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davidup_15's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
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
4.5
LOVE LOVE LOVED it.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
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