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not_so_british's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.5
pastycoupon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
kriskelly's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’d give this book 3.5 stars overall!
I’ve been a fan of the Dear Evan Hansen musical since it originally premiered on Broadway, so this book was highly anticipated for me to read. Overall, I was intrigued by this book, but there were some aspects I wish they improved on.
TW: suicide, anxiety, mental health
This adaptation of the story provides a new insight, with additional details that the Broadway production does not mention. One of the aspects that I truly enjoyed was how in depth they go with Connor Murphy - the character who ends his life. It was intriguing how there were multiple chapters from Connor’s perspective to step away from Evan Hansen’s point of view. Connor brings up a character named Miguel multiple times, which is exclusive to the book, but adds so much background. I wish they included more background on that in the musical adaptation.
Speaking of Evan Hansen himself, that’s one aspect of the book I disliked. Evan as a character is quite honestly not a good person. The main plot of this book is that he gets caught up in this lie about being Connors friend to comfort his family, but I’m more so convinced that it’s because he desperately wanted to be close to Zoe Murphy (aka Connor’s sister). One part of the story that particularly made me uncomfortable was this quote: “These flowers should be for Zoe, as a gesture of, well, my affection or whatever, but instead I’m giving them to her mother because she lost her son” (pg 100). How low could you go with that line? I’m not convinced that Evan is truly deserving of praise from his actions.
I have much more opinions, but overall, there are parts of this book that I think that could be improved. I would highly recommend watching the musical, as I liked that adaptation more than the book. But overall this was an interesting read!
I’ve been a fan of the Dear Evan Hansen musical since it originally premiered on Broadway, so this book was highly anticipated for me to read. Overall, I was intrigued by this book, but there were some aspects I wish they improved on.
TW: suicide, anxiety, mental health
This adaptation of the story provides a new insight, with additional details that the Broadway production does not mention. One of the aspects that I truly enjoyed was how in depth they go with Connor Murphy - the character who ends his life. It was intriguing how there were multiple chapters from Connor’s perspective to step away from Evan Hansen’s point of view. Connor brings up a character named Miguel multiple times, which is exclusive to the book, but adds so much background. I wish they included more background on that in the musical adaptation.
Speaking of Evan Hansen himself, that’s one aspect of the book I disliked. Evan as a character is quite honestly not a good person. The main plot of this book is that he gets caught up in this lie about being Connors friend to comfort his family, but I’m more so convinced that it’s because he desperately wanted to be close to Zoe Murphy (aka Connor’s sister). One part of the story that particularly made me uncomfortable was this quote: “These flowers should be for Zoe, as a gesture of, well, my affection or whatever, but instead I’m giving them to her mother because she lost her son” (pg 100). How low could you go with that line? I’m not convinced that Evan is truly deserving of praise from his actions.
I have much more opinions, but overall, there are parts of this book that I think that could be improved. I would highly recommend watching the musical, as I liked that adaptation more than the book. But overall this was an interesting read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, and Self harm
ashkvb's review against another edition
5.0
This is what everyone needs to read. Especially in 2020. We’ve all had a hard year and we must remember that we’re not alone. Reach out to someone, anyone. And check in with people constantly. Remind them, they are not alone also.
eyleen's review against another edition
3.0
This book is tough for me to rate.
I got it in a subscription box and didn't know anything about the story. Before I started reading I listened to the musical soundtrack (which I loved immediately!!) and put together a story based on the songs in my head.
It was pretty amazing how different my story was from what I then read here. Hahahaha.
I had a bit of an issue with Evan. In the songs he seems, sure shy, but still confident and funny and in the book he had extreme anxiety and such a passive way to act about things that constantly made me want to strangle him.
The plot itself is very good and really gives you something to think about. I'd love to see the musical, it must be fantastic!
However the energy and fun that makes me love all the songs in the soundtrack, was missing for me in the book. It had some moments that made me smirk or smile, but also many lenghts and many scenes that annoyed me.
In the end I think a screenplay with all the song lyrics might have been a better choice for a novelization.
I got it in a subscription box and didn't know anything about the story. Before I started reading I listened to the musical soundtrack (which I loved immediately!!) and put together a story based on the songs in my head.
It was pretty amazing how different my story was from what I then read here. Hahahaha.
I had a bit of an issue with Evan. In the songs he seems, sure shy, but still confident and funny and in the book he had extreme anxiety and such a passive way to act about things that constantly made me want to strangle him.
The plot itself is very good and really gives you something to think about. I'd love to see the musical, it must be fantastic!
However the energy and fun that makes me love all the songs in the soundtrack, was missing for me in the book. It had some moments that made me smirk or smile, but also many lenghts and many scenes that annoyed me.
In the end I think a screenplay with all the song lyrics might have been a better choice for a novelization.
pinjakoo's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
2katie100's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.25
haliensarereal's review against another edition
1.0
I have a question for everyone who likes this story, and to the person who came up with it: why?
Seriously. This book is disgusting and the definition of cringe. I had second hand embarassment literally the entire time that I read it.
It’s so problematic and Evan is a sad, pathetic human. He literally uses a dead man to make himself seem like a sweet, encouraging heroic best friend to the said dead man, that he barely knew so that he can get with his sister. He’s a creep, too. Stalking the store where Zoey worked, trying to kiss her while she mourns her brother, writing notes about how in love with her he is. Meanwhile she’s talked to him like once. He gives weird ass Edward Cullen vibes, except Evan is 1,000 times more creepy.
All he does is lie and get angry at others — and he also refuses to acknowledge how fucked up it is. All he cares about is himself, and trying to get in Zoey’s pants. He lies constantly, for no reason, and tries to make himself seem like the good guy. In all reality, he’s a piece of shit. One of the biggest, ever.
He is taking away from Connor’s death, lying to his family, putting words into Connor’s mouth. Evan made another man’s death all about himself. It’s foul. At one point Evan even says that Connor’s dad was open and truthful with him, so Evan wants to be the same way back. So does he tell the truth about Connor? No, instead he talks about his own dad who wants nothing to do with him. He only tells the truth when it’s convenient for him or it’s getting him sympathy.
Not to mention he’s a gaslighting, manipulative little asshole to his mother when it comes to his mental health. He treats her awfully and tried to say she thought he was a fuck up because she got him therapy and meds??? She’s trying to help you, you ignorant clown. He acts like his mom is a villain and the Murphy’s (Connor’s family) are sooo great. Bestie, if you weren’t disgracing their dead son and lying to them, they’d NEVER give you a second glance.
The ending is bullshit as well. Evan didn’t deserve the sympathy he got, or the kindness. After everything he had done, he was still as entitled as ever. “I was waiting for an invitation” “I was waiting for Zoe”. He didn’t deserve it.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it focused on Connor and Miguel, if stupid Evan Hansen didn’t exist, if Miguel and Connor got what they deserved: better.
Thank god this book is over. To my 1 star shelf it goes. Hopefully I never have to look at it again.
Seriously. This book is disgusting and the definition of cringe. I had second hand embarassment literally the entire time that I read it.
It’s so problematic and Evan is a sad, pathetic human. He literally uses a dead man to make himself seem like a sweet, encouraging heroic best friend to the said dead man, that he barely knew so that he can get with his sister. He’s a creep, too. Stalking the store where Zoey worked, trying to kiss her while she mourns her brother, writing notes about how in love with her he is. Meanwhile she’s talked to him like once. He gives weird ass Edward Cullen vibes, except Evan is 1,000 times more creepy.
All he does is lie and get angry at others — and he also refuses to acknowledge how fucked up it is. All he cares about is himself, and trying to get in Zoey’s pants. He lies constantly, for no reason, and tries to make himself seem like the good guy. In all reality, he’s a piece of shit. One of the biggest, ever.
He is taking away from Connor’s death, lying to his family, putting words into Connor’s mouth. Evan made another man’s death all about himself. It’s foul. At one point Evan even says that Connor’s dad was open and truthful with him, so Evan wants to be the same way back. So does he tell the truth about Connor? No, instead he talks about his own dad who wants nothing to do with him. He only tells the truth when it’s convenient for him or it’s getting him sympathy.
Not to mention he’s a gaslighting, manipulative little asshole to his mother when it comes to his mental health. He treats her awfully and tried to say she thought he was a fuck up because she got him therapy and meds??? She’s trying to help you, you ignorant clown. He acts like his mom is a villain and the Murphy’s (Connor’s family) are sooo great. Bestie, if you weren’t disgracing their dead son and lying to them, they’d NEVER give you a second glance.
The ending is bullshit as well. Evan didn’t deserve the sympathy he got, or the kindness. After everything he had done, he was still as entitled as ever. “I was waiting for an invitation” “I was waiting for Zoe”. He didn’t deserve it.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it focused on Connor and Miguel, if stupid Evan Hansen didn’t exist, if Miguel and Connor got what they deserved: better.
Thank god this book is over. To my 1 star shelf it goes. Hopefully I never have to look at it again.
sargentreads95's review against another edition
Sometimes musicals don't translate well onto pages. Maybe I'll pick up where I left off later, but for now this book is a no go for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide