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raethereviewer's Reviews (863)
I had trouble rating this, as is usually the case with anthologies. I loved some of the comics like 24 Hours, Sexier, and Turtle Steps. There were a couple I liked and others that didn’t do much for me. There were a couple that I wasn’t into but considering this is art, it’s all subjective.
This is my first time reading an Emily Henry book and now I get why everyone’s been hyping this one up. The chemistry between Nora and Charlie was palpable and I LOVE the banter. Those emails had me laughing out loud. This was a fun read but don’t go in expecting much spice, though there is a lot of good tension.
This was super cute and sweet and I can see why it’s such a big favorite. It’s perfect for fans of Kay O’Neill.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
My only gripe with this story is that I think the summary reveals a little too much but the novel itself isn’t very plot heavy, it’s more an exploration of these characters. The characterization is done incredibly well. Each of them is distinct and though we do see some mirroring, it’s done in a way that feels true to those characters. I also enjoyed how their relationships with one another evolve over the course of the novel and how that takes time, rather than all happening in a couple weeks. We see these characters grow and change for the better over the course of weeks, going into months, until we find ourselves in a whole new year alongside them.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I think the comp to On My Block works really well, especially with the way this friend group comes together. I personally wish there was a bit more drama and I think the length worked against it. The general trend toward longer YA contemporaries is just something I’m not a huge fan of because there are a lot of books, like this one, that could’ve worked with 50-100 less pages. The plot just drags a bit at some points but overall, I think the story itself is really good.
I liked the characters, especially Nelo. She’s definitely someone my teenage self could’ve related to. If you like Renee Watson’s writing, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
I liked the characters, especially Nelo. She’s definitely someone my teenage self could’ve related to. If you like Renee Watson’s writing, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think what I loved most about this book was seeing May’s journey as a burgeoning activist. The way she gets more and more committed, not just to her cause but to learning about the things that other marginalized people are facing, was so engaging. May, her family, and her friends processing the grief of losing Danny was heartbreaking, at times. What came of it though, that was beautiful.
I laughed, I cried, I threw the book across the room in frustration. This is a book I think every teen should read.
(Also the fact that May’s best friend is Haitian made me so happy)
I laughed, I cried, I threw the book across the room in frustration. This is a book I think every teen should read.
(Also the fact that May’s best friend is Haitian made me so happy)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Xenophobia, Grief
Moderate: Suicide
challenging
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It takes so much talent to write an unlikeable character that you still want to root for. It takes even more talent to write two. Throughout reading this, I felt so frustrated by Annalie and Margaret’s actions but, in all honestly, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have done most of the same things if I were in their situation. I especially saw a lot of myself in Margaret. Even when I knew she was in the wrong at times, I found myself thinking “but I would’ve done that, too.”
The plot, characterization, and themes flowed together wonderfully. The way the characters interacted with one another made so much sense based on their relationships. There wasn’t a moment that felt unrealistic and as I read on, I started to feel like I was part of this small town, too.
The plot, characterization, and themes flowed together wonderfully. The way the characters interacted with one another made so much sense based on their relationships. There wasn’t a moment that felt unrealistic and as I read on, I started to feel like I was part of this small town, too.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This story left me drowning in a pool of my own tears, which feels fitting. I love the backwards narration style and the way things came together. The little Easter eggs of moments and then reading the actual events was just so well done. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Car accident
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
This was a cute story and I can see why it’s so popular. The illustrations style is so fun and I love the quirky creatures. The plot was a bit slow going for me, though.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I couldn’t put this book down. I love the way it weaves Lou’s identity as half Métis half white and the lies she’s told. The way that this novel depicts the experiences of indigenous girls in Canada while also showcasing moments of joy and growth was wonderfully done. The characters were all so layered and none felt out of place in the plot. All this to say, I definitely recommend this, especially if you haven’t read many books by indigenous authors (which is sadly the case for many of us). It’s the kind of book that’ll grab you and hold on tight.