The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
bookishlittleme's review against another edition
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
So funny and so relatable! Heisey expertly portrays what it feels like to lose oneself in that dark pit at the end of the relationship before finding your way out and learning to be okay again. Although the protagonist, Maggie, is not always likeable she is incredibly human. The only way I can describe the humour is "real." This book had me laughing out loud! Wish I annotated this one for sure since I had so many thoughts while reading :) - Plus the sticky flags would go great with the excellent cover 🫶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Eating disorder, Drug use, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Fatphobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual content
Divorce is the central catalyst for the protagonists story and arc.bethancy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was well written, with some great lines. The main character, for most of the book, is not at all likeable, and i suspect this is intentional, but it made me want to get it over with. The last 70 pages are a bit of a redemption, and overall I did enjoy it. If you want a non-serious self-loathing book about a quarter life crisis, then give it a whirl.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Vomit, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol and Infidelity
dnlrbchd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I understand everyone who DNF this book and/or found Maggie intolerable. What won me over was that everything people hated it exactly what made things relatable. Heisey does an uncomfortably good job of articulating what it's like to be in your late 20s, post major relationship breakup and absolutely fucking floundering as a result. It's hard to read because she's writing about the kind of grief and disorientation that's embarrassing and selfish, and rather bad when outside eyes observe it. Not everyone is enlightened and self-aware at 28 and that's okay! It might be everyone's cup or tea to read about but it's okay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Alcohol, Body shaming, Vomit, and Grief
Minor: Eating disorder
sprucewillow's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Alcohol, and Body shaming
kriti's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Grief, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Alcohol
victoriarosalesvt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Eating disorder
mashley512's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Eating disorder, and Body shaming
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Grief
alylentz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
I listened to the audiobook and had a hard time putting this down... I really became invested in Maggie as a character and loved the focus this book put on her support group and the care that our non-romantic relationships deserve. Quick and compelling and funny and heartwarming!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Eating disorder
lifeonasofa's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Really Good, Actually 👍🏻 Review
“One day and it will surprise you how soon this day will come, but one day you will wake up and feel good. It won’t last long, but then you’ll have another day where you barely remember this abjection, and another, and another, until that’s just your life. But for now, it will be hard. This is the part that’s hard.” - Monica Heisey 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars
This was like a chaotic podcast or diary, I really recommend the audiobook. It was a great listen on the way to work. Despite having some pretty sad themes, surprisingly, this book made me feel light and happy. It was like I was having a chat with a friend, maybe even myself 🤷🏻♀️
Heads up, if divorce is big in your life right now, some of the harder parts might hit close. But personally, as a nearly 30 year old - it’s almost comforting to read about others not having their life together yano? 🙈
There’s really not much plot here, but some decent character development. A good look at relationships, growing up, finding yourself, friendships, careers and hobbies in your late 20s. Also, a big clap for highlighting the importance of therapy 👏🏻
Overall, although I’m finding it hard to think of anything negative to say, it’s not a book I think I’ll remember, it was more a vibe ☺️
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Grief, Toxic friendship, Drug use, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Addiction, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Stalking