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thatssostelle's review
4.0
Originally reviewed at Rather Be Reading Blog.
All I can say is my god, high school is rough and I’m glad to be out of there. Magan warned me in advance that this book was disturbing and I think that’s why it took me a little longer than normal to finish it. But I am so glad that I did.
Lani isn’t into being defined. And Claire may show off a positive outlook on life, but it’s as fake as the smiles in her pictures. They are an unlikely pair, and even though their friendship is short-lived, it’s like they have known each other for years.
Claire is dealing with an alcoholic mother, the possibility of having a cancer relapse, starving herself, and a somewhat absent father. Her “friends” are just not the kind you confide it. Instead they are the ones who play “chicken” and get her into dangerous pickles. Her friendship with Lani puts her reputation on the line, and Lani can’t stand clear of multiple forms of harassment.
While this book is difficult to read, Claire’s character development is worth it. Lani teaches her that life gets worse before it gets better, and the strength that Claire finds is truly remarkable. Lani teaches her volumes about herself, actually.
All I can say is my god, high school is rough and I’m glad to be out of there. Magan warned me in advance that this book was disturbing and I think that’s why it took me a little longer than normal to finish it. But I am so glad that I did.
Lani isn’t into being defined. And Claire may show off a positive outlook on life, but it’s as fake as the smiles in her pictures. They are an unlikely pair, and even though their friendship is short-lived, it’s like they have known each other for years.
Claire is dealing with an alcoholic mother, the possibility of having a cancer relapse, starving herself, and a somewhat absent father. Her “friends” are just not the kind you confide it. Instead they are the ones who play “chicken” and get her into dangerous pickles. Her friendship with Lani puts her reputation on the line, and Lani can’t stand clear of multiple forms of harassment.
While this book is difficult to read, Claire’s character development is worth it. Lani teaches her that life gets worse before it gets better, and the strength that Claire finds is truly remarkable. Lani teaches her volumes about herself, actually.
kitkat_84's review
2.0
I had a really hard time with this book. Lani came off very preachy and it seemed as if the author was using his voice to get out her own thoughts so that everyone could hear them. It made the character come off unbelievable in a very strange way. As for Claire, I couldn't find much I liked about her, either. She was very cookie cutter. Straight girl makes friend with gender-neutral new kid and learns how the world really is, finding revelations and a new perspective along the way. I had a hard time getting the motivation to actually finish the book and I can't say that I'm glad I did. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
genderlesspancake's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
julie_gassman's review
2.0
I thought the writing was strong, but I wasn't totally sold on the concept and it was easy for me to put the book down and not pick it up for days in between.
casspro's review
3.0
I hardly remember anything about this novel, except that it deals with gender issues and what happens in a small town with those gender lines are crossed, blurred, and erased away. I would add it to re-read list, but I feel I'm now past the age bracket when it would feel memorable to me.
inthelunaseas's review
4.0
One of the more enjoyable books I've read in a long time, which surprised me. It contains a lot of topics I usually dislike, such as pretentious teens, spoilt girls getting sick, ignorant characters, that sort of thing, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed Lani Garver, but I actually felt myself getting increasingly angry at the 'fish frat' as the book continued, and at points, I wanted to punch Macy in the face. This sort of reaction doesn't usually occur to me while reading a book, which again makes me enjoy it so much. I also enjoyed the just desserts bestowed upon Tony.
Do I believe Lani was an angel? Well, that's a bit hard to say. I think the answer is meant to be yes, but things aren't always that clear. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that's the most important thing to me.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed Lani Garver, but I actually felt myself getting increasingly angry at the 'fish frat' as the book continued, and at points, I wanted to punch Macy in the face. This sort of reaction doesn't usually occur to me while reading a book, which again makes me enjoy it so much. I also enjoyed the just desserts bestowed upon Tony.
Do I believe Lani was an angel? Well, that's a bit hard to say. I think the answer is meant to be yes, but things aren't always that clear. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that's the most important thing to me.
lunaseassecondaccount's review
4.0
One of the more enjoyable books I've read in a long time, which surprised me. It contains a lot of topics I usually dislike, such as pretentious teens, spoilt girls getting sick, ignorant characters, that sort of thing, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed it.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed Lani Garver, but I actually felt myself getting increasingly angry at the 'fish frat' as the book continued, and at points, I wanted to punch Macy in the face. This sort of reaction doesn't usually occur to me while reading a book, which again makes me enjoy it so much. I also enjoyed the just desserts bestowed upon Tony.
Do I believe Lani was an angel? Well, that's a bit hard to say. I think the answer is meant to be yes, but things aren't always that clear. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that's the most important thing to me.
I'm not sure if I enjoyed Lani Garver, but I actually felt myself getting increasingly angry at the 'fish frat' as the book continued, and at points, I wanted to punch Macy in the face. This sort of reaction doesn't usually occur to me while reading a book, which again makes me enjoy it so much. I also enjoyed the just desserts bestowed upon Tony.
Do I believe Lani was an angel? Well, that's a bit hard to say. I think the answer is meant to be yes, but things aren't always that clear. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that's the most important thing to me.
kurrukukuxi's review against another edition
4.0
Rompen un jarrón y lo recomponen usando pegamento. Es bonito y triste.
kber1013's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
vstewart76's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25