readaroundtherosie's review against another edition
4.0
I was sent a manuscript of this novel by the publisher. The following is an somewhat edited version of the feedback I sent them:
Actual rating 3.75
This was my first Matthew Quick novel, and I now understand why people love his work! I managed to read it in one sitting, thoroughly intrigued by this novel that had fallen into Nanette O'Hare's life and changed it.
One thing this book had in boatloads was introspection, which I adore in a novel, and Quick did a marvelous job of painting Nanette and Alex's thoughts.
Nanette's condition was wonderfully written, and gosh, Alex. Poor Alex. His poetry was wonderful and terrifying at times.
As much as I appreciated the novel though, I just found I couldn't quite care for the characters as much as I wanted to, making the experience mostly disconnected. It felt kind of like reading We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach (which I adored- fantastic introspection, but fell to the same kind of disconnectedness and not really caring about the characters overall).
Although I'm very grateful for all of the literary recommendations I got via Booker throughout! I'll be adding some poetry to my tbr very soon :)
Overall an interesting, quick, and enjoyable read where there is much to be gained in terms of insight into mental illness.
Actual rating 3.75
This was my first Matthew Quick novel, and I now understand why people love his work! I managed to read it in one sitting, thoroughly intrigued by this novel that had fallen into Nanette O'Hare's life and changed it.
One thing this book had in boatloads was introspection, which I adore in a novel, and Quick did a marvelous job of painting Nanette and Alex's thoughts.
Nanette's condition was wonderfully written, and gosh, Alex. Poor Alex. His poetry was wonderful and terrifying at times.
As much as I appreciated the novel though, I just found I couldn't quite care for the characters as much as I wanted to, making the experience mostly disconnected. It felt kind of like reading We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach (which I adored- fantastic introspection, but fell to the same kind of disconnectedness and not really caring about the characters overall).
Although I'm very grateful for all of the literary recommendations I got via Booker throughout! I'll be adding some poetry to my tbr very soon :)
Overall an interesting, quick, and enjoyable read where there is much to be gained in terms of insight into mental illness.
livy22's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
It's startling to read a book that echoes your thoughts so precisely. It's like walking into an art museum and finding a snapshot from your childhood memory displayed for all to see. It's alarming and comforting at the same time. What kept going through my mind while reading was, I'm not alone, I'm not alone, I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Although I didn't really connect with Nanette when it came to her home and social life, her world view was so like my own that I feel lucky to have found a book that verifies a part of me that I never thought anyone else would understand.
It's startling to read a book that echoes your thoughts so precisely. It's like walking into an art museum and finding a snapshot from your childhood memory displayed for all to see. It's alarming and comforting at the same time. What kept going through my mind while reading was, I'm not alone, I'm not alone, I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Although I didn't really connect with Nanette when it came to her home and social life, her world view was so like my own that I feel lucky to have found a book that verifies a part of me that I never thought anyone else would understand.
kbfrantom's review against another edition
3.0
The first half of the book I really liked when Nanette and Alex meet the author of their favorite book a cult book titled The Bubblegum Reaper. Nanette and Alex wonder how the story ended after the book and if it was based on a true story from when Booker (the author) was younger. They befriend a younger boy who also likes the book. I like the friendship they have -an older author, two teenagers and a middle school boy. Then Nanette turns a little crazy and her actions are selfish and annoying.
tinareynolds's review against another edition
2.0
This book sort of spoke to me but I still found myself bored and checking how much more I had to read. Overall, a fairly depressing book.
sjlizzio's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think this book is for everyone but I really connected with it. Maybe it was the theme of individuality over conformity that resonated with me most. It's not a gripping plot or a sensational story but it had a quiet elegance. I enjoyed getting to know Nanette and I think she was a strong character. Some parts of the book are predictable but I overlooked that because I enjoyed the tone and book as a whole.
ms_matou's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect book for the introverted teen who feels like she doesn't fit in.
ruthie_the_librarian's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did, but oh, Nanette! She was just so annoying! Her relationship with the boy annoyed me, and disturbed me too...that was not a healthy relationship. And I have no problem with her being a bit of a social outcast (been there...done that...) but I didn't like how superior she seemed to feel to everyone. I understand all the teen angst interest & the depression & anxiety but, for me, it didn't feel real and I just didn't care. I didn't care about Nanette (especially when she went all third person) and so most of the book was frustrating.
Thank you to Net galley for my copy to read & review.
Thank you to Net galley for my copy to read & review.
charireads's review against another edition
3.0
Chari liked the book but Chari got really annoyed with the character talking in third person for a large portion of the book. Chari gets angry when that happens and starts to think the main character is a whiny baby. Other than that, love everything Mathew Quick writes because of the characters he develops. This third person thing got on my last nerves though!
annabelledejesus's review against another edition
2.0
It's decent, but I'm not feeling the plot enough to continue.
kylielovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a book that really made you think, but it wasn't one I loved.
This was a book that really made you think, but it wasn't one I loved.