kateponders's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
nomefriegues's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe 3.5? I liked this a lot—yes, it was very dirty, but I really don’t think it was wildly inaccurate when it comes to the brain of a teen boy. I actually really like the way Daniel Handler writes for/about teens—the right mix of adolescent posturing and adult perspective.
I really loved the first half, but then it sort of devolved into pathetic ramblings and was less interesting. It was good that Cole gained some perspective, but he also sank into these depths of self-pity that weren’t really interesting to read. But overall i enjoyed it, and I finished it in like an hour and a half, so a nice quick read!
I really loved the first half, but then it sort of devolved into pathetic ramblings and was less interesting. It was good that Cole gained some perspective, but he also sank into these depths of self-pity that weren’t really interesting to read. But overall i enjoyed it, and I finished it in like an hour and a half, so a nice quick read!
sonia_reppe's review against another edition
2.0
I picked this up to help me reach my reading goal for 2017. Very quick read, told in 1st person by Cole, a high school boy with a "rep" (with the ladies), who falls in love for the first time.
The writing style wasn't for me (which reads like this boy is jotting down things in a journal). Maybe I needed more than just the dirty parts...like the school parts and the family parts. Maybe it's my reoccurring aversion to sexual scenes involving teens, or maybe I just can't read Erica Jong's sophisticated and masterful writing on sexuality and then go to this.
The writing style wasn't for me (which reads like this boy is jotting down things in a journal). Maybe I needed more than just the dirty parts...like the school parts and the family parts. Maybe it's my reoccurring aversion to sexual scenes involving teens, or maybe I just can't read Erica Jong's sophisticated and masterful writing on sexuality and then go to this.
juicelina's review against another edition
3.0
So I read this and yeah that's about it. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. The writing style worked, but didn't. I got confused on who was speaking or what was happening, but it was still an interesting enough book. Plus it was pretty short. It kind of reminded me of diary of an oxygen thief, but much better cause I fucking hated that book. So yeah. Interesting read, but I'll probably forget it in a few months.
taliaissmart's review against another edition
5.0
frustrating, gritty, painful, heartfelt, real as shit. goddamn
screamie's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I don’t know, need to sleep on it, cole just had sex and wanted to be wanted
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
xkaylynelizabeth's review against another edition
3.0
Arc given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I guess I'm just a person who always wants to see character development in a book. This felt less like a conversation and more like a telling. Look, we know how rape culture and gender roles work in today's society. I want to see less of how it is and more of how it ought to be.
Anyways, I give this book three stars overall. I'm not sure if this review makes much sense because my feelings about the book are still confusing and muddled.
To see my full review, go to www.coasttocoastreview.com
I guess I'm just a person who always wants to see character development in a book. This felt less like a conversation and more like a telling. Look, we know how rape culture and gender roles work in today's society. I want to see less of how it is and more of how it ought to be.
Anyways, I give this book three stars overall. I'm not sure if this review makes much sense because my feelings about the book are still confusing and muddled.
To see my full review, go to www.coasttocoastreview.com
katrinky's review against another edition
4.0
ok the end of the marathon reading day, and this sad and smart and upsetting and visceral little sex book is the closer. Grisaille forever.
maggietokudahall's review against another edition
4.0
I can understand why this book is so divisive. But I thought it was beautiful and lonely and filthy and honest.
Not all main characters need to be likable.
Not all main characters need to be likable.
balfies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cole is 17 and sex obsessed. He has a reputation. His life revolves around girls, porn, and talking about girls and porn with his best friend.
Then a definitely-not-gay venture. Then a torrid love affair with a European girl. Then an understanding of why his reputation is what it is. Then a heartbreak. Then vacuous, alienating loneliness.
Daniel Handler is one of the best writers for young people. This was vicious and elegant.
Then a definitely-not-gay venture. Then a torrid love affair with a European girl. Then an understanding of why his reputation is what it is. Then a heartbreak. Then vacuous, alienating loneliness.
Daniel Handler is one of the best writers for young people. This was vicious and elegant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexism, and Sexual content