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ms_gouldbourne's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Eh, I really didn't enjoy this book. I get that it's supposed to be a really honest and realistic depiction of the ways teenage girls behave and interact with each other, and in a lot of ways it is! There's a rawness about it that feels very real... but at the start of the novel is an author's note explaining that the story is based on her own diaries from when she was a teenager, and in a lot of ways this book feels like something written by a fifteen-year-old.
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if O'Porter hadn't given our two protagonists literally every possible kind of trauma she could think of! In a 250-page story we have got, in no particular order: hardcore bullying, abusive parents, alcoholism, sexual assault, an eating disorder, the death of a parent, teenage pregnancy, parentification, parental abandonment, exam failure and grooming. No wonder it's hard to relate to Flo and Renee under the weight of such a constant stream of negativity.
Also, if I have to read one more paragraph in which Dawn O'Porter apparently forgets that contractions exist ("I am excited. We are going to the park. I suppose it will be okay, since she is my friend.") I will actually scream.
I should note for the record that I was recommended this book by a friend who really loves it and is in no way a poor reader, so there's a good chance this is a me thing - I just like a happy ending! But I'm afraid I won't be seeking out the follow-up in the series.
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if O'Porter hadn't given our two protagonists literally every possible kind of trauma she could think of!
Also, if I have to read one more paragraph in which Dawn O'Porter apparently forgets that contractions exist ("I am excited. We are going to the park. I suppose it will be okay, since she is my friend.") I will actually scream.
I should note for the record that I was recommended this book by a friend who really loves it and is in no way a poor reader, so there's a good chance this is a me thing - I just like a happy ending! But I'm afraid I won't be seeking out the follow-up in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
daydr3am's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Love the dynamic between the two main characters and how we see their friendship deepen and grow at their school and outside of it. Recommended if you and a slightly dark and adventurous book of two high school students in a 'despite the odds' blossoming friendship.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Blood
filawless's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A grand easy holiday read that does touch on some tough topics
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Death of parent