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A review by fairynanook
Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this book. The time travel element was an interesting way to explore neurodiversity. Sometimes, I think people who have different brainwiring (hello!) wish they could practice social situations a couple times before having to live them for real. Our main character gets to do that in a way that is really interesting. At times, it is really painful though, seeing how difficult it is for her to figure things out and get to a place of self control. I found myself anxious while reading this book, in a way I'm not typically anxious with a story as low stakes as this. That said, I think if you are not neurodivergent, it could be an interesting way for you to read a story and get an idea of what it is like living with a brain that is.
There is definitely some Harriet Manners (Geek Girl main character) in Cassandra, which makes me assume that those elements are actually Smalle. Some of them can be a bit tedious to read, in both books/series. I have to admit that I didn't find Cassandra very likable over all. Some of that was things I see in myself that I don't like. Some of it was things I felt like she should have learned to mask/control by this point in her life. Perhaps that isn't fair, but it is the truth. Still, I'm glad I read it.
Also, I'm not sure how no oneincludig Cassandra, knew that she was autistic until the end of the book. I know lots of girls have gone undiagnosed, but Cassandra takes things pretty well to the extreme to where it seems like it would be obvious to everyone.
There is definitely some Harriet Manners (Geek Girl main character) in Cassandra, which makes me assume that those elements are actually Smalle. Some of them can be a bit tedious to read, in both books/series. I have to admit that I didn't find Cassandra very likable over all. Some of that was things I see in myself that I don't like. Some of it was things I felt like she should have learned to mask/control by this point in her life. Perhaps that isn't fair, but it is the truth. Still, I'm glad I read it.
Also, I'm not sure how no one
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent