A review by isaacharris
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

the only thing that bothered me about this was the ending. pip clearly has a tendency to blame herself for things and tends to see distancing herself from the people she loves as the only option. however, she is constantly reminded by ravi and others that there isn't always only one grim way out, and yet it still ends with her refusing to let people in. obviously she's a purposely flawed person, but the drastic actions she takes at the end make her appear to have made no personal progress.

this was what slowed down the book for me in general. when she would spiral on the same old thoughts; although this is very true to how a real mind works, playing on the same old thoughts and getting nowhere, it made the book feel repetitive and somewhat undeserving of the 500+ pages.


there is a major chunk of this book that never seems to end and is relentless, but it's so fascinatingly-explained that it manages to keep your attention, just about, for the entire time. in fact, it allows you to appreciate what the character must be going through, this endless to-do list where there's always one more thing. and that has always been this series' strength; while i didn't care too much about the emotional aspects nor the romance as i am heartless, jackson's strength is in her plot-writing. the story chugs along at such a readable pace, each element unfolding in good time, allowing you to learn a little more each time and simply demanding you don't put the book down.

i hope she writes more!
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