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molly_sbookshelf's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
zellainy's review against another edition
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
ameschreiber's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked the idea of this book more than the reality. The characters were, for the most part, cookie-cutter stereotypes, and there just didn't seem to be that much depth to any of the characters, including Rosaline. I wanted to root for her, but honestly, I just couldn't see the point. She's the "weak-willed" mean girl. Maybe I'd like her more if I could have seen the person the book suggests she'll grow into, rather than the person who was characterized throughout most of the book.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy books with a weak or missing HEA, as well as those who enjoy romance and chic lit.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy books with a weak or missing HEA, as well as those who enjoy romance and chic lit.
albon's review against another edition
2.0
2017 review:
When You Were Mine isn't a terrible book. But it's also not good. Imagine a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in high school, told from the POV of Rosaline, the girl Romeo was in love with in the beginning. (I think. I haven't actually read the original play). That's what you're getting in this book.
But it doesn't add anything to the original story. And I feel like a retelling should do that.
It's the most stereotypical writing of an american high school I think I've ever read. We have the popular kids and the losers. The girls call each other sluts. Rob (our Romeo), is never held responsible for his actions. Juliet is the evil one who takes him away from Rosaline. And sure, you feel sorry for Rosaline because that sucks, but Rob and Rosaline's relationship was never really developed enough for you to feel like Rosaline missed out on a great love. And we don't really know what went on with Juliet and Rob either, not really.
[For some reason I never expected Juliet and Rob to both die at the end. Obviously that's how the orginal story goes, but this is a modern high school retelling and I wouldn't even have blinked if the Rebecca Serle had changed their ending. So that caught me by surprise, and I really liked the last 20% more than the rest of the book. (hide spoiler)]
At the end of the day I'm really happy I read this, but only because it's been on my shelf for years. It was probably one of the first books I bought when I started buying books online. That should give you a hint to how long I've owned this book.
Everything was just too basic and superficial. Shakespeare deserves better than this, and so do you.
When You Were Mine isn't a terrible book. But it's also not good. Imagine a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in high school, told from the POV of Rosaline, the girl Romeo was in love with in the beginning. (I think. I haven't actually read the original play). That's what you're getting in this book.
But it doesn't add anything to the original story. And I feel like a retelling should do that.
It's the most stereotypical writing of an american high school I think I've ever read. We have the popular kids and the losers. The girls call each other sluts. Rob (our Romeo), is never held responsible for his actions. Juliet is the evil one who takes him away from Rosaline. And sure, you feel sorry for Rosaline because that sucks, but Rob and Rosaline's relationship was never really developed enough for you to feel like Rosaline missed out on a great love. And we don't really know what went on with Juliet and Rob either, not really.
[For some reason I never expected Juliet and Rob to both die at the end. Obviously that's how the orginal story goes, but this is a modern high school retelling and I wouldn't even have blinked if the Rebecca Serle had changed their ending. So that caught me by surprise, and I really liked the last 20% more than the rest of the book. (hide spoiler)]
At the end of the day I'm really happy I read this, but only because it's been on my shelf for years. It was probably one of the first books I bought when I started buying books online. That should give you a hint to how long I've owned this book.
Everything was just too basic and superficial. Shakespeare deserves better than this, and so do you.
cathodg's review against another edition
3.0
Romeo and Juliet we’re told is one of literatures great love stories. But we never get to find out what happened to Romeo’s first love Rosaline. Did she feel rejected, heartbroken, did she move on?
In true @rebecca_serle style When you were mine brings us a story about relationships with a twist. Bringing Shakespeare to the modern world this is a story we know well told from a different perspective. An enjoyable read.
In true @rebecca_serle style When you were mine brings us a story about relationships with a twist. Bringing Shakespeare to the modern world this is a story we know well told from a different perspective. An enjoyable read.
static_radio's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Simply put, guilty pleasure.
iamliterate's review against another edition
5.0
This book was great. It was the first adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that I have ever enjoyed.
anaariel24's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0