Reviews

Ramona Drowning by Julie Murphy

cbryant2209's review against another edition

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5.0

I devoured this book, absolutely adored it while doing it as well. This story is honest, gut wrenching, and purely fantastic. I didn’t want this to end, but at the same time wanted the characters to move on and live their not so beautiful lives.

lisamparkin's review against another edition

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Putting this down for now. It has such great potential, but I struggled to connect to the characters and slow-to-start pacing

megatsunami's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book and I felt its length allowed for more depth of characterization. I liked the characters and the dilemmas they faced around family, obligation, and relationship.

I understand the backlash against the original description and the idea that men can "convert" lesbians. That said, that's absolutely not the concept of the book. It's about the fact that identity and desire can be complex and fluid. There are quite a lot of bi people who started out identifying as gay. Also, the romantic relationship is only one piece of the book.

yvo_about_books's review against another edition

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4.0

 Finished reading: December 21st 2023


"It's sad that sometimes we let ourselves believe that if it's not bad, it must be good."

I confess I was a bit hesitant to pick up Ramona Blue, because my first experience with this author years ago wasn't exactly a positive one. Add the fact that I hardly read YA anymore in the first place, and it's pretty obvious I mainly picked it up because I needed a book set in Mississippi. I have to say that Ramona Blue pleasantly surprised me though! It ended up being a more than solid read, and I get why so many people enjoyed it. The message behind this story is so important, as it shows that sexuality is fluid and that it is okay to explore and discover new sides of yourself. While the main character Ramona could get a bit frustrating in points, and I wasn't a fan of how she treated Freddie, I could really appreciate her journey. The writing style made it really easy to keep turning those pages, and I could likewise appreciate how this story isn't just about the romance, but also about family and self growth. I could have done without the love triangle vibe, but as a whole Ramona Blue turned out to be a very successful second chance indeed. It's made me wonder if I should try more of her work! 

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aanhetlezen's review against another edition

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4.0

Heerlijke contemporary met zo veel verschillende unieke onderwerpen en ook lekker veel diversiteit dat niet geforceerd over komt.

Ramona en ik kunnen niet meer verschillen als persoon maar dat vind ik juist wel verfrissend, ze is een karakter dat je niet in ieder boek tegenkomt.

alyssa_olaf's review against another edition

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4.0

This book has such a special place in my heart now :’) I loved diving into Ramona Blue’s world — from her hometown of Eulogy, Mississippi, to exploring her sexuality, and to her beloved friends and family. I also enjoyed that this had such a unique pathway of queerness in Ramona’s life. Julie Murphy’s writing really pulled me into this alcove of the South and articulated the confusion and journey of navigating sexuality.

singerchick1569's review against another edition

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5.0

I found this to be a quick read. I think it could be easy to relate to for a wide variety of people and it is just....charming.

Read my full review here: http://eightfulllives.com/index.php/2018/02/18/review-ramona-blue-by-julie-murphy/

ingridboring's review against another edition

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5.0

Would love a follow up focusing on Ruthie

alicja_p's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

julianav's review against another edition

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5.0

Surprised

Pleasantly surprises by this story. A journey of self discovery for a heroine who thought she has everything figured out