minibean24's review
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.25
This book had the perfect mix of plot, prose, and character development. Truly a great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
meganlilyflower's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I’m not dealing with star rating right now as I digest this read but it was a lot and I think I’d recommend it. As someone who works in childcare, Emira’s feelings about Briar being wrapped up in how much she feels she can or can’t leave her job are really well done and I almost cried getting caught up in times I’ve had similar thoughts and feelings.
I think the point is for these characters to be a little off especially Alix who sooo needs to get her life together but thinks she has it already. Lots of interesting commentary and examples of privilege even when you don’t take Emira into account (things like how Alix remembers parts of her life and that last Alix POV chapter which AH made me SO angry).
The book was engaging and the writing style I found very easy to get through and that really worked for such heavy content and social commentary. If the language had been flowery or felt more crafted I don’t think the book’s tone and message would have been conveyed as well.
As I so often say, if you read the blurb and you are interested—pick this book up!
I think the point is for these characters to be a little off especially Alix who sooo needs to get her life together but thinks she has it already. Lots of interesting commentary and examples of privilege even when you don’t take Emira into account (things like how Alix remembers parts of her life and that last Alix POV chapter which AH made me SO angry).
The book was engaging and the writing style I found very easy to get through and that really worked for such heavy content and social commentary. If the language had been flowery or felt more crafted I don’t think the book’s tone and message would have been conveyed as well.
As I so often say, if you read the blurb and you are interested—pick this book up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Child abuse
queenfury's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The middle third meanders a bit, but for the most part this book is strong. I love Emira and her relationship with Briar. Her mid-twenties "all of my friends are leaving me behind in terms of their accomplishments versus mine" anxieties were very well done and relatable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual content and Vomit
leio_vaasi_read's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A relevent and relatable novel filled with the social expectations and emotional anxieties of being a millennial. Going into the book, I knew performative allyship would be a main focus, but I didn't expect the deep connection between Emira and Briar. I enjoyed the dialogue in the book and the stark contrast between Emira and Alix's groups of friends. There were some stylistic choices in writing that I felt halted the flow of the novel, but not enough to prevent me from finishing the book in 24 hours.
Spoiler
The ending was upsetting but completely realistic. I felt myself wishing that there was an alternate ending where Alix would have been caught for the child abuse of leaving her baby home alone, and Emira would get custody of Briar.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Spoiler
There is mention of child neglect and abuse. Alix forgets her child in the nursery and leaves the house. In addition, she neglects Briar throughout the novel.
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