beth_s98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Spoiler
Through them discussing the last days of Beck and her funeral and the feelings immediately after her death, I was reliving my own grief after losing someone to cancer, which was hard. I felt like the book handled it in a good way though. I’m still not sure which of the summer boys I think is a good fit for Belly, but Jenny Han definitely knows how to write a trilogy that keeps you coming back for more.Graphic: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse
madanxiety's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
Spoiler
And when Taylor calls her out on it, she just continues to see herself as the victim. She acts like Conrad broke up with her at prom, but he didn't even - he was just depressed. And like yeah, anyone deserves to have their lover show up for them and proclaim their love, but she just put words in his mouth and self-sabotaged, then did it again and again. Ugh! And idk, I don't like the whole thing with Jeremiah either, because how can he ever feel like more than second best? I just feel like that dynamic is bound to fail. She was right when she said taking his hand was the most good thing she's done in a while (paraphrasing, idr), but like is that enough of a reason to be with him? I don't trust her for Jeremiah, and I don't trust Conrad with her. I did in the last book, but Belly's right that actions speak louder than words. What's crazy is that he ought to be MORE selfish. Like just take what you want, man! Or try to, anyway. All these petty jealousy games between the three of them is so exhausting.I have mixed feelings now re: my previous review's claim that the show adaptation is better. At least partly, I stand by that claim. In the show, we get to see more perspectives - Laurel, Steven, Conrad - which makes these characters fuller. Whereas, the books (so far) are limited to Belly's POV, with some sprinklings of Jeremiah. I also like that the show makes the characters more diverse - I have a hunch that the author would've made it so in the books were it not for publishers, who tend to perceive diversity as less profitable.
On the other hand, bringing that fullness to the characters simple means there's a LOT going on. I remember my initial reaction to the show was that it was sooo messy. Which, ofc, people live for drama, but I appreciate the slower and more focused pace of the novels.
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Alcohol, and Child abuse
thebookpaiges's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use
Minor: Child abuse
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Cancer
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse and Cursing
gissellellamas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Cultural appropriation
This book definitely touches on grief and loss, so beware going into itmichelleub's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
lalaslibrary's review against another edition
2.75
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, and Death of parent
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have basically the same issues with this one that I had with the first:
- Belly is one of the most irritating, self-centered, whiny little brats I've ever read
- Conrad is an a$$hole and doesn't deserve the time of day, let alone all of Belly's love
- Jeremiah is actually the best character and deserves WAY better than Belly... and everyone else in his life
- I'm too old for these books
I truly don't have much else to say except that I'm simultaneously glad and sad I didn't read these at 15. I would've loved them, but they also would've done me zero favors during my growing years.
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
hollymileham's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taylor is so annoying. SHUT UP
and conrad youre a little dick sometimes but im still on your side
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Child abuse