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a_ab's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
3.5*s. (?)
I have a hard time formulating my reaction to this book.
I liked the characters, the writing and the slow calm narrative style. And despite some traumatic events happening on page, I appreciated both the way they were described (in a way that didn't aim to traumatize the reader, as is often the case) and the fact that not all potentially dangerous situations were played to their most dramatic/traumatic potential (i.e. the author didn't pile on the drama for drama's sake).
I can't say much about the autism spectrum representation, but it seemed to have been handled with some care. Although I am more conflicted about the detailed explicit sex scenes which were kind of relevant, but also not strictly necessary, and there are many better ways in which that whole topic could have been handled to the same effect, but with much more tact and grace.
At the same time, the way 9/11 is incorporated into the narrative seemed like an attempt to capitalize on the tragedy, which is an automatic red-rage trigger for me. So, there was that.
Otherwise this would have made a good rainy day reread candidate. And maybe it still is, if I can talk myself into not reacting to the 9/11 issue.
I have a hard time formulating my reaction to this book.
I liked the characters, the writing and the slow calm narrative style. And despite some traumatic events happening on page, I appreciated both the way they were described (in a way that didn't aim to traumatize the reader, as is often the case) and the fact that not all potentially dangerous situations were played to their most dramatic/traumatic potential (i.e. the author didn't pile on the drama for drama's sake).
I can't say much about the autism spectrum representation, but it seemed to have been handled with some care. Although I am more conflicted about the detailed explicit sex scenes which were kind of relevant, but also not strictly necessary, and there are many better ways in which that whole topic could have been handled to the same effect, but with much more tact and grace.
At the same time, the way 9/11 is incorporated into the narrative seemed like an attempt to capitalize on the tragedy, which is an automatic red-rage trigger for me. So, there was that.
Otherwise this would have made a good rainy day reread candidate. And maybe it still is, if I can talk myself into not reacting to the 9/11 issue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Animal death, Dementia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual assault
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