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stormeno's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Islamophobia, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content and Classism
morganish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What Worked For Me
The Representation of Extreme Low Self-Esteem and Anxiety: Paris's anxiety is absolutely out of control for the bulk of the book, in a way that has him totally removed from reality. To me, this felt really grounded and relatable, since anxiety that revolves around self-esteem issues are so often like that in real life. The fact that Paris is struggling with this specifically as a young adult in university adds an additional level of realism, too. That's typically when anxiety issues can suddenly manifest or rear up, and is often when young people are forced to confront how to deal with it + the fallout. There were times Paris's anxiety frankly made him a dick because he was so centered on himself. Or he was incapable of treating minor problems he'd essentially made up in his head with the same level of catastrophization as issues that cause real harm. But the book is ultimately about him slowly learning to deal with that and to realize that the people around him deserve better. However much it makes him frustrating sometimes, this feels like a real coming-of-age book in that way, where growing up means becoming a better version of yourself than the coping mechanisms embraced during youth.
What I'm on the Fence About
What Wasn't My Thing
Who This Is For
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Racism and Classism
readingthroughinfinity's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Minor: Homophobia, Classism, and Toxic relationship
town_scar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Homophobia
kbairbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
As someone who struggles with mental health issues, I really appreciated that this book sheds light on how debilitating these struggles can be. I liked that there was a more realistic growth progression (although it was sped up because of the storyline at the end). I also liked that the relationship had more organic ups and downs rather than being picture perfect/nobody owns up to their mistakes. I also liked the character Joy and all the yummy desserts.
Now I’m not sure if there was a ‘dry British humor’ thing going on that just went way over my head but the majority to all of the characters struck me as MASSIVE jerks. Honestly they were all really quite dislike-able and hindered my reading experience. There were funny moments that I genuinely laughed out loud and the language of the book was super unique and fun. And I did start liking Paris and Tariq more at the end but overall I don’t think this was my favorite read.
Graphic: Classism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Bullying
Moderate: Islamophobia, Medical content, Racism, and Homophobia