katariv's review
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
4.0
sienna_waldie29's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
claraemg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.5
zoli's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75
tiffyofthemonts's review against another edition
5.0
Another one of those books that I don't think I'll ever really be able to speak about, but I will say this: there are some books that just resonate with you and this was one of them.
On the Jellicoe Road will forever be my favorite contemporary from Melina Marchetta (that is, until she writes Jimmy Hailler's book), but Looking for Alibrandi is definitely my second favorite now.
I told this to my pal Rachel but I'll say it again here - Jacob Coote made my crush on Jonah Griggs seem like child's play.
On the Jellicoe Road will forever be my favorite contemporary from Melina Marchetta (that is, until she writes Jimmy Hailler's book), but Looking for Alibrandi is definitely my second favorite now.
I told this to my pal Rachel but I'll say it again here - Jacob Coote made my crush on Jonah Griggs seem like child's play.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
4.0
This book, Marchetta's debut, got better as it progressed. At first, I had a hard time connecting with Josephine, whose relationships seemed a little forced and whose interactions in those relationships seemed melodramatic. But, as I got to know her, I liked her more and more and felt the connection. Overall, Marchetta's writing improved with her career, as we all hope it does, but this book was a solid start and very interesting to read about some things Australians faced in the 90's.
kikkrareads's review against another edition
5.0
It is safe to say I have read this novel numerous times. I can't even keep count. For the past 20 years it has been a go-to for me when I am in a slump or I just need a good read.
Josie Alibrandi is a 17 year old student about to complete her HSC. This is the year where she is meant to cement who she is and what she wants in life. She thinks she has it all mapped out. Instead, life throws her lemons (and tomatoes) and she is left learning so much more than she bargained for.
Cultural clashes, working out where you fit in the world, first love and first loss are all covered in this book. I love how the characters are three dimensional. We can see and relate to them with clarity and ease. Melina Marchetta really created a cultural phenomenon with this book. It is what introduced to me to her. She is now one of my all time favourite authors.
This book has always been, and still is, a favourite of mine. It's a coming of age story that I can relate to so much on the cultural front. I remember those feelings of working out who you are and where you fit in the world.
Josie Alibrandi is a 17 year old student about to complete her HSC. This is the year where she is meant to cement who she is and what she wants in life. She thinks she has it all mapped out. Instead, life throws her lemons (and tomatoes) and she is left learning so much more than she bargained for.
Cultural clashes, working out where you fit in the world, first love and first loss are all covered in this book. I love how the characters are three dimensional. We can see and relate to them with clarity and ease. Melina Marchetta really created a cultural phenomenon with this book. It is what introduced to me to her. She is now one of my all time favourite authors.
This book has always been, and still is, a favourite of mine. It's a coming of age story that I can relate to so much on the cultural front. I remember those feelings of working out who you are and where you fit in the world.
sharpestlives's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ustinerr16's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0