A review by hailsbooknook
Cobble Hill by Cecily Von Ziegesar
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2.00 stars
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TW; Body shaming, Chronic Illness, Drug use, Death, Animal death
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As a huge Gossip Girl fan, I went into this with high hopes and felt a little letdown. In Cobble Hill, we follow the everyday lives of four families who all have a connection to each other. I found that the book focused on smaller plots that acted as a filler but there was something missing, it lacked a true plot. This book seemed like an inside look into someone's life. Yes, it was filled with secrets (a little of them seem far-fetched) but it wasn't enough to keep me captivated. I found myself wanting to read more just to see if anything major happened.
The characters weren't likable, a lot of them were selfish and focused on their well-being. The plot I had the biggest issue with was Mandy's who lied to her entire family about having MS just so that she doesn't have to get out of bed. Eventually, her husband (Stuart) finds out but I feel like it is glanced over like it's no big deal - it is mentioned once in a "climax" where all truths are revealed, but it's never mentioned again. We also have Peaches who is a school nurse, but also unofficial bar worker - I found her obsession with Stuart Little (former member of the band the blind mice) a little unsettling since she has a husband (Greg) and they have a son Liam together. Liam goes to school why Shy who is the daughter of Roy a well-known author and new Cobble Hill resident who is working on his new book while his wife Wendy works for a magazine. If it sounds confusing, it's probably because it was.
-
TW; Body shaming, Chronic Illness, Drug use, Death, Animal death
-
As a huge Gossip Girl fan, I went into this with high hopes and felt a little letdown. In Cobble Hill, we follow the everyday lives of four families who all have a connection to each other. I found that the book focused on smaller plots that acted as a filler but there was something missing, it lacked a true plot. This book seemed like an inside look into someone's life. Yes, it was filled with secrets (a little of them seem far-fetched) but it wasn't enough to keep me captivated. I found myself wanting to read more just to see if anything major happened.
The characters weren't likable, a lot of them were selfish and focused on their well-being. The plot I had the biggest issue with was Mandy's who lied to her entire family about having MS just so that she doesn't have to get out of bed. Eventually, her husband (Stuart) finds out but I feel like it is glanced over like it's no big deal - it is mentioned once in a "climax" where all truths are revealed, but it's never mentioned again. We also have Peaches who is a school nurse, but also unofficial bar worker - I found her obsession with Stuart Little (former member of the band the blind mice) a little unsettling since she has a husband (Greg) and they have a son Liam together. Liam goes to school why Shy who is the daughter of Roy a well-known author and new Cobble Hill resident who is working on his new book while his wife Wendy works for a magazine. If it sounds confusing, it's probably because it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death, and Drug use