Reviews

The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie

louisedavis's review against another edition

mysterious reflective fast-paced

3.0

I have absolutely loved several of Condie’s books, this one fell short a little bit for me. I did like it for the most part, but there were several aspects of the story that irritated me. The ending frustrated me, I do understand what she was trying to illustrate at the end, and I do think it is a good message, but for me the build up to the final reveal made the reveal itself fall flat.

Overall did I like it? Yes. Would I reread it? No, but in all honesty I hardly ever reread books. I do think this book will make for a great discussion and I am excited to chat about it at book group.

crolland23's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

4.75

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

4.0

I picked up an arc of Condie’s latest this week at the ALA conference. When one of the PRH folks told me that several of her coworkers had read it and had different interpretations of the ending— and then that Condie’s agent told them they were all wrong— I was intrigued. The story opens with July realizing that everyone in her town has disappeared. Even birds and pets are inexplicably gone. But slowly, July starts seeing evidence that there may be at least one other person remaining— objects subtly moved, cryptic messages where she doesn’t remember seeing them before. The story alternates between “now” and “once” as layers are slowly peeled back on events in July’s life before she finds herself completely alone. The ending, as promised, is open to different opinions of what just happened. Stark and unsettling.

kaleighreadsbooks's review

3.0

I’m extremely confused

ctanguay_85's review against another edition

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

3.5

meeplie's review

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

thebrookeworm_'s review

4.0

Very interesting. Kept me engaged throughout the whole book. My only negative is I feel as though I have no idea what happened at the end. I feel like maybe the story wasn’t wrapped up enough for me!

jellyfish437's review

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

3.75

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

2.0

2.5/5

Ok what just happened? I'm not going to lie, I was getting into the story, but it was sometimes hectic to follow the plot, going back and fourth. The ending has left me guessing though... and I don't know if it is a good or bad thing.

keiravamvakitis's review against another edition

challenging inspiring mysterious fast-paced

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

2.0