ahoffkosik's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
denaiir's review
2.0
ok my fault for thinking that something would happen to the Brittanys and getting disappointed (I had it in my head they started disappearing, don't know why). But yeah nothing happens, it's a slice of life book with uninteresting tidbits, the narrator's older self sometimes randomly comments, and most importantly the group of Brittanys is actually not that central since they're hardly ever together, so it makes me wonder why the author even bothered to include that aspect. I liked the writing at the beginning but it quickly became old and I couldn't wait for it to end since it was obvious nothing was going to happen
zoethydear1850's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I’m not bothered by the teenage stream of consciousness or the generally forgettable side characters, because that’s high school (and whoever wants to argue me that we don’t make everything HUGE in high school, feel free!) In fact, I enjoyed these aspects because they felt very true to high school identity.
I do find that the story lacked depth, which left it feeling incomplete somehow. There were moments of such high school roll-your-eyes simplicity that was done so expertly; it left me wanting more from the rest of the novel. For a book entitled “The Brittanys”- the Brittanys are not nearly as prevalent as you’d expect, but merely accessories to move the plot along. There were statements I was very aware were meant to be important, but I found myself wondering why- what is she referring to? Is there a lesson to be learned somewhere? I’m still not sure. I just would’ve loved stronger character development and relationship exploration. More purpose.
I do find that the story lacked depth, which left it feeling incomplete somehow. There were moments of such high school roll-your-eyes simplicity that was done so expertly; it left me wanting more from the rest of the novel. For a book entitled “The Brittanys”- the Brittanys are not nearly as prevalent as you’d expect, but merely accessories to move the plot along. There were statements I was very aware were meant to be important, but I found myself wondering why- what is she referring to? Is there a lesson to be learned somewhere? I’m still not sure. I just would’ve loved stronger character development and relationship exploration. More purpose.
saralynnburnett's review
5.0
This book is SO underrated! So many nostalgic vibes here and the author perfectly captures that weird, brief moment between being a kid and a young woman - I wish there were more books like this! If getting dropped off at the mall and Abercrombie & Fitch hauls were high points during your HS experience you're going to love this! Read it in a day, couldn't put it down.
It's light on plot, not a ton happens, but also everything happens. It's the story of a freshman year / a slice of life - highs and lows, bonds between friends, mothers, and brothers.
It's light on plot, not a ton happens, but also everything happens. It's the story of a freshman year / a slice of life - highs and lows, bonds between friends, mothers, and brothers.
ablissett's review
1.0
I never finished it - which is rare for me. I'm not sure what the plot was, and the book seemed to be heading nowhere.
gabschaf's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
Book was very young adult, probably because that was the character age. Enjoyed the author's reminiscences. Read in 1 hour, 48 minutes
sandyyeahyeah's review
emotional
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
southernbellebooks's review
5.0
I absolutely felt like I was back in high school and I kind of loved it. It was super nostalgic feeling, especially with the friend group dynamics (ours, thankfully, were a lot less dramatic). I love the cover. I loved the writing. Brittany Ackerman is officially on a list of authors I will read more from. Love her so much! This book was EVERYTHING.
pikasqueaks's review
it will always be wild to pick up a book that's touted as a look back at what it was like to grow up as a teenage girl in the late 90s/00s, read the whole thing, and be like "yeah wow, i can't relate to any of this."
kaitlynriggio's review
2.0
Not the worst thing ever, but it just didn’t do it for me. I was expecting more of a Mean Girls type deal that focused on The Brittanys as a whole group, but I can’t remember if we ever see the whole group together beyond the opening scene. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, they all felt pretty static (there’s glimpses into the future of who everyone becomes intercut throughout the story, but it mostly just feels shoehorned in). Maybe I’m just not the right audience for this, but overall it was hard to connect with this.