Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

28 reviews

taylynnmazz's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad fast-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? Yes

4.0

I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first! The grief Belly and the rest of the characters go through throughout the book is realistic and reminded me of my own experiences dealing with loss. 

I still feel like Belly is still a bit of an unlike-ably/likable character and that Taylor is not a great friend (although I’d like to see a chapter or short story or novella (something!) in her POV). 

I really liked the dual POV and getting to see some of the story through Jeremiah’s eyes. Overall, I enjoyed the read and I was hooked from the beginning. Onto the last one! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer and Grief

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship

Minor: Sexism

theespressoedition's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Here I was, hoping that this sequel would be maybe just a little bit better than the first? But BIG OOF, it was not.

I have basically the same issues with this one that I had with the first:
- Belly is one of the most irritating, self-centered, whiny little brats I've ever read
- Conrad is an a$$hole and doesn't deserve the time of day, let alone all of Belly's love
- Jeremiah is actually the best character and deserves WAY better than Belly... and everyone else in his life
- I'm too old for these books

I truly don't have much else to say except that I'm simultaneously glad and sad I didn't read these at 15. I would've loved them, but they also would've done me zero favors during my growing years.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent

kenzieb8's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, and Death of parent

Minor: Toxic friendship

leahrosiee's review against another edition

challenging emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

Minor: Violence and Gaslighting

isabellarob73's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful relaxing tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a rom com by any means. It’s a drama. High drama, I’d say. But I feel like it’s fun if you don’t take it so seriously. There are certainly some really emotional moments that made me teary eyed, admits all the chaos and dramatics. I like how the characters are all a bit bad and a bit good. They’re all complicated and I love that. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

thereaderfriend's review against another edition

emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Much better character development in this one. Way sadder too. Dealt with a lot of grief. Is it me or does Laurel seem queer? Maybe not lesbian or bi, but maybe Aro or Demi? I'm probably reaching. I felt that there was more than a friendship/sisterhood bond between Laurel and Susannah. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer and Death of parent

Moderate: Grief and Alcohol

Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

readingwithgeeg's review against another edition

4.5

ok this was much sadder than the first like why...just wanted a happy summer book lol.
I appreciate the progression and character development following the events of the first book.
also Laurel really popped off and I am so happy for Belly and her mother's relationship to grow.

I love Jeremiah but I am still a Conrad girl. Conrad is literally "i hate everyone but you". Poor Steven this book lol I actually loved how much Jeremiah acted this book. He really felt more mature and grown especially considering what he had to endure. Conrad was dealing with his own problems and inner pain he remained to keep the mentality of being an older brother.

Slurpee vs Hot Cocoa --- I'm more of a slurpee gal but these scenes were everything

The infinity necklace 🥺😭😭

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol

Minor: Cancer and Toxic friendship

strayedthoughts's review against another edition

adventurous emotional 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol