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thestorydoer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25
I have never been so entranced by two characters.
This book revolves around 2 characters for most of it, and the side characters, true to their name for once, are cast to the side as less important. This is usually a flaw which I'd criticise if it weren't for the fact the dialogue and prose between these characters was so intensely electric. Every bit of them talking was entrancing, addicting, and emotional all in one. This is because the two characters are each intensely interesting with their unique ways of thinking.
Of course, this book is comments on romantic relationships with mental disorders/health issues. It does it extremely well. But I also find that it favors Regan's over Aldo's which makes sense as the author draws from Regan with her own bipolar disorder, but I think the book would've benefitted from treating them in equilibrium.
The author is also extremely creative in her prose. The book usually benefits from this. But there are a few times where the prose feels needlessly creative, adding flair to descriptions which simply didn't need it. However, the prose is also most of what makes this book such a beautiful and heart wrenching read.
I also think that the pacing also has a few issues as well, as the stages of their relationship go by at quite the accelerated pace which may be intentional, but I also think it could've been handled better.
Overall, a creative, imaginative read with two extremely interesting characters whose synergy is impossible to ignore. 4.25/5
This book revolves around 2 characters for most of it, and the side characters, true to their name for once, are cast to the side as less important. This is usually a flaw which I'd criticise if it weren't for the fact the dialogue and prose between these characters was so intensely electric. Every bit of them talking was entrancing, addicting, and emotional all in one. This is because the two characters are each intensely interesting with their unique ways of thinking.
Of course, this book is comments on romantic relationships with mental disorders/health issues. It does it extremely well. But I also find that it favors Regan's over Aldo's which makes sense as the author draws from Regan with her own bipolar disorder, but I think the book would've benefitted from treating them in equilibrium.
The author is also extremely creative in her prose. The book usually benefits from this. But there are a few times where the prose feels needlessly creative, adding flair to descriptions which simply didn't need it. However, the prose is also most of what makes this book such a beautiful and heart wrenching read.
I also think that the pacing also has a few issues as well, as the stages of their relationship go by at quite the accelerated pace which may be intentional, but I also think it could've been handled better.
Overall, a creative, imaginative read with two extremely interesting characters whose synergy is impossible to ignore. 4.25/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment
krisalexcole's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Don't stop taking your meds, kids.
So the first half of this book is beautiful. Two fucked up and healing people stumbling into one another by chance and starting up a relationship. Five stars for the first half. I was considering buying a copy I was so into it.
But then, the second half... It seemed to romanticise going off of your psychiatric medication for "art" and "love."
I know this is a work of fiction and shouldn't be viewed as like a how-to guide for life or whatever, but I still found it to be problematic.
If I had read this like 10+ years ago when I was still in intensive therapy, I probably would've adored it. But I'm in a good place mentally now, so... yeah. 🤷🏼♀️
So the first half of this book is beautiful. Two fucked up and healing people stumbling into one another by chance and starting up a relationship. Five stars for the first half. I was considering buying a copy I was so into it.
But then, the second half... It seemed to romanticise going off of your psychiatric medication for "art" and "love."
I know this is a work of fiction and shouldn't be viewed as like a how-to guide for life or whatever, but I still found it to be problematic.
If I had read this like 10+ years ago when I was still in intensive therapy, I probably would've adored it. But I'm in a good place mentally now, so... yeah. 🤷🏼♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Toxic relationship
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Alcohol
adeliab's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Toxic relationship
Minor: Addiction and Violence