Reviews

I had to put this book down once while reading it. Not because I couldn't get into it (the reason for me putting down books usually). Because trying to grasp smart, self destructive Marie's downward spiral was painful to read. Marie's life is a whirlwind of sex, and drugs in the food industry. She has a young daughter. She got pregnant on a high school trip to Mexico. Marie is barely an adult as she maneuvers her way through bad decision after bad decision. The writing is beautiful, but cold. I don't think this is a book you pick up, read and at the end say "I really liked it.". The protagonist is deeply flawed. She wants the abuse and abasement. I learned that the writer worked in the food service industry after reading it. That would explain the realism of her writing. I would definitely recommend Love Me Back. But, don't expect a sentimental read.

msmelinda's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was weird and confusing-on-purpose. A first person story about a waitress and her life where most everyone she knows does drugs and has sex with each other. Also she has a kid?

davidjordan's review against another edition

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3.0

Fierce.

I was fascinated by the description of service from the other side of the table. I was somewhat horrified by the dangerous lifestyle adopted by the servers and especially the narrator. I'll never look at my servers the same way again. This writer has some serious talent.

dianametzger's review against another edition

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2.0

I just really wanted to like this one and I really didn’t. It has some visceral moments and moments that feel almost revelatory but then stop short from real feeling or exploration. Things are told to the reader but not felt. Also I really don’t give a shit about books about the restaurant industry. I felt the same way about Sweetbitter. It’s not as interesting or relatable or connective as these books seem to want to make readers believe. Marie felt like such a flat character with these moments of shock value or supposed warmth. I felt like I was being second hand told about a woman rather than getting to know her. I don’t get all the hype and rave reviews for this one AT ALL.

cetoria's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved the character of Marie. Anyone who's worked in any service industry will relate to so much of this novel.

ula_j's review against another edition

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2.0

I'd give it 4 stars for the quality of writing and Tierce is really a great writer but plot-wise... It just didn't work for me. And while there was a lot of insight and explanation about supporting characters, I don't understand the protagonist at all. There were moments I thought we'd get a peak in her brain but it didn't happen. Recommended if you like reading depressing sex scenes and excessive drug use.

leighbeevee's review against another edition

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3.0

I was expecting this to be better. I liked her writing style, but it felt too repetitive -- maybe that's the point? Definitely could see how this was based on a short story she previously wrote, and maybe it should have stayed a short story.

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