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alisha247's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
this was just ok. i don’t think it’ll be a particularly memorable read for me in any way.
i can’t tell if it’s reid’s writing that i didn’t get along with or it’s actually the use of mannerisms and languages prescribed to the characters. it didn’t feel realistic, considering these are - yes, young adults - but still adults. the mannerisms and sayings felt like it would more accurately fit a 16 year old. for a similar reason, it took way too long for me to figure out that nichelle was actually kennedy’s mother, not her sister (her mother repeatedly refers to her as “sis”).
secondly, i think the whole novel was a bit wish-washy. it’s marketed as character-driven, and whilst i agree that the characters were interesting and offered complex insights into collegial life, they didn’t seem to fit cohesively together in this story.
i can’t tell if it’s reid’s writing that i didn’t get along with or it’s actually the use of mannerisms and languages prescribed to the characters. it didn’t feel realistic, considering these are - yes, young adults - but still adults. the mannerisms and sayings felt like it would more accurately fit a 16 year old. for a similar reason, it took way too long for me to figure out that nichelle was actually kennedy’s mother, not her sister (her mother repeatedly refers to her as “sis”).
secondly, i think the whole novel was a bit wish-washy. it’s marketed as character-driven, and whilst i agree that the characters were interesting and offered complex insights into collegial life, they didn’t seem to fit cohesively together in this story.
alicia_reads_'s review against another edition
Too many unlikable characters to keep straight. Confusing narration. A confusing point/ plot... and I wasn't invested at all, so after reading reviews with those issues, I decided to stop.
madison_bernabe88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
krmeehan's review
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
madsiebum's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jayleeelizabeth's review against another edition
reflective
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
4.0
annemitch26's review against another edition
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katypillar12's review against another edition
3.0
I love her writing, and i was engaged enough to keep reading, but i found the unlikeability of the characters hard to get past and hard to keep them all straight
jenage's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
adearajean's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Quick read with intriguing characters but as someone who works on a college campus this book made me anxious. The characters are not likable and make terrible professional choices. It's hard to root for anyone in this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcohol, Infidelity, Classism, and Mental illness