hadu's review against another edition
1.0
'White Oleander' is one of my favorite books ever and I've always wanted to read another book written by Janet Fitch. I was so excited when I first bought 'Paint It Black'.
I couldn't stand Josie the entire time. She seemed like a complete trailer park trash sloppy mess and I couldn't take her seriously as a character. I read another review that said 'Paint It Black' was very repetitive and I totally agree. Every time my eyes passed across the words "voddy" and "Smirny" I felt like wildly twitching and loudly scoffing at the book but refrained from doing so since I mostly read this book on the subway and wouldn't want anyone to find me weird. Every time Josie tried to be badass I had to laugh but also felt extreme mortification for this made up person.
I think it's a shame the Meredith and Michael twist was lost in the drunken "voddy" ramblings. It could have been done well in a different book I suppose.
Not to mention the majority of events and situations that happened seemed completely unrealistic and out there. Personally when I read a book I want to be able to relate to it in some way and I wasn't able to because of my twitching brought on by "voddy", the made up Paris painted on the walls in some crappy house, Josie banging her head against glass during an "acting" scene, and Josie getting all poetic while Meredith and old dudes played music downstairs while looking at pictures of Meredith's tits in her room...just to name a few.
And what about the ending?! What the hell? Random German girl in braids running off into the sunset with Josie.
I knew early on that I most likely wouldn't end up liking 'Paint It Black' but I kept on reading because (1) I spent money on it--luckily it was only $5 and (2) I hate not finishing things I start. The only 2 reasons I tortured myself.
I couldn't stand Josie the entire time. She seemed like a complete trailer park trash sloppy mess and I couldn't take her seriously as a character. I read another review that said 'Paint It Black' was very repetitive and I totally agree. Every time my eyes passed across the words "voddy" and "Smirny" I felt like wildly twitching and loudly scoffing at the book but refrained from doing so since I mostly read this book on the subway and wouldn't want anyone to find me weird. Every time Josie tried to be badass I had to laugh but also felt extreme mortification for this made up person.
I think it's a shame the Meredith and Michael twist was lost in the drunken "voddy" ramblings. It could have been done well in a different book I suppose.
Not to mention the majority of events and situations that happened seemed completely unrealistic and out there. Personally when I read a book I want to be able to relate to it in some way and I wasn't able to because of my twitching brought on by "voddy", the made up Paris painted on the walls in some crappy house, Josie banging her head against glass during an "acting" scene, and Josie getting all poetic while Meredith and old dudes played music downstairs while looking at pictures of Meredith's tits in her room...just to name a few.
And what about the ending?! What the hell? Random German girl in braids running off into the sunset with Josie.
I knew early on that I most likely wouldn't end up liking 'Paint It Black' but I kept on reading because (1) I spent money on it--luckily it was only $5 and (2) I hate not finishing things I start. The only 2 reasons I tortured myself.
akristaz00's review against another edition
4.0
Patiesība un meli. Mīlestība un māksla. Būt vai nebūt. Vai mēs patiesi pazīstam tos, kurus mīlam?
karenmr1601's review against another edition
3.0
Hard Going
A tough read this one. Meredith, the mother, is an intriguing character. Couldn’t warm to Josie. Would have liked to have seen more of her back story.
A tough read this one. Meredith, the mother, is an intriguing character. Couldn’t warm to Josie. Would have liked to have seen more of her back story.
sparrowfox's review against another edition
5.0
I think Janet Fitch rules and I wish she wrote more books.
haliwafa's review against another edition
1.0
I absolutely HATE this book. I tortured myself all the way up to 300 and by that point, I felt like drowning a little puppy. On a serious note, it consisted of a boring plot, bland characters and a tiresome and repetitive use of drugs. I gave it a chance and I absolutely cannot take it anymore. The story line was just plain BORING!!! No twists and no depth at all. I do not think I will even read White Oleander because of this piece of garbage. Not a good first impression. Moving on.
callikat's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
booklvrkat's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars because I think it stalled in places. But this has got to be one of the most descriptively, dark, eye-opening books I have ever read. I tried to think of one part that truly stood out to me, and my mind just kept jumping from scene to scene. This book is not for the faint-hearted, you will cry, you will laugh, you will set it down and walk away from the bleakness.... but you WILL come back.
allisonrae13's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0