jerica's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
There is an immense amount of detail, creativity, and care that went into writing this book. The only things keeping it from a 5-star rating are 1) there was one detail I read that didn't make sense and wasn't addressed again and 2) Andy and Laura made some really dumb decisions that made me want to scream. These decisions make the characters human though. We all say stupid things and make mistakes that, in hindsight, we should have known would backfire. Although it wasn't terribly easy to relate to the characters in many ways due to the unique storyline, they were very well-developed.
I am usually someone who can predict everything that will happen. While I did predict quite a few things in this book, there was one point where my jaw literally fell open and I verbalized my disbelief aloud. I think that a majority of readers will find this story to be a rollercoaster with surprises at every turn! I also appreciated that, although this book addresses very dark topics, it does so in a way that (at least for me) does not create a trauma reaction for the reader.
As usual, my review is an aimless rambling. Long story short: I highly recommend this book!
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Blood, Gun violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Stalking, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Torture
Minor: Incest, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Suicide attempt, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Excrement, Body shaming, Dementia, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Drug abuse, Rape, Vomit, and Sexual assault
madlain's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Vomit, Homophobia, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, Dementia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Classism, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Blood, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Body horror, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Violence, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Cursing, Death of parent, Gore, and Gun violence
Moderate: Rape and Racism
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Body shaming