Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - The Playlist

Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth

6 reviews

inkdrinkers's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Can I ask you a question?”

Zoe is convinced that the only way to live is to be successful - for her friends, for her parents, for everyone who knows her - all that matters is that they see that she has her shit together, when she very much doesn't. So when she suddenly discovers her childhood bucketlist and realizes she's let that little girl down in so many ways, she quits her fancy job, dumps her boring boyfriend, and spirals. When Zander, her best friend's brother, and someone who's always been there for her, steps in to whisk her away, Zoe wonders if maybe she can return to her old self with a little help.

I don't think a Morgan Elizabeth book exists that I don't shed ugly tears over. I really thought I was somehow safe with this one - even though Zoe's strict people pleasing tendencies cut me to the core, I couldn't see a reason why I'd be a bawling mess by the end. I was wrong, I cried like a baby the last 30% of this book and I don't even care. It was worth it. It was 100% worth it to feel so healed and seen by Zoe embracing her inner child, living life for herself, and have Zander be the best book boyfriend in the world who just wanted to see her happy.

So many of Morgan's books are love letters to Swifties, but this one is the ultimate one! I loved the nods to Taylor in every single chapter and moment, from the playlist itself, to the bucket list items, to even the references in text that weave in lyrics and references from her entire discography. I adored this book for so many reasons, but it had a little extra something with the reminder that, for so many fans, we grew up listening to Taylor age and sing about everything we hope to experience (and some things we don't).

I just loved this. I have to go blow my nose again and contemplate my existence.

Content warnings: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse/Toxic relationship (in past), Pregnancy (optional epilogue)

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shaykay's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

I am so far behind on actually doing reviews, and it's books like this one that make me really realize that. So back in April, I read this book because my goal was to read as many Taylor Swift books as possible. I was deep in that bubble because I was getting ready to see her at the end of the month, which was an amazing concert. But this book has so many cute little Taylor references, and I loved the chapter titles. It was so much fun; you can tell a Swiftie wrote it! I freaking loved Zee so much! He wanted to be there for Zoe. He was in the mindset that if there was ever a real chance for them to be together, it would be this road trip, and he did it! He rolled out every stop he could think of. He didn't just want to win his woman. He wanted to help her find herself again because, by the time we start this book, she's just lost. She's stuck in a life that she thought she needed because she's an only child trying to live up to the successful standards her parents put on her, but we can tell that she's just not happy. Her parents actually help push her out onto this road trip. They want her to come back home and be happy, and they can tell that she's not living in the city working that job she's been at. This is a later book in the series, and there were little details I was missing since I didn't catch them because I haven't read the first four books, but overall, they didn't really impact this story. Looking back, there were moments here and there when the book just kind of dragged a little bit, but overall, I think it all worked for this book and the story it was telling. I don't think I'm going to continue with the series because this one, I think, is the last in the series. I just hate going back and reading previous books in the series, so this was kind of a catch-22 for me. I wanted to read this book because of all of the Taylor Swift things, and I enjoyed this book, but I want to do something other than go back and read the previous books. If you are a Swiftie and love road trip romances, then I think this book would be for you. It does hit from really serious things here and there. Still, it's about them finding each other and fighting for a future together, even though it's nothing like what she envisioned.

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stephmcoakley's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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babygotbeef's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

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dlrosebyh's review

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lighthearted fast-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

2.75

"Don't judge a book by its cover," as the saying goes. Oh, I might as well start to follow that. Look at the cover—it has the lover sunglasses, the fuck the patriarchy red keychain, the mirrorball, the red converse, the letters—so it's Taylor Swift coded—and that's one of the things this book thrives at. Each chapter is titled after a Taylor Swift song, and the song title is tied to the chapter's content in some way. Other than that, let me go over the book's pros and cons.

Let's start with the pros. It certainly contains well-thought-out information. It's quite difficult to connect song lyrics to chapter content. Next, it was clear that the author was really a swiftie. The author is knowledgeable of the references, dates, and so forth. Finally, I enjoyed how rom-com-y it was. If you need a good chuckle, the comedy in this book is not forced, unlike other novels.

So, bear with me since the cons are numerous. To begin with, the characters were undeveloped. I mean, Zander was obviously awful from the start, but I was expecting for some character growth. He was extremely controlling and obsessed with her, which was really annoying. I get that he wants her to have fun, but with how controlling he is? I doubt they were happily married for at least three years. He was also subtly misogynistic, but the author will always pull the “he was raised with a feminist mother and sister” card.

Zoe's character development was better than Zander's, although I wish she would speak up for herself in some instances. I don't have much to say about her other that, I found her relatable in some way.

Zander and Zoe were... dare I say, toxic together? I mentioned earlier that Zander is rather controlling, and Zoe seldom speaks out for herself. Zoe didn't have the best communication skills either. Although the author implies that Zander knows her better than she knows herself, unless he's some kind of magician, which he isn't, Zander won't know all that runs through her mind. I wish Zander had allowed Zoe to speak out at some point, because he had crossed certain boundaries several times.

Let's go on to the plot. The premise was fascinating, but the execution was poor. It became too repetitive. It's always Zander pushing Zoe out of her comfort zone, Zoe gets upset but eventually says yes, Zander does some romantic stuff involving Taylor Swift songs, then Zoe backs out because she's worried about the future. Furthermore, it was enjoyable for a time, but as you repeat anything, it definitely becomes duller.

This novel is marketed as childhood friends to lovers, and don't get me wrong, that's exactly what it was, but there was something missing. If someone had warned me that the cheating trope was in this novel, I would have run away as fast as I could.

Finally, let us bring up the writing style. It was simple to read, a little childish at times, but still bearable. And though, a large chunk of this plot hinges, once again, around Taylor Swift references. Moreover, as much as I admire the author's use of Taylor Swift references, I found them to be too forced and cringe-worthy. It reminded me of me attempting to get my non-Swiftie friends to listen to Taylor Swift for the millionth time in less than a week.

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omgvalkyrie's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thirty, flirty & thriving were not how Zoe would describe her life at the moment. Making the choice to leave her lifeless job and just fine boyfriend, she moves back home to Springbrook Hills with the intention of figuring out what to do next. She could never have anticipated her best friend’s brother to come sweep her off her feet and go on a week long road trip to help her find the version of herself she could be truly happy with.

Morgan Elizabeth absolutely blew this out of the water. Not only was it absolutely filled with all the wonderfulness of Taylor Swift you could ever hope for and want, but also an emotional sucker punch you won’t be ready for.

The Playlist was an impactful story Zoe is a woman who has spent her whole life trying to fulfill the expectations that she believes others have for her. She’s told constantly she is living too safe- not really living life at all! Reading this hit so close to home to what I personally (& probably many others) are experiencing. This book was a beautiful reminder that we all deserve the chance to be truly happy. It also helps put into perspective the finite difference between happiness and success. Upon finishing it, I laid on my couch paralyzed processing the flood of emotions, thoughts & feelings of it all. After I peeled myself up, I felt so galvanized and inspired!

ZANDER! Oh, my god. Zander is the new standard for book boyfriends. The love, adoration, dedication, and patience he has for Zoe just makes me swoon! The man takes her on a journey of self-discovery and crosses off her love bucket list! And the spice, I mean, Morgan ALWAYS delivers top tier spice. My heart was not ready for the epilogue and the mini-journey it took us on!

-New Jersey/East Coast

-Best Friend’s Brother

-Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers

-Small Town Romance

-Road Trip

-Forced Proximity

-Only One Bed

I’m already tearing up just thinking about a re-read. Thank you to Morgan for the opportunity to read The Playlist as an ARC.

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