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natalie_j's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, and Homophobia
alaynacp's review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75
I enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting this morning. Meg Rosoff does a fantastic job of evoking 1983 NYC: the heat is unbearable, crime is rampant, the AIDS epidemic is sweeping the city, and Beth is amongst it all having her first taste of independence. It’s a coming of age story about Beth, a young girl just graduated from high school, living in New York City for an internship in the summer before college. She’s living on her own for the first time, meeting new people and making new friends, including Edie, a girl who instantly takes Beth under her wing. The story slowly turns dark with lies and betrayal. By the end of the summer, Beth will be a different person, no longer as naive and innocent. CW: there is sexual content, including sexual assault, as well a lot of drinking and drug use.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Alcohol