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egbella's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Sooo conflicted on this one, and while I'm glad to be able to say I've read it now, I wouldn't read it again, and can't say I enjoyed it. It was written in a fairly strong way, but the plot has never sat nicely with me, and when you take away the catchy songs, the story is really hard to swallow.
CW: suicide, LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, strong language, inappropriate humor, constant lies, sexual references, glorification of suicide
CW: suicide, LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, strong language, inappropriate humor, constant lies, sexual references, glorification of suicide
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
jonezeemcgee's review against another edition
3.0
2.75
At its worst, Connors suicide is a plot device and Connor himself is a prop.
At its best it is commentary on how you can never really know someone. How the awkward kid can both be sad, struggling to make it through and an opportunist. How Connor could be something more than his actions. How social media can make us think we know those answers when we don't, because it's all so surface level. That there is so much commonality in our differences.
The problem is Connor stayed surface level. So I'm afraid, in many ways, the former is the truth that stands out the most.
I liked the idea. I liked that it made me think. Unfortunately the execution left a bad taste in my mouth.
At its worst, Connors suicide is a plot device and Connor himself is a prop.
At its best it is commentary on how you can never really know someone. How the awkward kid can both be sad, struggling to make it through and an opportunist. How Connor could be something more than his actions. How social media can make us think we know those answers when we don't, because it's all so surface level. That there is so much commonality in our differences.
The problem is Connor stayed surface level. So I'm afraid, in many ways, the former is the truth that stands out the most.
I liked the idea. I liked that it made me think. Unfortunately the execution left a bad taste in my mouth.
kimreadz's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled with this book. This was on the shelf at my local Little Free Library. I wanted to read it, because I know it musical.
It was interesting, but throughout much of the book, it was a struggle to read. The main character, Evan Hanson, is a high school student in therapy. A not he wrote is found and thought to be TO him rather than BY him, and this leads to many complications. Rather than explain all this, Evan lied. And every time the lie was about to be found out, he lied again and dug himself a deeper hole. It was very painful to watch, and several times I had to put the book aside. And while it all worked out in the end for Evan, it was still a sad story, knowing what happened and the reasons it happened, and that a simple difference in one moment in time could have made all the difference in the story.
I did enjoy the story, and it was a quick read, but it was also a painful read.
It was interesting, but throughout much of the book, it was a struggle to read. The main character, Evan Hanson, is a high school student in therapy. A not he wrote is found and thought to be TO him rather than BY him, and this leads to many complications. Rather than explain all this, Evan lied. And every time the lie was about to be found out, he lied again and dug himself a deeper hole. It was very painful to watch, and several times I had to put the book aside. And while it all worked out in the end for Evan, it was still a sad story, knowing what happened and the reasons it happened, and that a simple difference in one moment in time could have made all the difference in the story.
I did enjoy the story, and it was a quick read, but it was also a painful read.
graciegrace1178's review against another edition
4.0
The secondhand anxiety of this book nearly killed me. Which is a sign of fantastic writing. I was totally immersed in the story, so much so that my heart kept clenching at the plot line. There were definitely times I physically hid under my blanket bc I was cringing SO MUCH for Evan.
The similarities in whole phrases between the book and the broadway production made me completely giddy. I kept pausing the audiobook bc I would start humming the songs without even realizing it.
In short: GOOD BOOK
The similarities in whole phrases between the book and the broadway production made me completely giddy. I kept pausing the audiobook bc I would start humming the songs without even realizing it.
In short: GOOD BOOK
nicolatte's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book, against better judgement, was phenomenal. I enjoyed every part of it. Although, the second hand embarrassment was still there which was just as fun to read about. Everytime I had to stop reading, I looked forward to the next read.
Evan was such a complex and relatable character, flaws and all. I really resonated with him a lot. The way his emotions are written was so intricate. Like, I was seriously rooting for him despite his actions because he knew he just wanted to help but got carried away with the change in his life. My opinion may be biased because of how much I relate to him but he is by far my favourite mc.
Ghost Connor was an interesting choice. At first, I questioned why they had to keep his character but the more I read his chapters, the more I realized just how genius it is. The other characters were just as fun to read about. I was especially interested in the friendship between Jared and Evan.
The whole story was just as interesting. From the way it went from somewhat a lighthearted comedy to diving into serious topics as the story went on. You could really grasp just how much everything has escalated as the lie continues on from the writing, it doesn't have to be told outright.
The whole thing about Evan breaking his arm was genius. Without that one vital thing in this story, I probably wouldn't have been as attached and empathetic to Evan as I am now. It really shows just what kind of person he is. As I read on, I just thought about how much I relate to him, thinking I'd do the same thing in his situation.
His situation with his family was heartbreaking. His mother loved him but was always too busy, making him think he doesn't really care for him. She really pulled through at the end. Although, I wish there was more closure for his father but I suppose it's from a more realistic point of view. The epilogue was already beautiful in itself.
It was the best closure this book could've had. Evan learned his lesson, the guilt never leaving but it also shows how the Murphys didn't hold anything against him which I feel is something he really needed to finally push forward in life.
There are plenty of things I want to say but I just can't describe it. From the writing to the pace, I loved it so much. I went into this book with low expectations considering the reviews, I went out SOBBING and wondering why people may not like it. Overall, this is hands down my favourite book and I really recommend it.
Evan was such a complex and relatable character, flaws and all. I really resonated with him a lot. The way his emotions are written was so intricate. Like, I was seriously rooting for him despite his actions because he knew he just wanted to help but got carried away with the change in his life. My opinion may be biased because of how much I relate to him but he is by far my favourite mc.
Ghost Connor was an interesting choice. At first, I questioned why they had to keep his character but the more I read his chapters, the more I realized just how genius it is. The other characters were just as fun to read about. I was especially interested in the friendship between Jared and Evan.
The whole story was just as interesting. From the way it went from somewhat a lighthearted comedy to diving into serious topics as the story went on. You could really grasp just how much everything has escalated as the lie continues on from the writing, it doesn't have to be told outright.
The whole thing about Evan breaking his arm was genius. Without that one vital thing in this story, I probably wouldn't have been as attached and empathetic to Evan as I am now. It really shows just what kind of person he is. As I read on, I just thought about how much I relate to him, thinking I'd do the same thing in his situation.
His situation with his family was heartbreaking. His mother loved him but was always too busy, making him think he doesn't really care for him. She really pulled through at the end. Although, I wish there was more closure for his father but I suppose it's from a more realistic point of view. The epilogue was already beautiful in itself.
It was the best closure this book could've had. Evan learned his lesson, the guilt never leaving but it also shows how the Murphys didn't hold anything against him which I feel is something he really needed to finally push forward in life.
There are plenty of things I want to say but I just can't describe it. From the writing to the pace, I loved it so much. I went into this book with low expectations considering the reviews, I went out SOBBING and wondering why people may not like it. Overall, this is hands down my favourite book and I really recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Infidelity
oliviacasellini's review against another edition
3.0
I felt that this book wasn’t very original. It was a basic ya novel. The main character feels sorry for themselves, somebody in their life has a tragic thing happen to them, parents are divorced. It was a basic book, which I am not against, but I felt that the situation with the unrealistic crush that turns out to like them was a bit over the top. There was very few original things about this book. I was also disappointed with the ending, Evan ends up feeling sorry for himself and nothing gets solved. I have this book a high rating because I was captivated by it until the end. I find it hard to find good YA books, so this was better than some, but not amazing.
baratheonbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicide