Reviews

How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao

cheeseplant111's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

read in one sitting
good book for getting back into reading 
had fun

jnesbitt1989's review against another edition

4.0

I liked it a lot. It's a cross between Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars with an Asian cast. I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt, but I think there might be a sequel.

limmadi's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

end0me's review against another edition

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

charadreemurrs's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious 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

2.25

elocoel's review against another edition

3.0

How We Fall Apart was one of my most anticipated this year, and unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. First of all, I want to say this is not a bad book. It delivers what it promises; dark academia, heavily Asian cast, elite school, murder, mystery, the two combined, and more. It is also visible how much of a part Zhao's own life has played in writing this; many bits, especially about Nancy's immigrant identity and related struggles, are and feel very sincere.

However, this book is nothing groundbreaking. The story is similar to its predecessors, such as One of Us is Lying, Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, many many YA thrillers of the last few years... And while it is normal for books in the same genre to resemble each other, How We Fall Apart just feels like a very rushed mash-up of the books. None of the characters are all that likable; they are not developed enough, and the plot developments are sacrificed for fast pacing. The mystery is too on the nose, so much so that you know who the culprit is in the first quarter of the book if you pay attention.

Yet, regardless of its flaws, it is still a fun time. If you are a fan of the recent YA thrillers, chances are you'll enjoy this as well.

orchidsandclouds's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-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

2.5

cardanivy's review against another edition

2.0

[2.75/5]
you know those shows that are bad but you still watch them because for some reason you (kinda) like watching it and it's weirdly entertaining? that's exactly how this book is like

bella613's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

janagaton's review against another edition

3.0

basically an Asian pretty little liars/gossip girl/wannabe Ace of Spades. the audiobook was addictive and i loved the narrator, but the story itself is lackluster. it did have one of my favorite tropes though, as well as good discussions about Asian stereotypes, so it's a strong 3, and i prob will read the sequel.