Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

52 reviews

emlawley's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

After hearing lots of good things about this book I was immediately drawn into the story, and “just one chapter before bed” turned into “oops I read for 1.5 hours” on many occasions! It was watch-through-your-fingers at times but very compelling, and so so relatable in its honest portrayal of the messy aftermath of a marriage break down. The only disappointing factor for me was the, in my opinion, very abrupt and unsatisfactory ending - after laughing and crying in the final quarter I was hopeful for a much better conclusion. 
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lostwithoutaplan's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Tinder rabbit hole was lengthy and a touch overdone - but I enjoyed the dynamic of the friends group and how the character grows both in friendships and in her self-actualization. 
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ferdie's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a book about how miserable we are when we are miserable. There were times when I just wanted to shake Maggie (the protagonist) and got so sick of her shit, but then I remembered me in my darkest days too and just sighed. I loved how visceral Really Good, Actually is, in a way that feels true. Some parts got a a little too annoying and went on for too long, but overall I'm really happy to have read this and feel more insightful myself. Cheers to getting through the hard stuff :)
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annaka's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense slow-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

3.0

I really wanted to love this book after hearing good things and loving Schitt’s Creek… but I feel like it was marketed wrong. So many comments about how funny it was! There were a few moments that were amusing and there were moments where I really empathized with the main character and thought the portrayal of her divorce was likely comforting to those that went through similar things… but she’s a disaster (and fairly, bc trauma!) and it feels difficult to watch her spiral farther and farther down. I almost dnf’d at around 70% but decided to push through. It got better so I’m glad I did, but I don’t think if lived up to the hype or my expectations. The last few chapters were the best imo, with some touching moments around good friendships and life… not a regretted read, but not one I’d recommend or reread.
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nialiversuch's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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bookishlittleme's review against another edition

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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 🫶
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kelseyburnell's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad medium-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

4.25

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maevebm's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

This was such an authentic story that I didn’t realize this wasn’t a memoir until near the end. I rooted for Maggie every step & misstep and wanted to see her heal. So much of her journey was relatable and funny, yet sad and genuine.
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achay91's review against another edition

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emotional funny slow-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? Yes

2.5

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laurataylor's review against another edition

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emotional funny slow-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? No

3.5

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