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kdailyreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
elyssam's review
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Like a grown-up version of Rules for Being a Girl, except also entirely unique on its own. Birds of California was such a delight to read, exploring one of the reasons why a child-star would ruin their career. My only complaint is I wanted more. I wanted to see these two being successful and happy. But the ending was satisfying in its own right..
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Drug use, and Alcohol
aqtbenz's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cancer, Adult/minor relationship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault and Abandonment
leahrosereads's review
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
First, thank you to the publisher for providing me an ARC. As always, I absolutely appreciate it.
This was a very relevant and topical story surrounding Hollywood, the dark dealings that young stars deal with, and how femme folk are treated in Western society. I really liked those elements and thought the book could've just been that and may have been a tad stronger for it.
Then there was the romance. Of course, the readers don't see the whole past relationship but the characters have known each other for years, drifted apart and then came back together. Even so, the relationship felt a bit rushed. I didn't love Fiona and Sam together.
There's a lot that's not answered here and that's always a mix of enjoyment for readers. Didn't bother me too much, but I think that may disappoint some.
This was a very relevant and topical story surrounding Hollywood, the dark dealings that young stars deal with, and how femme folk are treated in Western society. I really liked those elements and thought the book could've just been that and may have been a tad stronger for it.
Then there was the romance. Of course, the readers don't see the whole past relationship but the characters have known each other for years, drifted apart and then came back together. Even so, the relationship felt a bit rushed. I didn't love Fiona and Sam together.
There's a lot that's not answered here and that's always a mix of enjoyment for readers. Didn't bother me too much, but I think that may disappoint some.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
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