A review by _sk8boardteddy
Solitaire by Alice Oseman

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

This is the second time I've read Solitaire, the first time on audio. I really enjoyed Jenny Walser's performance because she is Tori. I couldn't exactly remember the resolution of Solitaire and who was behind it, but I knew

Lucas Ryan was behind it somehow

. I really like the development of Michael and Tori's friendship, and how in the show it's shown as a potentially ace relationship. Having read all the surrounding stories multiple times, it's interesting to see the characters from different angles and tones and moods. Tori isn't super likeable, shes not supposed to be. But she is relatable and I really feel for her. Alice Oseman does a pretty great job of showing the experience of a depressed teenager. I think the subject matter is something that is important for teens to see written about, for them. And for us all. I block out a lot of my depression from high school, but there's a corporal feeling I identify with in how Alice Oseman depicts it. I keep thinking what shitty parents the Spring parents are--both of your teens are having mental breakdowns? That's not a problem of the kids--it never is--its a problem of poor parenting and an ill society. But both Charlie and Tori are treated like they're problems-how else is there to respond in that situation? Depression and an eating disorder are a pretty fair response. I remember that the first time I read this I didn't really get it, and I felt sort of the same as the book was wrapping up this time. The solitaire story line conclusion is a bit rushed and confusing to me. But perhaps that is the point--nothing really makes sense in Tori's life and we are experiencing her lived confusion and overwhelm. Not my favorite Alice Oseman book, but I always enjoy being in the Oseman-verse