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heidi_fischer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
⭐️2.5 - Beautiful writing. It’s actually not fair that such a toxic plot is written so poetically. I want to read the whole series just for that reason. That being said…
• 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…
:)
• 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…
:)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, and Toxic relationship
Overdose, cheating, lying, narcissism, gaslighting.taylorp98's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Violence, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
emptzuu's review against another edition
I'm utterly astonished by the length of this book, a staggering 500 pages, filled with repetitive occurrences that eventually wear down any reader's patience. The incessant loop of events becomes tiresome, leaving one with no choice but to abandon the endeavor. The portrayal of affluent youth engaging in toxic behavior failed to resonate with me in any way. BJ, in particular, was a character I loathed to the fullest extent. Personally, I've never found appeal in the archetype of a 'fuckboy', and I see no reason to change my stance now. The tumultuous nature of on-and-off relationships depicted within these pages only served to deepen my disdain.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, and Drug use
letterpress's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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.
First off Jessa Hastings writing is absolutely amazing, the way she is able to describe feelings without straight saying them is so buttery smooth to my synapses.” Pine trees of mistakes so tall we can’t see over them and rivers of things we didn't say so wide we can’t get around.” I can hardly believe his is her debut novel, I am going to need to buy more tabs, because I don’t know if I can handle the rest of the series.
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.
This is the first book in a long time where I tabbed and spent time looking up merch. Of course I would love the not romance/romance book. There is just something about the depth of feelings that they have for each other, that is so believable, where they cannot face a reality that they don’t have each other in it.
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.
Content Warnings
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
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Violence, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug use, Drug abuse, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Grief
booksbymae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Alcoholism, Cursing, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Alcohol, and Emotional abuse
mooncraftbujo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Drug abuse, Infidelity, Drug use, and Addiction
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Panic attacks/disorders
ljp817's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was entire book was so painful and my chest hurts????
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Toxic friendship, Violence, Drug abuse, Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment
jess_noack's review against another edition
Thought this might be a bit more gossipy and fun, but the relationships were a little too toxic for me from the outset. Didn't really like any of the characters enough to continue reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Toxic friendship
jakirby's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship