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labyrith_of_a_thousand_mirrors's review against another edition
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.
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
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Fatphobia
Minor: Biphobia and Alcohol
ghostlyprince's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Body shaming, Racism, and Rape
Minor: Biphobia, Classism, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Vomit, and Alcohol
lqvekanej's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Biphobia and Vomit
_ava_summer_reads's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thought this book was really good! I finished it in about four days. It was a really good moving story that reminded me of the #metoo movement and Harvey Weinstein. I loved how much the main character loved her job and it inspired me to start blogging again. Plus the bond between her and the other characters especially Marius was adorable. I also liked how she pointed out the nuances in acting while Black and how that adds another element. I also liked how even though she loved her body she was still insecure sometimes, I think that was really relatable as someone who doesn’t have the typical “bikini body” myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Bullying
elenamarmiroli's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Questo libro riesce a rappresentare abbastanza bene, per un pubblico adolescenziale, il tema dell'abuso di potere nel mondo del cinema simile a quello reale che ha dato il lancio al movimento #metoo.
La protagonista, inizialmente incaricata di scrivere un'articolo in esclusiva su un attore protagonista di un film prossimo all'uscita, viene nel frattempo a conoscenza di qualcosa di ben più importante: un noto regista è abituato ad abusare del proprio potere e molestare sessualmente delle attrici.
Lei si trova così conflitta tra il tentare di fare la cosa giusta, cioè portare a galla tutto ciò, un senso di inadeguatezza dato sia dalla sua ansia cronica che dalla sua età e consapevole che per riportare al meglio la faccenda metterebbe in secondo l'articolo che è stata ingaggiata per scrivere.
Inoltre, nel corso delle sue ricerche per l'articolo sarà costretta a confrontarsi con alcuni suoi preconcetti.
Se da un lato reputo, come detto precedentemente, buona e appropriata al target trattazione di questo tema importante, credo che al contempo sia un po' irrealistico che donne adulte si confidino in tematiche così personali e rischiose con una ragazza che non ha ancora finito il liceo.
Ho anche molto apprezzato la trattazione dell'ansia cronica della protagonista, alcuni discorsi presenti sulla razza e la sua rappresentazione nei media e l'unità femminile che si va a formare verso la fine del romanzo.
Credo che anche la rappresentazione dei problemi che la protagonista ha con il suo peso e la reazione degli altri ad esso sia buona, ma su questo mi potrei sbagliare.
La protagonista, inizialmente incaricata di scrivere un'articolo in esclusiva su un attore protagonista di un film prossimo all'uscita, viene nel frattempo a conoscenza di qualcosa di ben più importante: un noto regista è abituato ad abusare del proprio potere e molestare sessualmente delle attrici.
Lei si trova così conflitta tra il tentare di fare la cosa giusta, cioè portare a galla tutto ciò, un senso di inadeguatezza dato sia dalla sua ansia cronica che dalla sua età e consapevole che per riportare al meglio la faccenda metterebbe in secondo l'articolo che è stata ingaggiata per scrivere.
Inoltre, nel corso delle sue ricerche per l'articolo sarà costretta a confrontarsi con alcuni suoi preconcetti.
Se da un lato reputo, come detto precedentemente, buona e appropriata al target trattazione di questo tema importante, credo che al contempo sia un po' irrealistico che donne adulte si confidino in tematiche così personali e rischiose con una ragazza che non ha ancora finito il liceo.
Ho anche molto apprezzato la trattazione dell'ansia cronica della protagonista, alcuni discorsi presenti sulla razza e la sua rappresentazione nei media e l'unità femminile che si va a formare verso la fine del romanzo.
Credo che anche la rappresentazione dei problemi che la protagonista ha con il suo peso e la reazione degli altri ad esso sia buona, ma su questo mi potrei sbagliare.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
liaandersson's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I really don't know what to say. I adore this book with every fibre of my being. It was extremely well executed and respectful of all subjects that were brought up. I am in awe of these characters. The amount of joy I felt when we put him in his place and he couldn't come up with excuses anymore. This is a story about brave people using their voices for the greater good and preventing other people from having to go through the same trauma. I relate so much to the characters and I love how the side-plots were so well incorporated with the rest without taking over, yet still getting their time to be acknowledged. Josie is the fucking BOMB who got to post in The Times at 17 years old, I'm so proud. I was so truly happy when I finished the book because what it stands for is so important and it was so well represented in this book, even if Hollywood is a far off dream for many of us. What can I say except READ IT, but be aware of the topics discussed to make sure one is in the right mindset and prepared to avoid any traumatic triggers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Fatphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Eating disorder and Biphobia
pinkreverie's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
HOLY CRAP I LOVED THIS
100/5
100/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
ame_lepage's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-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? Yes
4.0
I really liked this, but there was just a lot going on.
This book tried to be many things. Overall, I think it was pretty well done, but in terms of personal preferences, I would have liked the plot to focus more on the Metoo movement and the experiences of the victims. I thought the author sometimes shied away from certain aspects and I would have liked her to go deeper.
However, I did find a lot of myself in the main character Josie. I could really relate to her on many aspects like her anxiety and her problem with body image.
I discussed many important themes and I think it's a book that everyone should read.
This book tried to be many things. Overall, I think it was pretty well done, but in terms of personal preferences, I would have liked the plot to focus more on the Metoo movement and the experiences of the victims. I thought the author sometimes shied away from certain aspects and I would have liked her to go deeper.
However, I did find a lot of myself in the main character Josie. I could really relate to her on many aspects like her anxiety and her problem with body image.
I discussed many important themes and I think it's a book that everyone should read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Racism
caseythereader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks to Books Forward PR for the free advance copy of this book.
📚 Wow, this book! So much is packed in to the character of Josie and the world she inhabits. I could have followed her forever.
📚 I especially want to point out how easily and seamlessly Garrett gave her characters intersecting marginalizations (Marius is Black and bisexual, Josie is Black, bi, fat, and has an anxiety disorder) that are inextricable from the story but also not the entire reason the book exists.
📚 OFF THE RECORD gets really real about sexual assault and harassment, please know that going in. Everything from "it wasn't that bad" to "this is so egregious I can't believe it isn't already front page news" is covered.
📚 Wow, this book! So much is packed in to the character of Josie and the world she inhabits. I could have followed her forever.
📚 I especially want to point out how easily and seamlessly Garrett gave her characters intersecting marginalizations (Marius is Black and bisexual, Josie is Black, bi, fat, and has an anxiety disorder) that are inextricable from the story but also not the entire reason the book exists.
📚 OFF THE RECORD gets really real about sexual assault and harassment, please know that going in. Everything from "it wasn't that bad" to "this is so egregious I can't believe it isn't already front page news" is covered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
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