portanbeag's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
This book was great! The writing style is funny and relaxing, and it feels like a nice calm little river taking you along Rebecca’s journey. Sometimes it feels a little mopey and childish, and although slightly noisome, I think this is intentional.
First of all - holy CRAP is John Kowalski an absolute IDIOT. He had nasty vibes despite his snazzy long coat and hair right from the start (even through the vague shadow of a reread) and I am so glad Rebecca So much of what he said was pretentious and selfish and so problematic and rude, it was kind of infuriating how much she liked him and was manipulated by him. It was an interesting perspective to read from - her juniority to him and the dynamic they had was believable and absorbing, and made it all the more cathartic at the end. (Also, ew, smoking is paying for cancer and does not make you a Great Artist, bitch boy John.) He was a fantastic character to make a very good point, though.
Also, I'm Very Upset about Paperboy and his Canadian relocation. I think it was lovely that she remembered him as Paperboy and never disclosed his real name, and the time skip from the first to the second book helped to create that sense of enigma around him and move along to John, while Rebecca’s feelings and thoughts about him leaving were relatable and well-explained (sometimes, I thought, a little unsubtle). However, Paperboy, my beloved, please come back, I miss your lovely olive-green Converse. :(
Also, a special mention for Alice and Bike Boy, for being cute and healthy AF (a useful contrast for John and Rebecca, who were 100% bad vibes). And another for Cass, for being such a good friend while her friends both got boyfriends and also for her massive, huge, character-development-moment-worthy bitch of a haircut.
First of all - holy CRAP is John Kowalski an absolute IDIOT. He had nasty vibes despite his snazzy long coat and hair right from the start (even through the vague shadow of a reread) and I am so glad Rebecca
Spoiler
dumped him!!Also, I'm Very Upset about Paperboy and his Canadian relocation. I think it was lovely that she remembered him as Paperboy and never disclosed his real name, and the time skip from the first to the second book helped to create that sense of enigma around him and move along to John, while Rebecca’s feelings and thoughts about him leaving were relatable and well-explained (sometimes, I thought, a little unsubtle). However, Paperboy, my beloved, please come back, I miss your lovely olive-green Converse. :(
Also, a special mention for Alice and Bike Boy, for being cute and healthy AF (a useful contrast for John and Rebecca, who were 100% bad vibes). And another for Cass, for being such a good friend while her friends both got boyfriends and also for her massive, huge, character-development-moment-worthy bitch of a haircut
Spoiler
(also, may I use my re-reader fore- and hindsight to say that anyone who says that Cass is straight is straight-up LYING)
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