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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Intense in ways I genuinely didn't expect. A pleasant surprise that showcased just how confusing navigating life can be at times.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have so many mixed feelings about this. Personally, I divided this book into three parts.
Part I.
We're introduced to Hannah and her friends and everything is beautiful. Hannah resonated with me so much, I perfectly understood her feelings and inner struggles and was overwhelmed with emotion at times because the words seemed to directly pierce my heart, which is kind of funny because I'm not at all a religious person. But, initially, I don't think her struggles were solely connected to her faith, but rather to how her feelings were stopping her from having that conventional life she was expected to have. I could totally relate to her in the way she desperately seemed to hold on to that notion, how hard she tried to fit in and convince herself she could be happy that way. It felt so honest and true. Also, I loved the sort of poetic way she looked at the universe, connecting her emotions to nature. I loved the pining and the build up of her relationship with Baker - how they were both so scared of what they were feeling, yet couldn't seem to stop it. It was so inevitable and real, especially because Hannah constantly invited us into her inner debate and to the force of her own feelings.
Most of all, I loved the Six Pack's group dynamic - their chemistry, their energy, the way they seemed to exhale joy and youth. Quindlen truly captured that feeling of being a senior having the best of times with your friends, that hopeful yet scared feeling taking over, how you start to see the magic in the smallest of things because the end is so near, and how you feel nostalgic even for the present, cause change is so imminent. They were one of those groups you desperately want to be a part of and I loved them so much.
Part II.
Everything quickly falls apart. There's so much unnecessary drama and things seem to keep getting worse. Suddenly there's so much cruelty and loneliness and hate and there's absolutely no relief from it. It's pages and pages of suffering and wondering what more could go wrong. The worst part is that it completely took me by surprise and I swear I felt almost betrayed - this story was supposed to make me feel good and understood, not to have all this hate and injustice thrown at my face. I truly hate how quickly everything escalated and that it never seemed to stop - it was almost unbearable, to the point I wasn’t even sure if I was gonna keep reading. And while some of what happened seemed necessary (e.g. the feelings of shame and doubt that took over, the stronger struggle over faith), most of it seemed too melodramatic and simply too cruel. .
Also, for all of this second part of the narrative, I just didn't want Hannah and Baker to be together, because Baker drove me absolutely crazy. Again, I understand why Baker acted like that, but it was still difficult to like her. Also, it’s so freaking hard to see how harmful internalized homophobia can be, not only to the person but also to those around them.
One thing I did like through all this mess was Hannah's personal struggle with her feelings. I’m not a religious person so it was hard to relate to her desperate search for God, but I liked how it was portrayed and found it necessary. Her doubt, shame and fear felt painful yet true and that's why I loved it so much. Also, it’s easy for me to forget the role religion has over people’s lives, both positively and negatively. It baffles me how hard some people hide behind it to disguise their hate - it's one of my main problems with religion as a whole - but I’m still glad the "God is love" speech seems to be gaining more power over the years.
Another thing I truly liked was Wally and his relationship with Hannah. He’s so amazing as a character - such a sweet, loving person - and it’s so evident how much he cares about Hannah. I love how he stands by her, comforts her and makes her feel safe. The author got this SO RIGHT. Because on paper Wally truly is everything Hannah might’ve wanted or needed, and it’s so heartbreaking and real to see her try to convince herself that she could be happy with him. It’s just the perfect way of showing us that we really can’t control who we love or who we’re attracted too.
And bless Joanie's freaking heart. What a wonderful sister and friend, truly deserves the world. Her relationship with Hannah was so honest and important, and I was so glad when they were finally able to be there for each other.
Part III.
After the whole mess reaches its dramatic gran finale, things sort of go back to normal. We're back to quiet, to introspection, to heart-to-hearts, which is what this book should've been from start to finish. It doesn't quite feel as good as the first part, because there're a lot of conflicts that still need to be tended to and the remnants of the pain is still there. We've been reminded of how fragile even the strongest of bonds can be, we saw how easy it was for the the group to fall apart, so we're left wondering if they're really gonna make it. Overall, there's this bittersweetness and fragility to everything, but we're still made to feel hopeful and happy. The ending almost redeems the tragedy that precedes it, but not quite.
So even though some parts of this novel truly deserve 5 stars, I can't bring myself to give it to the whole novel. Still, I really liked reading this.
Part I.
We're introduced to Hannah and her friends and everything is beautiful. Hannah resonated with me so much, I perfectly understood her feelings and inner struggles and was overwhelmed with emotion at times because the words seemed to directly pierce my heart, which is kind of funny because I'm not at all a religious person. But, initially, I don't think her struggles were solely connected to her faith, but rather to how her feelings were stopping her from having that conventional life she was expected to have. I could totally relate to her in the way she desperately seemed to hold on to that notion, how hard she tried to fit in and convince herself she could be happy that way. It felt so honest and true. Also, I loved the sort of poetic way she looked at the universe, connecting her emotions to nature. I loved the pining and the build up of her relationship with Baker - how they were both so scared of what they were feeling, yet couldn't seem to stop it. It was so inevitable and real, especially because Hannah constantly invited us into her inner debate and to the force of her own feelings.
Most of all, I loved the Six Pack's group dynamic - their chemistry, their energy, the way they seemed to exhale joy and youth. Quindlen truly captured that feeling of being a senior having the best of times with your friends, that hopeful yet scared feeling taking over, how you start to see the magic in the smallest of things because the end is so near, and how you feel nostalgic even for the present, cause change is so imminent. They were one of those groups you desperately want to be a part of and I loved them so much.
Part II.
Everything quickly falls apart
Spoiler
after Hannah and Baker have their first time togetherSpoiler
I'm sorry, but I for one am so tired of the forced outing storyline, I just can't take it. And honestly, Father Simon, Michelle and lowkey Clay can burn. There was a point I couldn’t even read their words because of how angry it made me.Also, for all of this second part of the narrative, I just didn't want Hannah and Baker to be together, because Baker drove me absolutely crazy.
Spoiler
I understand where she was coming from but it was still so hard to forgive her for the pain she (unintentionally and maybe inevitably) caused Hannah. They were both scared and hurting, yet Hannah’s prior concern was never for herself. She cared so deeply about Baker and went out of her way to make her feel okay, and in exchange she just wanted her friend to be able to talk to her. I sort of get why Baker couldn't but COME ON. It was so painful to see Hannah so alone in this, not only having to deal with her own feelings of fear and shame but with these added feelings of rejection and guilt. I couldn't handle the unfairness of it all tbh. HANNAH DIDNT DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE THAT, especially not by the person she loved the most. Silent treatment was not okay here. And tbh, if Hannah allowed herself to be mad at Baker, maybe I would feel more sympathetic to Baker myself, cause maybe I wouldn’t feel like I had to stand up on Hannah’s behalf. But Hannah doesn’t feel angry, she feels sad and betrayed. She’s understanding and forgiving and she takes the fault all by her self, AND I CAN'T LET HER DO THAT.One thing I did like through all this mess was Hannah's personal struggle with her feelings. I’m not a religious person so it was hard to relate to her desperate search for God, but I liked how it was portrayed and found it necessary. Her doubt, shame and fear felt painful yet true and that's why I loved it so much. Also, it’s easy for me to forget the role religion has over people’s lives, both positively and negatively. It baffles me how hard some people hide behind it to disguise their hate - it's one of my main problems with religion as a whole - but I’m still glad the "God is love" speech seems to be gaining more power over the years.
Another thing I truly liked was Wally and his relationship with Hannah. He’s so amazing as a character - such a sweet, loving person - and it’s so evident how much he cares about Hannah. I love how he stands by her, comforts her and makes her feel safe. The author got this SO RIGHT. Because on paper Wally truly is everything Hannah might’ve wanted or needed, and it’s so heartbreaking and real to see her try to convince herself that she could be happy with him. It’s just the perfect way of showing us that we really can’t control who we love or who we’re attracted too.
And bless Joanie's freaking heart. What a wonderful sister and friend, truly deserves the world. Her relationship with Hannah was so honest and important, and I was so glad when they were finally able to be there for each other.
Part III.
After the whole mess reaches its dramatic gran finale, things sort of go back to normal. We're back to quiet, to introspection, to heart-to-hearts, which is what this book should've been from start to finish. It doesn't quite feel as good as the first part, because there're a lot of conflicts that still need to be tended to and the remnants of the pain is still there. We've been reminded of how fragile even the strongest of bonds can be, we saw how easy it was for the the group to fall apart, so we're left wondering if they're really gonna make it. Overall, there's this bittersweetness and fragility to everything, but we're still made to feel hopeful and happy. The ending almost redeems the tragedy that precedes it, but not quite.
So even though some parts of this novel truly deserve 5 stars, I can't bring myself to give it to the whole novel. Still, I really liked reading this.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel like I need to explain the three star rating right off the bat because I'm about to say some really great things about this book, I really am, and the rating isn't going to make sense so I'm going to address it first thing:
I am not a religious person, I'm really not. This is something I rarely talk about as to respect other people. I believe in something, but it's not God, per say. It's just that there's something bigger than us out there. I don't like organized religion. So I don't like reading things that focus heavily on religion—and this book did. (I'll explain why I finished it in a moment.) This book took place in a small, incredibly and overwhelmingly religious town in Louisiana—the kids went to a Catholic school where they had to wear uniforms, where a pastor comes to their school and lectures them often and this book takes place in 2012 when Obama stated that he supported gay marriage so this is addressed in the book. If you're anything like me, it's a very quick and easy way to piss you off.
If you're reading this book and you agree with any of the outrageous things that come out of Father Simon's mouth, you need to stop right now because this book is not for you. It will never be for you. This is not a book that focuses on a girl miraculously ""healed"" from homosexuality (?? ?). If the things that are said in this book don't piss you off in some way, something's wrong. There are whole pages of blind ignorance in this book. There are problems started because of it in this book. There are huge paragraphs telling Hannah and the readers that homosexuality is wrong, is a disorder and can be healed. This is what pulled the rating down for me.
[ PLEASE NOTE: When I say that there are huge paragraphs telling the readers that homosexuality is wrong and a disorder, I don't mean it in the sense that the author is saying this because this book tackles the kinds of problems that things like that stem. I am addressing it because it made me nauseous and mad and could easily hurt someone reading this book if they didn't know about it. ]
I would have been just fine with Hannah having religious parents. In fact, I would have been fine with a religious town because I live in one. I deal with that. Father Simon's entire fucking existence took something away from this book that I can't just ignore. The things that came out of his mouth angered me so bad almost every single time, I had to put the book down.
But this wasn't a bad book. IT WAS NOT A BAD BOOK.
This was a wonderful, emotional and beautiful sapphic story. It also wasn't even about just the romance—it dealt with a lot of relationships in a lot of different ways. It dealt with parents overcoming what they were taught because they loved their children (!!!) and would always love their children. It dealt with friends also overcoming what they were taught because despite it all, they wanted them to be happy. There is so much character development and it's so nice.
It's written in third person but focuses on Hannah's point of view, and Hannah is in love with her best friend, Baker, and both girls are two parts to what's deemed The Six-Pack: Hannah, Baker, Wally, Clay, Joanie and Luke. Hannah's feelings alone start issues because she's basically taught from day one that she should be with Wally and she should be The Best Friend when Clay asks Baker to be his girlfriend, because this is Girl and Boy. As Hannah starts to realize what exactly she's feeling for Baker, her world starts to crumble because no one ever told her things might be different.
The only problem I had with the characters was that I'm supposed to be in love with Baker, too—or I'm, at least, supposed to understand why Hannah is so in love with her—and I barely understood? It wasn't that she was a bad person, but all I got to really see were her "coping mechanisms" when the ball dropped. She does a lot of questionable things and it focused so much on Hannah and all her angst for Baker that I feel like someone's personality got lost in it all. I didn't dislike Baker at all, but I didn't see how Hannah could be in love with her either. She was neutral for me, which I didn't like because she was the love interest.
Oh. You know what.
I hated Clay.
I said it and I mean it. Even in the end, I hated Clay. He starts off as a fuckboy and becomes worse as the book goes on, and I don't think anything he said or did at the end mended that. I wanted to punch him in the face the entire book. He didn't deserve Baker and I didn't even feel bad for him when things happened, I honestly didn't. He didn't even get a whole worth's of what he deserved.
Anyway, okay. I'm done. This whole review just feels like one long rant about blind ignorance and fuckboys, but despite the somewhat low-ish rating, I actually felt passionately about this book.
It seems so bad to rate it only three stars because of it all, but Father Simon and the outrageous drama that happens because of religion just...really took a part of this book away. I understand the character questioning themselves because of how they were raised, I do, and I understand parents going to church and as much as I don't like, I get the whole "parents needing time to come to terms" (because at least they were) but there is so much that's in your face that it just took away from the book for me.
I would still recommend this book, but I feel it's fair to warn you about all the religious high horses and rants. If you can deal with that and this book still sounds great, go for it! The romance and the relationships and the development is fantastic. It was a great sapphic book. It's just. You know. If you don't like organized religion and the blind ignorance that comes with it, maybe not.
I am not a religious person, I'm really not. This is something I rarely talk about as to respect other people. I believe in something, but it's not God, per say. It's just that there's something bigger than us out there. I don't like organized religion. So I don't like reading things that focus heavily on religion—and this book did. (I'll explain why I finished it in a moment.) This book took place in a small, incredibly and overwhelmingly religious town in Louisiana—the kids went to a Catholic school where they had to wear uniforms, where a pastor comes to their school and lectures them often and this book takes place in 2012 when Obama stated that he supported gay marriage so this is addressed in the book. If you're anything like me, it's a very quick and easy way to piss you off.
If you're reading this book and you agree with any of the outrageous things that come out of Father Simon's mouth, you need to stop right now because this book is not for you. It will never be for you. This is not a book that focuses on a girl miraculously ""healed"" from homosexuality (?? ?). If the things that are said in this book don't piss you off in some way, something's wrong. There are whole pages of blind ignorance in this book. There are problems started because of it in this book. There are huge paragraphs telling Hannah and the readers that homosexuality is wrong, is a disorder and can be healed. This is what pulled the rating down for me.
[ PLEASE NOTE: When I say that there are huge paragraphs telling the readers that homosexuality is wrong and a disorder, I don't mean it in the sense that the author is saying this because this book tackles the kinds of problems that things like that stem. I am addressing it because it made me nauseous and mad and could easily hurt someone reading this book if they didn't know about it. ]
I would have been just fine with Hannah having religious parents. In fact, I would have been fine with a religious town because I live in one. I deal with that. Father Simon's entire fucking existence took something away from this book that I can't just ignore. The things that came out of his mouth angered me so bad almost every single time, I had to put the book down.
But this wasn't a bad book. IT WAS NOT A BAD BOOK.
This was a wonderful, emotional and beautiful sapphic story. It also wasn't even about just the romance—it dealt with a lot of relationships in a lot of different ways. It dealt with parents overcoming what they were taught because they loved their children (!!!) and would always love their children. It dealt with friends also overcoming what they were taught because despite it all, they wanted them to be happy. There is so much character development and it's so nice.
It's written in third person but focuses on Hannah's point of view, and Hannah is in love with her best friend, Baker, and both girls are two parts to what's deemed The Six-Pack: Hannah, Baker, Wally, Clay, Joanie and Luke. Hannah's feelings alone start issues because she's basically taught from day one that she should be with Wally and she should be The Best Friend when Clay asks Baker to be his girlfriend, because this is Girl and Boy. As Hannah starts to realize what exactly she's feeling for Baker, her world starts to crumble because no one ever told her things might be different.
The only problem I had with the characters was that I'm supposed to be in love with Baker, too—or I'm, at least, supposed to understand why Hannah is so in love with her—and I barely understood? It wasn't that she was a bad person, but all I got to really see were her "coping mechanisms" when the ball dropped. She does a lot of questionable things
Spoiler
that she does apologize for in the end, but still, I would've been a little saltier than Hannah was over it allOh. You know what.
I hated Clay.
I said it and I mean it. Even in the end, I hated Clay. He starts off as a fuckboy and becomes worse as the book goes on, and I don't think anything he said or did at the end mended that. I wanted to punch him in the face the entire book. He didn't deserve Baker and I didn't even feel bad for him when things happened, I honestly didn't. He didn't even get a whole worth's of what he deserved.
Spoiler
I just really think that maybe the group of friends should have punished him longer than they did. I understand: FORGIVENESS and all that, and sure. But they shouldn't have been so quick about it because what he did was unacceptable; maybe not unforgivable but 1000% un-fucking-acceptable.Anyway, okay. I'm done. This whole review just feels like one long rant about blind ignorance and fuckboys, but despite the somewhat low-ish rating, I actually felt passionately about this book.
It seems so bad to rate it only three stars because of it all, but Father Simon and the outrageous drama that happens because of religion just...really took a part of this book away. I understand the character questioning themselves because of how they were raised, I do, and I understand parents going to church and as much as I don't like, I get the whole "parents needing time to come to terms" (because at least they were) but there is so much that's in your face that it just took away from the book for me.
I would still recommend this book, but I feel it's fair to warn you about all the religious high horses and rants. If you can deal with that and this book still sounds great, go for it! The romance and the relationships and the development is fantastic. It was a great sapphic book. It's just. You know. If you don't like organized religion and the blind ignorance that comes with it, maybe not.
Can't write a full review now because of reporting, but wow.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes