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treestacks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
3.0
Despite the low rating I actually really enjoyed this book. While it wasn't challenging or especially moving, it was a fun read and gave a really wholesome view of a girl growing up in a sheltered household. Didn't like the ending, or the lack of focus on her parents towards the end, but other than that it was fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
seawarrior's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Reading it was much more rewarding than I had expected it to be. There's definitely some tense and dramatic moments, but they're cushioned with descriptions of genuine love and apology afterward.
Primarily, this is a story about Mary Jane discovering what it means to grow into an individual and an adult. The most dramatic shift in her thinking is realizing that the perspectives and customs of her white, upper class, conservative mother aren't objectively 'right', and that she doesn't want to abide by most of them. Though she's surrounded by adults who are almost always too rigid or too fluid in their thoughts and behavior, she sticks to her values as she's learning them, and often serves as the most reasonable person in both her households.
This isn't a story about a girl who spirals into drugs and sex too young and is exploited by people providing them to her. Mary Jane's acts of rebellion are much more tame, and are mostly risky only because of her extremely conservative parents. The Cones, and Sheba and Jimmy, aren't perfect mentors or wholly responsible adults, but they embrace Mary Jane with respect and affection she hadn't even realized was normal in other people's homes. My favorite part of this book was reading of how the Cone household danced together, repeatedly and openly showed affection for each other, and spoke honestly about the troubles they were having. It was also a joy to read about Izzy and her exuberance towards everything. It's easy to understand how Mary Jane never wants to be apart from her new family, as messy as they sometimes are. I will definitely miss these characters myself.
Primarily, this is a story about Mary Jane discovering what it means to grow into an individual and an adult. The most dramatic shift in her thinking is realizing that the perspectives and customs of her white, upper class, conservative mother aren't objectively 'right', and that she doesn't want to abide by most of them. Though she's surrounded by adults who are almost always too rigid or too fluid in their thoughts and behavior, she sticks to her values as she's learning them, and often serves as the most reasonable person in both her households.
This isn't a story about a girl who spirals into drugs and sex too young and is exploited by people providing them to her. Mary Jane's acts of rebellion are much more tame, and are mostly risky only because of her extremely conservative parents. The Cones, and Sheba and Jimmy, aren't perfect mentors or wholly responsible adults, but they embrace Mary Jane with respect and affection she hadn't even realized was normal in other people's homes. My favorite part of this book was reading of how the Cone household danced together, repeatedly and openly showed affection for each other, and spoke honestly about the troubles they were having. It was also a joy to read about Izzy and her exuberance towards everything. It's easy to understand how Mary Jane never wants to be apart from her new family, as messy as they sometimes are. I will definitely miss these characters myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Antisemitism, Body shaming, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Racism
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