Reviews with content warning for Cancer - Birds of California

Reviews tagging 'Cancer'

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

15 reviews

stealthnerd's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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lexa's review against another edition

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3.0

Had some moments I loved (banter, side characters, narration) but found that it glossed over the important messages and the ending left me wanting more (but not in a good way).

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kfmcf's review

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book had a really solid trajectory through acts I and II, but then act III felt rushed and unfulfilling. Many of the more important aspects of the plot and character-driven moments were just brushed off and left unanswered. Was it a deadline thing? I'm genuinely sad because I was enjoying the first 150 pages or so.

I think as far as characters go, that is where this book excels. The side characters all feel real and living and enticing. You hear their stories. You feel for Fiona, all of shame and self doubt. Sam feels like a little less fleshed out, but still interesting. He feels more like a caricature at points and we aren't able to see in.

We should have had a moment with Sam and his grief of losing his ideal of Jamie. We had spent so much time in his head with Jamie as his idol.
We as readers also deserved more closer on Sam's life in general. How does he SURVIVE?! He is flat BROKE?!

Also like. I dunno. I needed an epilogue.

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