Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how it shed light on the disparity with which disappearances are investigated based on race and income level and that if you are rich enough, you can get away with almost anything. It really made you think about these types of issues. The character development was pretty good, though some characters were a bit flatter than I would have preferred. The plot was amazing, very well paced and it kept me reading. The writing quality was pretty good, and I would love to see how the author develops in future books. Overall, it was an excellent book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how it shed light on the disparity with which disappearances are investigated based on race and income level and that if you are rich enough, you can get away with almost anything. It really made you think about these types of issues. The character development was pretty good, though some characters were a bit flatter than I would have preferred. The plot was amazing, very well paced and it kept me reading. The writing quality was pretty good, and I would love to see how the author develops in future books. Overall, it was an excellent book.
This book really reminded me of Sadie, which is nothing but a glowing review. I loved this book, it's an amazing story about missing girls, gayness and disapproving families, which a main character who is a great narrator for the story. The difference between economic backgrounds is really well explored in this, with really good commentary on poverty and money disparity. There are some really good twists to this book as well, and I didn't guess the final one, which I usually end up doing in books like this!
https://herbookishobsession.wordpress.com/2020/12/02/book-review-throwaway-girls-by-andrea-contos/
I rate Throwaway Girls a 4.5 as I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting because I had to know what happens to Madison. The book had the right amount of suspense, and the author did a great job of giving out clues the entire time, but also making you suspicious of everyone. At one point I had guessed who it could be but then more information was given and I changed my mind, so I wasn't entirely sure until 90% through the book. I love books where you're learning information along with the character, so I didn't know who was involved until Caroline did. Caroline was an amazing protagonist as I felt her struggles and emotions were real ranging from her anxiety to her fixation on her failed relationship. Her being a flawed, imperfect character made her more likable and also more interesting because you never knew what she was going to do next. Her fierceness in fighting for the people she loves or feels indebted to propels this story to its climax. I really enjoyed the romantic tidbits we would get throughout the book between Caroline and several people helping her, but was also happy that the author did not make them the focus of Caroline's story.
The only thing that confused me was the sections at the end of some chapters where the POV changed, and I didn't realize until halfway through that it was a different POV. I think it would have been easier to follow if they had been their own chapters, but it also could have just been me missing the mention of alternating POV in the synopsis. Some of the writing from the alternate POV was beautiful and captivating, and I think they really completed the story.
Overall, I recommend this book as it was an intriguing thriller that keeps you on your toes and calls into question the issues that we ignore as we go about our daily lives. It felt like a fitting tribute to all the girls that are missing. This isn't a book where you're left completely happy. It's one that sits with you because it's real and thought-provoking. It's slightly hopeful but also not meant to coddle you as the aftermath is a reality for the people who have been through these situations. The social message throughout was the strongest feature of this book and made all the work Caroline did seem necessary and important.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing with me with the free ARC.
The only thing that confused me was the sections at the end of some chapters where the POV changed, and I didn't realize until halfway through that it was a different POV. I think it would have been easier to follow if they had been their own chapters, but it also could have just been me missing the mention of alternating POV in the synopsis. Some of the writing from the alternate POV was beautiful and captivating, and I think they really completed the story.
Overall, I recommend this book as it was an intriguing thriller that keeps you on your toes and calls into question the issues that we ignore as we go about our daily lives. It felt like a fitting tribute to all the girls that are missing. This isn't a book where you're left completely happy. It's one that sits with you because it's real and thought-provoking. It's slightly hopeful but also not meant to coddle you as the aftermath is a reality for the people who have been through these situations. The social message throughout was the strongest feature of this book and made all the work Caroline did seem necessary and important.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing with me with the free ARC.
Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contos is a rollercoaster I'd love to ride forever. The characters were well developed, and their arcs didn't feel incomplete. They each had their motivations and goals. The bond between Jake, Caroline, and Aubrey made me happy, despite the danger they were putting themselves in. As for the plot, I was completely entertained and didn't once get bored. The shift between views was keeping me at the edge of my seat, and I was so shocked to find out who it was. The story had me hooked on the first page, and the writing was well done. Everything felt real, and I felt like I was there with the characters trying to figure out the puzzle. some of my favorite quotes (now) come from this book. I’m excited about its release, and I cannot wait to pick up a physical copy for myself.
"Our truths change. they stretch and spit as we grow, the shedding of them leaving u raw and exposed. if we're lucky, we're surrounded by love in those moments when our tender flesh is still rebuilding. if we're not, we grow scars."
"Because it doesn't matter how she died. what matters is that someone remembers that she lived."
"Our truths change. they stretch and spit as we grow, the shedding of them leaving u raw and exposed. if we're lucky, we're surrounded by love in those moments when our tender flesh is still rebuilding. if we're not, we grow scars."
"Because it doesn't matter how she died. what matters is that someone remembers that she lived."
I was incredibly lucky to get my hands on an early draft of this stunning debut and I have been raving about it to friends and strangers alike ever since. By the end of the first page, I knew I would read anything Andrea Contos wrote for the rest of time, because her prose was so gorgeous and her words both haunting and captivating. Truly one of the most talented authors around, and this book is a must-read.
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
kind of a bad book, but not terrible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Dementia, Kidnapping
the mc went to a conversion camp
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to Netgalley and to Kids Can Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book despite hoping I’d love it.
What I liked: The book swept me in and had me wanting to know the truth from beginning to end. I understood Caroline’s motive even if I felt we were dropped right into the search without enough initial level-setting for me personally. The writing is generally enjoyable to read and there’s a sort of atmosphere to the book that I think draws you into the mystery in a way that works really well. I also felt Caroline was a realistic teen whose decision making definitely feels very believable and teenage. And I see the social commentary on missing girls / believing powerful men over unseen girls that the book was trying to shine a light on, and appreciate that. But I think that’s where the book misses the mark since there’s so much of the focus on this theme that the qualities that make a great mystery get a little lost.
What didn’t work for me: The dual narrative was extremely hard to follow for the first half of the book. The chapter titles being different are the only sign the view is changed at first. I didn’t feel that the two narrators had distinctly different voices or personalities so it took a long confusing period of time to realize we’d changed viewpoints. I felt Caroline’s character (and really most characters) was pretty flat - you know a few activities that she’s in and that she vapes (why the many many references to vaping with only one character who explains the danger factor in one sentence and another that judges it but also partakes?)
I also felt like the mystery just kind of fell flat? There were twists and turns but they didn’t really weave together well and the clues were very subtle so it wasn’t a plot that kept you guessing in a good way. I generally didn’t understand what the thread was until the very end. And then for how slow paced the book is, the ending felt extremely rushed. I wanted more resolution to Caroline and Mr. McCormick. I appreciated we got more of Audrey but their friendship was never really explained in the beginning for me to buy that they’re this close throughout the story?
I also felt like the book tried a little too hard to comment on too many things in a way that didn’t do them as much justice as a stronger focus could have. And something about the conversion therapy plot aspect just didn’t sit right with me the entire time I was reading - I don’t think the LGBTQ+ themes are adequately explored here in a way that does them justice, having read a lot of really amazing LGBTQ+ YA lit recently.
While several things missed the mark for me personally, I do think fans of A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder (which I also didn’t love) would like many things about this book, Caroline’s character, and her commitment to determine what has happened to her friend. So I would still recommend it to those readers. And given this is a debut book, I’d definitely be willing to overlook the “meh” feelings I had at times here and would read more by the author for sure.
I do think this book may not be for everyone due to the sensitive topics included. CW for: Lots of vaping, parents unsupportive of LGBTQ teen, conversion camp experience described, suicidal ideations, anxiety, drug references, kidnapping.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Kids Can Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book despite hoping I’d love it.
What I liked: The book swept me in and had me wanting to know the truth from beginning to end. I understood Caroline’s motive even if I felt we were dropped right into the search without enough initial level-setting for me personally. The writing is generally enjoyable to read and there’s a sort of atmosphere to the book that I think draws you into the mystery in a way that works really well. I also felt Caroline was a realistic teen whose decision making definitely feels very believable and teenage. And I see the social commentary on missing girls / believing powerful men over unseen girls that the book was trying to shine a light on, and appreciate that. But I think that’s where the book misses the mark since there’s so much of the focus on this theme that the qualities that make a great mystery get a little lost.
What didn’t work for me: The dual narrative was extremely hard to follow for the first half of the book. The chapter titles being different are the only sign the view is changed at first. I didn’t feel that the two narrators had distinctly different voices or personalities so it took a long confusing period of time to realize we’d changed viewpoints. I felt Caroline’s character (and really most characters) was pretty flat - you know a few activities that she’s in and that she vapes (why the many many references to vaping with only one character who explains the danger factor in one sentence and another that judges it but also partakes?)
I also felt like the mystery just kind of fell flat? There were twists and turns but they didn’t really weave together well and the clues were very subtle so it wasn’t a plot that kept you guessing in a good way. I generally didn’t understand what the thread was until the very end. And then for how slow paced the book is, the ending felt extremely rushed. I wanted more resolution to Caroline and Mr. McCormick. I appreciated we got more of Audrey but their friendship was never really explained in the beginning for me to buy that they’re this close throughout the story?
I also felt like the book tried a little too hard to comment on too many things in a way that didn’t do them as much justice as a stronger focus could have. And something about the conversion therapy plot aspect just didn’t sit right with me the entire time I was reading - I don’t think the LGBTQ+ themes are adequately explored here in a way that does them justice, having read a lot of really amazing LGBTQ+ YA lit recently.
While several things missed the mark for me personally, I do think fans of A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder (which I also didn’t love) would like many things about this book, Caroline’s character, and her commitment to determine what has happened to her friend. So I would still recommend it to those readers. And given this is a debut book, I’d definitely be willing to overlook the “meh” feelings I had at times here and would read more by the author for sure.
I do think this book may not be for everyone due to the sensitive topics included. CW for: Lots of vaping, parents unsupportive of LGBTQ teen, conversion camp experience described, suicidal ideations, anxiety, drug references, kidnapping.