megelizabeth's review
2.0
I really wasn't a fan of this book. Mostly because of the way it romanticises and glosses over one definite and another likely grooming situation, which there's just no excuse for. I also didn't connect at all with the protagonist, Emi, and found her and the story generally super pretentious and annoying, particularly with regard to how unbelievable her and her best friend's jobs are (though maybe I just can't grasp that level of privilege). For me, the saving grace was Ava; I really liked her character, and I did come to enjoy the development of her relationship with Emi, despite not really loving Emi herself, and I enjoyed Jamal's character also. Ultimately pretty disappointed by this one then, which is the shame as it would've been so easy to keep the foundation of the story and explore the same themes without resorting to okaying grooming (and giving the characters ridiculous jobs).
Moderate: Drug abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
bi_n_large's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Homophobia, Grief, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Minor: Racism and Sexual content
puttingwingsonwords's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity
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