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heidi_fischer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
• Plot - TOXIC. Stomach churning, vomit worthy, toxic.
• Characters - Flat. Magnolia is off in delulu land, which is semi-justifiable due to the fact she’s dating a textbook narcissist. That, and maybe because all the braincells were CLEARLY saved for her little sister (arguably the only dimensional character - sorry Tom, still love you).
• Ending - predicted it 50% of the way thru
It’s not worth NOT recommending this book because even the readers who love it don’t recommend it to people. And while it’s more of a “read at your own risk” kind of book, if you watch reality TV you’ll probably survive.
Not unscathed. Not without renewed trust issues. But probably you’ll survive…
:)
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, and Toxic relationship
Overdose, cheating, lying, narcissism, gaslighting.sjexley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Alcohol and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use and Infidelity
boomwormbrittany's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
I'm going to be honest and say that I picked this book up on a whim. I wasn't sure if I was going to really like this book just based on the premise alone but I had heard so much about it that I wanted to give this a try.
Reader, I loved this book and all its messiness. And it. is. MESSY.
Magnolia and BJ are not good people or bad people and that was one of the things I loved about this book. These two are so fundamentally flawed that they felt like real people that you would meet out in the world. I loved how realistic these two felt despite them being so far out of my tax bracket they might as well be on the moon.
This book is about the toxic cycle that Magnolia and BJ end up in. They're in this constant push and pull relationship where they want to be together but the way BJ acts and Magnolia's not wanting to dela with it causes so much drama and chaos. The end of this book had my jaw on the floor and it was something I could not look away from.
If you want a book that is just pure drama and intrigue, pick this book up. I am so happy that I loved this book and cannot wait to continue with this series.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
chelseafrieske's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content
organizedxchaos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
emelisa_19's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I am so happy they broke up in the end. In my mind, they will stay that way because I have no plan nor the desire to read the other two books.
The writting is beautiful. The timeline and flow of the story is messed up tho. One chapter they were resolute on never getting back together, then the next chapter they are made up again, swearing to the stars this is it. I had this feeling that I missed like 4 chapters, which made me think that what was happening was not happening at all. Absolutely hated that.
Absolutely hate BJ Ballentine, biggest asshole I've ever read about. Parks was kinda nice in the beginning, annoyed me to pieces by the end. They both need therapy. The white walls, straight-jacket kind.
That star I put in the review is for Tom England and BJ's mom only. They were the only thing that kept me pushing through.
Graphic: Suicide, Drug use, Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Minor: Eating disorder, Child death, and Infidelity
kerry123's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Moderate: Drug use and Toxic relationship
emptzuu's review against another edition
It's disheartening to witness such talented writing squandered on a narrative lacking substance. While the author undeniably possesses skill in crafting prose, the absence of a compelling plot structure is glaringly apparent. In this day and age, romanticizing toxic relationships is not only outdated but also highly problematic.
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, and Drug use
letterpress's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How is the weather over there, Parks?
I am going to try and explain why this was a 5⭐️ read for me, because this relationship was one of mutual destruction and quite honestly I should hate it, but I don’t.
Our two main characters are Magnolia “Parks” and BJ Ballentine “Beej”. They have pretty much grown up together. Magnolia literally does not remember a time she did not know him. Throughout the whole story you watch them dance around the topic of why they are no longer together. They have created an amazing family of found friends from boarding school. At times when they did not have parents to count on they could count on each other. My absolute favorite relationship was between Magnolia and her sister Bridget (she is my fav). I loved the way they talked to each other so much. Bridget is pretty much our voice of reason in the book, she is constantly calling out Magnolia and BJ on their dysfunction.
Their relationship is absolutely something I would never want a friend/sister/brother to ever go through. They both use other people as objects when they get upset with each other. BJ sleeps around and Magnolia fake dates. However, I can understand how fear can make you go to a level you never thought you reach. Magnolia is so relatable, I can be the exact same way and say things are “fine” when they are so far from it not only does she lie to everyone in that sense, but she also lies to her self and creates this false narrative of how she really is doing. I hope that as I continue to read the series she is able to grow as a woman, find her self worth, and demand that from others.
I would totally recommend this to someone who has experience loss, not just in relationships. I think you would be able to relate to the feeling of not being able to let go. I cannot wait to move on to the next book.
Graphic: Grief, Toxic relationship, Classism, Infidelity, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Cursing, Toxic friendship, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Death
0live_tr33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Violence, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug use, Drug abuse, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Grief