Reviews

Off the Record by Camryn Garrett

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readwithkiekie's review

5.0

4.5 stars

Off the Record was such an incredible, empowering and well handled novel. It’s clear Camryn Garrett did extensive research and wrote the stories of these characters so well. However, it’s hard for me to review this book as it hits too close to home. But please just know that sexual assault and harassment needs to be taken seriously, whether you’re male, female or non-binary. Our experiences are real.

nogayourbroga's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

For a book with such a subject matter, this really felt like such a warm hug of a story. You can tell how much love Garrett has for Josie and how much care she puts into every character interaction.
The story really picks up after the first third; I was unable to put it down until the end. I felt for Josie so much, and even when she stumbled, I wanted nothing more than for her to succeed and flourish.
My only complaint is that this wasn't published when I was in high school. As many emotions as I felt reading this in my twenties, I knew this would be so much more impactful to me when I was a fat, anxious, lonely teenager like Josie. I can only hope that many more teens found comfort and empowerment in my place.
Very much recommend for the high schooler in your life. And hell, pick it up as an adult, too.

PS My final verdict: I initially checked this out from the library, but this was such an exemplary book that I'm planning on buying it when I have the disposable income! It's more than earned a spot on my bookshelf.

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review

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2.0

2.5/5

I was so excited for this book but I felt like it took a long time to get to the second half of the plot and when it got there it was rushed. The first half was alright but I was more into the story for the drama than the romance.

danilatrice87's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tawallah's review against another edition

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dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

amslersf's review

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emotional informative reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

labyrith_of_a_thousand_mirrors's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Took me a while to read it, which made it hard to remember names that weren't mentioned for a while. But that's on me. And so is taking long. My depressed ADHD brain was just a mess for a while. But today reading was what helped so I finished it.

I really liked the writing style, though I sometimes felt taken out of the scene by all of the thoughts that were sprinkled in between dialogue. It made the reaction time just seem... off. Not saying it's not realistic, I know from experience, anxiety thoughts are faster than spoken words. But you don't read them faster than the dialogue. You experience the scene at the pace you're reading. But I actually struggle with the same thing in my writing.
I kinda like the point it left off. Might seem unfinished to some but I think it ended in the right place.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the sisters. Garrett managed to masterfully walk the line between "unrealistically perfect" and "over the top abusive." They were still realistic sibling relationships, with all the bickering that doesn't make it toxic but just realistic. They still love and support each other, even though they get on each other's nerves. I wish I had that with my siblings.
The book tackled a really tough topic. And I think she masterfully did it. Without it being a dogma. It was still nuanced, I like the distinction between "problematic faves" and "faves that ruin somebody's life". The bottom line was just "stuff is not black and white" and "there is not one right way of acting as a survivor."
Also, good job on the fat representation. As someone who is not fat, this really broadened my view on what it's like to be fat. I already had some idea, but this definetely added to it.

Content Warnings