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A review by paigesonpages
Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life by Dallas Woodburn
3.0
Thanks Carissa, For Ruining My Life may have not ruined my evening, but it did leave me slightly disappointed.
This new Young Adult Novel by Dallas Woodburn has a summary that would interest almost any fan of teen romance. Brad and Rose were both ready to start a great senior year, but somehow Carissa- Brad’s girlfriend and Rose’s twin sister- ends up messing it up for the both of them. She signs Rose up for a weight loss show without her permission, sending her halfway across the country, and also breaks up with Brad, shattering his heart just days before the start of the school year. While trying to survive by setting new goals for themselves and attempting to become completely new and better people, Rose and Brad begin to connect and grow feelings for one another. However, their lack of self-confidence prevents them from realizing they both have MAJOR crushes!
When reading the description of this novel, I was ready to be hit with body positivity and inclusiveness. After all, it’s 2021 and we’re talking about a weight loss show! However, I quickly learned this novel is years behind when it comes to not just technology (there’s mentions of a landline), but also to what we have now learned about these reality competitions. The novel does eventually get to this point, but it takes much too long for my liking, so please be warned if you are sensitive to stories that center around disordered eating and fat shaming. There were several moments where it was so dreadful that I almost did not finish.
In addition, in a way to be as spoiler free as possible while warning an audience, there is a side storyline relating to cancer that is not revealed until a little more than a third into this novel. As someone who has lost numerous people to cancer, and who was by their husband’s side during their treatment, I try not to read books that cover this subject, so I would have appreciated some type of content warning before choosing to read. Fortunately for me, yet unfortunately for the novel, this subplot almost completely disappears by the end.
While I did find the outdated viewpoints, unsuspecting content, and lack of a concrete time period struggling, I will admit that I enjoyed a lot of the characters in the story. Doris is a HOOT, and by the end you can’t help but cheer for Rose and her journey. If you’re looking for a quick read, enjoy POV romances, and are okay with reading about the above subjects, I recommend giving it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley US for providing me with an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is rounded up, from a 2.5.
This new Young Adult Novel by Dallas Woodburn has a summary that would interest almost any fan of teen romance. Brad and Rose were both ready to start a great senior year, but somehow Carissa- Brad’s girlfriend and Rose’s twin sister- ends up messing it up for the both of them. She signs Rose up for a weight loss show without her permission, sending her halfway across the country, and also breaks up with Brad, shattering his heart just days before the start of the school year. While trying to survive by setting new goals for themselves and attempting to become completely new and better people, Rose and Brad begin to connect and grow feelings for one another. However, their lack of self-confidence prevents them from realizing they both have MAJOR crushes!
When reading the description of this novel, I was ready to be hit with body positivity and inclusiveness. After all, it’s 2021 and we’re talking about a weight loss show! However, I quickly learned this novel is years behind when it comes to not just technology (there’s mentions of a landline), but also to what we have now learned about these reality competitions. The novel does eventually get to this point, but it takes much too long for my liking, so please be warned if you are sensitive to stories that center around disordered eating and fat shaming. There were several moments where it was so dreadful that I almost did not finish.
In addition, in a way to be as spoiler free as possible while warning an audience, there is a side storyline relating to cancer that is not revealed until a little more than a third into this novel. As someone who has lost numerous people to cancer, and who was by their husband’s side during their treatment, I try not to read books that cover this subject, so I would have appreciated some type of content warning before choosing to read. Fortunately for me, yet unfortunately for the novel, this subplot almost completely disappears by the end.
While I did find the outdated viewpoints, unsuspecting content, and lack of a concrete time period struggling, I will admit that I enjoyed a lot of the characters in the story. Doris is a HOOT, and by the end you can’t help but cheer for Rose and her journey. If you’re looking for a quick read, enjoy POV romances, and are okay with reading about the above subjects, I recommend giving it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley US for providing me with an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is rounded up, from a 2.5.