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gbeene's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
an endearing love story, through there were moments that I definitely questioned their relationship. very detailed, lyrical prose, sometimes a little too philosophical. Though Regan’s pov sometimes felt like an episode, I really enjoyed both main characters
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual content, Drug abuse, and Emotional abuse
graylin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-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
5.0
Wow. This is one of the best books I have ever read. The writing style is unique, compelling, and raw. The quotes in here are wonderful, give me goosebumps. Read the afterword. I will be thinking about this book for a long time
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Drug abuse
ceh517's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
e_riahh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Blood, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, and Cursing
belle13's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I originally rated this four stars because the author’s note made me love it a little more but after thinking about it for a few days I’ve decided it’s definitely a three and a half star for me. I don’t think it’ll really stick with me and although I think the author has talent I’m not tempted to pick up another of hers any time soon.
There were points where this was unbearably pretentious but I also think that is sort of the point. I think I’m meant to find the writing and the characters a little pretentious. Aldo was a much more likeable character than Regan and I thought he reminded me a little of Spencer Reid from Criminal minds which was fun. Regan on the other hand was so unlikeable but I also think Regan really disliked herself too and once again, I kind of think that’s the whole point. It was very much a realistic portrayal of someone with bipolar disorder and the complexities that surround having a diagnosis like that which I think the author wrote exceedingly well.
I listened to this on audio and I will say, I think that really affected how much I enjoyed it. I couldn’t connect with the characters as much and didn’t enjoy the narration so I would be interested to see if my opinion changed if I was to read it with my eyeballs.
I would recommend it if you’re looking for a complex romance that will make you think a little more deeply and you like characters who make you want to pick them apart and study their behaviour and emotions.
There were points where this was unbearably pretentious but I also think that is sort of the point. I think I’m meant to find the writing and the characters a little pretentious. Aldo was a much more likeable character than Regan and I thought he reminded me a little of Spencer Reid from Criminal minds which was fun. Regan on the other hand was so unlikeable but I also think Regan really disliked herself too and once again, I kind of think that’s the whole point. It was very much a realistic portrayal of someone with bipolar disorder and the complexities that surround having a diagnosis like that which I think the author wrote exceedingly well.
I listened to this on audio and I will say, I think that really affected how much I enjoyed it. I couldn’t connect with the characters as much and didn’t enjoy the narration so I would be interested to see if my opinion changed if I was to read it with my eyeballs.
I would recommend it if you’re looking for a complex romance that will make you think a little more deeply and you like characters who make you want to pick them apart and study their behaviour and emotions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse and Addiction
readerette's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A well written story about two imperfect people trying to make their way in life, who find an imperfect love with one another.
If you are bothered by relationship drama, this may not be a story for you, but I enjoyed the philosophical musings of both characters enough to balance out the drama (I especially resonated with Aldo). I've never had exactly the thoughts or obsessions these two had, but some of their wonderings and worries definitely struck a chord for me that made the book quite an emotional journey.
If you are bothered by relationship drama, this may not be a story for you, but I enjoyed the philosophical musings of both characters enough to balance out the drama (I especially resonated with Aldo). I've never had exactly the thoughts or obsessions these two had, but some of their wonderings and worries definitely struck a chord for me that made the book quite an emotional journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, and Drug use
cnannery19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Addiction, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Gaslighting
lauren_shilling's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
I expected to enjoy this book, but not nearly as much as I did! It was beautifully written, first of all. The amount of utterly gorgeous quotes in this book is incredible. It's the kind of writing that has the ability to tackle super complex topics and ideas and explain them in ways that both make them make sense (if they need to make sense at all) while also emphasizing just how complex they are. I loved following these two characters. I will never forget about Aldo and Regan and their story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content and Drug abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
nineinchnails's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.5
this wasn’t as pretentious as i was expecting. it felt more like blake just used a few big words and flowery prose and it scared off a certain demographic but that’s just me! i really, really loved this. i don’t think it’s perfect but it came really close and scratched a very specific itch for me. it reminds me of normal people (one of my all-time favourite novels) a little but there wasn’t as much depth from aldo as there was with connell so i left this feeling slightly disappointed. the writing style is a little inconsistent but it could be intentional and it does work well for these characters + this story.
this story probably won’t work for people who can’t stand a “no plot just vibes” situation but i was loving it!! even if it is SLIGHTLY pretentious, i would rather a book tries too hard than doesn’t try at all. also i loved all the math stuff despite hating math most of my life. it feels like the phenomenon where someone u care about is obsessed with something super boring but it makes them happy so u love hearing them talk about it. i will definitely reread this when i get the chance because i don’t think i was in the mindset to enjoy it to the fullest this time
this story probably won’t work for people who can’t stand a “no plot just vibes” situation but i was loving it!! even if it is SLIGHTLY pretentious, i would rather a book tries too hard than doesn’t try at all. also i loved all the math stuff despite hating math most of my life. it feels like the phenomenon where someone u care about is obsessed with something super boring but it makes them happy so u love hearing them talk about it. i will definitely reread this when i get the chance because i don’t think i was in the mindset to enjoy it to the fullest this time
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, Addiction, Suicide attempt, and Drug abuse
Bipolar disorderbiobeetle's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Cursing, Suicide attempt, Drug use, and Alcohol