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pandemonicbaby's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Usually, when characters with OCD show uo in media, they're made fun of for their quirkyness. We never get to see what the world looks like for them, and their concerns are always dismissed by other characters and by the narrative itself.
Aza's struggles with crippling intrusive thoughts and compulsions felt very real, and I found myself comparing my own personal struggle to hers.
This book didn't show a solution to Aza's problems, a magical way to solve everything and "be normal". But it did show that life goes on, and that things can get better, and that being with the people you love can at least help attenuate the suffering, even if just a little, because one of the worst things about OCD is that it makes you believe you are left to suffer alone, with no one to understand you or help you. And true, most people don't understand, but they can try their best to be there for you when you need it.
I thought this was a very tender story about a first love, about friendships and trying to find peace within yourself. It's not an easy journey, but it's not one that you have to do alone.
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Vomit, Grief, and Toxic friendship
The main character struggles pretty heavily with mental health in this book, and although there are no attempts of suicide or explicit suicidal thoughts, there are some thought spirals and intrusive thoughts and depictions of panick attacks that might trigger some people.jordan_noel'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? Yes
3.0
The only real issues I had with the book were the sort of childishness present in even adult topics. For me at least, Aza and Davis’s grief didn’t feel real. It felt like a story. The only real adult figure (Aza’s mom) felt without control and aimless. And though I loved the intricacies of Daisy and Aza’s friendship, I could not find myself to take Daisy’s character seriously. She just did not feel entirely real either.
But overall, I think this book just solidifies John Green’s impact as a writer capable of bringing such important issues to young people. I did enjoy this book.
Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, and Car accident
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
jcinf'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? Yes
4.75
The characters were extremely lovable. Each interesting and with their own endearing personalities. The friendship between Aza and Daisy was sweet and complicated, but at the same time so simple.
As I’ve said in other reviews, if I find a book memorable I come back and give it 5 stars. So we’ll see if it sticks with me!
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death and Death of parent
ailerua's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail