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dangates's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.25
ttimbrook's review against another edition
4.0
To be honest, literary fiction usually gets me down. Especially books revolving around heavy social issues. I can’t say that this wasn’t the case here. However, this book did really make me think. Throughout my day, I found myself really looking at people - at the grocery store, at my job, on the street - and wondering, “What have you been through? What fears do you have? What have you experienced that I cannot even imagine?” I think the authors would be happy knowing they helped readers to reflect on the issues the book brings up.
tessa_faith's review against another edition
3.0
It is definitely relevant and thought provoking, but I found the pacing to be really slow. I feel like it relied too heavily on the controversial plot and didn’t have a strong backstory to support it. I’m glad I read it, but i I probably will not read it again.
bocasbri's review against another edition
4.0
it was interesting to watch these two characters navigate this impossible situation and see the imperfections of their friendship reveal themselves. i wish that we got to see riley and jen’s unbreakable bond more than just be told about it. we are introduced to these characters as they have already drifted apart quite a bit. so it is more the authors telling us that these characters were such good friends rather than actually seeing that.
while i get that jen is living through a personally hard time, her husband did help kill a child… and she seemed to be selfish and did not understand the impacts and systematic issues taking place (even at the end of the book). i wish we got a bit more character growth and understanding from her than we got. still a fairly high rating from me as it did captivate my attention and despite the long chapters, it was able to keep me reading for long periods. i think the topic and plot are very important but i think the authors could have just done a bit more with it!
purplelephant's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
laurenscholle's review against another edition
3.0
this was written to be a book club book and that has its place but just not my taste. the ending was too nice neat bow and the epilogue was completely unnecessary.
claire_shields's review against another edition
challenging
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophiabenton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
kateburstein31's review against another edition
5.0
This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that engaged me from the first page. I appreciate how the authors capture raw emotion and a realistic friendship, pushing the reader to contemplate significant topics alongside the two main characters. I highly recommend this book!
mizdoss's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! Tough to read at sometimes but sad to say I was numb a bit from the familiar theme. Enjoyed both perspectives. The title is perfect for the story and life.