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readwithde's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? No
4.0
This was the perfect rom-com, and that's coming from someone who really dislikes Cinderella and Cinderella retellings.
The fast pace left little room for how "real" the narrative might be, but I liked that it focused on the "actiony" bits instead of a lot of commentary. While I think the book did a great job of showcasing problems with sizes in the fashion industry, as well as inclusivity in media, it felt very natural and past of what was happening.
I really liked Henry and Cindy, but they seemed not-quite three dimensional; I could honestly barely remember Cindy's name! I think that's what made it such a fun read, though: I could picture almost anyone going through this, including myself.
Overall, it was like a cookie skillet sundae: warm, gooey, a bit original but still pretty vague, yet comforting. And best if indulged quickly.
The fast pace left little room for how "real" the narrative might be, but I liked that it focused on the "actiony" bits instead of a lot of commentary. While I think the book did a great job of showcasing problems with sizes in the fashion industry, as well as inclusivity in media, it felt very natural and past of what was happening.
I really liked Henry and Cindy, but they seemed not-quite three dimensional; I could honestly barely remember Cindy's name! I think that's what made it such a fun read, though: I could picture almost anyone going through this, including myself.
Overall, it was like a cookie skillet sundae: warm, gooey, a bit original but still pretty vague, yet comforting. And best if indulged quickly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Fatphobia, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Cancer, Car accident, Death of parent, and Sexual content
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for an arc of this book.
Cindy is floundering after graduating college, feeling uninspired to continue her work in shoe design or really do anything after the burnout of losing her dad. But when she gets a chance to go on her stepmom's reality tv show, Before Midnight, she takes it! It seems like the perfect opportunity to get her name out there in the world of design, and of course she would never really fall in love...
This book, ya'll! I loved it. I read this whole thing in one sitting and stayed up most of the night doing it. I loved Cindy! Honestly, this is the perfect Fat MC for me: confident about her body, knows what she wants, but is also aware of how other people see her and goes through some self-doubt at times. That is realistic fat rep and I LOVE it!
The other characters in this also made it so great! I loved the friends that Cindy made during the show, as well as her stepsisters. Can I just say that I'm absolutely in love with the idea of a Cinderella retelling where Cinderella is loved and gets along with her step-family after her father's passing! No wicked stepmother for this book! And I loved that support system for her. Henry was also a great love interest and I really enjoyed everything that happened!
My one complaint is that I thought the ending scenes felt a little rushed and I wish they had spent more time on the reconciliation.
Beautiful book!
Pub Date: August 3, 2021
Cindy is floundering after graduating college, feeling uninspired to continue her work in shoe design or really do anything after the burnout of losing her dad. But when she gets a chance to go on her stepmom's reality tv show, Before Midnight, she takes it! It seems like the perfect opportunity to get her name out there in the world of design, and of course she would never really fall in love...
This book, ya'll! I loved it. I read this whole thing in one sitting and stayed up most of the night doing it. I loved Cindy! Honestly, this is the perfect Fat MC for me: confident about her body, knows what she wants, but is also aware of how other people see her and goes through some self-doubt at times. That is realistic fat rep and I LOVE it!
The other characters in this also made it so great! I loved the friends that Cindy made during the show, as well as her stepsisters. Can I just say that I'm absolutely in love with the idea of a Cinderella retelling where Cinderella is loved and gets along with her step-family after her father's passing! No wicked stepmother for this book! And I loved that support system for her. Henry was also a great love interest and I really enjoyed everything that happened!
My one complaint is that I thought the ending scenes felt a little rushed and I wish they had spent more time on the reconciliation.
Beautiful book!
Pub Date: August 3, 2021
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content and Fatphobia
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