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alisonannk'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Medical content, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Xenophobia
james1star's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a book of two parts: the first taking place over the summer of 1986 where out MC James and his childhood friend Tully have not long finished school and trying to figure out what to do with their lives. They decide to go to a concert in Manchester with fellow friends Tibbs, Dr Clogs, Hogg and Limbo (nicknames) where they revel in the music they hold so dearly. It’s a time of youthful excesses and having fun, here they agree to go at life differently. The music, show and film references of the 80s was really great - I love this decade - and it’s written so well, like you’re there. We then go to autumn 2017 and Tully rings to let James know of some bad news, he’s dying of cancer and has a last request for his best friend - one James feels obligated to do but it’s not without reservations. There is more to the story but I don’t want to spoil anything.
The characters are written very well, especially James and Tully, they’re developed and mostly loveable. There is obviously things and aspects I didn’t particularly like but overall this is done well. The general writing is also quite good, lyrical and well-penned at times, I underlined quite a few quotes and passages as well. The pacing is okay but a little disjointed like it’s quite slow in 1986 with a lot more detail then fast moving in 2017, also missing out some sections - Yhh not too sure on this but it did come together. I would say there is quite a bit of repetition of certain things and conversations which could’ve been omitted. Now whilst I loved the 80s references, I really don’t like reading about present day things like Netflix or vaping for example (unless the book is a contemporary but Maylifes I would classify in the literary genre) and Yhh I just don’t like it for some reason. The descriptions of drug taking Is also something I don’t like reading and it’s a added a bit too much for my liking.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and would definitely it. There are points I didn’t like but more good then bad and it’s refreshing how O’Hagan focuses on the platonic friendship love between two men. And the 80s setting I love - wish I could travel back to experience the music and vibe in real life. I’m gonna watch the BBC adaptation and make a review/comparison video for my YouTube channel so chalk that out if you’re interested.
Moderate: Cancer, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
Minor: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Racism, and Alcohol
canavanprice's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Suicide, and Alcohol
lwgreen1's review against another edition
- 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? No
3.5
The bad: even though the banter between characters is part of what I liked about the book, it also contained a lot of movie, music, and political references that I, being born in the US in ‘99, did not understand. So much so that sometimes it took me out of the story dampening the reading experience. I also understand that my lack of knowledge is not the fault of the author and if you grew up in the UK you’d probably get alot more out of those scenes than I did. And the biggest thing that bumped it from a 4.5 to a 3.5 is I feel like the second half dragged on. I think there are several events in the second half that could have been cut out without sacrificing nuance or plot. I feel like the characters had more or less the same conversation about 8 times.
One memorable quote: “He was a friend to friendship itself and never expected people to be better than they were.”
Moderate: Cancer, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
joensign's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Suicide, and Terminal illness
Minor: Drug use
atipsygiraffe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Drug use
mlaurie93's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Alcohol
georgiepie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Cancer and Terminal illness
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
glittery_witch's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Drug use, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia
_richard_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Drug use, and Alcohol