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kc_onmybookshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Suicide, Child death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Slavery, Sexual assault, and Alcohol
Minor: War, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
alylentz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Even though I'd read the summary, this was not at all what I expected. This is definitely an ambitious undertaking, and I don't know that it was quite pulled off at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Sexual assault
blainereads's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
This was not very good :)
There was a lot of author ignorance regarding race that came through with these characters, and not in a way that felt purposeful or that served the story — just in a way that made it feel like the identities of the characters (that is, the real life people they represented) were exploited and often made into caricatures of diverse demographics. When the POC characters weren’t being offensively caricatured, It often (if not always) felt like slapping an “Asian” or “Indian” in front of a description was more for checking boxes than offering any real depth or purpose to the narrative. White people, pay attention: this is how NOT to include diversity in your books.
Aside from that, the way disability and mental illness was treated was uncomfortable, at best. And none of this begins to touch on to the grating dialogue and unbelievable plot and convenient plot points! I signed up for ghosts and got ill-conceived Russian spies instead :(
There was a lot of author ignorance regarding race that came through with these characters, and not in a way that felt purposeful or that served the story — just in a way that made it feel like the identities of the characters (that is, the real life people they represented) were exploited and often made into caricatures of diverse demographics. When the POC characters weren’t being offensively caricatured, It often (if not always) felt like slapping an “Asian” or “Indian” in front of a description was more for checking boxes than offering any real depth or purpose to the narrative. White people, pay attention: this is how NOT to include diversity in your books.
Aside from that, the way disability and mental illness was treated was uncomfortable, at best. And none of this begins to touch on to the grating dialogue and unbelievable plot and convenient plot points! I signed up for ghosts and got ill-conceived Russian spies instead :(
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
kristinesreads's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Blood, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
kdowli01's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Read if you're a fan of paranormal conspiracy theories. 👻👻 (Or if that’s too niche, if you like both genres and want to see how they come together!)
*
Synopsis: Cady Archer comes to Harvard as a freshman, a year after her older brother committed suicide there after his diagnosis with schizophrenia. She tries to find answers about his last year, until she starts hearing voices herself.
*
This was pretty quick paced and exciting, although much of it was a bit jarring for me. It was clear the author did a ton of research into the individuals who were the voices for Cady, but a ton of time was spent on that, that didnt really advance the plot much.
*
I did like the way mental illness was handled - how it impacted the family and friends of the sufferer. Also how they each handled their own grief was done really well.
*
It also frustrated me that Cady, whose brother had schizophrenia, starts hearing voices and does NOTHING to take care of herself. Sigh. But I suppose that’s a natural risk, the stigma attached means people hide it.
*
Overall I enjoyed it, I just think some of it could have been edited down. Still recommend though!
*
Synopsis: Cady Archer comes to Harvard as a freshman, a year after her older brother committed suicide there after his diagnosis with schizophrenia. She tries to find answers about his last year, until she starts hearing voices herself.
*
This was pretty quick paced and exciting, although much of it was a bit jarring for me. It was clear the author did a ton of research into the individuals who were the voices for Cady, but a ton of time was spent on that, that didnt really advance the plot much.
*
I did like the way mental illness was handled - how it impacted the family and friends of the sufferer. Also how they each handled their own grief was done really well.
*
It also frustrated me that Cady, whose brother had schizophrenia, starts hearing voices and does NOTHING to take care of herself. Sigh. But I suppose that’s a natural risk, the stigma attached means people hide it.
*
Overall I enjoyed it, I just think some of it could have been edited down. Still recommend though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual assault
jbraith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Suicide
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