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bibs's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I've been thinking about this book after I came across someone saying that they didn't know who was the target audience for various reasons.
It did trigger my trauma and I didn't even notice. I think this may be not for you if you've gone through something similar and haven't processed it yet (although this is supposedly on how she healed?????).
I hated the depiction of Gretel, it felt very reverse pick-me. It didn't relly feel like the criticism of men's idea of women that it was trying to be for me personally. April felt a bit self-centered; I understand she was feeling insecure because of Gretel's "coolness" but the hate felt excessive.
Besides, I think the book should have some warnings about its main theme (sexual trauma). I learned about it from an interview so I was aware but I don't know about picking this up at the shop, you'd probably not have a clue.
The synopsis is pretty bad at describing the content and I felt that April needed to grow more as person because the way she treated Josh and the resolution felt undeserved.
Overall, it still had a positive outcome for me, I started volunteering at a Center against Domestic Violence, so I fewel like it was worth it, personally. And my original review still applies.
-- 1st review --
(TW) I enjoyed this book quite a bit and I finished it so fast. I think the end was a bit underdeveloped, I was expecting way more before they reached a resolution. Overall it was a really good read, and it pushed me to search for ways to help people in regard to abuse and rape in my home country.
I think in the beginning I was worried about and not enjoying the generalizations being made, but I understand being a young adult myself with mostly positive encounters both with men and relationships, that other people can have really horrifying experiences in those matters and cope with them differently.
I think this is a very important topic to discuss and that was treated with delicacy in this book. I think it lacks diversity but I understand the world depicted may be based on the author's perspective.
The characters felt very real to me especially Josh and April. Although April is somewhat over the top I can understand her actions.
It did trigger my trauma and I didn't even notice. I think this may be not for you if you've gone through something similar and haven't processed it yet (although this is supposedly on how she healed?????).
I hated the depiction of Gretel, it felt very reverse pick-me. It didn't relly feel like the criticism of men's idea of women that it was trying to be for me personally. April felt a bit self-centered; I understand she was feeling insecure because of Gretel's "coolness" but the hate felt excessive.
Besides, I think the book should have some warnings about its main theme (sexual trauma). I learned about it from an interview so I was aware but I don't know about picking this up at the shop, you'd probably not have a clue.
The synopsis is pretty bad at describing the content and I felt that April needed to grow more as person because the way she treated Josh and the resolution felt undeserved.
Overall, it still had a positive outcome for me, I started volunteering at a Center against Domestic Violence, so I fewel like it was worth it, personally. And my original review still applies.
-- 1st review --
(TW) I enjoyed this book quite a bit and I finished it so fast. I think the end was a bit underdeveloped, I was expecting way more before they reached a resolution. Overall it was a really good read, and it pushed me to search for ways to help people in regard to abuse and rape in my home country.
I think in the beginning I was worried about and not enjoying the generalizations being made, but I understand being a young adult myself with mostly positive encounters both with men and relationships, that other people can have really horrifying experiences in those matters and cope with them differently.
I think this is a very important topic to discuss and that was treated with delicacy in this book. I think it lacks diversity but I understand the world depicted may be based on the author's perspective.
The characters felt very real to me especially Josh and April. Although April is somewhat over the top I can understand her actions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Misogyny, and Sexual violence
sharonleavy's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
April is an advisor for a sex & relationships charity. She says that she hates men (partially as a result of her job, partially due to her experiences with them thusfar) but also wants her budding relationship with a new man to succeed. In her bid to do this, April takes on the persona of "Gretel" - the woman she thinks every man wants. Gretel laughs politely at bad jokes, Gretel has a limitless sex drive, she doesn't nag, she would NEVER be referred to as "My Crazy Ex Girlfriend".
But Gretel isn't real, and the more April pretends, the more she fears that she is losing April too.
But Gretel isn't real, and the more April pretends, the more she fears that she is losing April too.
"All my loneliest moments in life involve a man asleep when he knows it's likely I'm crying"
This is a really gritty, raw look at dating and relationships, and at the entire notion of women being labelled "the crazy ex". Men label women crazy/neurotic without remembering that, unfortunately, most of us have experienced unwanted or abusive behaviour from a man at one point or another. This isn't an easy read - but it is, surprisingly, a hopeful one.
Recommended.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual assault
Part of April's job is to answer e-mails from people seeking information about sex, and those include sexual based offences so may be triggering to those who have experienced sexual assault. Approach with caution.sarahholliday's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If you loved "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" but wanted it to have more substance, this might be the book for you. Think "How to Lose a Guy" + Bridget Jones' Diary + Queenie + "Fleabag" and you've pretty much got the feel of this story.
I'm so impressed by Bourne's ability to tackle such heavy topics with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor. There are parts of the story that are quite challenging to read, and I wouldn't call it a traditional "rom-com." But the romance at the heart of the story is truly heartwarming and sweet, and April's relationships with her roommate, office "buddy," and therapist are well drawn.
This book isn't for everyone, but I really loved it.
I'm so impressed by Bourne's ability to tackle such heavy topics with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor. There are parts of the story that are quite challenging to read, and I wouldn't call it a traditional "rom-com." But the romance at the heart of the story is truly heartwarming and sweet, and April's relationships with her roommate, office "buddy," and therapist are well drawn.
This book isn't for everyone, but I really loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, and Sexism
florencia's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Please read this book. It's angry and full of all the bullshit that women have to hear and go through.
Holly Bourne is one of my favorite authors and she always slaps you with the truth.
Holly Bourne is one of my favorite authors and she always slaps you with the truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Rape
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