sanije's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, and Eating disorder
bookworm_123_456's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Minor: Violence, Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Bullying
skeptic_hecate's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I think Alice Osman became much better in her later works, this book reads like pick me girl, the angst edition. At least it is well written, little to no cringe slang.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Eating disorder, Bullying, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual assault
agentsophieee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fav book i owe
fav book i have read
fav book.
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Self harm, and Torture
avagrossman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Medical content, Bullying, Self harm, and Sexual assault
mai_books27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
P.S. Though this book ~technically~ came out first, I would recommend reading Heartstopper beforehand. It will really elucidate a lot of what's happening in this novel that goes unaddressed/ happens in the BG. Overall, I think having Heartstopper under your belt will make this more enjoyable. (-:
Spoiler
Also, I know the ending is "unnatural" and "unbelievable" to some folks. While I understand, (and initially thought the same), I actually think that's the only way the story could have ended. Ok, hear me out: From the beginning, Tori is a serious, cynical creature. The back cover of my book straight up says " I came out of the womb spouting cynicism...". Throughout the book, we see that same cynical attitude get her nowhere/ be her Achilles heel, if you will. At the end of the novel, we see Tori despising others for their apathy and inaction, and we see her realize that she isn't alone. Her arc is one of dismantling and abandoning her inner cynic... and I think that if the ending had been more reasonable and logical (i.e. 'hey maybe standing on the roof of a burning building and sucking face maybe isn't the move right now; we should probably RUN') would have, in some way, enabled her cynic side to win (READ: the side that pushed her to sewerslide/sewerslidal ideation). I feel like having that last moment be so cinematic and almost.. irreal? embodied this arc in her character, and hammered home the idea that sometimes things are "funny because they are true", you know? Like how INSANE, and yet? I think that how wild this novel gets and how it all unravels really incarnates that thesis that patience, and apathy, and cynicism.. they really do kill! So yeah, rant over hehe... I don't really believe any of it made sense...sorry<Spoiler>Graphic: Mental illness, Eating disorder, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Sexual assault
This shit gets dark, babes. Worth it! But a wild ride, nonetheless.