ghost_of_october's reviews
2 reviews

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I read that a lot of people don’t like Penny for her personality, but I really like her for all of the same reasons. She’s hypercritical and hypocritical, selfish and protective, romantic but cynical—she judges others for their faults and isn’t very aware of her own. But that makes her very human to me.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Abandonment

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abortion

This does touch on experiences with S/A and child neglect/abuse, as well as mental illness such as depression. Please be cautious.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

McCurdy’s book is an anthology of anecdotes from her life as a child star, and later, a young woman in the midst of fame. She discusses heavy topics such as her mother’s mental illness, eating disorders and the unique pressures of her job—I specifically listened to the audiobook, so her personally narrating felt a lot like sitting down with a friend and having her confide in you. But the glimpses of hope she feels and conveys are just as potent, and made this book feel both intimate and powerful.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual harassment, Terminal illness, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Vomit, and Eating disorder

Her mom died.