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A review by heartlocket
Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
TLDR: little character development, mostly gross out/shock content.
I expected an interesting look into a codependent and toxic friendship between two young girls. But that’s not how I would actually describe this book. This book follows characters who see little to no development (yes there is one moment where the main character sticks up for herself, but she then immediately reverts back) and intentionally tries to shock and gross you out. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on things like eating disorders (bulimia), menstruation, or other natural body functions. But I genuinely do not understand why many of the details that were included in this book were there except for shock value. Reading this just felt uncomfortable intrusive and exploitative to the lives of these little girls.
I expected an interesting look into a codependent and toxic friendship between two young girls. But that’s not how I would actually describe this book. This book follows characters who see little to no development (yes there is one moment where the main character sticks up for herself, but she then immediately reverts back) and intentionally tries to shock and gross you out. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on things like eating disorders (bulimia), menstruation, or other natural body functions. But I genuinely do not understand why many of the details that were included in this book were there except for shock value. Reading this just felt uncomfortable intrusive and exploitative to the lives of these little girls.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Vomit, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Child death