readwithbec_'s review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
2.0
I tried to love this book, but it was overall chaotic. There were some parts of the book where I did not want to put the book down, but the majority of the book was a massive push to get myself through it. The Voss family were dysfunctional, wow, lots of different themes were covered and there was a lot going on. Definitely an easy read but definitely not my favourite CoHo book so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
bbrewer14's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.75
Without Merit is a fast read and should honestly be classified as a YA novel based on the reading level. If not for the content (sexual, drug/alcohol, sexuality, mental illness, major dysfunction in family unit), I would definitely have thought I picked up a book in the wrong section of the library.
Colleen Hoover’s books are enjoyable to me, but despite how much I enjoyed this book, I will consider it a guilty pleasure since it was kind of poorly written and juvenile. The character names were over the top and despite the decent character development, the ending was so succinct and tidy that it left me wanting. The idea that life in a world as dysfunctional as the one of the characters presented in this book can be wrapped up with a tidy little bow was why I rated the book in the 3’s. It leaves you wanting more from the characters and the author.
The book’s focus is on the Voss family. Twin sisters Merit and Honor, older brother Utah, the father, the mother (Victoria), the stepmother (also Victoria), the young half-sibling Moby, the step-uncle Luck and a family friend Sagan make up the main characters. All of these people live in a remodeled church in a small TX town. The mother lives downstairs and suffers from a multitude of health issues. The father, the kids, the stepparent and stepuncle and friend all live upstairs. The main character, Merit, feels alienated and unwanted. The book explores her journey within her family and other relationships as she discovers the importance of listening, communicating, putting forth the truth, learning to forgive and navigating her teen years. Merit struggles as the self-proclaimed outcast of the family and goes on a journey to discover how to be a part of her family or if she even wants to remain in this world to do so.
It is a good book and is a decent choice to pass the time, but it definitely needed more time to become what it could have been if the author gave it more effort.
Colleen Hoover’s books are enjoyable to me, but despite how much I enjoyed this book, I will consider it a guilty pleasure since it was kind of poorly written and juvenile. The character names were over the top and despite the decent character development, the ending was so succinct and tidy that it left me wanting. The idea that life in a world as dysfunctional as the one of the characters presented in this book can be wrapped up with a tidy little bow was why I rated the book in the 3’s. It leaves you wanting more from the characters and the author.
The book’s focus is on the Voss family. Twin sisters Merit and Honor, older brother Utah, the father, the mother (Victoria), the stepmother (also Victoria), the young half-sibling Moby, the step-uncle Luck and a family friend Sagan make up the main characters. All of these people live in a remodeled church in a small TX town. The mother lives downstairs and suffers from a multitude of health issues. The father, the kids, the stepparent and stepuncle and friend all live upstairs. The main character, Merit, feels alienated and unwanted. The book explores her journey within her family and other relationships as she discovers the importance of listening, communicating, putting forth the truth, learning to forgive and navigating her teen years. Merit struggles as the self-proclaimed outcast of the family and goes on a journey to discover how to be a part of her family or if she even wants to remain in this world to do so.
It is a good book and is a decent choice to pass the time, but it definitely needed more time to become what it could have been if the author gave it more effort.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Animal death, and Vomit
Moderate: Suicide, Abandonment, Cancer, Chronic illness, Outing, Infidelity, Death, Drug use, Medical content, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder, Grief, Alcohol, Bullying, War, and Cursing
karifaye's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Drug use, Cancer, and Animal death
denijaaa_s's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide attempt, and Animal death
Minor: Mental illness
viktoriadoyle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
The characters in this book are captivating and leave you constantly pondering their personalities and true identities. Each character harbors secrets that come as shocking revelations. What sets this family apart is their unique dynamic, as imperfect individuals grappling with their own hidden struggles. One aspect I particularly appreciate is how the author provides resolutions for each character's problems, delving into their complexities throughout the story. It's refreshing to see these issues being openly addressed and discussed. For instance, the exploration of Merit's suicidal attempt and her initial denial of being depressed was thought-provoking. As the story progresses, her journey towards healing is portrayed through Luck's list and her realization that everyone is striving to overcome challenges, while emphasizing that there is no shame in being depressed. Sagan's maturity is another highlight, as he navigates Merit's complex personality with patience and encourages her to love herself before pursuing their unspoken connection. This book is truly remarkable, leaving readers with lingering thoughts long after they finish reading. The intensity at the beginning gradually eases towards a satisfying resolution, which is a testament to the author's skillful storytelling. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, although it's important to note that there are trigger warnings associated with it. It offers profound insights into various life issues and prompts honest contemplation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, and Drug use
Minor: Body shaming
anjelicanarvaez's review against another edition
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Cancer, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
Minor: Abandonment and Animal death
nbreezy17's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, Suicide, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Vomit and Animal death
kat_rowlen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Would make for a good beach read! Will this book win any literary awards? Probably not. Will it keep you entertained? Definitely! The chapters were too long, but I didn’t mind it as much as I normally would because I’d get so lost in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Chronic illness, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Incest, Mental illness, and Animal death
lindsayvale's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, and Animal death
abbiemurphy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this book, it’s got a few flaws however. one main one was the amount of incest involved, it was a bit offputting. however, it was still a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
Moderate: Death and Animal death
Minor: Terminal illness