nerdvanafandomheart's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
alliereneau's review against another edition
4.0
Have had on my shelf forever, finally read it in one day in the car. Good book. Kept my attention and was easy to read.
jjgrl55's review against another edition
5.0
I truly enjoyed this book. I also really like the movie that is based on the novel, and I have seen many reviews claiming the movie is better than the book. I truly feel both are special in their own ways. One of the things the book adds that is missing from the movie is how remarkably honest Donofrio is about herself. The movie paints her character as someone who means well, but is a victim of misfortune. Donofrio doesn't hold back in exploring her selfish, self-destructive tendencies. Many reviews have also claimed this as a reason to pass on the book. Without a doubt, it was my favorite part. Because Donofrio goes to a place that is true and real and fully reflects the experience of a working-class teen mother trying to grow up with a burden she never wanted and struggles to truly love. I also felt like this book really helped me to fully understand my own mother and childhood more. My mother shares little with Donofrio's experience outside of being a very young mother, but in those sentences I felt a flash of recognition.
I am having a hard time really explaining myself, which tells me this book will be one I will be thinking about and pondering for days to come. That 4 stars may just turn in to a 5 star over the next few days. Truly, a thought-provoking, harsh, honest and beautiful book.
I am having a hard time really explaining myself, which tells me this book will be one I will be thinking about and pondering for days to come. That 4 stars may just turn in to a 5 star over the next few days. Truly, a thought-provoking, harsh, honest and beautiful book.
eeriemusick's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
bookerworm's review against another edition
4.0
I finished reading this book today in a few hours. I watched the flick and found it ok. The book is better maybe because it is from Beverly's point of view. If it was from her son's point of view, she would look like a real bitch.
The book captures her tale quite well. My biggest grouse with the movie was that it didn't cover 'how' she became a writer while the book does, even though briefly. Also, the book gives closure to her relationship with her parents and her son.
There are times when she whines too much, she is selfish, self centred, ignores her son etc. But then again, so are we all. It is human nature. And that is what I like about the book. It does not gloss over the negatives. Not that she is brutally honest since she does defend herself. But it's honest enough for me.
I liked it.
The book captures her tale quite well. My biggest grouse with the movie was that it didn't cover 'how' she became a writer while the book does, even though briefly. Also, the book gives closure to her relationship with her parents and her son.
There are times when she whines too much, she is selfish, self centred, ignores her son etc. But then again, so are we all. It is human nature. And that is what I like about the book. It does not gloss over the negatives. Not that she is brutally honest since she does defend herself. But it's honest enough for me.
I liked it.
ambyrvi's review against another edition
4.0
I will love this book for the rest of my life. Beverly Donofrio is a badass. She has no problem telling you every part of her life, even things most people wouldn't admit if their lives depended on it. I give her props though, she made a lot of money admitting what a terrible mother she was.
elfrootpotion's review against another edition
1.0
this was so boring, oh my god. I really probably should’ve dnf’ed but I was already more than halfway done by the time I was over it, so I figured, whatever. I got nothing out of this, and the movie will always be better.
metalstorm413's review against another edition
3.0
One of the very few times that I prefer the movie - the book is written with much less emotion than the movie. I was left wanting more details and a deeper insight into their story.
illbefinealone's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a wild ride (pun intended). I enjoyed it a bunch.
imyerhero's review against another edition
3.0
I had no idea this book was the basis for the Drew Barrymore movie. Unfortunately, it’s one of the rare cases where I liked the movie better than the book. The movie brought you from Beverly’s pregnancy to her maturity in a smoother manner than the book did. Not to say I didn’t enjoy this book – quite the contrary. I gobbled it up. I just couldn’t believe some of the things Bev did, especially with a kid. It was kind of sad because she didn’t have a clue how to raise her son, but at the same time hilarious since you knew she didn’t want to admit she needed to grow up herself. And I was very shocked with her openness about drug use. With all the anti-drug campaigns they have nowadays, I suppose I’m just a greenhorn. The amount of drugs you can do without being permanently brain deficient is astounding. Or maybe Bev just got lucky…