bettyemanee's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Really interesting read, and I enjoyed the way Alix's character was written to portray the flaws that most white, so-called feminist/progressive women have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
thenageler's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
maregred's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Pregnancy and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
eudaimonia's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
alisonfaith426's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Pregnancy, Classism, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Cursing, Racism, Sexual content, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Drug use
caughtbetweenpages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this book made me furious in the most beautiful way. Not because I thought the book was "bad" by any means--I think it's excellent--but because the characters Reid created were so true to life that it was difficult to stomach a lot of the time. Emira being in a position in her life where she feels adrift and a little aimless, like she's fallen behind her peer group but doesn't have a plan or focus for how to catch up, is Very Real and I think will hit mid-twenties readers directly in the stomach (I know it did for me). I loved the chapters where we followed her closely. She didn't make "perfect" decisions and she had moments where she was petty or angry or just... young, and that was so refreshing. I loved her relationship with her friends and how clearly they all love each other, and her mutual adoration of Briar warmed my cold heart. In stark contrast were the Alix chapters and the Kelley scenes. It was so uncomfortable to watch these two people microagress a woman they both claim to love with White Savior bullshit and turn her into the rope they're playing tug of war with, and ultimately end up hurting her worst in their attempts to get at each other. And they all thought they were the moral victors of this thing! God, it was so good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Misogyny
Moderate: Misogyny and Racial slurs
megfussell's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Vomit
hanngigi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Racial slurs, Stalking, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Vomit
racbuckallew's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
samcanuel's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was thought-provoking. I could not put it down. Reid’s characters are fantastic and really drive the theme of the novel. Emira and Briar really suck you into the story, and Alix is masterfully written as the poster child of white feminism. I would recommend this book to anyone, really, as Reid’s writing is wonderful and insightful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Cursing, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Vomit, Sexual content, and Bullying
Minor: Blood, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Classism, and Colonisation