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sabraena's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
the no quotation marks style for the dialogue took some getting used to but i think it added to the overall poignant, melancholy, stream of consciousness vibe of this book. I kinda liked it. If you enjoy stories about families (happy ones, sad ones, angry ones, emotionally stunted ones etc.) then you might delight in the complications of family life and growing pains present here. Definitely not a light read. More a, if-you’re-sad-this-might-make-you-even-more-sad type of read. But I did enjoy going thru the journey of Rose’s evolution and getting used to her special skill. I found myself rooting for her, for real. And the thing with her brother… sure was a thing. It was quite the shocker so, that was good, i guess? Also, I wish there were more food descriptions when she was at George’s wedding, like, let’s unpack that!
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
woolen_pigeon's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Infidelity
taibreakfast's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Eating disorder and Suicide
azk's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Infidelity, Grief, and Mental illness
amyteurhour's review against another edition
3.5
Content warning: child neglect, infidelity
The beginning when Rose is still in elementary/early middle school reminded me a little of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. This was pretty melancholy to read, which of course makes sense given the title. What I was not expecting was how each of the family members are isolated and lonely in their own way. There were definitely points, especially near the end, that I thought: if only they communicated with each other, they wouldn't have to suffer so much. But I did kind of see how it was in character for them. The audiobook was read by the author, and I thought Bender did fine.
The beginning when Rose is still in elementary/early middle school reminded me a little of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. This was pretty melancholy to read, which of course makes sense given the title. What I was not expecting was how each of the family members are isolated and lonely in their own way. There were definitely points, especially near the end, that I thought: if only they communicated with each other, they wouldn't have to suffer so much. But I did kind of see how it was in character for them. The audiobook was read by the author, and I thought Bender did fine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
racheldallaire's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved the beginning of this book and was very intrigued by the premise. The prose is beautiful-I love the way Bender writes. In the beginning I thought this was going to go a completely different direction than it did. I liked it enough except for the lack of quotation marks. ;-) It definitely made me think and I am pretty sure I'll be thinking about it for awhile. This feels like a great book club or lit class read-good for lots of discussion over the themes and symbolism. I think if I'd read it in that context I'd have enjoyed it more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Cursing
jackbifrost's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Eating disorder, and Infidelity
Minor: Vomit, Toxic friendship, and Death
saskiahill's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Grief
Minor: Toxic friendship and Self harm
klor's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I absolutely adored the magical realism, almost sci-fi aspects of this book. I think it was cool how it all got tied up together at the end and how the book feels very light. While the writing is not at all bad, I felt like it became too redundant at times and a moment just circles into itself again and again. The concept could have been executed a little better in the first 2/3s of the book. Still, I thought this was a very whimsical and reflective read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Infidelity
themadpage's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Infidelity
Minor: Suicidal thoughts