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georgia59's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely superb character studies and interactions, warts and all. The depiction of one son's love for his alcoholic mother is one that will stay with me forever. A stand out read for 2024.
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual violence
kennahgracie's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Over and over, this book reminded me of how consumed we are with our own thoughts as human beings. We are so conscious of others' ideals and perceptions of us that we allow them to destroy all that we've built. What is this pressure? This strange bleakness of alienation, of worrying that we don't fit in? More than anything, I wish we could live happily and uniquely as ourselves. I wish I lived in a world where boys like Shuggie wouldn't face constant harassment and abuse simply because of their characteristics or identity.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS
- First D.S novel —loved his writing and how he conveys the complexities of how domestic abuse/alcoholism affects family dynamics.
- The setting was describes so casually yet with enough detail that someone like me with little knowledge of the country’s culture/history could easily picture and understand it.
- I also enjoyed how prominent the focus of taxi culture was.
- Effectively highlights the uncertainness common among queer youth. Before being allowed to truly understand and explore who you are, you are stunted and alienated by others immediate perceptions of your “oddity” or “differences”.
- Many children and later teens who are LGBTQIA+ are forced to harden themselves due to the exposure of blatant homophobia from peers/society/even family. But also grapple with still wanting to be accepted/welcomed by those who perpetuate that same hate. This is our human nature, to yearn for connection and acceptance. To be "normal".
Notably, I wish the author would've expanded further on Shuggie's life in South Side.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Moderate: Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer and Excrement
lgtl's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A new favorite! 💔
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
annatrller's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and Alcohol
pageboy's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, and Alcohol
stephbysteph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
This is one that stays with you and makes you ask yourself/the author/the universe unanswerable questions.
Shuggie is a complicated boy with - to put it extremely mildly - a complicated upbringing. The love he has for his family is heartbreaking at times. At many times.
There are a few nice and/or funny moments that make you feel ok about continuing, and it's written so expertly today you actually really want to keep going. I audio read this one, and kudos to the reader for bringing the Glaswegian accents and slang to life, and for differentiating the characters' voices enough that you could tell who was speaking - but not so much that it was forced or weird.
I don't think this is a book for someone who isn't in a good mental/emotional place. It's HEAVY. But it's also incredible.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Infidelity, Self harm, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
kbbp080808's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
mortiffa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
molly99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Mental illness
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Violence, and Suicide attempt
cynthibook's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence