hannahbrostrom's review against another edition
3.0
This book was weird, in that I don't really know how to feel or what to think.
The characters and their developments were written well, and I knew this would be the case from the very beginning. It was also a very raw, honest book, and I felt that the commentary in the narrative is really what this book has going for it. The book brings up things I do not often see talked about in modern literature, and it was developed enough to keep you thinking but brief enough to be tastefully concise.
A lot of it did, however, feel convoluted, especially towards the start. It introduced too many characters and situations far too quickly. This eventually balanced out of course, but it almost turned me off from continuing. Some characters also felt purposeless and unrealistic when they were introduced. Further, the ending came too quickly and completely turned the pacing upside down.
This has become one of my favorite books, almost solely because of the characters and narrative, and the way that it personally resonated with me. But I recognize that objectively, it's nothing special.
The characters and their developments were written well, and I knew this would be the case from the very beginning. It was also a very raw, honest book, and I felt that the commentary in the narrative is really what this book has going for it. The book brings up things I do not often see talked about in modern literature, and it was developed enough to keep you thinking but brief enough to be tastefully concise.
A lot of it did, however, feel convoluted, especially towards the start. It introduced too many characters and situations far too quickly. This eventually balanced out of course, but it almost turned me off from continuing. Some characters also felt purposeless and unrealistic when they were introduced. Further, the ending came too quickly and completely turned the pacing upside down.
This has become one of my favorite books, almost solely because of the characters and narrative, and the way that it personally resonated with me. But I recognize that objectively, it's nothing special.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
As with many of the other reviews, I'm really not sure how to feel about this book. In many ways, it was fantastic. The writing was incredibly beautiful at points, and I really liked all three of the main characters. It was a really good look at the idea of womanhood!
However, I also had lots of issues with it too... the prose could be a bit pointless at times, and it seemed to wander a lot, I had a hard time keeping track. The flicking between the characters didn't help, as they all had very similar voices. I felt that there were some massive moments that were really underplayed and accepted, such as Magda's mum having left her kids to their abusive dad (I totally understand that she needed to get out, but she did just leave her two children in an incredibly unsafe environment!) and. Also, so many characters and I just got a bit lost.
I don't know. I just don't know.
However, I also had lots of issues with it too... the prose could be a bit pointless at times, and it seemed to wander a lot, I had a hard time keeping track. The flicking between the characters didn't help, as they all had very similar voices. I felt that there were some massive moments that were really underplayed and accepted, such as Magda's mum having left her kids to their abusive dad (I totally understand that she needed to get out, but she did just leave her two children in an incredibly unsafe environment!) and
Spoiler
when Isabel basically kind of r*ped Ruth but apparently it was okay?? Wtf??I don't know. I just don't know.
potatocouch13's review against another edition
2.0
DNF
this was such a painful read because it was so hard to follow the story and care about the characters. I've honestly read too many books about people in small towns feeling trapped and thinking that they're above everyone else.
All 3 of the MCs seemed flat and I just couldn't tell them apart
this was such a painful read because it was so hard to follow the story and care about the characters. I've honestly read too many books about people in small towns feeling trapped and thinking that they're above everyone else.
All 3 of the MCs seemed flat and I just couldn't tell them apart
herlifewithbooks's review against another edition
75% unrealistic dialogue, 25% three girls trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of stolen weed.
amandajune97's review against another edition
I am dnfing this book bc oh boy do i hate the writing style. It’s also a YA novel and I don’t think YA is for me anymore. The writing is very much quirky and trying to be edgy and I’m just not vibing with it.
lpcoolgirl's review
4.0
This was a good book, but it really wasn't for me, it's literary, and I don't do well with that. But a good story about these girls and their lives!
chukg's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, a little wandering. Some girl friends in the 70s acting out in a small-ish town.
zoiejanelle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
3.0
this book is another examination of girlhood and womanhood. anyone expecting any plot should steer clear. the characters’ minds were too old for their bodies (but maybe that was part of the commentary) and the ending was depressing as hell. there were a few redeeming moments, and overall i liked the read and i liked analyzing the different characters (who all ended up playing caricatures of the different roles we assign to women in society) but i wouldn’t recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Drug use, Sexual violence, War, Death, Drug abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, and Sexual content
brittradomski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0