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saomah5566's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Transphobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Outing
ibm's review
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
cajesp's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
kmichaud125's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
laurenm21's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
elusorius's review
3.0
"Someone is having a panic attack, therefore they must have a mental illness." A harmful statement at best.
The writing in this book was mediocre, at times it reminded me of fanfics or an adult trying to cater to 13-year-olds. Once we got past the introduction, the writing improved a little.
I liked the characters. Even though they started out as stereotypes, they became more three dimensional throughout the book. I really liked one of the main narrators, Jimmy, and some of the side characters (Lister and Bliss). I also felt meh about some other characters, so it was kind of hit or miss. The dialogue and relationships between the characters, however, was mediocre at best. The diversity is nice but it feels a bit forced.
The plot was probably the best thing about this book. It was good, really good. It showed me that storylines like these (fan meets band member) do not need to be romantic to be entertaining. It portrayed different sides of fame and fandoms. It created an interesting contrast with the two narrators. It provided a decent portrayal of anxiety disorders (aside from the above statement, that is). It was just really entertaining and this is the kind of book you want to stay up late reading. However, a lot of the situations were incredibly unrealistic.
The book also wanted to have "a deeper meaning". Something that could have worked if it were developed better, but in this case it felt like an afterthought. The somewhat open ending made it feel unfinished. I'm not a big fan of open endings in general, but it can work if done right. This was one of those endings where we pretend everything is tied up, but it leaves a lot unanswered. I also just disliked the ending in general, so much unnecessary drama that wasn't properly addressed and unsatisfying conclusions to the things that were addressed. I think this book was perhaps trying to do too many things at once.
I'm going to need some time to form a cohesive opinion on this book, as it was both entertaining and problematic. 3/5 for now.
The writing in this book was mediocre, at times it reminded me of fanfics or an adult trying to cater to 13-year-olds. Once we got past the introduction, the writing improved a little.
I liked the characters. Even though they started out as stereotypes, they became more three dimensional throughout the book. I really liked one of the main narrators, Jimmy, and some of the side characters (Lister and Bliss). I also felt meh about some other characters, so it was kind of hit or miss. The dialogue and relationships between the characters, however, was mediocre at best. The diversity is nice but it feels a bit forced.
The plot was probably the best thing about this book. It was good, really good. It showed me that storylines like these (fan meets band member) do not need to be romantic to be entertaining. It portrayed different sides of fame and fandoms. It created an interesting contrast with the two narrators. It provided a decent portrayal of anxiety disorders (aside from the above statement, that is). It was just really entertaining and this is the kind of book you want to stay up late reading. However, a lot of the situations were incredibly unrealistic.
The book also wanted to have "a deeper meaning". Something that could have worked if it were developed better, but in this case it felt like an afterthought. The somewhat open ending made it feel unfinished. I'm not a big fan of open endings in general, but it can work if done right. This was one of those endings where we pretend everything is tied up, but it leaves a lot unanswered. I also just disliked the ending in general, so much unnecessary drama that wasn't properly addressed and unsatisfying conclusions to the things that were addressed. I think this book was perhaps trying to do too many things at once.
I'm going to need some time to form a cohesive opinion on this book, as it was both entertaining and problematic. 3/5 for now.
philoundphie's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- 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
2.75
shreyasingh's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cute and interesting YA story that features a member of a boy band and a mega-fan of said band and the unexpected ways that their lives collide. I thought mental-health and LGBTQIA+ issues were dealt with well in this book. Not my favorite of Oseman’s books, but definitely a good, quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Transphobia, Biphobia, Religious bigotry, Racism, Grief, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Islamophobia, Death, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Mental illness, Outing, and Misogyny