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A review by evermoreliterary
The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis
2.0
SPOILER WARNINGS FOR THIS REVIEW
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR PET ABUSE/VIOLENCE/TEENAGE OVER-DRINKING
This had a lot of potential, and I was actually pretty entertained throughout the book. However overall it left me feeling pretty meh once finished. So much of it felt overly dramatic just for the sake of being "shocking or edgy". And then other side plots were just tossed in and left behind/forgotten. Absolutely needed better editing to cut out all the stray bits and pieces of the plot that were completely irrelevant to the story. For example, the whole "Flu" plot? Possibly meant to relate to the coronavirus pandemic, or perhaps Masque of the Red Death peaking through. Either way, completely forgotten about and pointless. For dramatics, we have dead animals (pets) described in detail in regards to "parts remaining". Mostly for shock value and added "grossness". A time waster when the real story was shocking enough. Hello, the girl slowly bricking up her ex-BFF into a basement wall?? Is that not already plenty dramatic? Why the need for swinging pet dog tails around? (There was no need)
A part that I found intriguing but was left highly disappointed by was the whole situation with Tress's cousin. When he becomes intoxicated, he is susceptible to manipulation by his peers and acts as if alcohol is a truth serum. Thus everyone at the party has their way with him, recording his night's events for everyone to see. Tress knows this damaging behavior is going on and yet shrugs it off as not a big deal, and resumes her torture of her ex best friend. As a reader, it felt like we were expected to go along and agree that this kid was just fine at this party because Tress had bigger issues on her hands. But we pretty much never circled back to this, when it was nearly as traumatic of an event as what Tress was doing downstairs. AND, ONCE AGAIN, COMPLETELY UNECCESSARY TO THE ENTIRE STORY. Another side plot, completely abandoned, but still mentioned occasionally for... what purpose? Who the hell knows. Humor? Shock? All I saw was a random kid getting naked, swinging his dick around, and talking about wanting to fuck his teacher while drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol, for no purpose whatsoever. Needed to be cut, or given purpose.
Despite being entertaining, it lacked reason and the ending was melodramatic at best. This the below average rating. I will read more of Mindy's books however, I know she is well loved. This just wasn't for me.
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR PET ABUSE/VIOLENCE/TEENAGE OVER-DRINKING
This had a lot of potential, and I was actually pretty entertained throughout the book. However overall it left me feeling pretty meh once finished. So much of it felt overly dramatic just for the sake of being "shocking or edgy". And then other side plots were just tossed in and left behind/forgotten. Absolutely needed better editing to cut out all the stray bits and pieces of the plot that were completely irrelevant to the story. For example, the whole "Flu" plot? Possibly meant to relate to the coronavirus pandemic, or perhaps Masque of the Red Death peaking through. Either way, completely forgotten about and pointless. For dramatics, we have dead animals (pets) described in detail in regards to "parts remaining". Mostly for shock value and added "grossness". A time waster when the real story was shocking enough. Hello, the girl slowly bricking up her ex-BFF into a basement wall?? Is that not already plenty dramatic? Why the need for swinging pet dog tails around? (There was no need)
A part that I found intriguing but was left highly disappointed by was the whole situation with Tress's cousin. When he becomes intoxicated, he is susceptible to manipulation by his peers and acts as if alcohol is a truth serum. Thus everyone at the party has their way with him, recording his night's events for everyone to see. Tress knows this damaging behavior is going on and yet shrugs it off as not a big deal, and resumes her torture of her ex best friend. As a reader, it felt like we were expected to go along and agree that this kid was just fine at this party because Tress had bigger issues on her hands. But we pretty much never circled back to this, when it was nearly as traumatic of an event as what Tress was doing downstairs. AND, ONCE AGAIN, COMPLETELY UNECCESSARY TO THE ENTIRE STORY. Another side plot, completely abandoned, but still mentioned occasionally for... what purpose? Who the hell knows. Humor? Shock? All I saw was a random kid getting naked, swinging his dick around, and talking about wanting to fuck his teacher while drinking dangerous amounts of alcohol, for no purpose whatsoever. Needed to be cut, or given purpose.
Despite being entertaining, it lacked reason and the ending was melodramatic at best. This the below average rating. I will read more of Mindy's books however, I know she is well loved. This just wasn't for me.