julielb's review against another edition
3.0
I love this author but this entry was below expectations. The three ⭐️⭐️⭐️ review is generous and based on her writing style. I felt like the length of this book could have been shortened, with some of the middle cut out. I was engaged up to halfway and then started to wonder when it was ever going to end. I finished it but was hungry for a better book by this author.
samchelsey's review against another edition
3.0
The novel was split into two parts. Frannie and her mother drove me crazy for quite a large amount of the first part. I was happy to have Shelly there to be able to offer some insight and compassion, as well as expressing emotions even if they were intense. The second was even more boring after Shelly died except when Frannie was with her Grandfather. One of the reasons it took me so long was because I found it difficult to read Frannies pov. I tried to watch the movie when I was younger and never finished it maybe it was because I found Frannie a boring character even in movie form. The ending was also abrupt and a little awkward and yet i’m glad i finished it because i can read another book now.
jademdw14's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
Oddly, this felt quite similar to [b:My Year of Rest and Relaxation|44279110|My Year of Rest and Relaxation|Ottessa Moshfegh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597676656l/44279110._SY75_.jpg|55508660]—partly in its very very 90s feel that I can't quite put my finger on (but why does it feel so 90s?), and partly in the way I couldn't find any characters with whom to sympathise. That must be intentional (Frannie is inclined to deny anything approaching responsibility; blame all her problems on other people while simultaneously cutting those other people down to size; and borrow people's prize possessions without asking and then be offended that they're annoyed—surely she's not meant to be likable), but it didn't necessarily make me enjoy the experience of reading it.
There's a moment, perhaps three-quarters of the way through, when it seems that Frannie has at last turned her lens outwards and started to care about how other people feel, to do things with other people in mind, but...it's not the longest-lasting of moments. And that, too, must be intentional. It's probably for the best, since a complete 180 wouldn't feel realistic (orrrrr true to who Frannie is), but i guess the whole aggressively-unpleasant thing isn't really for me.
There's a moment, perhaps three-quarters of the way through, when it seems that Frannie has at last turned her lens outwards and started to care about how other people feel, to do things with other people in mind, but...it's not the longest-lasting of moments. And that, too, must be intentional. It's probably for the best, since a complete 180 wouldn't feel realistic (orrrrr true to who Frannie is), but i guess the whole aggressively-unpleasant thing isn't really for me.
kristidremljuga's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Suicide
jessmaealbe20's review against another edition
Oh God. The writing is very well done but I HATE this book. Characters were so unlikeable and I could not get past the blatant fatphobic, ableism, and narcissism. I get that the book was written a while ago but holy sh- come on. Every page had something horrific on it. The characters were so emotionally draining and I was only 100 pages in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Ableism, and Fatphobia
R- word was used so much it hurt my eyes. Fatphobic retoric on every. Single. Page.knallen's review against another edition
3.0
This was a painful, fascinating book about body image, food issues and the things our family members to us not to mention the things we do to them. The relationships in the book felt very real. The characters were interesting and easy to relate to. It had a great message behind it and a lot of emotion. Excellent book for any woman to read.
maggie4483's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. LOVED it. Such an accurate representation of eating disorders (which, while not an expert, I do have some knowledge of), and depression (which I have slightly more experience with), and so well written. And the characters were AWFUL. Just horrible. Which actually made the book better. It's super '90s (i.e., nobody's worried about money, college degrees mean something, and there's a whole scene where the main character is on a date and wearing a body suit, a BODY SUIT! lol, remember those?, and the crotch snaps keep coming undone. Comedy gold). But the story holds. I highly recommend.
libbet's review against another edition
2.0
Second book where every character was a self-centered twatwaffle. I've gotta read something funny after these.
marypickford's review against another edition
3.0
every time i read the goodreads plot i read it was painfully unfunny :-( i mean honest is right i guess. way too honest. you can tell this was written a while ago by the use of ableist slurs, as they kept coming i was like UM and checked the date lol. everyone in this family has disordered eating habits but only one has an actual eating disorder and i was sad to learn that she isn't the focus of this book really. eh. it was a quick and interesting read and the ending is. well. but i'd rather see stories of fellow pals with ed ya know.
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