Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Perfect by Sara Shepard

2 reviews

locdbooktician's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75

I am enjoying my reading experience due to nostalgia from the TV shows. I will say that in the year of 2022 these books do not hold up well. The constant predatory behaviors of most of the male characters were terrible. While reading I kept thinking "the way these girls are brushing off these boys and men being predatory is too much." I found myself annoyed that not only did these four girls NOT HAVE support... their parents disregarded them and did not seem to care about their wellbeing. I KEPT WANTING TO SCREAM "THESE ARE TEENAGE GIRL, THEY ARE BEING KIDNAPPED EVERYDAY, CARE FOR THEM. Then I realized that I am passionate about this due to all the missing and murdered Black and Indigenous girls in the U.S.

The homophobia throughout the book is disturbing. I think if I didn't watch the show I don't think I would be able to continue the series. I will say that this book was definitely a product of its time. I wonder if Sara's books write like this in 2022.

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fanboyriot's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Read For:
✓ Plot Twist
✓ Cliffhanger 
✓ Toxic Parents
✓ A is Playing the Game
✓ Bisexual Character (love interest)

˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗
The girls learn A came to play a little game.  Not only do the threats get bolder but the consequences are more severe as well.  Poor Hanna having to deal with everything with Mona and then the ending really hit her with bad luck… 

Also, I forgot how much Aria’s mom makes me mad in this book.  Like dude, it’s not your teenager’s responsibility to tell you your husband is cheating.  Yeah, Aria could have dealt with it differently but you’re the adult in the situation, act like it.  She never thought about how bad of a position Aria was put in when she found out, instead she kicks Aria out of the house and makes her homeless… mother of the year. 

I feel like if this wasn’t a nostalgic read then it would be less stars.  There are so many moments that happen to these teenagers who act like more of adults than the adults do.  It’s very dramatic and if you look at the plot closely it’s really difficult to believe they have such bad luck, but it is fun to read.

Spice Level: 🌶️ 
Angst Level: 💧💧
POV: Multiple, Third Person
Release Date: 21, August 2007
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