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Reviews tagging 'Self harm'
Dear Evan Hansen by Benj Pasek, Val Emmich, Justin Paul, Steven Levenson
31 reviews
nicolatte's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book, against better judgement, was phenomenal. I enjoyed every part of it. Although, the second hand embarrassment was still there which was just as fun to read about. Everytime I had to stop reading, I looked forward to the next read.
Evan was such a complex and relatable character, flaws and all. I really resonated with him a lot. The way his emotions are written was so intricate. Like, I was seriously rooting for him despite his actions because he knew he just wanted to help but got carried away with the change in his life. My opinion may be biased because of how much I relate to him but he is by far my favourite mc.
Ghost Connor was an interesting choice. At first, I questioned why they had to keep his character but the more I read his chapters, the more I realized just how genius it is. The other characters were just as fun to read about. I was especially interested in the friendship between Jared and Evan.
The whole story was just as interesting. From the way it went from somewhat a lighthearted comedy to diving into serious topics as the story went on. You could really grasp just how much everything has escalated as the lie continues on from the writing, it doesn't have to be told outright.
The whole thing about Evan breaking his arm was genius. Without that one vital thing in this story, I probably wouldn't have been as attached and empathetic to Evan as I am now. It really shows just what kind of person he is. As I read on, I just thought about how much I relate to him, thinking I'd do the same thing in his situation.
His situation with his family was heartbreaking. His mother loved him but was always too busy, making him think he doesn't really care for him. She really pulled through at the end. Although, I wish there was more closure for his father but I suppose it's from a more realistic point of view. The epilogue was already beautiful in itself.
It was the best closure this book could've had. Evan learned his lesson, the guilt never leaving but it also shows how the Murphys didn't hold anything against him which I feel is something he really needed to finally push forward in life.
There are plenty of things I want to say but I just can't describe it. From the writing to the pace, I loved it so much. I went into this book with low expectations considering the reviews, I went out SOBBING and wondering why people may not like it. Overall, this is hands down my favourite book and I really recommend it.
Evan was such a complex and relatable character, flaws and all. I really resonated with him a lot. The way his emotions are written was so intricate. Like, I was seriously rooting for him despite his actions because he knew he just wanted to help but got carried away with the change in his life. My opinion may be biased because of how much I relate to him but he is by far my favourite mc.
Ghost Connor was an interesting choice. At first, I questioned why they had to keep his character but the more I read his chapters, the more I realized just how genius it is. The other characters were just as fun to read about. I was especially interested in the friendship between Jared and Evan.
The whole story was just as interesting. From the way it went from somewhat a lighthearted comedy to diving into serious topics as the story went on. You could really grasp just how much everything has escalated as the lie continues on from the writing, it doesn't have to be told outright.
The whole thing about Evan breaking his arm was genius. Without that one vital thing in this story, I probably wouldn't have been as attached and empathetic to Evan as I am now. It really shows just what kind of person he is. As I read on, I just thought about how much I relate to him, thinking I'd do the same thing in his situation.
His situation with his family was heartbreaking. His mother loved him but was always too busy, making him think he doesn't really care for him. She really pulled through at the end. Although, I wish there was more closure for his father but I suppose it's from a more realistic point of view. The epilogue was already beautiful in itself.
It was the best closure this book could've had. Evan learned his lesson, the guilt never leaving but it also shows how the Murphys didn't hold anything against him which I feel is something he really needed to finally push forward in life.
There are plenty of things I want to say but I just can't describe it. From the writing to the pace, I loved it so much. I went into this book with low expectations considering the reviews, I went out SOBBING and wondering why people may not like it. Overall, this is hands down my favourite book and I really recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Infidelity
jessicabearbooks's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This story beautiful.
Evan’s constant lying is frustrating and makes each chapter tense as you worry what he's going to get caught up with or try to get away with next. But that's the whole point of the story so can I really fault that. I wish Evan had faced the consequences for all his actions though, as he gets away with too many things that have ultimately caused others so much pain and frustration.
As a fan of the musical, I found this book added a lot to the story and overall experience. Definitely give it a read if you can!
Evan’s constant lying is frustrating and makes each chapter tense as you worry what he's going to get caught up with or try to get away with next. But that's the whole point of the story so can I really fault that. I wish Evan had faced the consequences for all his actions though, as he gets away with too many things that have ultimately caused others so much pain and frustration.
As a fan of the musical, I found this book added a lot to the story and overall experience. Definitely give it a read if you can!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Grief, and Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use
tays_dear_reader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide, and Grief
Moderate: Drug use and Self harm
Minor: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
kriskelly's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
I’d give this book 3.5 stars overall!
I’ve been a fan of the Dear Evan Hansen musical since it originally premiered on Broadway, so this book was highly anticipated for me to read. Overall, I was intrigued by this book, but there were some aspects I wish they improved on.
TW: suicide, anxiety, mental health
This adaptation of the story provides a new insight, with additional details that the Broadway production does not mention. One of the aspects that I truly enjoyed was how in depth they go with Connor Murphy - the character who ends his life. It was intriguing how there were multiple chapters from Connor’s perspective to step away from Evan Hansen’s point of view. Connor brings up a character named Miguel multiple times, which is exclusive to the book, but adds so much background. I wish they included more background on that in the musical adaptation.
Speaking of Evan Hansen himself, that’s one aspect of the book I disliked. Evan as a character is quite honestly not a good person. The main plot of this book is that he gets caught up in this lie about being Connors friend to comfort his family, but I’m more so convinced that it’s because he desperately wanted to be close to Zoe Murphy (aka Connor’s sister). One part of the story that particularly made me uncomfortable was this quote: “These flowers should be for Zoe, as a gesture of, well, my affection or whatever, but instead I’m giving them to her mother because she lost her son” (pg 100). How low could you go with that line? I’m not convinced that Evan is truly deserving of praise from his actions.
I have much more opinions, but overall, there are parts of this book that I think that could be improved. I would highly recommend watching the musical, as I liked that adaptation more than the book. But overall this was an interesting read!
I’ve been a fan of the Dear Evan Hansen musical since it originally premiered on Broadway, so this book was highly anticipated for me to read. Overall, I was intrigued by this book, but there were some aspects I wish they improved on.
TW: suicide, anxiety, mental health
This adaptation of the story provides a new insight, with additional details that the Broadway production does not mention. One of the aspects that I truly enjoyed was how in depth they go with Connor Murphy - the character who ends his life. It was intriguing how there were multiple chapters from Connor’s perspective to step away from Evan Hansen’s point of view. Connor brings up a character named Miguel multiple times, which is exclusive to the book, but adds so much background. I wish they included more background on that in the musical adaptation.
Speaking of Evan Hansen himself, that’s one aspect of the book I disliked. Evan as a character is quite honestly not a good person. The main plot of this book is that he gets caught up in this lie about being Connors friend to comfort his family, but I’m more so convinced that it’s because he desperately wanted to be close to Zoe Murphy (aka Connor’s sister). One part of the story that particularly made me uncomfortable was this quote: “These flowers should be for Zoe, as a gesture of, well, my affection or whatever, but instead I’m giving them to her mother because she lost her son” (pg 100). How low could you go with that line? I’m not convinced that Evan is truly deserving of praise from his actions.
I have much more opinions, but overall, there are parts of this book that I think that could be improved. I would highly recommend watching the musical, as I liked that adaptation more than the book. But overall this was an interesting read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, and Self harm
catsandbooksarethebest's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
pippamillerxoxo_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
caitlyn_drago_1226's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cursing
saoirse_the_thespian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As a fan of the musical, I can say this is a great stage to page adaptation. It is emotional and will have you crying. Also, it uses direct quotes from the musical which is always a nice touch for all the theatre nerds out there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
homulucy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love the stage show of Dear Evan Hansen, and I’ve read the book once before…but WOW listening to this was stressful. There were many times where I wanted to yell at Evan to stop lying and being a generally crappy person.
Jared was the best character in this entire book. He’s so funny and blunt and Evan should’ve listened to him. His reaction to finding out how Evan broke his arm was pure gold.
Jared was the best character in this entire book. He’s so funny and blunt and Evan should’ve listened to him. His reaction to finding out how Evan broke his arm was pure gold.
You fell out of a tree. What are you, an acorn?
The novel gives chapters to Connor, which the stage show wasn’t able to do. It was nice being able to see inside of him past what we see from Evan’s perspective.
The best part of listening to the audiobook instead of reading the book were the additions of sung versions of Requiem and Only Us. It was a really sweet detail, that wasn’t necessary, but enhanced the overall experience of listening to Dear Evan Hansen. They should’ve done that with the other songs, because the other songs get translated into conversation in a way that I found oddly funny.
Overall, great for both fans and non-fans of the musical/movie.
The best part of listening to the audiobook instead of reading the book were the additions of sung versions of Requiem and Only Us. It was a really sweet detail, that wasn’t necessary, but enhanced the overall experience of listening to Dear Evan Hansen. They should’ve done that with the other songs, because the other songs get translated into conversation in a way that I found oddly funny.
Overall, great for both fans and non-fans of the musical/movie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Drug use, Self harm, and Grief
mjenae's review against another edition
5.0
This book destroyed me.
But that ending. I feel strangely calm now. Like how Evan must feel... like I've fallen with him, landed, and the only thing left to do is get back up.
Because you can't change the past, and you can't change how other people will react to it. But you can change the way you react. You can change the present—and maybe not just for yourself.
Maybe, even if the hand never came for you, you can be the hand reaching down to help someone up.
It's the least we can do, really.
But that ending. I feel strangely calm now. Like how Evan must feel... like I've fallen with him, landed, and the only thing left to do is get back up.
Because you can't change the past, and you can't change how other people will react to it. But you can change the way you react. You can change the present—and maybe not just for yourself.
Maybe, even if the hand never came for you, you can be the hand reaching down to help someone up.
It's the least we can do, really.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt