Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

So Happy for You by Celia Laskey

3 reviews

rachaelwho's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Gosh. Parts of this were so, so good. And parts of it were a huge mess-- over-explained, on-the-nose in a way that didn't seem arch or intentional, overwrought. You could see the wires in a bad way, especially with the unrealistic oversharing body/toilet stuff that she clearly REALLY wanted to work in, but I was kinda ready to forgive that bc the overall story was fun and clever. But then the last three or so chapters were a real disappointment. I think this book was maybe doing too much and it got away from her. I hope her next one is tighter, she can write and is really creative! I wanted to like the whole book as much as I liked most of the beginning, even the first 2/3 maybe, and it bummed me out to cool on it in the end.
Also, for all its handholding, I'm not sure the book managed to say "patriarchy" a single time, which beggars belief-- both bc Robin would absoLUTELY say it and bc it's clearly on the author's mind and she is so very not above beating a dead horse.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Abortion, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Racism, Blood, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, and Lesbophobia

Minor: Vomit and Abandonment

jessamichellexo's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

This book honestly makes me want to strangle the author. The one dimensional personalities of Robin & Ellie are so, so infuriating it isn't even funny. The writing is absolutely sloppy & insensitive on so many different levels. Literally the only thing I liked about this book is the cover. 😤

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Homophobia, and Gaslighting

Minor: Death of parent

imstephtacular's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic friendship

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Abortion, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism

Minor: Infidelity, Racism, Vomit, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy