heather_n's review
emotional
funny
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? No
4.25
pancake_reads's review
emotional
tense
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? No
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
strikingthirteen's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
faithaforman's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Like a time capsule of the short period where AIM was king, hanging at the mall was still a thing to do, and we all wanted to be different so badly - because we didn't feel like we were normal. Touches on some sensitive issues but not super graphically. A touching read for folks who were teens in this era.
Spoiler
including grooming and coercionModerate: Pedophilia and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Lesbophobia and Biphobia
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Other than the fact that I felt like this needed to be a tad longer (the storylines felt like they moved too quickly), I enjoyed this! The art was fun, the characters were relatable and well developed, and there are plenty of teens who will definitely relate to this story. I would definitely read more from Kate Leth!
It did feel like there was a lot jam packed into this fairly short book, so I think either cutting some of that out or expanding the book would have helped some of the plot lines breath a bit more. Especially since the book felt like it ended a tad abruptly. Nevertheless, a good story and good art will always win out!
It did feel like there was a lot jam packed into this fairly short book, so I think either cutting some of that out or expanding the book would have helped some of the plot lines breath a bit more. Especially since the book felt like it ended a tad abruptly. Nevertheless, a good story and good art will always win out!
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Biphobia, Bullying, and Pregnancy
tinysealoot's review
5.0
I didn't know what the plot was gonna be! It had the depth and nostalgia I crave from a early 2003/4th east coast winter spent in a mall! A mall that I loved!
sydneystabler's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25