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emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book held some really important discussions on racism, the Black Lives Matter movement, and mental illness. It was also a really hopeful and inspiring read, and all four MCs were fantastic. However, this book does have some flaws. For starters, I thought the pacing was a little odd, with no clear plot structure and some inconsistent jumps in time. Furthermore, with discussion of racism being present in the book along with an Asian-American main character, I was surprised that there wasn’t even a brief reference to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes due to COVID. There was also a missed opportunity with Gene (and to be honest, Liam as well) to discuss the intersection of racism and ableism. On the whole, though, I definitely enjoyed my time with this book.
As a side note, I listened to the audiobook which was well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Racism
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cursing, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Self harm, Blood, Toxic friendship, Violence, Pregnancy, and Vomit
COVID-19/pandemic, illness, depressive episode, depressed parent, lynching, very minor warning for climate change/global warming
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