The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
americattt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
āWhat would it be like, I wondered, to be seen through such adoring eyes, that they would not only capture you in a painting, but rearrange you to further exhibit who you were? I stroked the rounded ankle of where my neck met my shoulder like it was the hand of a lover and thought about being put inside a Rubikās cube of someoneās gaze. I couldnāt imagine ever being studied or known like that.ā Ā
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Dementia, and Toxic relationship
laura_alsop's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Toxic relationship
leanneymu's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
While I enjoyed reading this book (the audiobook was very well read and recorded) I don't think it will stay with me - it was an engaging read, but there's not enough there for a re-read.Ā
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
5.0
this book came to me at perfect time in my life. dolly alderton writes some of the some realistic characters iāve ever read. her characters are flawed and just so human. the themes of ghosts and self contentment are so well done. i love how the story actually revolves around the main character, rather than the main character AND the love interest. it involved the main characters whole life, her romantic relationships, friendships, family, and even her relationship with herself. i just adored this book and will read anything dolly alderton writes till the end of time <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Dementia, Gaslighting, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Cursing
agirlnamedellie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A heartbreaking and honest reflection of family, relationships and friendships. Despite the sad moments there were some also hilarious one liners. The romance wasn't embellished like some romance novels, which I thought was really refreshing. Also loved the character of Lola and reading about the surrey group of 'mummies' was so so funny. I really felt like I grew alongside the main character on her journey throughout the novel and the relationship with her father I found really heartwarming. Really enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, and Dementia
liviamello's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Toxic relationship
sophiepearson's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I didnāt like this book. The main character is really conceited and selfish. She has no empathy for any of her friends or family considering what they are going through and seems very bitter about being single. She is scathing of the people in her life who are in relationships, yet seems to crave exactly that - a fairytale prince to sweep her off her feet. She doesnāt really develop as a character throughout the book or come to any realisation that perhaps she needs to reevaluate her treatment of others and maybe go to therapy.Ā
Some parts were trying to be a decent exploration of how relationships of all kinds evolve and change as life goes on, and some of the challenges around accepting that - but overall Nina was just so unlikeable that Iām surprised I was even able to finish the book!Ā
There was also some mild transphobia - the characters perceived silliness of cis people putting pronouns in their bios etc - author should probably know that itās acceptable and in part done to normalise people having different pronouns! Ugh!
Some parts were trying to be a decent exploration of how relationships of all kinds evolve and change as life goes on, and some of the challenges around accepting that - but overall Nina was just so unlikeable that Iām surprised I was even able to finish the book!Ā
There was also some mild transphobia - the characters perceived silliness of cis people putting pronouns in their bios etc - author should probably know that itās acceptable and in part done to normalise people having different pronouns! Ugh!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Dementia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Transphobia
maanbloem's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, the second half made this one of my new favourite books ever, which I didn't expect. The book follows 32 year old Nina trying to navigate her life as a single woman while almost all her friends are married with children (or getting there), getting ghosted by this POS and her parents - mother in a midlife crisis, father suffering from dementia and luckily, an actual feminist message. I didn't expect to love this book so much but it made me cry and feel somewhat hopeful at the same time. Dolly Alderton's writing is beautiful and considering this is her debut novel, I am looking forward to many more of her stunning proserve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Toxic relationship
thatswhatmegread's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this gem, yāall. It was so relatable and witty. On the surface, this book is about our FMC, Nina, navigating life as newly-single and the stresses that come with modern dating. I thought this was so much more though.Ā
It managed to discuss serious topics like strained familial relationships, Alzheimerās, motherhood, life, and love, while also having lots of LOL moments. Absolutely loved Ninaās friendships (especially the one with Lola). They felt reverent and really special.
Overall this was a nice surprise, I thought it was so fucking smart, and I absolutely loved readingĀ
It managed to discuss serious topics like strained familial relationships, Alzheimerās, motherhood, life, and love, while also having lots of LOL moments. Absolutely loved Ninaās friendships (especially the one with Lola). They felt reverent and really special.
Overall this was a nice surprise, I thought it was so fucking smart, and I absolutely loved readingĀ
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
laurataylor's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Dementia, Medical content, Cursing, Drug use, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content