Reviews

The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie

jodimiller37's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective

5.0

hnowak95's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It was a quick read with very short chapters, but the ending left me wondering what the whole point of the story was. The writing was addictive, poetic and emotional and I feel like the author really captured the feeling of loneliness, especially during the adolescent age. There was some suspense and I definitely predicted a "worse" ending, so I'm not sure what to think now. Yolo may be one of the best "book cats" out there🥹

sarahtonin_bby's review

2.25

this is a book i read, for sure! i can’t say i enjoyed it but it did get more compelling at the end. 

bostieslovebooks's review

4.0

Everyone in July’s small town has suddenly disappeared.  The message “GET TH3M BACK” keeps appearing around town.  July finds some objects that remind her of her loved ones while trying to piece together their mysterious disappearances.  

THE ONLY GIRL IN TOWN was a gripping YA mystery/thriller.  I flew through reading this book as I didn’t want to put it down.  The short chapters and writing style created a sense of urgency and agitation that characterized some of July’s feelings and really pulled me into her world.  I liked the back and forth between timelines, learning things about July’s past and how they connected to the present as the story unfolded.  I was satisfied with the ending; however, I can see why some readers may not be.  Overall, this would be an excellent book for group discussion.  I particularly liked the author’s exploration of mental health themes throughout the book. 

I really enjoyed THE ONLY GIRL IN TOWN and would highly recommend it to fans of YA mystery/thrillers.  This is the first book I’ve read by Ally Condie.  I’m interested in checking out her other books. 

Thank you to Dutton for the gifted ARC. 

bherrmann525's review

adventurous dark emotional inspiring sad fast-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

ashleyderamus's review against another edition

emotional

3.0

bookishfeefs's review

3.0

I am a bit conflicted writing this review because I feel like the concept of this was super well thought-out but the execution missed some corners for me. I felt confused most of the book wondering where this was going and once I got to the ending I was able to understand where all this build-up led. However, I admire Ally's unique way of bringing awareness to depression and loneliness while also showing the importance of letting go and letting someone in. As an adult, I didn't like this book so much but I feel like this book would be great for someone younger!

america_maxon1096's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

booksofannie's review

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

4.0

sheilasamuelson's review

emotional hopeful informative reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Rating: 4.5 Stars!! 
Review: 
Thank you to Penguin Random House and Dutton Books for picking me to win this FREE ARC COPY in a giveaway on their website earlier this year. 

When i received this Copy the wrong name was on the package with the correct address and when i called them about it  back in July,they said they'd send me out a New Copy BUT i NEVER Received it which is why its taken me awhile to get to this copy. 

The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. July was definately my favorite as i could relate to how she was feeling about her Depression and Mental Health since ive been feeling that way since losing My Dad in 2021. 

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described. 

Overall A Good YA Fiction about a Teen dealing with Depression and Mental Health. If the Chapters werent so short i would of rated it 5 Stars!! 

I will read more by Ally Condie in the future i just hope the chapters in her other books arent as short as this one was.