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nevyspytatelnypagac's review against another edition
4.0
Great OCD representation and feminism? What more could I ask for?
sprintervip's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
atlasisreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Sexism, and Self harm
cosmo_junk's review against another edition
1.0
it was cathartic at times but the feminism is kinda TERFy, what with the "periods is what makes us women" and the mention of germaine greer... idk what i expected from a british feminist ya book from 2015
readwithkiekie's review against another edition
3.0
At the beginning I wasn't entirely sold on the story, mainly because it sounded a little like 'My Mad Fat Diary' but with the main character being of average weight and called Evie instead of Rae. But once I got into the book the more I really appreciated it. Holly really depicted mental illness in a very realistic way, even to the point that I felt everything Evie was going through. I felt her urges, her emotions and that's what you want from a book like this. But this book also comes under fire from it's Feminism.
Holly (the author) says that to her Feminism means men and women being treated and respected as equals but this novel was so far from that. EVERY male character in the book was described as arseholes who all had to have their ego stroked and just wanted sex instead of being tied down (that's how it's put in the novel), and that is not the truth. The only decent male character in the book ended up having a mental illness very similar to Evie and what does she do? She makes fun of him instead of supporting him. And that made me hate Evie a little. I understand you need to put yourself and your mental illness first, I've been through it myself, however, the way she reacted was just so horribly put.
Holly (the author) says that to her Feminism means men and women being treated and respected as equals but this novel was so far from that. EVERY male character in the book was described as arseholes who all had to have their ego stroked and just wanted sex instead of being tied down (that's how it's put in the novel), and that is not the truth. The only decent male character in the book ended up having a mental illness very similar to Evie and what does she do? She makes fun of him instead of supporting him. And that made me hate Evie a little. I understand you need to put yourself and your mental illness first, I've been through it myself, however, the way she reacted was just so horribly put.
almondcookies's review
4.0
Yes. This book is a massive yes. I wasn’t sure what I was reading when I started, and was worried it was going to be a preteen love story. Sort of mimicking Taylor Swift’s song Fifteen. It wasn’t, and oh boy was I glad. Not to say a story about that would be bad, because it wouldn’t be at all. Probably.
The main character has OCD and is learning that sometimes recovery comes in waves. It’s very aware of the teenage mindset and the problems they go through these days, and by doing so makes me realise it has been years since I was a teenager and wow, how times have changed. Well, mental illness still hasn’t and that’s the part I can fully relate to, and can confirm was shown and handled extremely well.
As someone who was a teenager in the late 2000s/early 2010s, it’s funny to me how self-aware teenagers are today. They can be feminists and truly know what that means. They can be aware of rape culture and actually understand, to a large extent, the wide range that involves. Since a much larger percentage are open to counselling/therapy, they’re also more aware of mental health issues and can maybe even see that in others. It’s fascinating and scary because whilst I love learning about what the newer generation is like, it’s making me aware of how old I’m getting.
The main character has OCD and is learning that sometimes recovery comes in waves. It’s very aware of the teenage mindset and the problems they go through these days, and by doing so makes me realise it has been years since I was a teenager and wow, how times have changed. Well, mental illness still hasn’t and that’s the part I can fully relate to, and can confirm was shown and handled extremely well.
As someone who was a teenager in the late 2000s/early 2010s, it’s funny to me how self-aware teenagers are today. They can be feminists and truly know what that means. They can be aware of rape culture and actually understand, to a large extent, the wide range that involves. Since a much larger percentage are open to counselling/therapy, they’re also more aware of mental health issues and can maybe even see that in others. It’s fascinating and scary because whilst I love learning about what the newer generation is like, it’s making me aware of how old I’m getting.
readwithnicki's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this book 4.5 stars when I read it 5 years ago but am now bumping it down to a 3.75 (3.5 simply feels too low). I love this book and the portrayal of mental illness. The main reason for lowering the review is that the feminism in the book very much lacks intersectionality. I didn’t realise it when I was 15, but in hindsight a broader lens when discussing feminist issues would have made this book all the more impactful. Regardless it was enjoyable and the characters are so loveable!
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
-0.5 star for the bleh romance, and -0.5 star for the feminism. Again, I don't mind feminism, in the way of equality for woman in work/pay and the opportunity for girls to go to school. Other than that. No. Getting it pushed in my face a bit too much and it is only annoying instead of interesting.