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jessiek04's review against another edition
1.0
CW: Sexual assault
(Note: I am not a teenager, so please consider this review accordingly.)
0 Stars
This is my first DNF. I did not see that coming. I really wish I had read the negative reviews on here first. *Sigh* The thing is I probably would have kept reading if the assault had been dealt with properly. However, according to all the negative reviews, it isn't.
I've read my fair share of stories in which sexual assault happens; I've given bad reviews to some and good reviews to others. I never want to read it, but it can be handled in both sensitive and insensitive ways. The problem with this story is that the rape that happens isn't treated as rape; it isn't even really called rape, although that is most definitely what it is. If the circumstances of the rape were different, as other readers have rightly pointed out, there would be widespread outrage over this book, and it might never have been published in the first place - maybe, although a lot of horrific novels still get published, so who knows? In any case, I can't finish this book knowing that it downplays rape (and what does and does not constitute consent) in this way. At least in the other books I've read that contain scenes of sexual assault, it's treated as the despicable act that it is, unlike in this book. The scene itself is not worse than others; they're all horrifying, but in this instance, it's... well, it's treated with the kid gloves of a rape apologist. I'm sure that sounds harsh, but the way everything unfolds in the novel screams rape apologist (at least in regards to the sexual assault of a certain demographic). It's disgusting. It's always disgusting.
On the more petty side of things, Althea is kind of the worst, the whole way through, not that I liked Oliver any better really. I don't know. I kind of just didn't like any of the characters. The teenagers in this book are precisely the sort of teenagers I couldn't stand in high school. This novel just ticked all of my nope buttons. I'm sure I could say more, but I'm tired and just don't care to do so.
(Note: I am not a teenager, so please consider this review accordingly.)
0 Stars
This is my first DNF. I did not see that coming. I really wish I had read the negative reviews on here first. *Sigh* The thing is I probably would have kept reading if the assault had been dealt with properly. However, according to all the negative reviews, it isn't.
I've read my fair share of stories in which sexual assault happens; I've given bad reviews to some and good reviews to others. I never want to read it, but it can be handled in both sensitive and insensitive ways. The problem with this story is that the rape that happens isn't treated as rape; it isn't even really called rape, although that is most definitely what it is. If the circumstances of the rape were different, as other readers have rightly pointed out, there would be widespread outrage over this book, and it might never have been published in the first place - maybe, although a lot of horrific novels still get published, so who knows? In any case, I can't finish this book knowing that it downplays rape (and what does and does not constitute consent) in this way. At least in the other books I've read that contain scenes of sexual assault, it's treated as the despicable act that it is, unlike in this book. The scene itself is not worse than others; they're all horrifying, but in this instance, it's... well, it's treated with the kid gloves of a rape apologist. I'm sure that sounds harsh, but the way everything unfolds in the novel screams rape apologist (at least in regards to the sexual assault of a certain demographic). It's disgusting. It's always disgusting.
On the more petty side of things, Althea is kind of the worst, the whole way through, not that I liked Oliver any better really. I don't know. I kind of just didn't like any of the characters. The teenagers in this book are precisely the sort of teenagers I couldn't stand in high school. This novel just ticked all of my nope buttons. I'm sure I could say more, but I'm tired and just don't care to do so.
kayysidd's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book kind of odd & left me with some questions.
kitschyreader's review against another edition
high school drama seems the pivotal point of too much of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm and Sexual assault
possumspringz's review against another edition
the rape/sexual assault in this book is central to the plot and is handled really badly. more with spoilers:
olivers rape is not taken seriously because he is a guy and women cant rape men, apparently! the book was WAY too sympathetic to althea, it focused on how hard it was for her to lose her friend after she raped him while completely minimizing olivers pain and betrayal.
the way this book went was not what i expected from the description and it gave me the major ick, im pretty sure i only finished it because i was genuinely so shocked and Waiting for there to be some kind of commentary condemning this behavior??? but it just never came???
anyway. this literally has stuck with me for years because it made me so angry, i read this in my early teens probably so its been like. at least 5 years so take that as you will, i still remember how fucked it was! do not read this book it fucking sucks
the way this book went was not what i expected from the description and it gave me the major ick, im pretty sure i only finished it because i was genuinely so shocked and Waiting for there to be some kind of commentary condemning this behavior??? but it just never came???
anyway. this literally has stuck with me for years because it made me so angry, i read this in my early teens probably so its been like. at least 5 years so take that as you will, i still remember how fucked it was! do not read this book it fucking sucks
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
pietan's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
alyx_koon's review against another edition
2.0
This was one of the hardest books to power through. I didn't feel a true connection to the characters, nor any true passion to complete the book. There are a few mentions of themes in this book that almost seemed overlooked and put aside as not important. I'm not even sure if I supported a single relationship (platonic or not) in this book because none of them were truly developed / healthy in my eyes.
ghostofkate's review against another edition
1.0
she literally rapes him? couldn’t get past the first chapter
afrahossain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
peachygirl263's review against another edition
1.0
no. just no.
good writing I guess.
but lots of other books have great writing.
just don't do it.
unless you wanna feel really angry or annoyed.
there is no place in my heart for rapists or manipulators, no matter how pretty or vulnerable or edgy they may be.
just read something else. send me a message if you need recommendations.
good writing I guess.
but lots of other books have great writing.
just don't do it.
unless you wanna feel really angry or annoyed.
there is no place in my heart for rapists or manipulators, no matter how pretty or vulnerable or edgy they may be.
just read something else. send me a message if you need recommendations.