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mitchelljohnson'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
3.0
The book is good. But that’s it. The content is a bit hard to stomach at points, the plot is nonexistent, but the writing is great. I liked the premise and how it was executed, but I don’t think Didion was great with fiction, or maybe it was this book in particular.
I found myself forgetting characters, because none of them are really memorable. I found myself not understanding what was happening because of how much the book jumped around. I was a bit confused.
I might try her non-fiction, because her writing is very skillful and she really knows how to get a message across in as little words as possible. Her journalism background really shines in that aspect, but it makes it harsh to read as fiction. I would re-read sections constantly because I didn’t fully grasp one line, putting me off track.
I was disappointed, but I believe that there are points in your life where a book is more meaningful to you, so this just might not have been the right time for me.
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Chronic illness
3mi1y's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Abortion
Moderate: Chronic illness, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Grief
colinede'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
annasreads612'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
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
elliebell7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Chronic illness, Drug use, Mental illness, Grief, and Abortion
kristinadegreef's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse