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phantasmfiend's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
mementomori04's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual violence, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Blood, and Toxic friendship
tahdens's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is dark. I don't think I realized how dark it was when I first read it. But the way the trauma manifested in Melinda was palpable and I ached for her and her pain. And I really enjoyed the art therapy process throughout the year.
The ending felt a bit rushed. She was miserable, and then all of the sudden, she was recovering with no catalyst. I don't want to say that trauma can only be overcome with help and therapy or whatever, and maybe all she needed was to admit to herself that it happened and that she was a victim? Or with the oncoming warm weather she no longer had seasonal depression? But still, it felt like the author was running out time (since the book took place over the school year) and decided, yeah, it's time she get over it.
Graphic: Rape and Bullying
Minor: Toxic friendship
_saphyr_'s review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Self harm, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
dory21's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Laurie's style of writing reminds me of Jandy Nelson, who's style is as playful as Laurie's..
Kind of nice book, but I would be happier if it has more pages or continuation..
Graphic: Self harm, Bullying, and Toxic friendship
classicpseudonym'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
the themes of this book and the narrative it portrays of a young survivor of sexual assault are so incredibly important for readers of all ages to see reflected in literature. that being said, i felt like this book lacked a certain level of depth that i appreciate within the plot and characters in novels. this didn't detract from melinda's narrative or the overall significance of this book - it may actually be better that the target audience for this book is younger so that younger readers can begin to understand the reality and effects of sexual assault on those who have experienced it. however, the book - at times - just didn't make me want to keep reading like other ya novels have.
but overall, this novel is very well done!! i love how melinda's character vocalizes her thoughts throughout the text, but always in her head instead of out loud - an effective way to portray the lives of those whose voices have been silenced. in addition, melinda's thoughts felt very real/raw, and many readers (myself included) may be able to relate to her feelings.
anyway, give this book a read if you get the chance! :))
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol
danileah07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Graphic: Bullying and Rape
Moderate: Self harm and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol
maddy_rose21's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, and Toxic friendship
riozul's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Bullying
Moderate: Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal death, Gaslighting, Ableism, and Xenophobia
eggboy397's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Bullying, Mental illness, and Toxic friendship