A review by tatiana_luz
How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The book was okay. I feel like some of the women were one-dimensional (particularly Ruby and Ashlee) and, while I understand that there are various ways in which people process trauma, they were very heavy handed in the stereotypes of bimbo bachelorette and depressed rebel.

I did like the idea presented that the women in the group were like reality show characters with their stories edited to make them fill preconceived notions about women. Sadly, I feel that this aspect of the plot was introduced too late into the story. I can see why
Jake Jackson being in disguise
was not revealed until the end but the goal of
creating a new reality TV show
would have made the women's characterizations more obvious tropes than poor writing.

Also, doing the end goal reveal just a bit sooner would have made the female empowerment moment more cathartic. The way it was done felt rushed and unsatisfying.
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