A review by thaliareads
On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I loved the characters independently, and I really enjoyed the look into that generational trauma that parents can pass to their kids and how the kids deal with that. I also liked the look into becoming a doctor that this book led you through. What I wasn't a big fan of was the relationship between the main characters. I really struggled to feel like they were healthy for each other, or that either were in a healthy mindset for a good relationship. This was sort of included in the plot - but I was never sure if I wanted to root for or against them.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Addiction, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Death

Minor: Racism and Gun violence

With this book taking place in a hospital there is no avoiding detailed descriptions of all sorts of patients with all sorts of conditions and because she is researching and actively interacting with patients. The main character does take on a passion project about how people of color might be treated differently when they come to seek care at a medical institution after she sees

a mom being questioned about what her son was involved in after he was brought in shot

. Ricky, the love interest, has a dad who's struggled with addiction, which has had a big impact on who Ricky is as a person.