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cimmalex's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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 had no idea this book was based in the Hudson Valley, NY and name dropped so many towns and businesses I know (shout out Upstate Films), so that hit close to home, literally. I’m not usually an adult fiction reader, but I liked the cover and the book held my attention pretty much up until the end. I started getting annoyed by the last like 3 or 4 chapters. Like many other reviews have said across the board, I agree that too many “hot button topics” were crammed into this book. I mean I think she mentioned every single one. This is a generational story, so maybe that’s why? But… whew.
Porter was by far the most annoying character to me, and I think it’s very lazy the cheese maker is named Porter. I just have to get that out there. She is almost 40 years old and thought her high school boyfriend belonged to her and no one else (including his wife) because she “had him first”? What kind of mentality is that? Insane behavior from this one throughout the whole book. Very wild.Especially the whole relationship with her high school ex that kept reappearing to be fwb even though he was married with kids and another on the way. Her high school ex’s wife coming down on Porter’s neck two chapters before the end of the book was exactly what this character needed though. A swift kick in the ass/someone metaphorically grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her
Porter was by far the most annoying character to me, and I think it’s very lazy the cheese maker is named Porter. I just have to get that out there. She is almost 40 years old and thought her high school boyfriend belonged to her and no one else (including his wife) because she “had him first”? What kind of mentality is that? Insane behavior from this one throughout the whole book. Very wild.
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Transphobia, Violence, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Infertility, Dementia, Abortion, and Outing
annorabrady's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.5
I was recommended this book as one that you'd like if you like Schitt's Creek. While it doesn't have the humor of a sitcom, it does have realistic family relationships and each member is fleshed out into their own person, as in Schitt's Creek. They also have catalysts that push them out of their comfort zone and into a place where their relationship with family and friends become healthier and more fulfilling.
There are mentions of miscarriages and abortions, as well as plots about people being outed against their will (handled well but they still exist) so precede with caution if those are triggering to you.
My biggest problem with the story was Porter's storyline.I just feel that someone who is capable of making the life-changing decisions of going through the process of becoming pregnant through a fertility clinic so she can raise a baby alone is also someone who should be able to stop being someone else's "other woman." Especially since she was more than capable of understanding and siding with her best friend who found herself on the other side of that situation with her husband. And then to talk to her best friend about it, expecting her best friend would have any reaction except absolute anger at the betrayal?
There are mentions of miscarriages and abortions, as well as plots about people being outed against their will (handled well but they still exist) so precede with caution if those are triggering to you.
My biggest problem with the story was Porter's storyline.
Graphic: Infidelity, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Deadnaming, Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Dementia and Abortion
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