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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Crabby lady has daddy issues
DNF at 50%
I don’t realise the entire book would be about the reunion with her narcissist dad. The sense of humour is also very much not for me.
DNF at 50%
I don’t realise the entire book would be about the reunion with her narcissist dad. The sense of humour is also very much not for me.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
"Christa Comes Out of Her Shell" is an utterly delightful contemporary novel that charms from the very first pages. When reclusive scientist Christa's long-presumed dead father shockingly reappears, her quiet life studying sea snails is upended - both by unexpected fame and an intense connection with a childhood friend.
Waxman's strength lies in her infinitely relatable and lovable characters. Christa is the ideal quirky heroine, someone you can't help but root for as she navigates her newfound place in the unforgiving spotlight. The secondary characters, from Christa's potential love interest to her well-meaning but overbearing family, are vividly realized and often hilarious scene-stealers.
The author has a true gift for infusing poignant insights about human nature, vulnerability, and personal growth amidst the abundant laugh-out-loud moments. Her distinctive wit and warmth shine through on every page. While the central premise occasionally strains credulity, the stellar writing and rich characterizations more than compensate. With Waxman's deft touch balancing hearty laughs and hard-won wisdom, this is a literary hug of a book that'll leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.
Waxman's strength lies in her infinitely relatable and lovable characters. Christa is the ideal quirky heroine, someone you can't help but root for as she navigates her newfound place in the unforgiving spotlight. The secondary characters, from Christa's potential love interest to her well-meaning but overbearing family, are vividly realized and often hilarious scene-stealers.
The author has a true gift for infusing poignant insights about human nature, vulnerability, and personal growth amidst the abundant laugh-out-loud moments. Her distinctive wit and warmth shine through on every page. While the central premise occasionally strains credulity, the stellar writing and rich characterizations more than compensate. With Waxman's deft touch balancing hearty laughs and hard-won wisdom, this is a literary hug of a book that'll leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"'We tessellate, Christa, we fit like a glove and I’m here for all of it, I’m here for all of you,' He kissed me, and he was completely correct: we fit good. Technical term."
Abbi Waxman is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I enjoy the little worlds she creates within the larger world of Los Angeles. This story was WILD. I loved the family. I loved their fierceness for each other, I loved the way they put years of trauma behind them, I loved their banter and their love.
The romance too, between Christa and Nate, was sweet and believable and satisfying.
The one thing I did not care for was the way Christa, in telling her story, would break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader with light hearted, silly asides. It was ok at first, kind of cute and quirky, but by the end of the book, when it got more serious, this became a distraction and I got annoyed.
Hence, four stars instead of five. Abbi is still one of my faves though!
Abbi Waxman is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I enjoy the little worlds she creates within the larger world of Los Angeles. This story was WILD. I loved the family. I loved their fierceness for each other, I loved the way they put years of trauma behind them, I loved their banter and their love.
The romance too, between Christa and Nate, was sweet and believable and satisfying.
The one thing I did not care for was the way Christa, in telling her story, would break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader with light hearted, silly asides. It was ok at first, kind of cute and quirky, but by the end of the book, when it got more serious, this became a distraction and I got annoyed.
Hence, four stars instead of five. Abbi is still one of my faves though!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
medium-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nearly perfect except for the fact that I never was fully on board with the romance. I also think Christa did not get enough of an apology from her asshole sisters. Regardless, the world is extremely enchanting and had me hooked. Christa is an easily entertaining protagonist with a distinct voice. I loved the use of footnotes in the book and overall loved the weird Irwin family esque vibe the story had.
Maybe don’t make the romance have a weird age gap made weirder by the characters’ backstory and have some more development on the family front, then we can call it a day. But other than that I really enjoyed this and it was the first book I gobbled up in a really long time.
Maybe don’t make the romance have a weird age gap made weirder by the characters’ backstory and have some more development on the family front, then we can call it a day. But other than that I really enjoyed this and it was the first book I gobbled up in a really long time.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was a combo of way too slow then way too fast. It took a long time for certain events to happen and then the ending felt rushed. Also, most of the characters were not likable enough. I’d start liking them then they would say or do something and it made me wish they’d never be mentioned again. I also hated the therapy speak used. It felt very condescending and gaslighty without being acknowledged as such.
I really liked the nature facts as well as the drawings. They kept me entertained throughout
I really liked the nature facts as well as the drawings. They kept me entertained throughout