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Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
24 reviews
mrsherrera's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
kirstencholewa's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Blood, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent
lindsayvale's review
- 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: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
alaynacp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
macykey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
booksndboba's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Blood, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“An imperfect book - yet perfect for
me.” That was my original response to a book that I’ve consistently loved since I first picked it up in high school. On my most recent reread, I rated it 4.75 stars; I loved Josh and Hazel, and I related to them both. The friends-to-lovers trope as portrayed in Josh and Hazels Guide to Not Dating is truly comforting to read. However, the seeming lack of cultural awareness throughout the book turns what would be a paradise into an unsafe space.
First, the upsetting and frankly unnecessary use of a homophobic slur strikes me more painfully on each reread, especially as it is inscribed in a book and in a circumstance where the use of a slur would not resist the oppression of queer people, does not represent reclamation (though to some the usage of the word may still be upsetting in this context), and does not appear to be thoughtfully done due to the lack of trigger warning.
Second, the repeated inability of the heroine, a white American woman, to correctly pronounce (or to even learn to correctly pronounce?!) the name of the love interest, a Korean-American man, is unbelievably frustrating. It is not just that someone who loves another person would take the time to learn how to say their name (which is true). It is that everyone ought to learn to say others’ names correctly. It is basic decency to learn how to say someone’s name. Not doing so contributes to oppressive systems (particularly racism and transphobia in the United States). It is also quite simply very unkind; when someone messes up your name, does not apologize, and does not work to learn, it seems that they do not care enough to see a huge part of your identity and of who you are. Josh deserves better.
Despite having so much potential and great writing, this novel is bogged down by insensitivity that could have been easily rectified.
Updated 01.02.2024.
Graphic: Sexual assault and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
marisabenn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely devoured this book. I liked Unhoneymooners, but I ADORE this one!!
Josh and Hazel are both perfect. Both as standalones and together. I honestly laughed out loud reading this more than I have with any other book. It is truly a rom-com.
I can't wait to read this one again and again and again 💕
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
tuliptohru's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent
saraavowlerr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Addiction, Infidelity, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol