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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
This started out as quite a weird story, but I eventually, honestly, fell for it. Disliked some things, but still an enjoyable read.
This book started off a little slow for me, but like all other CoHo books, it pulled me in somewhere along the way. In this book, it was right around the middle. I loved getting to know the characters better and the perspective they gave you. It brings along a beautiful message about actually seeing and hearing your family. Definitely worth a read.
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
im sorry what?? why did she try to sleep with her uncle?
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love everything about it! I love how honest this book is. I'm in love. <3
It was somewhat easy enough to read, but I just found it unbelievable. The progression also felt clunky. While kudos for talking about mental health, the parts of value on the subject were too fleeting. More interesting might have been a story of the healing that could come, the struggle of learning that would be inevitable, rather than the evidence of what led to the realization.
I don't know why I insist on reading more from this author. One book I didn't entirely hate... I keep hoping for another. Kinda like McDs nuggets. #iykyk
I don't know why I insist on reading more from this author. One book I didn't entirely hate... I keep hoping for another. Kinda like McDs nuggets. #iykyk
“Without Merit” is a raw and emotionally layered novel that explores the hidden truths, burdens, and complexities within a seemingly dysfunctional family. Colleen Hoover dives into the mind of Merit Voss, a teenager living in a house that was once a church, surrounded by eccentric family members and suffocated by secrets she believes only she can see.
Merit is a unique and compelling narrator—sarcastic, intelligent, and deeply wounded. Her inner turmoil builds as she collects trophies she hasn’t earned, hides behind walls of cynicism, and shoulders the emotional weight of her family’s silence. The novel’s turning point comes when she makes a drastic decision that forces everyone around her to finally confront what’s been unspoken for far too long.
Hoover does a fantastic job blending heavier themes such as depression, identity, and forgiveness with sharp dialogue and the emotional intensity she’s known for. The family dynamics are messy but realistic, and while some moments feel exaggerated, they serve to emphasize the impact of unaddressed trauma and miscommunication.
The love story in the novel is subtle but adds warmth and hope. Sagan, Merit’s love interest, brings an anchor of calm and understanding to her chaotic world, helping guide her toward healing.
If there’s a critique, it’s that some plot points resolve a bit too neatly, and certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. Still, “Without Merit” delivers a thought-provoking, heartfelt experience that reminds readers how powerful truth and vulnerability can be—especially within a family.
The book is perfect for fans of character-driven contemporary fiction with emotional depth, and readers who enjoy stories that deal with mental health, family secrets, and self-discovery.
“Without Merit” earns a strong 4/5 for its emotional depth, unique storytelling, and bold approach to difficult topics—but falls just short of perfection due to a few structural and character issues.
What worked well:
Authentic voice: Merit’s perspective is sharp, sarcastic, and vulnerable, giving the novel a distinctive tone. Her emotional journey feels genuine and relatable.
Unconventional family dynamics: The Voss family is messy, layered, and far from stereotypical. Hoover does an excellent job of showing how love, resentment, and silence can coexist within a family.
Mental health focus: The book explores depression and the dangers of suppressing emotion with honesty and courage. It doesn’t glamorize mental health struggles but sheds light on how easily they can be misunderstood.
Character evolution: Merit’s growth—from bottled-up frustration to self-awareness and confrontation—is impactful and well-paced. Her healing process is hopeful without being overly romanticized.
Emotional punch: As with many of Hoover’s books, this one delivers deeply emotional moments that hit hard and linger.
Why not a perfect 5?
Pacing and plot resolution: Some plot developments and resolutions feel a bit rushed or too conveniently wrapped up, especially given the weight of the topics addressed.
Underdeveloped side characters: While Merit is well-crafted, other family members and even Sagan at times feel more like interesting sketches than fully fleshed-out people. Their actions often lack the nuance the story calls for.
Dialogue realism: Occasionally, conversations feel overly scripted or stylized, especially in emotionally charged scenes where a more natural tone would have had greater impact.
In summary, Without Merit is a moving and original take on identity, mental health, and family, told through a fresh and flawed lens. The imperfections in pacing and character development prevent it from being flawless, but its heart and honesty more than justify a solid 4 stars.
Merit is a unique and compelling narrator—sarcastic, intelligent, and deeply wounded. Her inner turmoil builds as she collects trophies she hasn’t earned, hides behind walls of cynicism, and shoulders the emotional weight of her family’s silence. The novel’s turning point comes when she makes a drastic decision that forces everyone around her to finally confront what’s been unspoken for far too long.
Hoover does a fantastic job blending heavier themes such as depression, identity, and forgiveness with sharp dialogue and the emotional intensity she’s known for. The family dynamics are messy but realistic, and while some moments feel exaggerated, they serve to emphasize the impact of unaddressed trauma and miscommunication.
The love story in the novel is subtle but adds warmth and hope. Sagan, Merit’s love interest, brings an anchor of calm and understanding to her chaotic world, helping guide her toward healing.
If there’s a critique, it’s that some plot points resolve a bit too neatly, and certain secondary characters could have been fleshed out more. Still, “Without Merit” delivers a thought-provoking, heartfelt experience that reminds readers how powerful truth and vulnerability can be—especially within a family.
The book is perfect for fans of character-driven contemporary fiction with emotional depth, and readers who enjoy stories that deal with mental health, family secrets, and self-discovery.
“Without Merit” earns a strong 4/5 for its emotional depth, unique storytelling, and bold approach to difficult topics—but falls just short of perfection due to a few structural and character issues.
What worked well:
Authentic voice: Merit’s perspective is sharp, sarcastic, and vulnerable, giving the novel a distinctive tone. Her emotional journey feels genuine and relatable.
Unconventional family dynamics: The Voss family is messy, layered, and far from stereotypical. Hoover does an excellent job of showing how love, resentment, and silence can coexist within a family.
Mental health focus: The book explores depression and the dangers of suppressing emotion with honesty and courage. It doesn’t glamorize mental health struggles but sheds light on how easily they can be misunderstood.
Character evolution: Merit’s growth—from bottled-up frustration to self-awareness and confrontation—is impactful and well-paced. Her healing process is hopeful without being overly romanticized.
Emotional punch: As with many of Hoover’s books, this one delivers deeply emotional moments that hit hard and linger.
Why not a perfect 5?
Pacing and plot resolution: Some plot developments and resolutions feel a bit rushed or too conveniently wrapped up, especially given the weight of the topics addressed.
Underdeveloped side characters: While Merit is well-crafted, other family members and even Sagan at times feel more like interesting sketches than fully fleshed-out people. Their actions often lack the nuance the story calls for.
Dialogue realism: Occasionally, conversations feel overly scripted or stylized, especially in emotionally charged scenes where a more natural tone would have had greater impact.
In summary, Without Merit is a moving and original take on identity, mental health, and family, told through a fresh and flawed lens. The imperfections in pacing and character development prevent it from being flawless, but its heart and honesty more than justify a solid 4 stars.