lizanneyoung's review against another edition
2.5
After seeing the trailer for the Netflix series coming out next month, I checked this out from my library using Hoopla. However, I found myself pretty disappointed as a whole. And, I’m willing to admit it may be because it is YA, but even compared to other YA books I’ve read and enjoyed, this one just felt like it was lacking something.
I like the premise of Jackie moving from NYC to Colorado and her life being turned upside down by the cultural shock. It gives her a new “family,” which isn’t a bad thing after what she’s experienced. However, with the number of children in the family, I felt like nothing was ever deeper than surface level, even with Jackie. Every personality felt very one-note, which was disappointing because it seemed like this would be a great way to explore both the “conventional” character types and more unique personalities.
I also wasn’t a fan of the ending, especially knowing there isn’t another book that follows. It felt a bit like maybe there was a sequel intended at some point, and it just never happened. Had there been depth to the character development, it might’ve been an okay, albeit frustrating, ending. But, when I think about how we meet Jackie and where she ends up, there isn’t really any significant character growth, which is a bummer. I think character growth is a big part of YA novels, and for it to not really be there was disappointing.
I will still watch the Netflix adaptation because I want to see how it all plays out on screen. Maybe we will get a different ending?
iovecosmic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cowboylikelucia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
perchance_a_tale's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
glittermonkey's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
aberwin's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
sejrgorm's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
gsaliare's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jollyy13's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an intriguing book that I couldn't put down. Jackie was such a great protagonist and the love triangle going on in the Walter household was amazing. Can't wait for more to come from Ali! Sp excited for the TV series!!