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tiredcath's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
“In an otherwise mediocre existence, we choose to feel passion.”
Conflicted on how I feel about this one.
Alice Oseman has continually impressed with their characterization, and foreshadowing that really pays off. This novel kind of leaves me stumped.
On one hand, I thoroughly understand what Oseman was attempting. One parts are beautifully written, as someone who involved themselves in fandoms in my teen years I relate to a lot. The first act was excellent. I appreciated having the duel POVs; the fan and the artist. Jimmy’s anxiety and depression were handled really well, I like the idea of Rowan’s character being almost the anti-celebrity.
On the other, I truly felt as if this was a first draft. The characters didn’t have enough depth. Things just happened, or characters just said things that didn’t make sense. Motivations were never clear. Most of the characters weren’t likable or had redeeming qualities. (Except for Lister, who should’ve been the man character.) Too many things were glossed over or unresolved. The third act was so messy.
I wanted to love this. I could see what Oseman was attempting, but the result was a dizzying and confusing story that felt entirely too incomplete.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Outing
aimhkaitlin's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
nickyz'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
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Stalking and Sexual assault
embla_v's review against another edition
4.25
Boken har två POVs, det första är Angel. Angel är en fangirl och hon lever för the Ark. Det andra POVet är Jimmy, en av de tre medlemmar i the Ark.
När Jimmy och Angel plötsligt mötts inser de att allt kanske inte är som det verkar och att verkligheten skiljer sig från tankar och drömmar.
Det här är en otrolig "coming of age" bok som bjuder på skratt, visdom och tårar. Oerhört relaterbara karaktärer och bra representation. 100% läsvärd!!
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Addiction, Outing, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, and Transphobia
Minor: Death of parent, Eating disorder, and Sexual assault
sma_tsol06'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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Alcoholism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual assault
Minor: Transphobia
bumblebee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cursing and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Blood, Transphobia, Adult/minor relationship, Outing, and Medical content
vaniavela'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? It's complicated
4.75
I liked that the sexuality of the main characters are not plot points in this book. It is part of them, but it doesn't define all aspects of their lives; they are unique people with personalities.
I loved the portrayal of mental health. I felt represented as I read anxiety can keep you from doing things, no matter how simple and easy they may seem. There are times when we are terrified of things we used to love, have self-esteem issues and even harmful thoughts that have a tendency to affect our personal relationships.
Another aspect that really needed to be talked about was fandoms. The culture of fandoms was portrayed, the toxic aspects of them and how people can behave in dangerous ways. One of the aspects that makes me most uncomfortable and annoying is how people forcefully ship real people into a relationship, getting intense about it. Creating these romantic scenarios and then getting furious when the people involved deny it is unhealthy.
Anyway, while it wasn't the book I enjoyed the most from Alice, I can say I liked it. Plus, I loved the cover.
Rep: biracial (indian and italian) anxious gay trans guy mc, persian muslim hijabi mc, side black character, bisexual sc, biracial (chinese and white) bisexual sc.
CW: panic attacks and paranoia, transphobia, biphobia, racism, discussions of sexual assault, depression, suicidal ideation, obsession and stalking, surgery, alchohol abuse.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Biphobia, Transphobia, and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault and Alcoholism
lyd4ever'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: Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault
lilly_anne's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Transphobia
sprolden's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Violence, Mental illness, and Cursing
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Transphobia, Sexual assault, and Adult/minor relationship