive and toxic relationship during her college years that is eerily similar to the one I was in during my latter college years. Dawson does paints an incredibly realistic picture of what happens when you slip back into the role you person played during the relationship and how you fall into patterns of abuse in other ways. The conversations Charlotte had with her friends were almost carbon copies of conversations I had with some of my closest people. I don’t think I’ve seen parts of myself represented on a page this closely, ever.
Charlotte’s reflections on her sexuality were extremely thought provoking and gave me a lot to think about on both personal and larger levels.
Reece (out love interest) was sweet (almost too sweet?) and watching them meet each other all over again helped to lighten the underlying heaviness of the narrative.
I had some issues with the pacing and some of the characters didn’t feel fully fleshed out in terms of their relationship to Charlotte given that it was frequently mentioned that they were her best friends. Also, I would’ve loved to see more of Jackie and Charlotte and how their friendship evolved over the years! Jackie rules!!!
I related to Charlotte more than I expected to and I’m so grateful that I was approved for the ARC. Yes, I already preordered a copy to have & hold forever!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Biphobia and Sexual content
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