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A review by sniderbeebooks
The Words by A. Jade
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.0
This book received a lot of hype, which convinced me to read it. I wasn't as taken by it as everyone else. It moved quickly, though it was way too long. A good chunk of the middle was unnecessary. I wasn't sure the point of certain subplots such as the sister. Her presence really muddied the waters.
The sister, the assaulted band mate, the mean girls from high school... what happened with these aspects of the story. I didn't feel any closure.
The MCs relationship is all over the place. They hate each other, they love each other, they just want to bone each other. Back and forth, we go and it just would... not... end. Their arrangement 'ended' over and over only to keep going on and on.
This book also reminded me why I am very careful when selecting new adult titles. Like some of the stories don't exist in the real world. Suspension of disbelief is highly recommended. Additionally, the characters are horrible decision makers, usually handling their problems with substance abuse or violence. It was very disappointing to see a MMC use his fists on people so much in this story considering he was physically abused by his father.
Lastly, I was uncomfortable with the plus sized rep in this. I know a lot of readers may find the FMC relatable, but I'm not sure it was handled in the best way. It was also a major theme of the book that just sort of... dropped away.
That said, I think 3 stars is fair. I didn't hate the experience, nor would I try to dissuade anyone else to read it.
The sister, the assaulted band mate, the mean girls from high school... what happened with these aspects of the story. I didn't feel any closure.
The MCs relationship is all over the place. They hate each other, they love each other, they just want to bone each other. Back and forth, we go and it just would... not... end. Their arrangement 'ended' over and over only to keep going on and on.
This book also reminded me why I am very careful when selecting new adult titles. Like some of the stories don't exist in the real world. Suspension of disbelief is highly recommended. Additionally, the characters are horrible decision makers, usually handling their problems with substance abuse or violence. It was very disappointing to see a MMC use his fists on people so much in this story considering he was physically abused by his father.
Lastly, I was uncomfortable with the plus sized rep in this. I know a lot of readers may find the FMC relatable, but I'm not sure it was handled in the best way. It was also a major theme of the book that just sort of... dropped away.
That said, I think 3 stars is fair. I didn't hate the experience, nor would I try to dissuade anyone else to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Child death and Pregnancy