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thetbrstack's review against another edition
3.0
Much like its protagonist, this novel is bi-polar. Some of it is extraordinary. But too much of it is mundane or head-scratching.
ms_jo's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes, Queenie makes infuriatingly BAD DECISIONS - but don't we all? I think this took me a while as I did occasionally need breaks from Queenie related frustrations and, naturally, the themes of mental health can be quite intense.
I have read a lot of things recently with similar themes, but the way this novel in particular commented on black female mental health - ideas of the strong black woman, cultural and communal 'silences' around mental health etc. felt so moving and so important.
I have read a lot of things recently with similar themes, but the way this novel in particular commented on black female mental health - ideas of the strong black woman, cultural and communal 'silences' around mental health etc. felt so moving and so important.
rustylasagna's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
emmabeckman's review against another edition
3.0
**3.5 stars**
I feel really wishy-washy about my star rating for this one. I definitely thought this book is Bridget Jones' Diary written in 2019, therefore reflecting modern demographics and interests. And I really liked that about it--a more intersectional, broadly focused version. I liked that Queenie was brave enough to speak her mind and call people out, especially since I feel like that's something I don't experience very often (calling out, being called out, OR being around people calling out or being called out). I just didn't really like Queenie--and before you say anything, I'm really trying to channel booksandlala when she says that unlikeable characters aren't necessarily a reason to dislike a book. I just got tired of how Queenie never seemed to learn or acknowledge that she has a tendency to make things about her or really focus on her own problems.
I feel really wishy-washy about my star rating for this one. I definitely thought this book is Bridget Jones' Diary written in 2019, therefore reflecting modern demographics and interests. And I really liked that about it--a more intersectional, broadly focused version. I liked that Queenie was brave enough to speak her mind and call people out, especially since I feel like that's something I don't experience very often (calling out, being called out, OR being around people calling out or being called out). I just didn't really like Queenie--and before you say anything, I'm really trying to channel booksandlala when she says that unlikeable characters aren't necessarily a reason to dislike a book. I just got tired of how Queenie never seemed to learn or acknowledge that she has a tendency to make things about her or really focus on her own problems.
Spoiler
For example, she never actually asks Darcy how Simon is, even though it's fairly evident that Darcy and Simon have some relationship problems throughout the time period of the book. On the other hand, I could see how the author was very intentional in doing that because it never allows Queenie to become a renewed, perfect character, so we (the reader) know that even though she may have grown by the end, she never becomes perfect. I think I just didn't gel well with Queenie's personality and that made it hard for me to be interested in her character arc. I just really don't like people who always thing you're coming for their throat when you're trying to be helpful, or think you're passing judgment on their way of life when you're just trying to offer constructive criticism and it seemed like Queenie was CONSTANTLY acting like her friends and family were only speaking negatively about her. And I know, I know, past abuses and all that, but she never really has any sort of self-discovery until the last 30 pages.lesley326's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shriyaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
wadezone's review against another edition
2.0
This book was disappointing. I was expecting it to be better. I am not sure what all the rave is about.
mariarunkelcardoso's review against another edition
fast-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
3.25
Foi uma boa leitura! Acompanhou-me durante esta última semana, e é desses livros que parece que estamos a ouvir uma pessoa que conhecemos a contar-nos uma história. Está escrito de forma simples e acessível, com sentido de humor e com capacidade de falar de assuntos complexos e complicados. Foi uma boa leitura, no fundo. Sinto que podia ter batido mais se eu fosse mais nova, acho que teria gostado extra deste livro nos meus early 20's, mas mesmo assim foi um óptima companhia!