Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Birds of California by Katie Cotugno

23 reviews

lostwithoutaplan's review

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I hate that I knew the twist so early on. Not that it wasn't well hidden. I just have that innate ability to read the endings. Thankfully, I do my best not to share them with the crowd. Le sigh. 3.5 stars

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault and Mental illness

sholtie's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment

stealthnerd's review

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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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cursing, Adult/minor relationship, and Mental illness

Minor: Cancer

lexa's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness

Moderate: Cancer and Sexual assault

Minor: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Body shaming, Sexual content, and Adult/minor relationship

lizamwhelan's review

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Mental illness and Alcohol

kfmcf's review

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content

Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Cancer, and Cursing

Minor: Pedophilia and Body shaming

jhging's review

emotional fast-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

3.75

Cute story

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Mental illness

nbreezy17's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Alcohol, and Mental illness

ashleybeereads's review

funny hopeful medium-paced

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

3.5

The first 2/3 of the book was enjoyable, but the central conflict and resolution felt rushed. Overall, I thought the premise was interesting and I liked most of the book! It was a lighthearted romance that touched on important topics.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Mental illness

Minor: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Grief

le3713's review against another edition

emotional fast-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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness

Moderate: Sexual harassment, Cancer, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual assault

Minor: Eating disorder and Body shaming