ellenr272's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Good, but it took awhile to get into the plot. And then there was not much resolution, which was probably the point but still
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, War, Classism, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
honeycrispp's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very immersive and fun, the descriptions are beautiful and you truly feel a part of this little North Carolinian town. It’s kind of a gentle-impact, escapist tale with strong feminist themes. It centers around our 15 year old protagonist, Maddie, and her adventures navigating the most memorable and impactful summer of her life. It’s a little idealist, a little slow and there’s a lot of ruminating on ethics and morality— which coming from the perspective of a “do no wrong” teenage protagonist can wax a little righteous if not tiresome. At the end of the day it’s a great book to unwind to, it’s a wonderful beach or poolside read and I would revisit it if only for the (spoilers) very rare satisfaction of everything pretty much going the best it realistically (and unrealistically) can. You don’t see that often in a book and it’s just the balm I needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Medical content
Moderate: Abandonment, Classism, and Infertility
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Vomit, War, Grief, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
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