cindeeduong's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Moderate: Grief and Vomit
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
jaymeelhurst13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
clavishorti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
The narrative, a delightful rom-com, follows the classic formula of a fake dating aimed at winning over a crush. What sets it apart is the seamless integration of references to beloved rom-com films and songs, enriching the story's texture.Now, let's talk about Liz. Oh, Liz! She's a character I found myself vehemently disliking. Perhaps that was the author's intention, for it worked like a charm on me. I couldn't condone her actions—the manipulation of her friend and the exploitation of
One thing that truly stood out to me was the way the book tackled themes of friendship, family, love, and self-discovery. It wasn't just about the romance, but also about the bonds that form between the characters. The complexities of human relationships were explored with a deft touch, leaving me reflecting on my own connections long after I turned the final page.
Ultimately, Better Than the Movies proved to be a journey I'm truly thankful for. Though I had my reservations about certain characters, the overall narrative was crafted with a commendable touch of skill and care. This is a book I'll wholeheartedly endorse to fellow rom-com enthusiasts.
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, Grief, and Vomit
kashiish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“but news flash: you’re not a character in a movie. you can wear jeans sometimes and straighten your hair if you feel like it and curse like a sailor and honestly do whatever you want, and she’d still think you’re amazing because you are. i guarantee she would’ve found you charming as fuck when you were smoking a swisher in the secret area— i know i did. ”
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Bullying, Death of parent, and Car accident
thebookwhale's review against another edition
2.5
I just really hate Liz so much and I don't even know why. I think she's so annoying, it's unbearable. Second hand embarrassment whenever she's talking.
In general, this book promised a lot of things it didn't give. For example, the fake dating? What was that? Or better, where? They didn't fake date for a single second, Wes just brought Liz to some events of the group. They had a fake friendship, ok, but please don't market it as a book with the fake dating trope.
I also felt like I never really got to know the characters. For example, Jocelyn? She's supposed to be Liz' best friend, but what do we know about her? Nothing.
Liz states that she knows Wes a lot better than anyone else, then TELL US? Who is he? Aside from that witty mean guy that tries to steal her parking spot? Ah, he plays baseball, right.
Still, Wes is one of the better characters in this book. Feels weird to me how Liz couldn't have noticed what a great guy he actually is.
Also, her hate for Laney? Seems unreasonable. Yeah, she was mean to you in pre school, but if you always watched her, how did you not notice her change, Liz? She was never actively mean to you in the present. Whatever. I expected more.
Barely 2.5/5
Graphic: Car accident, Death of parent, and Grief
cdoubet's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Vomit, Cursing, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcohol and Car accident
Minor: Bullying
olivia_sz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
ilaronicly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Car accident and Vomit
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
racheldonna14's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident
gcoulsxn'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Vomit, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident