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A review by goldenbeebookshop
The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed Hankin’s previous two books so I was thrilled to get a DRC of her latest.
I didn’t watch the kind of Disney channel shows and movies that inspired the fictional show in this novel, but since I also didn’t live under a rock (just a very pro-PBSs house without cable) I’m aware of the cultural phenomenon and fan base around them. Moreover, I’m aware of what being asked to maintain the patriarchal standards imposed by the network and its viewers does to many of the young female stars. This novel has a little bit of everything- teenage drama, a dash of mystery, reclaiming personal narratives, social commentary, and an unexpectedly hopeful ending.
I was in a reading slump before I decided to jump into this book and it just whisked me along.
I didn’t watch the kind of Disney channel shows and movies that inspired the fictional show in this novel, but since I also didn’t live under a rock (just a very pro-PBSs house without cable) I’m aware of the cultural phenomenon and fan base around them. Moreover, I’m aware of what being asked to maintain the patriarchal standards imposed by the network and its viewers does to many of the young female stars. This novel has a little bit of everything- teenage drama, a dash of mystery, reclaiming personal narratives, social commentary, and an unexpectedly hopeful ending.
I was in a reading slump before I decided to jump into this book and it just whisked me along.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Addiction, Body shaming, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Grief, Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Fatphobia, and Toxic friendship