books_plants_hikes's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the building of the story so much. It felt like taking a step into a familiar time, like reliving part of my childhood. Parts made me burst out laughing - mostly things that JuJu and Cassie said to each other. I enjoyed that part.
I enjoyed the way the story built itself. The ending I didn’t enjoy or follow so well. I think the pull the meaning from it but I’m just not sure it sits well with me. I also don’t think I understand how the title relates to the plot of the story or the ending.
Perhaps the girl is like the match - once it burns it’s finished.
I enjoyed the way the story built itself. The ending I didn’t enjoy or follow so well. I think the pull the meaning from it but I’m just not sure it sits well with me. I also don’t think I understand how the title relates to the plot of the story or the ending.
Perhaps the girl is like the match - once it burns it’s finished.
creepycrawlie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
reminded me so much of my high school life, made me cry multiple times
marianne2001's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kellyroberson's review against another edition
3.0
Well constructed but no way did I believe the age of the narrator. Nope not at all. A little too tidy too.
morgancoyner's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
kendyllgull's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
evadis's review against another edition
3.0
Lastig te beoordelen, dit boek. Het is goed geschreven en de eerste helft vond ik geweldig, maar het heeft niet echt indruk op me gemaakt. Ik denk dat het dikker had moeten zijn, zodat de relaties meer uitgediept hadden kunnen worden.
kathrynth's review against another edition
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
5.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Julia and Cassie have been friends from an early age even though they come from very different backgrounds. Julia has a stable family and they support her with her ambitions, Cassie lives with her widowed mother. As the girls grow older they grow apart. Cassie becomes increasingly rebellious and takes risks, Julia conforms but wishes she and Cassie were still close. When Cassie disappears after discovering a family secret Julia finds her but suffers as well.
This is a very powerful novel which doesn't seem to be so as one reads it. The writing is simple, the narrative does not appear too complex or deep and the reader skips through the book at a good pace. However the last few pages really start one thinking and a more complex and almost sinister tale emerges. Messud is a confident author who does not waste time or prose on anything other than the bare bones of the story and that is what makes this novel so good.
This is a very powerful novel which doesn't seem to be so as one reads it. The writing is simple, the narrative does not appear too complex or deep and the reader skips through the book at a good pace. However the last few pages really start one thinking and a more complex and almost sinister tale emerges. Messud is a confident author who does not waste time or prose on anything other than the bare bones of the story and that is what makes this novel so good.
cararainx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.5
Although the author could be a little winded, the story itself enthralled me. The author was able to capture the transition from girlhood to womanhood wonderfully. Most comming of age stories are told from the male perspective so this was refreshing for me to be able to identify with Julia and sometimes Cassie.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault