A review by sparky_young_upstart
Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So second time reading it, first review. I love this book! I love Etta's stream of consciousness narration that makes her sound like a real person. I love how it brings up serious issues and weaves them into the story instead of just lobbing them at you like an anvil. I love the character development of everyone, especially how some of it isn't so much development as Etta's perception of them shifting until she manages to hit reality. I love the way all the songs are treated, how every performance is given meaning and gravitas and how Etta analyzes each part to make it the most Etta-ish she can be. I love how dear sweet Bianca is a tragic combination of optimist and pessimist that of course would exist in real life, and I love that in the end she manages to start coming out on top.

This book had me shook the first time because I wasn't ready for the emotional beats to hit so hard, and it shook me hard the second time because I was ready, I was so ready, and they hit SO GOOD when they happened.
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