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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Spoiler alert?
The book was good but how on earth do we believe someone made it this far in life and through public education with no ASD diagnosis? Even in book land? I was so annoyed that the plot twist was a surprise secret autism diagnosis. Between all the education and public info on neurodivergence and being neurospicy and neurotypical and all the TikTok autism awareness, and all the people that refer to themselves as having autism as an insult, it feels akin to pretending cell phones don’t exist in modern times either.
The book was good but how on earth do we believe someone made it this far in life and through public education with no ASD diagnosis? Even in book land? I was so annoyed that the plot twist was a surprise secret autism diagnosis. Between all the education and public info on neurodivergence and being neurospicy and neurotypical and all the TikTok autism awareness, and all the people that refer to themselves as having autism as an insult, it feels akin to pretending cell phones don’t exist in modern times either.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first two thirds of this book were FANSTATIC. I loved it so much and then the last bit undid all I loved about it. The main character was a nuanced, non-stereotypical take on someone who has level 1 Autism and I was so here for it. I loved how she never once used her diagnosis to describe herself, she just was who she was. I found this approach refreshing and different. But then it turns out, she didn't know she had autism. Her label was the BIG REVEAL. ANd then came the heavy handed neurodivergent people are worthwhile too speech. Of course, I agree with the sentiment but I felt like waiting until the end for the diagnosis undermined her pathway to accepting herself, as if you can't fully be yourself until you apply the appropriate diagnosis made up by rich white men. And then, as if to underscore how much everything was undermined, she literally undid all all the progress she had made in order to help her sister get the boy. No lessons learned, it ended up all being about a boy after all. I can't think of the last time a book disappointed me so much.
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
fast-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:
Complicated
I had no idea what this book was about when it finally made it off my TBR list but it didn’t disappoint.
When I realized it was about time travel I expected it to be similar to Oona out of Order but the only similarity was the time travel and a female main character, which I liked.
The twists in Cassandra in Reverse were somewhat predictable but I liked them nonetheless.
My favourite quote:
“Somehow I ended up in London, where I had the Mother of All Meltdowns: one that lasted nearly six entire months. I have a faint recollection that I may have started and then quit smoking. I ate a lot of Wagon Wheels.”
When I realized it was about time travel I expected it to be similar to Oona out of Order but the only similarity was the time travel and a female main character, which I liked.
The twists in Cassandra in Reverse were somewhat predictable but I liked them nonetheless.
My favourite quote:
“Somehow I ended up in London, where I had the Mother of All Meltdowns: one that lasted nearly six entire months. I have a faint recollection that I may have started and then quit smoking. I ate a lot of Wagon Wheels.”
As someone who is obsessed with Greek mythology I loved ALL the references! For example, I had no idea that Chiron(the infamous Centaur), who is a symbol for Sagittarius, was Zeus' brother.
I loved Cassandra... more than I liked Eleanor Oliphant to be honest. The way she goes back in time repeatedly to "fix things" only to realize what she truly wants in life. Although there are romance aspects sprinkled throughout, it is not the main focus of the book.
I loved Cassandra... more than I liked Eleanor Oliphant to be honest. The way she goes back in time repeatedly to "fix things" only to realize what she truly wants in life. Although there are romance aspects sprinkled throughout, it is not the main focus of the book.
I want to call foul on the character not knowing she’s autistic… but then… I had a student who—as far as I know—still doesn’t know…
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found the main character/narrator to be insufferable and unenjoyable. There wasn’t much character development despite fairly pressing motivations. The ending was extremely dissatisfactory. Still, it was a decently charming read and I enjoyed listening while doing other tasks.
I absolutely loved this book, Cassandra was so well portrayed and I found little pieces of myself within her character (I’m not diagnosed as on the spectrum). We, nearly, all have a favourite mug, a preferred style of clothing, an occasional questioning of the universe around us and a yearning to be loved for our true selves. Although not all of us would use time travel to unravel the complexities of dating, I’m pretty sure most of us would actually go straight to memorising the lottery numbers.
This was such a warm and engaging read, I enjoyed every minute and actually tried to make it last as long as possible! A definite recommend.
This was such a warm and engaging read, I enjoyed every minute and actually tried to make it last as long as possible! A definite recommend.