nwill_reads's review against another edition
3.0
3 ⭐️
I don’t have much to say about this book tbh.
You know you get those knock off movies basically identical to another but changing minor details… that’s what this book felt like.
It was like I was reading a knock off version of ‘mean girls’ 🥱.
I don’t have much to say about this book tbh.
You know you get those knock off movies basically identical to another but changing minor details… that’s what this book felt like.
It was like I was reading a knock off version of ‘mean girls’ 🥱.
girlreading's review against another edition
3.0
Firstly I have to say I really enjoy the way Holly Bourne writes. Her books are such comfortable reads. They flow brilliantly and read so quickly. I pretty much zoomed through and finished this in one sitting. Holly somehow manages to tackle difficult topics in a way that makes them 'easy' to read.
With that being said, I didn't love this book. I enjoyed it but there's something making it hard for me to work out how I feel about it. I'm conflicted. The whole book gave me a huge 'Mean Girls' movie vibe, it was similar in so many ways that I couldn't stop comparing the two. I found myself struggling to warm to Bree's character which is odd considering we're somewhat similar in things we've dealt with/how we've felt. I just think In the ways that we're not similar, we're such polar opposites I found it hard to connect with her and her actions, especially towards others.
BUT I couldn't stop reading, I was drawn into the book and the lives of these characters despite pretty accurately predicting what would happen. I just don't know how to feel. I enjoyed it, I think, just not as much as I had expected too. I think I possibly put my expectations on this book too high after loving Holly's other book 'Am I Normal Yet?' so much.
I will 100% continue to read whatever Holly Bourne writes because, as I said, I LOVE the way she writes and they way I read her books!
With that being said, I didn't love this book. I enjoyed it but there's something making it hard for me to work out how I feel about it. I'm conflicted. The whole book gave me a huge 'Mean Girls' movie vibe, it was similar in so many ways that I couldn't stop comparing the two. I found myself struggling to warm to Bree's character which is odd considering we're somewhat similar in things we've dealt with/how we've felt. I just think In the ways that we're not similar, we're such polar opposites I found it hard to connect with her and her actions, especially towards others.
BUT I couldn't stop reading, I was drawn into the book and the lives of these characters despite pretty accurately predicting what would happen. I just don't know how to feel. I enjoyed it, I think, just not as much as I had expected too. I think I possibly put my expectations on this book too high after loving Holly's other book 'Am I Normal Yet?' so much.
I will 100% continue to read whatever Holly Bourne writes because, as I said, I LOVE the way she writes and they way I read her books!
juliette_d_03's review against another edition
funny
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
jang's review against another edition
5.0
I tried to find a false note in this book and failed completely. Even if the character was so utterly and depressingly flawed, the story was so on point and relatable. It's like reading a more profound version of Mean Girls, all that girl world vs. the real world and all the ways a person does in order to fit in. So much tears and love and heartache and admiration.
I know that I often say this about the books I've read, but seriously, I could really relate to the main character on a vast hysterical and somber levels. Her sadness, her being different but trying to fit it, her mustering up strengths to do the unknown, her likes and interests (TO BE DIFFERENT, TO BECOME A FIRM FEMINIST, TO LEAVE A MARK AND BE AN EFFECTIVE YOUNG WRITER), the way she deals with rejection (like fxck rejection tbh), her fears (of not having a happy ending, lawd that is just my mantra rn), and even her BLOGGING. If this wasn't a seventeen-year-old-me then I don't even know what. Only she's more in pain (emotionally, physically and mentally) and more desolate. I just want to hug this Bree character soooo soooo bad.
The essence of this story is really to stop caring about detractors and debbies and bullies and insecure twats in high school no matter how much they try to scratch your surface. Also, to get help when sadness is getting too much and you're on the brink of inflicting self-harm, which is actually more common among teens nowadays. Being different isn't an unacceptable concept these days. If you think you have terminal weirdness and people are sideeyeing you for that, then let them. It's far better to be called a freak and be remembered for your uniqueness than blending in and basically being everyone who's basic.
"being interesting isn't important. But being happy is." This manifesto is just the perfect self-help guide for every teenager who sometimes feels helplessly lost, sad, insecure, and hurting.
I know that I often say this about the books I've read, but seriously, I could really relate to the main character on a vast hysterical and somber levels. Her sadness, her being different but trying to fit it, her mustering up strengths to do the unknown, her likes and interests (TO BE DIFFERENT, TO BECOME A FIRM FEMINIST, TO LEAVE A MARK AND BE AN EFFECTIVE YOUNG WRITER), the way she deals with rejection (like fxck rejection tbh), her fears (of not having a happy ending, lawd that is just my mantra rn), and even her BLOGGING. If this wasn't a seventeen-year-old-me then I don't even know what. Only she's more in pain (emotionally, physically and mentally) and more desolate. I just want to hug this Bree character soooo soooo bad.
The essence of this story is really to stop caring about detractors and debbies and bullies and insecure twats in high school no matter how much they try to scratch your surface. Also, to get help when sadness is getting too much and you're on the brink of inflicting self-harm, which is actually more common among teens nowadays. Being different isn't an unacceptable concept these days. If you think you have terminal weirdness and people are sideeyeing you for that, then let them. It's far better to be called a freak and be remembered for your uniqueness than blending in and basically being everyone who's basic.
"being interesting isn't important. But being happy is." This manifesto is just the perfect self-help guide for every teenager who sometimes feels helplessly lost, sad, insecure, and hurting.
alex09's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holly_marie's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading the book and didn't want to put it down. However, at times it did frustrate me.
The story is basically the English version of Mean Girls in a book. It was entertaining, talked about a variety of important topics that teenagers face and goes through a whole bunch of emotions. However, at times it was quite shallow and the writing often seemed quite basic. I liked the main character of Bree for the majority of the book although at times I really disliked her because of some the situations she got herself in and how she treated the other characters. I loved her mum and the fact that a healthy family relationship with her is shown more and more as the book continues.
The story is basically the English version of Mean Girls in a book. It was entertaining, talked about a variety of important topics that teenagers face and goes through a whole bunch of emotions. However, at times it was quite shallow and the writing often seemed quite basic. I liked the main character of Bree for the majority of the book although at times I really disliked her because of some the situations she got herself in and how she treated the other characters. I loved her mum and the fact that a healthy family relationship with her is shown more and more as the book continues.
ava_mallen's review against another edition
5.0
I really didn't think this would be my kind of book but I enjoyed it so much! I mean I read 400+ pages in 4 days and I'm a relatively slow reader, so you can obviously see I liked it very much! It dealt with friendships, relationships, bullying and self harm so well as the main character, Bree, found her way through tough social situations and the hell that is secondary school. Would definitely recommend!
samlxqz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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? Yes
5.0
bryonycostello's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I picked this book up on a whim one day when book shopping with Ely. That was 3(?) years ago and I've only just got around to reading it. I really want to read Holly's Spinster Club series, which is what made me finally pick this book up.
I definitely enjoyed this, though found it to be slightly long-winded at times. I love the message of the book overall, and think the epilogue is a really powerful passage for women of all ages. I liked the protagonist and resonated with her a lot. I'm really looking forward to reading more from Holly now.
I picked this book up on a whim one day when book shopping with Ely. That was 3(?) years ago and I've only just got around to reading it. I really want to read Holly's Spinster Club series, which is what made me finally pick this book up.
I definitely enjoyed this, though found it to be slightly long-winded at times. I love the message of the book overall, and think the epilogue is a really powerful passage for women of all ages. I liked the protagonist and resonated with her a lot. I'm really looking forward to reading more from Holly now.