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emmabeckman's review against another edition
3.0
This story is Angus, Thongs, & Full-Frontal Snogging meets season one of Fleabag with the backdrop of the early 90s UK music scene. It's... A Lot.
I liked the arc of Johanna learning that she can reject the idea that the men in her life will dictate everything that happens. There were a few truly funny moments, though a lot of it was more of that cringey humor in my opinion. There were some true highlights in terms of inclusivity, but they were sadly very, very brief (discussion of body dysmorphia and sexual orientation fluidity).
Mostly, I was disappointed that the characters that I thought were the most interesting (namely, the mom and dad, Krissi, Lupin, and ZZ Top) were the ones we spent the least amount of time with, in deference to a bunch of pretentious assholes. (Yes, I understand this is vis a vis Johanna's sexual awakening and men always being in control, but I just was a lot more interested in the characters I listed than anyone else.)
I liked the arc of Johanna learning that she can reject the idea that the men in her life will dictate everything that happens. There were a few truly funny moments, though a lot of it was more of that cringey humor in my opinion. There were some true highlights in terms of inclusivity, but they were sadly very, very brief (discussion of body dysmorphia and sexual orientation fluidity).
Mostly, I was disappointed that the characters that I thought were the most interesting (namely, the mom and dad, Krissi, Lupin, and ZZ Top) were the ones we spent the least amount of time with, in deference to a bunch of pretentious assholes. (Yes, I understand this is vis a vis Johanna's sexual awakening and men always being in control, but I just was a lot more interested in the characters I listed than anyone else.)
madelinelikes2read's review against another edition
5.0
"Explaining why you love something is one of the most important jobs on earth"
Dolly Wilde is the heroine we've all been waiting for--or at least I have.
Dolly Wilde is the heroine we've all been waiting for--or at least I have.
hannadora's review against another edition
3.0
This is not a book for everyone.
It's raw and filthy honesty however, had me hooked. Absolutely adore this book - was amazed by the life lessons I learned from a 17 year old and I almost felt the book made me wiser.
Admittedly there are a lot of reference and bands mentioned that I had never heard of and knew nothing about, but it simple didn't matter as I was so into the story line.
"Because I haven't yet learned the simplest and most important thing of all: the world is difficult, and we are all breakable. So just be kind"
I have read and re read this sentence with the conclusion that this is a must read.
It's raw and filthy honesty however, had me hooked. Absolutely adore this book - was amazed by the life lessons I learned from a 17 year old and I almost felt the book made me wiser.
Admittedly there are a lot of reference and bands mentioned that I had never heard of and knew nothing about, but it simple didn't matter as I was so into the story line.
"Because I haven't yet learned the simplest and most important thing of all: the world is difficult, and we are all breakable. So just be kind"
I have read and re read this sentence with the conclusion that this is a must read.
nooneyouknow's review against another edition
3.0
Laughed out loud for much of this one. Sprinkled throughout, though, are moments of pure vulnerability which made me root for the main character till the end. Basically a girl reinventing herself and then reinventing herself again. Not quite 4 star material, but not a waste of time either.
laurataylor's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Self harm
annabranson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.25