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reading_under_covers's review against another edition
4.0
The found family aspect was one of the strongest I’ve seen.
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Transphobia, and Murder
catalyst226's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Incest and Rape
sweeettea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Trafficking, Religious bigotry, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
annanas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Other than that I'm glad I finished the book. I fell in love with many of the characters who in a world where they are left out and marginlized, they found each other and created their own chosen family. I felt very isnpired by the main character who against all odds were the most genuine and caring person towards her friends, and it was very beautiful how they wanted to honor her memory. There is something very healing about stories about people who don't fit into the norm, but they form genuine connections with each other, without judgement, and instead they just enjoy each others company.
What I also enjoyed about the book was that it discusses cultural differences and attitudes when it comes to family, relationships and death. And it was also interesting to learn about Turkey, and Istanbul when it comes to their food, their clothes and other cultural expressions. I met up with my book club at a Turkish restaurant where we tried food inspired from the book. We had many interesting discussions as well as many different opnions, so overall I'm very grateful for being able to have that experience.
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Ableism, Transphobia, and Abandonment
cyden's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Deadnaming, Hate crime, Incest, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Self harm, Trafficking, and Grief
Minor: Police brutality and Pregnancy
robyn1998's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was so divided between the first and second half that it almost felt like two different books by two different writers. I loved the first half and would have given it 5 stars - it was so subtle, beautifully written, heartbreaking, nuanced and interesting. Then the second half dramatically switched in tone and became like a slapstick comedy with all Leila's friends behaving very stupidly and unrealistically. I got the sense that she was trying hard to be funny but it just came across as awkward and strange as the subject matter was not funny in the least. I would've loved to know what inspired Elif Shafak to have written the book in this way?
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Murder
daisyfont's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Incest, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
mariannelwnicholson's review against another edition
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Murder
uhhjeepers's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This could be recency bias, but this might be the best book I’ve ever read for school. It was an extremely difficult read at points, but I feel so rewarded by the experience regardless.
Leila and her friends are characters that I truly believe will stick with me forever. This book is filled with difficult topics, but it is also filled with so much heart. Love and friendship seep out of this book.
I’m left with an overwhelming feeling of appreciation for the people in my life. Nobody is companionless, and this book forces you to know that, even when you’re at your loneliest.
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Hate crime, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, Trafficking, and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Pregnancy
mariaminthebooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Transphobia, Violence, Grief, and Abandonment