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val_halla's review against another edition
3.0
The concept of presenting several alternate realities of a woman's life, based on the choices she makes early on, is interesting. Still, I was relatively unimpressed by Anshaw's writing. The first section had some really good imagery, but beyond that it seemed a little trite. And I didn't appreciate the insinuation that sexual orientation is essentially a choice.
claire__fm's review against another edition
4.0
A little artless and disjointed at times, but I really liked Jesse, and a lot of the writing was great. The triptych of Jesse’s various lives felt a little choose-your-own-adventure-y, and yet its obsession with the unlived life worked. Would recommend to washed-up athletes and nostalgics. (Also lol at someone else’s review: “You don’t have to be gay to enjoy this book!”)
lullabies's review
2.0
the ableists/racists remarks weren't really necessary and the book being from the 90s isn't an excuse. other than that, the writing was quite enchanting and the stories told were interesting enough, but i wish they were a little more developed.
sophie_63's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
clem's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
CW for some anti-autistic language used to describe a minor character + a few incidences of a racial slur for “Inuit”
aliceburton's review
4.0
Ok, giving it four stars because despite not being bowled over by it, I kept wanting to go back to it until it was done, which I don't usually do as I am an easily distracted person.
The basic premise is this girl gets the silver medal for some swimming event in the Olympics, and right after it is the crucial time when the course of her life is decided. The author shows three (or four? maybe? I don't know; I'm not picking up the book) different paths that could've happened. It's really interesting, and while not loving Jesse, the main character, I liked her enough to keep going. I feel like I'll keep thinking about this and how utterly terrifying it is that you can make small decisions that hugely impact the direction your life takes, and some lead to awful, terrible things, and some lead to awesome, amazing things. BUT WHICH?? Gah.
The basic premise is this girl gets the silver medal for some swimming event in the Olympics, and right after it is the crucial time when the course of her life is decided. The author shows three (or four? maybe? I don't know; I'm not picking up the book) different paths that could've happened. It's really interesting, and while not loving Jesse, the main character, I liked her enough to keep going. I feel like I'll keep thinking about this and how utterly terrifying it is that you can make small decisions that hugely impact the direction your life takes, and some lead to awful, terrible things, and some lead to awesome, amazing things. BUT WHICH?? Gah.
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