_nini_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Death of parent
isabezza's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
I was rather disappointed by TJR despite my love of her writing style (TJR writes about fame, rivalry, and family so well!) However, the references to her other novels were less subtle and exciting than instances from other novels. Similarly the romance themes were cliché. Whilst I particularly enjoyed the character development for Javier, Nicki, and Brandon, I could not empathise with Carrie, finding her mind style disagreeable. Sometimes I was inspired by her ruthless attitude and other times I was weary of it. Perhaps when I read Malibu Rising in the future I will learn more about Carrie Soto's characterisation and like her more.
Graphic: Death, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Eating disorder
amreippl's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Body horror, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Eating disorder
laurenkimoto's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I will preface this review with two things: I have very limited knowledge of tennis (most of it comes from media talking about Serena Williams) and I have read Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo.
There was more tennis technical jargon and stuff than I thought there was going to be. It took me a hot minute to learn it but even then I think I only understand enough for the context of this book. Other than that this book was pretty much what I expected including a Mick Riva mention
I know this book is inspired by the Williams sisters and their father but how inspired?? Again I have l’initier tennis world knowledge but I felt like pieces were taken from media sound bites of the them.
I did enjoy the formatting of the book, similar to Evelyn Hugo with the journal pieces interspersed with the chapters that are broken down chronologically in relation to major events. It’s what you expect from a TJR book with a strong independent female character that doesn’t give a shit about what others think.
I have more thoughts on the characters and plot of this book that are mildly spoilers so I will keep them from this review.
There was more tennis technical jargon and stuff than I thought there was going to be. It took me a hot minute to learn it but even then I think I only understand enough for the context of this book. Other than that this book was pretty much what I expected including a Mick Riva mention
I know this book is inspired by the Williams sisters and their father but how inspired?? Again I have l’initier tennis world knowledge but I felt like pieces were taken from media sound bites of the them.
I did enjoy the formatting of the book, similar to Evelyn Hugo with the journal pieces interspersed with the chapters that are broken down chronologically in relation to major events. It’s what you expect from a TJR book with a strong independent female character that doesn’t give a shit about what others think.
I have more thoughts on the characters and plot of this book that are mildly spoilers so I will keep them from this review.
Moderate: Cancer, Grief, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Eating disorder, and Sexism
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