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laurencoyle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jemimamcleish's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this is the most beautifully heartbreaking depiction of growing up queer that i've ever read
i don't think i'll ever be the same again after reading this. i'm gonna need a minute
i don't think i'll ever be the same again after reading this. i'm gonna need a minute
saoixse's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.75
ari13's review
5.0
I have loved every single page in this book and it will always have a place in my heart. I just think it's so special and so cute how lucy express her feelings and her thoughts, and to see the progess of how she falls deeply in love, like if it was her diary. As a queer girl I think that it shows really well how it feels to be in love with another girl , it felt like a huge hug to my heart
redough_'s review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sofresh's review
4.0
4.5.
This book doesn't shy away from the messiness of growing up. Lucy is a very complicated protagonist - she's not a good person, but she's human, she doesn't deal well with the changes brought on by the transition from adolescence to adulthood, but every action she is takes is sympathetic and realistic.
Lucy's experiences with social expectations act as a fetter on her ability to be authentic to herself and Susannah. It was an interesting depiction of the intensity of female friendship circles in high school, it feels like it will last forever but when it ends and people move on, it feels like a breakup. Additionally, Lucy's complex relationship with her mother was also an engaging conversation. Accepting her queerness comes at the cost of all her other relationships.
The writing was very lyrical and Lucy had a very clear voice, even if the plot was a bit meandering. I did think some of it was a bit repetitive - yes, we understand Lucy is obsessed with Susannah, it didn't need repeating even so late into the novel. Still, it felt like the dramatic internal thoughts of a teenager and was complusive to read.
This book doesn't shy away from the messiness of growing up. Lucy is a very complicated protagonist - she's not a good person, but she's human, she doesn't deal well with the changes brought on by the transition from adolescence to adulthood, but every action she is takes is sympathetic and realistic.
Lucy's experiences with social expectations act as a fetter on her ability to be authentic to herself and Susannah. It was an interesting depiction of the intensity of female friendship circles in high school, it feels like it will last forever but when it ends and people move on, it feels like a breakup. Additionally, Lucy's complex relationship with her mother was also an engaging conversation. Accepting her queerness comes at the cost of all her other relationships.
The writing was very lyrical and Lucy had a very clear voice, even if the plot was a bit meandering. I did think some of it was a bit repetitive - yes, we understand Lucy is obsessed with Susannah, it didn't need repeating even so late into the novel. Still, it felt like the dramatic internal thoughts of a teenager and was complusive to read.
mariaalice's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
this is what it actually feels like, being in a lesbian relationship. i thought it was always going to remain a secret, but now its down on paper, and im so happy that this book exists. i hope it finds the people it needs to find.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
savgrav's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
3.75
ktamen's review
4.0
Excellent & well-written, I didn't realize this is the author's debut, which makes it even more impressive.
danae111's review
5.0
heart wrenching. i can’t say that i’ve fully lived the life of lucy, but i know enough of where shes coming from to feel the aches. it’s almost frustrating. u see a character like her and think “but it’s so simple! just go where you know your heart is!” but she just can’t do it. you sit and think why when it’s so obvious the right answer. but when the right answer is wrong to everyone you know and love in life u wonder if it is all your fault. if it is just something you should get over. being gay in a small town, knowing there is more out there for you but being too attached to where you are to create any change. it’s almost silly. it’s a hard thing to think about really. but all in all this author did incredible putting the reader in the mind of lucy. i felt anxious with her and giddy as she did thru the whole thing. that’s what makes this book so good. sometimes i wonder if anyone who felt the same as her mother would read about book like this would it change any parts of them? would they see the beauty and inner turmoil that writhes thru the mind of someone who just wants to be loved for who they are.