The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
acwhite's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I first read this book around 2010 & had fond memories of the thrilling fever dream it is. So revisiting it in 2022 I was surprised to find my brain had edited out some choice language. I had no recollection of the excessive use of r*tard and occasional drops of the n word and f*g. Some of this language can be attributed to the book starting as a blog in the early 2000s but it still put a slight stain on the reread for me.
I’m rating it so middling for the aforementioned language but also because the pacing was rough. Again I think we can blame the blog origins, the whole business seems like three novellas in a trench coat masquerading as a full novel. But I still came out the end having enjoyed it.
The last third is the strongest part of the book in my opinion, Amy is a crucial character and “David” having a slightly different tone improved things.
I have the whole quartet and do intend to read them all.
I’m rating it so middling for the aforementioned language but also because the pacing was rough. Again I think we can blame the blog origins, the whole business seems like three novellas in a trench coat masquerading as a full novel. But I still came out the end having enjoyed it.
The last third is the strongest part of the book in my opinion, Amy is a crucial character and “David” having a slightly different tone improved things.
I have the whole quartet and do intend to read them all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Animal death, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Excrement, Gore, Racial slurs, and Drug use
Moderate: Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
pinkmalady's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
Laugh out loud funny, psychologically horrifying, and gut-wrenchingly volatile... This is the exact kind of thing I will be thinking about for a long time. The way it handles mental illness and trauma targeted me specifically in such a deeply visceral way... The narration perfectly captures how it feels to lose your mind.
I adored the characters and their relationships. While I went into this mostly blind, I knew prior thatAmy and Dave would end up together. I'm honestly surprised at how well their relationship and their respective traumas relative to their relationship were fleshed out. It absolutely makes you feel for these two. Especially when Amy's life is on the line.
This book stressed and stresses me out. I'm afraid that if I think too hard about it I'll start spiraling... Going in, I had the feeling this book would rearrange my brain chemistry, and I believe it didn't fail. It's utterly chilling, and I don't usually spook easily when it comes to horror.
I adored the characters and their relationships. While I went into this mostly blind, I knew prior that
This book stressed and stresses me out. I'm afraid that if I think too hard about it I'll start spiraling... Going in, I had the feeling this book would rearrange my brain chemistry, and I believe it didn't fail. It's utterly chilling, and I don't usually spook easily when it comes to horror.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Grief, Violence, Racism, Racial slurs, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Drug use, Body horror, Blood, Cursing, Excrement, and Gore
Moderate: Vomit, Death of parent, Xenophobia, Car accident, Animal death, Ableism, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Antisemitism, and Suicidal thoughts
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