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raythecatlover's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Moderate: Sexism, Homophobia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Vomit, Self harm, Alcohol, Body shaming, Deadnaming, Dysphoria, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Transphobia
kfisher2024's review
3.0
Craig was fine but his attitude towards women was kinda hard to read. There was a lot of objectification and
All in all, I feel like this is a great book for people struggling with any kind of mental health issues. I like how he decided to do what was best for him rather than his academic future. The book also focuses on the importance of asking for help when needed and shows that the pros outweigh the cons.
I would definitely recommend reading this.
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexual content, Drug use, and Misogyny
renreads2much's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
- I relate to the main character's feelings about school and intelligence
- The main character and his best friend Aaron remind me of a friendship I used to have
- The book moves really slow at times and I think the formatting and organization of information could've been better. Or put in a different order that was more interesting to read.
- The main character is really bland to me. Feels kind of like a self insert or a blank slate for the reader to project themselves on to. I'm not his biggest fan. The side characters are really interesting though, I wish we got to see them more.
- Finding community within a time of pain and reaching out to loved ones
- I dont like the way they talk about trans people or women
- Shows stigma and fetishization about mental health, especially within other teenagers
- I really disliked the ending, it left me feeling gross. I think it was really bad and not good for other people to be looking up to.
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Misogyny, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Minor: Suicide attempt
sprucewillow's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I appreciate the reviews that said the book was funny and depicted mental health issues without being depressing, which holds true. The humor wasn't super ha-ha funny but instead witty. The tone of writing felt accurate to the voice of a 15 year-old boy. Craig's relation to his peers were also accurate to his age. As much as I hated reading it, his innermost thoughts about school, girls, and other characters in the book also felt realistic. Particularly his worries about school hit hard because I know I had some of those same thoughts when I was 15.
I have several gripes about this book that kept me from enjoying it. Spoilers from now on:
- The characters were flat, particularly the women. There is no difference in Nia and Noelle besides their names, described appearances, and their relation to Craig (hot girl who goes to his school versus other hot girl who is also in the hospital). I hate that I read several pages worth of descriptions of what they were wearing, their tits, their thighs, etc. I don't think Craig's mother and sister ever shared a significant interaction. This book does not pass the Bechdel test, lol. All the prominent female characters were there to serve Craig in some way. Again, main-character syndrome.
- Noelle seemed particularly useless. Her only use in the plot was to be the next love interest once Nia was out of the picture. Craig and Noelle's relationship was in general just annoying to read about. It was a terribly convenient romance.
- The depiction of mental illness, disordered eating, etc. was very compelling in the first two parts of the book (why those were my favorite sections). Once Craig gets into the hospital, all his symptoms seem to disappear. All that happens while he's in the hospital is fussing over girls and talking to the other hospital residents. I suppose it makes sense, because once his primary stressor cannot bother him (school) then of course his symptoms would lessen.
- Overall this story could have been condensed. 400+ pages was a drag to get through.
RIP Ned Vizzini
Graphic: Mental illness, Eating disorder, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Vomit
Minor: Miscarriage, Racism, and Alcohol
devinthedaydreamer's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage, Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Infertility
rosietoast's review
- 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
2.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic friendship, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Sexual content, Transphobia, Cursing, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Self harm, and Vomit