You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
The first book of the spinster girl series follows the story of Evie, a sixteen-year-old who has to come to terms with herself, friendship and boys - all while trying to handle her OCD which had previously landed her in a psychiarty. It is a wonderful read from start to finish that touches on so many important subjects while still moving the plot along in a cohesive manner.
Evie is a great flawed main character. Her struggles are frustrating, but at the same time understandable for the reader, with the author managing to paint a detailled picture of her mental illness and the downward spiral. You just really want to root for her! This is also supported by the great writing style, with little notes, interjectional story lines and updates on her progress, making it a very interesting and changeful book.
The supporting cast was also pretty good, especially her two best friends, with whom she founds the "Spinster girls", can't wait to read their stories as well! The love interests were - well, let's call it intersting. Well characterized. And with a satisfying conclusion...
A great part of the book focused on the three friends discussing feminst theory. Having read a lot on the subject already, most of it was very basic stuff, but there were some very interesting themes and thoughts that I had not considered as much before. In any case, this book is a great introduction to a bit of feminism, including, but not only: Movie tropes, the madonna whore complex, menstruation and women and mental illness. Their approach to all of those subjects was quite realistic for teenage girls, not without faults, but with the best of intentions and some great realisation and discussions!
All in all, great book, can only recommend, especially for teenage girls who want to not only have a good reading experience, but also learn some things on the way!
Evie is a great flawed main character. Her struggles are frustrating, but at the same time understandable for the reader, with the author managing to paint a detailled picture of her mental illness and the downward spiral. You just really want to root for her! This is also supported by the great writing style, with little notes, interjectional story lines and updates on her progress, making it a very interesting and changeful book.
The supporting cast was also pretty good, especially her two best friends, with whom she founds the "Spinster girls", can't wait to read their stories as well! The love interests were - well, let's call it intersting. Well characterized. And with a satisfying conclusion...
A great part of the book focused on the three friends discussing feminst theory. Having read a lot on the subject already, most of it was very basic stuff, but there were some very interesting themes and thoughts that I had not considered as much before. In any case, this book is a great introduction to a bit of feminism, including, but not only: Movie tropes, the madonna whore complex, menstruation and women and mental illness. Their approach to all of those subjects was quite realistic for teenage girls, not without faults, but with the best of intentions and some great realisation and discussions!
All in all, great book, can only recommend, especially for teenage girls who want to not only have a good reading experience, but also learn some things on the way!
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the second book I’ve read by Holly Bourne now and both have been amazing. This was such an easy read and discussed important topics such as mental health and feminism. This book is great for teaching people about what OCD is really like, as said in the book, it’s more than just liking your pens to be neatly in a row. I felt like I wanted the book to have a happy ending (because who doesn’t want a happy ending) where she didn’t relapse, but real life isn’t like that and this is so reflective of dealing with real life mental health issues. I loved the way the book challenged societies views of mental health/women. The main thing I HATED was how she reacted to Oli. I know it’s hard to open up to people about your own mental health problems but COME ON he needed some support :( justice for Oli
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Drug use, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Medical content, Alcohol, Dysphoria
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While I was aware that this book was part of the Spinster Club series, I did not know that each book featured different POV of each of the member of the club. I have read the third book, with Lottie’s POV before I read this book because it was a Blind Date with a Book pick. This time, I picked this book to fit another personal reading prompt of the month.
I went out to buy almost all books by Holly Bourne since I first read The Yearbook, which I loved dearly. But since then, I have read a few other books by the same author and I was not as impressed. Her books are a little bit of hits and misses for me. One thing that is true to the author’s style though, is the fact that she is not at all shy to talk about the difficult stuff about being a girl or a woman. Feminism and issues of misogyny are evident in all of her books that I have read so far.
Even though I did not particularly enjoy What’s a Girl Gotta Do, the third book of the Spinster Club series, I really did enjoy this one. The story focused on Evie who suffered from a severe case of OCD, but she was recovering and on her way to reducing the dosage of her meds. But was she really recovering? She started a brand-new college and determined to keep her problem under wraps lest her peers would be talking about her behind her back like what happened in her previous school. She was also intrigued about relationship even though her psychiatrist advised caution.
I particularly loved how Bourne captured the issues that came with a mental health problem that people tend to not talk about such as how those who cared about you could make it worse for you and yet how your condition could have a negative impact on them too. Also, how someone with mental health problems could be so blind and selfish to other people’s problems and lives because they were simply incapable of seeing beyond their own problems. I have lived this and I can confirm that it was portrayed really well.
A recommended YA read, especially if you want to know more about how a teenager lives with OCD.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone with OCD, simply one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’ve never felt so seen
Vaguely transphobic at times. Also a three day period?? Lucky
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-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
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
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