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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
I'd heard lots of great things about Headshot, a literary novel which is essentially a set of character studies of eight young women who are competing for the Daughters of America Cup at Bob's Boxing Palace in Reno, Nevada. The novel's structure hews to the structure of the competition with each fight being its own story or character study. I think the author did a great job with the atmosphere at Bob's Boxing Palace, which really came to life in all its run-down glory. Some of the interactions between the competitors and spectators outside of the ring, felt true to life - at least based on my experiences (in a gymnastics gym rather than a boxing gym) and some of the young women had interesting backgrounds stories. One felt guilt for her role in the death of a young child while she was a life guard, while another wanted to cement her place in a family of female boxers. However, the writing style didn't work for me. It was slow paced, which didn't feel well suited to the action that occurs within a boxing ring. There was no variation in pacing, tone, or language, which made it hard to differentiate one character from another. They basically all blended together in my mind, and I never fully understood why each woman loved boxing, if in fact she did, or why she was there if she didn't. Sometimes, I was told, but I wasn't convinced. I wish the characters had been more differentiated, that each one stood out from the others, possibly via voicy, first-person narratives. Finally, one distinctive quirk of the writing in this novel was the decision to refer to the characters virtually exclusively by both their given and surnames. It didn't take much for this to become really grating. And, on the odd occasion when just a first name was used, it really stood out. I was left asking why and never came up with a reason. I liked the concept of this book but, sadly, wasn't such a fan of the execution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Abandonment and Child death
livruther's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
the concept of this book was super unique, and the writing was good. i just didnt love some of the more niche tangents b
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Child death
Moderate: Medical content
spec_tacles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood
adlibbing's review against another edition
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
exciting & fun little character study!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Bullying
brinnavirginia's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book had me on the edge of my seat and at the same time reflecting upon my whole 30 years of being a girl. The way Bullwinkel zooms in so close and so far back out over and over without ever losing the plot or dizzying the reader is a feat. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the spring when I can put it in the hands of everyone I know.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Violence
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, and Alcohol
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