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pseudoliterature's review
Couldn't finish it. I'm not the target audience I'm sure, but the writing is immature, the story, one that proudly advertises itself as a feminist book, it's awfully misogynistic and full of misunderstandings of what the author's idea of second wave feminism is. I would like to mention the right wing language used throughout the story, the eugenics, science denial, I did not enjoyed a second of this.
maryshelleylong's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
the only book I’ve ever read where the protagonist canonically goes to Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany, NY
megabooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
riona_y's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Grief, and Self harm
Moderate: Miscarriage and Infidelity
hagiasophia's review
3.75
Complicated feelings on this one. I could not stop reading, though the story is slower and introspective. The writing style feels very stream-of-consciousness, which worked here (and unlike other books that use this style, there are quotation marks!). Aviva is a frustrating main character. We are deeply inside her head and feel deeply for her, but she is also abrasive, stubborn and spouting opinions most readers will disagree with. However, she is also sharp and funny - her observations on white, upper-class motherhood are delightful. The Amy Winehouse subplot does not add as much to the story as I would have liked, but was still an interesting addition. I would have liked more development of Aviva's husband, Sam, but the story is ultimately about Aviva's internal struggles, so he is not necessary to the main thrust of the plot.
I found out while reading this book that the author lives in my neighborhood, which explains her familiarity with upstate New York. I was distracted trying to determine which locations were real and which were made up for the story. Also, Albany High does not have a Civics class, at least when I attended, but otherwise an accurate depiction of the city.
I found out while reading this book that the author lives in my neighborhood, which explains her familiarity with upstate New York. I was distracted trying to determine which locations were real and which were made up for the story. Also, Albany High does not have a Civics class, at least when I attended, but otherwise an accurate depiction of the city.
samhanson's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
retrogirl20's review
challenging
tense
medium-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
3.0
I have very complicated feelings about this book. While I am sort of the target audience (I have PCOS) and am also very much not the target audience (I have no interest in having children). I am sure there are many layers of symbolism and meaning that I am not diving into based solely on my own personal life decisions, but I found the MC to be very hard to empathize with. While the book is very well written, I don’t think this was meant for me.