katerinamckenna's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, and Stalking
locdbooktician's review against another edition
medium-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
1.75
I am enjoying my reading experience due to nostalgia from the TV shows. I will say that in the year of 2022 these books do not hold up well. The constant predatory behaviors of most of the male characters were terrible. While reading I kept thinking "the way these girls are brushing off these boys and men being predatory is too much." I found myself annoyed that not only did these four girls NOT HAVE support... their parents disregarded them and did not seem to care about their wellbeing. I KEPT WANTING TO SCREAM "THESE ARE TEENAGE GIRL, THEY ARE BEING KIDNAPPED EVERYDAY, CARE FOR THEM. Then I realized that I am passionate about this due to all the missing and murdered Black and Indigenous girls in the U.S.
The homophobia throughout the book is disturbing. I think if I didn't watch the show I don't think I would be able to continue the series. I will say that this book was definitely a product of its time. I wonder if Sara's books write like this in 2022.
The homophobia throughout the book is disturbing. I think if I didn't watch the show I don't think I would be able to continue the series. I will say that this book was definitely a product of its time. I wonder if Sara's books write like this in 2022.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Abandonment, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
fanboyriot's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel like if this wasn’t a nostalgic read then it would be less stars. There are so many moments that happen to these teenagers who act like more of adults that the adults do. It’s very dramatic and if you look at the plot closely it’s really difficult to believe they have such bad luck, but it is fun to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Eating disorder, Violence, Car accident, Stalking, Lesbophobia, and Toxic relationship
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