elderwoodreads's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
This book has a slow start but once you are in you're in! I did not want to put it down. I think the way racism is handled in this book is so interesting and important, especially as it pertains to racism in white spaces that espouse themselves as liberal. Highly recommend!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Racism
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual content, Racial slurs, and Bullying
Minor: Body shaming, Classism, Infidelity, Vomit, Pregnancy, Animal death, and Fatphobia
shopgiri's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really liked this story but this writing style was so bland and boring which made it really drag on for me. This book could've been a lot shorter. Most of the characters were complete psychopaths or faded into the background with the exceptions of Zara, Emira, and Briar. The characters I disliked I didn't even really like to hate-read about, and the characters I liked, I did not love.
Emira is supposed to be indecisive, lost, and meek, and I got that, however, I wish that her characterization was a little stronger. I felt like she sometimes started to fade into the background or the story lost her focus as well.
I was pretty satisfied with the ending.
Overall, this book was fine. I didn't know there was a lot of hype around it at some point and I'm happy I didn't know because honestly I would've been disappointed expecting a life-changing read when it's really just okay.
Emira is supposed to be indecisive, lost, and meek, and I got that, however, I wish that her characterization was a little stronger. I felt like she sometimes started to fade into the background or the story lost her focus as well.
I was pretty satisfied with the ending.
Spoiler
I'm glad we got to see Emira's life progress and she managed to find some of her own happiness. I'm also happy that she didn't get back together with Kelley because I hate him so much.Overall, this book was fine. I didn't know there was a lot of hype around it at some point and I'm happy I didn't know because honestly I would've been disappointed expecting a life-changing read when it's really just okay.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
basil_plant's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Compelling story regarding race and what success looks like told through the eyes of an upper class white woman and her Black babysitter. Lots of ups and downs, ending fell flat for me. Think it would be beneficial to read in a group setting and really take time to break down the elements Reid presents, especially as white readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
amberjackonski's review
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs
smashbooks's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs and Body shaming
camilleberedjick's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Minor: Vomit
carlyg96's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Toxic friendship, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Classism
eschorrlesnick's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Alcohol, Racism, and Fatphobia
Minor: Racial slurs and Sexual content
lpdx's review against another edition
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation and Racism
Moderate: Classism, Racial slurs, and Bullying
Minor: Body shaming and Vomit
janae's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’m not sure my review should have much weight, because truthfully I don’t think I understand any deeper points this book is trying to make. If it’s about transactional relationships I only see the barest hint of that, since most employers can’t possibly be anything like Alix Chaimberland. However, I’m almost certain I’m just missing something.
For the good parts, I did enjoy the characters, even the raging asshole main one. The story was interesting enough, and in the end I was happy to see that the author didn’t force some grand epiphany of purpose onto our main character. I’m definitely interested to see how others have interpreted this book.
For the good parts, I did enjoy the characters, even the raging asshole main one. The story was interesting enough, and in the end I was happy to see that the author didn’t force some grand epiphany of purpose onto our main character. I’m definitely interested to see how others have interpreted this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs