bnwatts97's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.0
mythos05's review against another edition
2.0
2/5 stars
For me, this was 50/50. I knew this wouldn't be a light read but I still decided to read it. I got about 50% through the book before I decided to drop this. I didn't fully connect with the book. I wanted to like this book which is why I kept reading but the more I read the more disappointed I was.
One of the main reasons I disliked this book was that it tried to tackle too many issues at once. When I was barely grasping Charlotte's past, we were already dealing with another issue she was facing. We went from learning about her past to talking about her self-harm. I was thrown for a loop when she described her self-harm to the ocean. I do feel like comparisons to water, or bodies of water come up a lot. Maybe it was just me focusing on the small details and not the bigger picture. Moving on the writing didn't help much either. As another reader had mentioned it reads like diary entries. I can read books with this type of format but specifically with this, I feel like a lot of details could have helped readers immerse into the character's story.
I wouldn't recommend this story at the moment. I understand the appeal of this book to other readers. I can also understand why other people resonate with and love it as it gives a different perspective as to how a person deals with self-harm and traumatic events. I may give it another chance in the future, but I doubt my opinion will change.
For me, this was 50/50. I knew this wouldn't be a light read but I still decided to read it. I got about 50% through the book before I decided to drop this. I didn't fully connect with the book. I wanted to like this book which is why I kept reading but the more I read the more disappointed I was.
One of the main reasons I disliked this book was that it tried to tackle too many issues at once. When I was barely grasping Charlotte's past, we were already dealing with another issue she was facing. We went from learning about her past to talking about her self-harm. I was thrown for a loop when she described her self-harm to the ocean. I do feel like comparisons to water, or bodies of water come up a lot. Maybe it was just me focusing on the small details and not the bigger picture. Moving on the writing didn't help much either. As another reader had mentioned it reads like diary entries. I can read books with this type of format but specifically with this, I feel like a lot of details could have helped readers immerse into the character's story.
I wouldn't recommend this story at the moment. I understand the appeal of this book to other readers. I can also understand why other people resonate with and love it as it gives a different perspective as to how a person deals with self-harm and traumatic events. I may give it another chance in the future, but I doubt my opinion will change.
mothmans_library's review against another edition
5.0
As someone who has struggled for years with anxiety and depression and the thoughts that swirl when everything becomes too much, this book hit really close to home. To see the story of someone who gets the depths of which your mind can sink when you feel no way out, was not only refreshing, it was cathartic. I felt like part of myself was laid bare. It’s been a while since I’ve felt comfortably emotionally drained from a book. Like I’m not alone. You know.
janeedrea's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. this book is incredibly heavy so PLEASE check the trigger warnings!! it's written brilliantly and as someone who has struggled to no end with my mental health i felt that this was a book (and a character) that i could understand. it made me feel less alone in my struggle.
the plot is absolutely impeccable and i can say quite honestly that it broke my heart and i cried more than i care to admit.
the plot is absolutely impeccable and i can say quite honestly that it broke my heart and i cried more than i care to admit.
wavey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ashuffstall's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
ozias's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
roryadams03's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.75
bellaboo233's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
creepy_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I almost gave up on this book. The first half is choppy & scattered. Felt like there was never going to be any clarity. And suddenly I fell in love with the main character.