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meb1073's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.25
Wow, there was a lot to unpack with this story....
I liked the writing style and general plot of the book a lot. I think the way several important themes were included and discussed was well done. I particularly LOVED the way that the father's mental illness was portrayed-the author did a fantastic job with that.
There were some parts that could have done more with being shown, rather than being explained. For example, the moments with Miss Wise were interesting, but I think it would've been even more captivating had it not been explained word for word. I also did not at times understand the relationship she had with Vance-given that he's the mayor's son, it almost seemed too...easy? And she practically put up a fight just to be in a relationship with him, despite her saying she's always wanted him. But perhaps this was meant to show some of the emotional complexities of being young and in high school, who knows. It was a bit of a corny Romeo and Juliet take, but that didn't particularly bother me in this instance.
A great book and I would for sure read others by this author.
I liked the writing style and general plot of the book a lot. I think the way several important themes were included and discussed was well done. I particularly LOVED the way that the father's mental illness was portrayed-the author did a fantastic job with that.
There were some parts that could have done more with being shown, rather than being explained. For example, the moments with Miss Wise were interesting, but I think it would've been even more captivating had it not been explained word for word. I also did not at times understand the relationship she had with Vance-given that he's the mayor's son, it almost seemed too...easy? And she practically put up a fight just to be in a relationship with him, despite her saying she's always wanted him. But perhaps this was meant to show some of the emotional complexities of being young and in high school, who knows. It was a bit of a corny Romeo and Juliet take, but that didn't particularly bother me in this instance.
A great book and I would for sure read others by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Violence
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