You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
vlmollylv's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Suicide attempt
sadie_genene's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
The problems (there aren't many)
Although Caddy was a nice character, I never connected with her. I didn't understand her the way I could with Suzanne. Yes, she was meant to be uninteresting, but she crossed the line into blank piece of paper. Also, I hated Rosie. I never liked her. She was mean to both of her friends but never took any responsibility or apologized. She expected them to bend and apologize to her, and she just seemed like a brat. And, of course, Sarah, who complained incessantly to Caddy's mom about Suzanne. Calling her difficult and acting like taking an abused child out of her toxic family was such a terrible burden to bear, oh woe is me, my niece used to get beaten by her father but never mind that because I have to deal with her. What an absolute jerk Sarah was.
The good things
Suzanne. Lovely, broken Suzanne. She was amazing. She was wild and reckless and broken and trouble, and although I can't relate to her situation in any way, something about her drew me in. She was hurting, and I think that's something everyone can relate to.
The way the author gets to the heart of the story, without worrying about people being offended by the sensitive topic, was phenomenal.
This book didn't. Push. A. Romance. I was worried that she would use a boyfriend to "fix" Suzanne's situation, like other books do, like romance solves all your problems and deep-seated traumas.
The characters felt so achingly real. I certainly didn't like all of them, but they felt so authentic.
The WRITING. Sara Barnard needs more recognition for her writing style, because it makes me want to fall down and grovel at her feet.
3/5 stars for a character I just couldn't connect with, and for Rosie being the best friend that's an absolute jerk to her "friends" and never getting called out on it.
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
lyraandpan's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
novellenovels's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide attempt
ccassidy98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
z_thatsit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, Grief, and Alcohol
lucys_library's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
abbiefox's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
lauren_sleight's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse