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dramagirl2003's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
4.25
rose has down syndrome so that affects a lot of the interactions she has with people. she has a fierce desire to be independent and for the most part she manages quite excellently. there were several moments where she terrified me though and i thought, “girl no! you need some help!”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Pedophilia, Sexual content, and Trafficking
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
crochevy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Maybe my expectations for this book were too high, but I was quite disappointed by how boring it turned out to be. It had so much potential. Almost 3 stars because I did like the characters, but the story itself waw rather meh.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
jodierose14's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
Moderate: Suicide
backpackingbookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
On first glance, I thought this would be a sweet read about a girl who goes on an adventure to find her boyfriend. Parts of it showed how kind and compassionate humans can be, which made my heart swell in my chest. Other parts covered dark themes that, at times, were distressing and difficult to digest.
I had no idea this book covered child sexual exploitation (CSE) which is something I believe get's much less coverage in novels than it should. It's so prevalent, yet barely talked about in fiction or in reality. Everything that Rosie, Lisette, and Courtney experienced is a reflection of real-life for many underage girls who maybe don't fit in at home or are brainwashed by exploiters showering them with gifts and attention. It's so easy to fall into the trap, and I thought Mel explored this really really well.
The author did a really good job of injecting lightheartedness and acts of kindness to counter the darker, more challenging themes without undermining them. There was hope throughout Rose's difficult journey, and I wanted her to reach Jack so badly so they could reunite. I loved both characters although I wish Jack's character could have been further developed and explored. Rose's Down syndrome made many people doubt her ability to be in-de-pen-dent but her unwavering strength and love for Jack kept her fighting. She was wonderfully developed and I gained a real insight into what it must be like for people with disabilities who know they are capable of more than people assume/give them credit for. Rose was often treated like a baby, although you could tell this was because her parents loved her and wanted to protect her. But I felt her anguish and the unfairness that she and Jack were unable to have the privacy they craved.
This book reminded me a Jacqueline Wilson novel but for older readers. It was easy to read and had a good flow, while still covering some challenging and difficult themes. Great for adults too and one I will definitely be recommending.
Rating breakdown
The author did a really good job of injecting lightheartedness and acts of kindness to counter the darker, more challenging themes without undermining them. There was hope throughout Rose's difficult journey, and I wanted her to reach Jack so badly so they could reunite. I loved both characters although I wish Jack's character could have been further developed and explored. Rose's Down syndrome made many people doubt her ability to be in-de-pen-dent but her unwavering strength and love for Jack kept her fighting. She was wonderfully developed and I gained a real insight into what it must be like for people with disabilities who know they are capable of more than people assume/give them credit for. Rose was often treated like a baby, although you could tell this was because her parents loved her and wanted to protect her. But I felt her anguish and the unfairness that she and Jack were unable to have the privacy they craved.
This book reminded me a Jacqueline Wilson novel but for older readers. It was easy to read and had a good flow, while still covering some challenging and difficult themes. Great for adults too and one I will definitely be recommending.
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 4.2
- Writing style/readability - 3.8
- Characters - 4.3
- Diverse themes - 4.5
- Ending - 4.3
Overall - 4.2
I read this book as part of my 2021 reading challenge, where January's theme was 'a character with a disability.' You can find out more about the challenge here: https://backpackingbookworm.home.blog/2020/12/02/backpacking-bookworms-2021-reading-challenge/
I read this book as part of my 2021 reading challenge, where January's theme was 'a character with a disability.' You can find out more about the challenge here: https://backpackingbookworm.home.blog/2020/12/02/backpacking-bookworms-2021-reading-challenge/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Trafficking