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planning2read's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide
Minor: Sexual content, Child abuse, Classism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
daffodildyke's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
Having avoided deeper reads recently, i stumbled on this book whilst scrolling through ebooks available through my library. i struggle reading books a lot of the time, opting for audiobooks. this is important to know, because i read 270-odd pages of this book in one sitting, and then finished it at the next available opportunity.
i really admire a lot of aspects of this book. it is clear that the author has made real effort to understand and empathetically depict the struggles of the ‘hidden homeless’. The structure of the story is interesting, starting with Felix agreeing to tell the story of what has happened up until that point, meaning it adds an element of questioning that may not otherwise be present.
I would have given it a higher rating, but i really struggled to connect with Winnie as an authentic character and constantly wanted something a bit… more… from her that i cannot pin down. but the main reason it cannot have more than 4 stars is the police aspect of the story.The idea that Felix recounts Astrid’s crimes, from breaking and entering to petty theft, to a police officer, and she does not end up in jail is unfathomable. it paints the police in a far better light than they deserve as an institution. it does a disservice to the whole story and the feeling of authenticity that runs throughout the rest of the book. Overall i am so impressed by this book - yes, it was relatively predictable but it is told against incredibly non-typical settings that make it feel fresh regardless.
I think it is incredibly important that this story doesn’t necessarily say that everything will turn out perfect, but it is hopeful and that things can get better and people aren’t all bad. There were definitely endings that could have undone a lot of the important undertones of this story, so I am glad that is not what happened.
i really admire a lot of aspects of this book. it is clear that the author has made real effort to understand and empathetically depict the struggles of the ‘hidden homeless’. The structure of the story is interesting, starting with Felix agreeing to tell the story of what has happened up until that point, meaning it adds an element of questioning that may not otherwise be present.
I would have given it a higher rating, but i really struggled to connect with Winnie as an authentic character and constantly wanted something a bit… more… from her that i cannot pin down. but the main reason it cannot have more than 4 stars is the police aspect of the story.
I think it is incredibly important that this story doesn’t necessarily say that everything will turn out perfect, but it is hopeful and that things can get better and people aren’t all bad. There were definitely endings that could have undone a lot of the important undertones of this story, so I am glad that is not what happened.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Excrement, and Death
eleana_reads01's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse
alenezela99's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This was a nice lighthearted read, with a sweet ending
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Mental illness
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