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kickitupanotch7's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Minor: Body horror
lmconway_ak's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.5
What struck me almost immediately was the rich and diverse descriptions. The author drew me in with the robust language. I could smell and taste the food, see the surroundings, and feel the anguish of the characters. A surprising and very enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
chemeducator's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Infidelity, and Mental illness
Moderate: Body horror, Medical content, and Grief
sabraena's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.25
the no quotation marks style for the dialogue took some getting used to but i think it added to the overall poignant, melancholy, stream of consciousness vibe of this book. I kinda liked it. If you enjoy stories about families (happy ones, sad ones, angry ones, emotionally stunted ones etc.) then you might delight in the complications of family life and growing pains present here. Definitely not a light read. More a, if-you’re-sad-this-might-make-you-even-more-sad type of read. But I did enjoy going thru the journey of Rose’s evolution and getting used to her special skill. I found myself rooting for her, for real. And the thing with her brother… sure was a thing. It was quite the shocker so, that was good, i guess? Also, I wish there were more food descriptions when she was at George’s wedding, like, let’s unpack that!
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
woolen_pigeon's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Grief
taibreakfast's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Eating disorder and Suicide
azk's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Grief
amyteurhour's review against another edition
3.5
Content warning: child neglect, infidelity
The beginning when Rose is still in elementary/early middle school reminded me a little of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. This was pretty melancholy to read, which of course makes sense given the title. What I was not expecting was how each of the family members are isolated and lonely in their own way. There were definitely points, especially near the end, that I thought: if only they communicated with each other, they wouldn't have to suffer so much. But I did kind of see how it was in character for them. The audiobook was read by the author, and I thought Bender did fine.
The beginning when Rose is still in elementary/early middle school reminded me a little of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. This was pretty melancholy to read, which of course makes sense given the title. What I was not expecting was how each of the family members are isolated and lonely in their own way. There were definitely points, especially near the end, that I thought: if only they communicated with each other, they wouldn't have to suffer so much. But I did kind of see how it was in character for them. The audiobook was read by the author, and I thought Bender did fine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
racheldallaire's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved the beginning of this book and was very intrigued by the premise. The prose is beautiful-I love the way Bender writes. In the beginning I thought this was going to go a completely different direction than it did. I liked it enough except for the lack of quotation marks. ;-) It definitely made me think and I am pretty sure I'll be thinking about it for awhile. This feels like a great book club or lit class read-good for lots of discussion over the themes and symbolism. I think if I'd read it in that context I'd have enjoyed it more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Cursing
jackbifrost's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Eating disorder, and Infidelity
Minor: Death, Vomit, and Toxic friendship