Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Calculating Stars

when i came across this book at my university’s bookstore, i had some high expectations and was really excited to read this book. now that i think about it, i would say i have some mixed feelings. the book started off very exciting, but once it got to the middle, i wasn’t exactly sure if it was worth reading due to the lack of action. the ending wrapped it up pretty well and i guess the next book continues with what actually happens in space, so maybe i’ll read that out of curiosity. i did find the main character somewhat lovable but i wasn’t entirely on board with how she chose to be so compliant and reserved in times where it was better to be resistant and brave. this frustrated me, but i also did need to take in the historical context at that time. i wasn’t a fan of the tense change in that last chapter—especially since first person present tense is my least favorite…but other than that, this book was exciting, inspirational, and fun to read. i still enjoyed the science jargon and the intense moments of liftoff at various parts :) 3.75/5 stars

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traa's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

3.75

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carolined314's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.75

Alternate history can do many things, and this is a light, hopeful story with a complex but positive hetero relationship that you rarely get to see with strong women, along with some discussion of anxiety, prescriptions, and racism. It was clearly written by and for white women in a way that I found somewhat boring, but the sarcastic tone and fierceness of some of the ladies kept me reading.

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internationalreads's review against another edition

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adventurous informative inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Immensely readable but some issues with characters. Can’t wait to discuss at book club.

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angelbabe_cj's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring tense fast-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

5.0

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iono's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-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

4.5

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motherbeetle's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

4.0

I loved this book so much! It was so well written & grabbed my attention from the very start. The only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is because of the inclusion of several cringey sex scenes involving rocket metaphors. Other than that though, it was a thrilling read! Some parts were difficult due to subject matter, but it was handled very well in my opinion. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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