kaybmc's review against another edition
the narrator is annoying and I was bored. I might try again one day, but not today.
geckoedit's review against another edition
4.0
You'll like this book if you like the Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant.
This book is darkly funny but also quite serious at times. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I felt seen and I loved the main character. It's subtle and simmers away, and left a lasting impression on me.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is darkly funny but also quite serious at times. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I felt seen and I loved the main character. It's subtle and simmers away, and left a lasting impression on me.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
isaaaam_27's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mostlymetaphors's review against another edition
dark
medium-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
2.75
moonbites's review against another edition
4.0
I told myself I should stop reading existential books after reading [b:They Both Die at the End|33385229|They Both Die at the End|Adam Silvera|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494333138l/33385229._SY75_.jpg|49456196] but look at me making an ass of myself. I really liked and connected with this book. it was a funny and poignant stream of conscious type story reminiscent of books like [b:Milk Fed|54304105|Milk Fed|Melissa Broder|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610290064l/54304105._SY75_.jpg|71284467] which I thoroughly enjoyed. It had me laughing at quotes about butts being disgusting while punching me in the gut about topics like suicide. It was a chaotic ride.
I find that I really love books like this lately. I love a stream of conscious from an apathetic main character. This hit that niche for me, and I am so happy I gave this a read from a friend's recommendation. I thought that this was going to hit a little too close to home for my anxiety, but it was cathartic toward the end. I really felt connected to Gilda and I found her story both hilarious and relieving.
I find that I really love books like this lately. I love a stream of conscious from an apathetic main character. This hit that niche for me, and I am so happy I gave this a read from a friend's recommendation. I thought that this was going to hit a little too close to home for my anxiety, but it was cathartic toward the end. I really felt connected to Gilda and I found her story both hilarious and relieving.
zoe5678's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
karis_dl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don’t want to say that this was a fun read because the subject matter is quite heavy but I really did enjoy this novel. We follow Gilda as she confronts mortality, struggles with depression, and tries to find her way in a new relationship and new job. The pacing is engaging and the plot is super interesting. There are many moments where I the second hand embarrassment and stress had me absolutely shocked. It’s great. If you like books that are gay, involve religious themes, and have lowkey murder mystery vibes, this is for you.
niaamore's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
| Favorite Quote | Sometimes I wonder if I have really been the same person my whole life. I stare at the picture, and think: Is that really me? I have this bizarre feeling like I was a different person at every other stage of my life. I feel so removed from myself then. Sometimes I feel like I was a different person a month ago. A day. Five minutes. Now. Pg. 28
| My Review | I struggled a lot with anxiety and depression during the 2020 pandemic, and this book mirrored my experience. The social anxiety, the obsessive thoughts on death, and the struggle with care tasks made me feel seen, and I’m happy to report I’m a lot better. It’s refreshing to see these experiences written, and Emily R. Austin did a wonderful job keeping it light-hearted and comical. I have a soft spot for people like Gilda. For those who have struggled, and/or are still struggling, this book is a must read. I still caution you to read the content warnings, as it can get pretty dark and depressing at times. It has a happy ending, and I wish that for you too, dear reader.
| My Review | I struggled a lot with anxiety and depression during the 2020 pandemic, and this book mirrored my experience. The social anxiety, the obsessive thoughts on death, and the struggle with care tasks made me feel seen, and I’m happy to report I’m a lot better. It’s refreshing to see these experiences written, and Emily R. Austin did a wonderful job keeping it light-hearted and comical. I have a soft spot for people like Gilda. For those who have struggled, and/or are still struggling, this book is a must read. I still caution you to read the content warnings, as it can get pretty dark and depressing at times. It has a happy ending, and I wish that for you too, dear reader.
beversae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I typically don't love character driven books, but I really enjoyed this one. The mystery of what happened to Grace was nice to have in the back of my head throughout the book. Gilda is a human being really struggling with her mental health and throughout the story I just empathized with her and just wanted to give her a hug. As an ex-Catholic, I didn't realize how much I still remembered all the things about mass that where brought right back up while Gilda was trying to fake being Catholic. I was really worried she would "find God" and decide to become Catholic in the end, but she didn't which I thought was right for her character. This book had amazing one liners that had be CACKLING. I will say the book is structured into parts but those parts don't have individual chapters so I got a little lost sometimes. (This could have been because I was listening to the audiobook). I genuinely think I will reread this book again