jordangddrd's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved almost every part of this book, and the fresh take on a classic rock band where the members don't all hate each other's guts really compelled me to finish this book more than other similar recent releases. <The ending was Stand By Me levels of shocking and heartbreaking.> That being said, the descriptions and roles of POC characters in this book didn't meet the standards I would expect from a book written in 2020. Also, the dialogue from American characters but especially <Janis Joplin> (who was from Texas) felt to me like David Mitchell has maybe never had a conversation with an American person.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Child death, Physical abuse, Violence, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Mental illness
Moderate: Infidelity, Addiction, Car accident, Homophobia, Death, Classism, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Antisemitism, Cancer, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
kingaisnotcool's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
i usually love magical realism but the magical realism in this was completely unnecessary and ruined what i hoped would be good representation of mental illness (specifically schizophrenia).
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, Child death, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Sexism, War, Biphobia, Car accident, Homophobia, Infertility, and Death
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