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emmaroseklem's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
bellwetherdays's review against another edition
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
jaimeturek1981's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
svnn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
3.5
A novel that goes over almost every woe the modern woman faces. Great read.
mdarceyhall's review against another edition
4.0
This is an enjoyable, fast read on the unfortunately-forever-relevant subject matter of sex and power and women in subordinate positions to men, attempting to build a successful career while navigating gender dynamics. This is very #MeToo and was clearly influenced by the Fox News and Harvey Weinstein sexual assault and harassment scandals. Kaplan writes well, and the protagonist (who somehow goes unnamed the whole 258 pages) is relatable. Maybe too relatable, at times, which is a good and a bad thing. While some will hate the very ambiguous ending, I liked the open interpretation of it, though I do think it works better with short stories where the stakes are lower.
Some parts felt a bit rushed in development, and I think another 40 pages would have benefited the overall plot. Additionally, as good as the conversations about sex, power, and gender are, Kaplan is a little heavy handed and too on the nose. Some of the events and conversations could have been more nuanced, but I don't think it detracts from the finished work. If anything, she makes up for it by reflecting on some of the more complicated discussions about modern day feminism. Should we use our beauty or sexual power to rise the ranks if it's the only way to "even" the playing field? Is it wrong to like the attention of men, if it gives you a confidence boost?
Overall, I appreciated Kaplan's ability to create what could have been a pretty standard storyline of a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood only to experience firsthand the trash of men (and even women) in power into an interesting conversation about consent, sexual politics, beauty, and how we attempt to survive it all.
Some parts felt a bit rushed in development, and I think another 40 pages would have benefited the overall plot. Additionally, as good as the conversations about sex, power, and gender are, Kaplan is a little heavy handed and too on the nose. Some of the events and conversations could have been more nuanced, but I don't think it detracts from the finished work. If anything, she makes up for it by reflecting on some of the more complicated discussions about modern day feminism. Should we use our beauty or sexual power to rise the ranks if it's the only way to "even" the playing field? Is it wrong to like the attention of men, if it gives you a confidence boost?
Overall, I appreciated Kaplan's ability to create what could have been a pretty standard storyline of a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood only to experience firsthand the trash of men (and even women) in power into an interesting conversation about consent, sexual politics, beauty, and how we attempt to survive it all.
madisonrs's review against another edition
3.0
Devastatingly relatable, like almost triggering. The author deeply understands what it’s like to be a young female in this day and age. Started out slow and became more and more gripping as the story progressed
snehajmandal's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
laurapoulosky's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This is a realistic-feeling indictment of sexual harassment in the workplace, from the perspective of an ambitious young woman who's trying to figure out how to navigate dicey issues effectively and ethically
baileygerhart's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0