this_momma_is_booked's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
Minor: Gaslighting and Death of parent
mlottermoser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, and Toxic relationship
d0505's review against another edition
- 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
3.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, and Cursing
Moderate: Medical trauma
Minor: Infidelity
sdupont's review
- 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
Graphic: Alcoholism and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Racism and Infidelity
sleeson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
kdailyreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved the main characters. I want to be best friends with Lauren and Jude. They have very different personalities, but they are both loyal, supportive, creative, organized, fun, and loving and clearly have a family-strong bond. Addy is adorable and was described multiple times as “magical,” a perfect description. I liked the subplot of Hudson and Lauren’s relationship as well, and I enjoyed all the scenes that had details about Lauren and Jude’s podcast and newsletter.
I enjoyed the many mother-daughter relationships portrayed in this novel: Lauren and Addy, Jude and her mom, Lauren and her mom, even Addy and Jude as a “bonus mom” or fun aunt and Addy and Stephanie as a stepmom. I could relate so much to Lauren’s feelings as a mom, wondering if she is doing a good job and trying so hard to make everything fun and magical while also making sure Addy was safe and had strong role models (also the shoe struggle. The shoe struggle is REAL). My relationship with my own mom isn’t particularly similar to Lauren’s or Jude’s relationships with their moms, but I did relate to the overall theme of family expectations. It’s often a challenge to let go of perceived or real expectations, accept people and yourself for who they/you are, and to set boundaries. This book explores this aspect of familial relationships really well.
The ending of this book really hit me strongly. I’m not going to discuss it here because of spoilers. I will say it was very emotional and I was very satisfied with how Martin ended the story.
Overall, this was an entertaining, engaging, and moving read. I’m glad it’s on my shelf to reread in the future!
Graphic: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Moderate: Racism, Toxic relationship, and Medical content
shaunashares's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Alcoholism
abbyreadsbigbooks123's review
4.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Addiction, and Alcohol
yunsq's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism and Racism
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Medical trauma
jenkneebee's review
- 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
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Infidelity, Medical content, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship