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ashleycmms's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Grief, Racism, and Alcohol
Really great book. Realistic and difficult, but still light and enjoyable. I loved the diversity in sizes, races, and sexualities in this book. I love that it impacted everyone, but wasn’t overdone just for some quick rep. You still get to know everyone for who they are and learn to know what they are dealing with, without them becoming just a commodity. It was really emotional reading where Charlie is in her journey, but I loved how much you see she’s trying to unlearn these toxic ideas, change her behavior, and allowing herself to take chances by the end. The relationship between Charlie and her mother, Jeanne, was also ridiculously well written. As someone who has a strained relationship with their mother, I understand how you can long for a close bond with someone who simply may not be treating you the best. I also understand the constant fighting, the put downs, and being told that they want you to be better when you feel like you just want to be yourself. Things with Charlie and her mom didn’t end perfectly, but I loved that they were in a better place with no big talking about it, but just some better acceptance on both sides. Things aren’t perfect, but there’s definitely room to carve out happiness where you can.
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