Reviews with content warning for Vomit - Really Good, Actually

This was a relatively good slice of life, post divorce life. I think the downward spiral was super realistic and it didn't end with a perfect happy ever after, because that wasn't realistic. I do wish her PhD played a bigger role, like it is unrealistic to be like "oh she just goes to work and then comes home and be sad" like work as a PhD is not easy. I also found the pacing/split of the novel not great, like it took so long to get anywhere and then changes started happening super quick in the last hour of the audiobook. Another annoying thing

amy was portrayed as one thing, being a drunk and a hater, but then does a 180 out of the blue and we have no clue as to how or when she made the changes so that was an annoying illogical part

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annaka's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense slow-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

3.0

I really wanted to love this book after hearing good things and loving Schitt’s Creek… but I feel like it was marketed wrong. So many comments about how funny it was! There were a few moments that were amusing and there were moments where I really empathized with the main character and thought the portrayal of her divorce was likely comforting to those that went through similar things… but she’s a disaster (and fairly, bc trauma!) and it feels difficult to watch her spiral farther and farther down. I almost dnf’d at around 70% but decided to push through. It got better so I’m glad I did, but I don’t think if lived up to the hype or my expectations. The last few chapters were the best imo, with some touching moments around good friendships and life… not a regretted read, but not one I’d recommend or reread.

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bethancy's review against another edition

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emotional funny relaxing medium-paced

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

3.5

This book was well written, with some great lines. The main character, for most of the book, is not at all likeable, and i suspect this is intentional, but it made me want to get it over with. The last 70 pages are a bit of a redemption, and overall I did enjoy it. If you want a non-serious self-loathing book about a quarter life crisis, then give it a whirl.

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readingwithkt's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

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dnlrbchd's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

I understand everyone who DNF this book and/or found Maggie intolerable. What won me over was that everything people hated it exactly what made things relatable. Heisey does an uncomfortably good job of articulating what it's like to be in your late 20s, post major relationship breakup and absolutely fucking floundering as a result. It's hard to read because she's writing about the kind of grief and disorientation that's embarrassing and selfish, and rather bad when outside eyes observe it. Not everyone is enlightened and self-aware at 28 and that's okay! It might be everyone's cup or tea to read about but it's okay.

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addie's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective 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

4.0

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lifeonasofa's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Really Good, Actually 👍🏻 Review

“One day and it will surprise you how soon this day will come, but one day you will wake up and feel good. It won’t last long, but then you’ll have another day where you barely remember this abjection, and another, and another, until that’s just your life. But for now, it will be hard. This is the part that’s hard.” - Monica Heisey 💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars

This was like a chaotic podcast or diary, I really recommend the audiobook. It was a great listen on the way to work. Despite having some pretty sad themes, surprisingly, this book made me feel light and happy. It was like I was having a chat with a friend, maybe even myself 🤷🏻‍♀️

Heads up, if divorce is big in your life right now, some of the harder parts might hit close. But personally, as a nearly 30 year old - it’s almost comforting to read about others not having their life together yano? 🙈

There’s really not much plot here, but some decent character development. A good look at relationships, growing up, finding yourself, friendships, careers and hobbies in your late 20s. Also, a big clap for highlighting the importance of therapy 👏🏻

Overall, although I’m finding it hard to think of anything negative to say, it’s not a book I think I’ll remember, it was more a vibe ☺️

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