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g_for_gem_and_the_colour_green's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide
katonthejellicoe's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide, Classism, and Racism
davidup_15's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I actually severely underestimated this book; going in I knew that it was about a teenage Italian-Australian girl, and saw that the cover was pink, so (because of what is, being honest, a little bit of internalised misogyny) kind of thought it would be a fun and lighthearted romance without anything serious to say, and MAN WAS I WRONG! This is a fun high school novel, and it was adapted into one of the most classic Aussie chick flicks ever, but it's also one of the most nuanced and confronting depictions of class and race, and their intersection, in Australia I have ever read. The deconstruction of the public vs private school divide (which is a big social divide in Aus for those who don't know) is awesome. The examination of expectations placed on people on both sides of the divide is awesome. The focus on the characters' flaws and character arcs is awesome. There are so many quotes from this book I want to write down and remember until the day I die - absolutely inspiring.
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
nibs's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book is what I needed right now. It was comforting and made me feel at home. It made me feel connected to my Mum and my sisters. It made me feel connected to this city and this country. I am tearing up a bit because of it
Moderate: Suicide
holly_mc's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Infidelity
tuesdayangel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Suicide
aashar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicide
bec459's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Infidelity
Minor: Alcoholism
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
Minor: Vomit
Major character death by suicide. Scene of an attempted sexual assault, with sexual harassment. The slur "w**" is used several times by racist white people against Italian-Australians. Teenage pregnancy - the protagonist's mother had her at seventeen - is a major element of the plot.chalkletters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Suicide, Infertility, Drug use, Pregnancy, Vomit, Infidelity, and Child death