spookyoh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
aitvaras's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
3.75
odette_tbdk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Me inspiró a hacer mi propia cuenta de escritura. ¿Tengo que decir más?
Cómo con todos los de Alice, me sentí profundamente identificada con los personajes, especialmente con Frances y Aled. Yo también dependo de la validación académica y me gustan los podcasts, ¿ok?
Son personajes que te pueden llegar a frustrar, pero entiendes sus motivos, sus miedos, aspiraciones y cómo la vida adulta los confunde tanto. Ver como evolucionan y salen de sus moldes es hermoso. El final es el mejor que se le pudo haber dado.
Muchísimos puntos por tocar el tema de la demisexualidad en 2014. Alice for the win.
Definitivamente lo recomiendo (Welcome To The Night Vale, voy por ti).
Cómo con todos los de Alice, me sentí profundamente identificada con los personajes, especialmente con Frances y Aled. Yo también dependo de la validación académica y me gustan los podcasts, ¿ok?
Son personajes que te pueden llegar a frustrar, pero entiendes sus motivos, sus miedos, aspiraciones y cómo la vida adulta los confunde tanto. Ver como evolucionan y salen de sus moldes es hermoso. El final es el mejor que se le pudo haber dado.
Muchísimos puntos por tocar el tema de la demisexualidad en 2014. Alice for the win.
Definitivamente lo recomiendo (Welcome To The Night Vale, voy por ti).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Stalking, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Animal death, Body shaming, and Homophobia
Minor: Alcohol, Abandonment, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
venusgf's review against another edition
1.5
horrifyingly boring and one of the worst books i've read in recent years. maybe even the worst.
mindlessy_dying's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
leenakhashab's review against another edition
5.0
AHH ALICE OSEMAN DOES IT AGAIN!!! I dont know what they put into their books but it does it for me every. single. time. I love how alice doesn’t shy away from making their characters messy and flawed in a way that will have you screaming at the page for them to do something else, but knowing what they’re doing is exactly in line for their character (does that make any sense??? i’m just writing what my brain is saying). I want to give Aled the biggest hug ever and be his and Francis’s best friend. I love this book, and I love these characters. like I said with loveless, every situation alice puts their characters in seems so genuine, like I could find myself in that same exact situation (maybe not saving my friend who runs a successful podcast from his college 6 hours away by finding his long lost sister in london, but you get the idea). also, again, I love to see the ace representation my friends!!!!! I want to see more of it !!!!! okay, I really love this book, please go read it if u can get your hands on it
erinelisez's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my absolute favorite books. Every time I read it I seem to connect with a different part of it. Maybe that it’s just coincidental timing, or maybe Alice is just that good an author. Whichever one it is (probably the latter), this book means so much to me.
My first time reading it was right before the majority of my close friends were leaving for college, while I still had a year left of high school, so I felt connected to Frances’ fears about Aled leaving her and forgetting her.
My second time reading it was right as I was beginning college. Not only were the rest of my friends leaving, but I was stuck behind going to community college, not knowing what my future was or what I was supposed to do, and feeling lost.
This reread was right in the midst of finals for what has been my most difficult semester of college yet. Seeing Aled struggling so much with university and feeling stuck resonated with me. That feeling of not being good enough and not being right for school.
On a less personal note, I just love Alice’s writing so much. I don’t usually like books that are written in first person and I find references to social media and pop culture rather cringey, but somehow Alice just does it right. The pop culture and social media references don’t feel awkward and don’t pull you out of the book because they are so imbedded into the characters and what is important to them. The inclusion of tumblr, twitter, and fandoms is such an essential part of the book, since they serve as a portrayal of the effect of Universe City and they serve a bigger role in the plot itself.
The writing is simple, not too flowery, but I think that works for this book. It makes it all the more special when there’s excerpts from Universe City or a particularly impactful line. There is also a definite aura weaved through this book. It feels very dark blue and purple, and those colors are mentioned through out the book, specifically dark blue. I noticed it so much that half way through I took to underlining each time I saw it. The colors incorporated in the writing create such a cohesive feeling.
Also, I absolutely love how Alice weaves in little references to her other books, like in the prologue how they see Higgs School burning down. I noticed Nick and Charlie made a small appearance (not mentioned by name but very easy to spot if you are familiar with them), and two references to Charlie (also not directly named). These made me especially happy as I just finished rereading Heartstopper and watching the new show. I just love that Alice’s books are all in the same universe (the “Osemanverse” if you will) and how she brings aspects of the books into each other.
I just love Radio Silence and Alice Oseman so much :’)
4/29/22
My first time reading it was right before the majority of my close friends were leaving for college, while I still had a year left of high school, so I felt connected to Frances’ fears about Aled leaving her and forgetting her.
My second time reading it was right as I was beginning college. Not only were the rest of my friends leaving, but I was stuck behind going to community college, not knowing what my future was or what I was supposed to do, and feeling lost.
This reread was right in the midst of finals for what has been my most difficult semester of college yet. Seeing Aled struggling so much with university and feeling stuck resonated with me. That feeling of not being good enough and not being right for school.
On a less personal note, I just love Alice’s writing so much. I don’t usually like books that are written in first person and I find references to social media and pop culture rather cringey, but somehow Alice just does it right. The pop culture and social media references don’t feel awkward and don’t pull you out of the book because they are so imbedded into the characters and what is important to them. The inclusion of tumblr, twitter, and fandoms is such an essential part of the book, since they serve as a portrayal of the effect of Universe City and they serve a bigger role in the plot itself.
The writing is simple, not too flowery, but I think that works for this book. It makes it all the more special when there’s excerpts from Universe City or a particularly impactful line. There is also a definite aura weaved through this book. It feels very dark blue and purple, and those colors are mentioned through out the book, specifically dark blue. I noticed it so much that half way through I took to underlining each time I saw it. The colors incorporated in the writing create such a cohesive feeling.
Also, I absolutely love how Alice weaves in little references to her other books, like in the prologue how they see Higgs School burning down. I noticed Nick and Charlie made a small appearance (not mentioned by name but very easy to spot if you are familiar with them), and two references to Charlie (also not directly named). These made me especially happy as I just finished rereading Heartstopper and watching the new show. I just love that Alice’s books are all in the same universe (the “Osemanverse” if you will) and how she brings aspects of the books into each other.
I just love Radio Silence and Alice Oseman so much :’)
4/29/22
gavassor's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? No
4.25
oatsandtotes's review
3.0
3.5*
It was going to be a 4* + book for me until the second half.
I liked the main theme of the book. The uni -> job -> forever happy and safe pipeline is a real thing that was shoved down my throat to secondary school. I genuinely couldn't see another way of achieveing the security I wanted, and I regret it. So I'm glad the story is being told. The unnecessary pressure on students to perform well, how 'being smart' can often be the only thing people perceive you to be and it puts so much pressure on you; I'm glad we're bringing light to it, and I liked how the book did it. I also related to the MC and her tragic ability to make friends, even if you did wanna shake her a bit.
I think the book lost me as it became more dramatic. Whilst awful parents do exist, this one felt a bit like a cartoon. Also Aled said some things to Frances that were honestly so awful, and I wasn't really satisfied with the conclusion. Like he said some truly awful things and yet she was the one begging for forgiveness; idk, I just wasn't satisfied when they made up. However, I do understand Aled's character. Being depressed, hiding away because you fear rejection and failure. He was close to a real, raw character.
All in all, I get why people love this book, and it was a good read. It just missed the mark a little bit for me.
It was going to be a 4* + book for me until the second half.
I liked the main theme of the book. The uni -> job -> forever happy and safe pipeline is a real thing that was shoved down my throat to secondary school. I genuinely couldn't see another way of achieveing the security I wanted, and I regret it. So I'm glad the story is being told. The unnecessary pressure on students to perform well, how 'being smart' can often be the only thing people perceive you to be and it puts so much pressure on you; I'm glad we're bringing light to it, and I liked how the book did it. I also related to the MC and her tragic ability to make friends, even if you did wanna shake her a bit.
I think the book lost me as it became more dramatic. Whilst awful parents do exist, this one felt a bit like a cartoon. Also Aled said some things to Frances that were honestly so awful, and I wasn't really satisfied with the conclusion. Like he said some truly awful things and yet she was the one begging for forgiveness; idk, I just wasn't satisfied when they made up. However, I do understand Aled's character. Being depressed, hiding away because you fear rejection and failure. He was close to a real, raw character.
All in all, I get why people love this book, and it was a good read. It just missed the mark a little bit for me.
strawberrycowlover's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars- recommend to anyone and everyone
Absolutely adored this book and all of the characters. At first I felt like this novel was somewhat similar to Little Fires Everywhere, as they both were small town dramas in a way? (Don’t know if that is the right word for it)
Not everyone’s life is what it seems. While Frances looks to be perfect attaining head girl status and straight As she certainly isn’t. She has many doubts of who she is and is frankly quite lonely.
Aled who lives across the street seems like a quite shy boy who also happens to be at the top of his class. While appearing to have his shit together for uni he is constantly facing the wrath of his mother and feeling the absent weight of his sister who was pretty much exiled from his home.
There is always more than what meets the eye. I thoroughly enjoy books that include this dynamic as it is so so so ACCURATE!
Anyway I really loved all how Oseman developed the characters. The further along I got in the book the more I could see into there lives. It was like looking at a blurry out-of-focus photo and then slowing seeing the resolution of what was actually depicted.
I was most surprised by Daniels character. In the beginning I really didn’t think he would be such an important character or play a role in Frances life.
Frances character I adored the most though. I am not sure if it was because I could relate to her on many of her struggles but believe the author executed a flawless story of what transitioning from high school to uni actually looks like.
As someone who has struggled with this transition I felt a great comfort in knowing I was not alone. The stress and uncertainty of this period in ones life is not talked about enough. Maybe because uni should be seen as a privilege and not an option. While education is a privilege it certainly isn’t for everyone and Oseman really opened up this conversation.
I would really have liked to get more info about Aled’s family and also Daniels. While they did discuss and open up about the struggles they faced at home I really would have liked something more juicy or specific. I was waiting to hear more but never really did which was a little disappointing but still LOVED this book!
Absolutely adored this book and all of the characters. At first I felt like this novel was somewhat similar to Little Fires Everywhere, as they both were small town dramas in a way? (Don’t know if that is the right word for it)
Not everyone’s life is what it seems. While Frances looks to be perfect attaining head girl status and straight As she certainly isn’t. She has many doubts of who she is and is frankly quite lonely.
Aled who lives across the street seems like a quite shy boy who also happens to be at the top of his class. While appearing to have his shit together for uni he is constantly facing the wrath of his mother and feeling the absent weight of his sister who was pretty much exiled from his home.
There is always more than what meets the eye. I thoroughly enjoy books that include this dynamic as it is so so so ACCURATE!
Anyway I really loved all how Oseman developed the characters. The further along I got in the book the more I could see into there lives. It was like looking at a blurry out-of-focus photo and then slowing seeing the resolution of what was actually depicted.
I was most surprised by Daniels character. In the beginning I really didn’t think he would be such an important character or play a role in Frances life.
Frances character I adored the most though. I am not sure if it was because I could relate to her on many of her struggles but believe the author executed a flawless story of what transitioning from high school to uni actually looks like.
As someone who has struggled with this transition I felt a great comfort in knowing I was not alone. The stress and uncertainty of this period in ones life is not talked about enough. Maybe because uni should be seen as a privilege and not an option. While education is a privilege it certainly isn’t for everyone and Oseman really opened up this conversation.
I would really have liked to get more info about Aled’s family and also Daniels. While they did discuss and open up about the struggles they faced at home I really would have liked something more juicy or specific. I was waiting to hear more but never really did which was a little disappointing but still LOVED this book!