Reviews

The Mall by Megan McCafferty

la_de_cha's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

rgag86's review against another edition

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4.0

This was so fun and nostalgic! While I was a kid in the 90s, I do have fond memories of visiting the mall. The mall was an hour away and a visit was an all day, whole family ORDEAL. This book flooded me with memories of our trips.


read_nap_repeat's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

alli18003's review against another edition

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

2.5

reading_panda's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.0

my_reading_corner's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved, loved, loved this book! The descriptions were just detailed enough to let the readers mind fill in the creative gaps that allowed me to see the characters and the mall in vivid detail. I loved the characterizations and setting. A one off with a satisfying ending is a rare but unique find. I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.

lauren_soderberg's review against another edition

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5.0

Megan McCafferty’s The Mall is a perfect throwback coming-of-age story that will resonate just as well with Generation X as it will with Generation Z. (Millennials will love it too.) Set in the summer of 1991, mostly within the confines of a New Jersey mall, the aptly titled The Mall follows Cassie Worthy as she tries to navigate through the summer before she leaves for college. When all of her best-laid plans seem to fall apart, she’ll have to rely on herself to figure out who she really is and who she wants to become. Also, there may be a little bit of a treasure hunt involved…

To me, this book embodies all of the things I crave for in YA, and in fiction in general. There’s a compelling protagonist who is profoundly human… flaws, insecurities, and all. There’s a beautiful female friendship that in many ways anchors the story. There’s a little bit of love, a little bit of loss, and a whole lot of personal growth. Add in hilariously crafted scenarios and sharp, witty dialogue? I’m so sold. The fact that it’s set in a mall during a time when malls were at their pinnacle? Perfection. McCafferty adeptly creates a story that is simultaneously of its era and is also timeless, which is a tough balance to achieve.

For me, this is an absolute must-read, whether you typically read YA or not. And I wouldn’t be sad if this got made into a movie. The soundtrack alone would be amazing.

**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

samanthabooks19's review against another edition

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4.0

RECEIVED ARC COPY

I have to be honest, I went into this book not thinking I would like it very much, but I was completely wrong. This was such a fun, enjoyable read. I was never bored while reading. It was a page turner; I couldn't put it down.

This book deals with topics that are very heartwarming and moving. The building of the friendships and relationships were amazing to read. I loved them. The author did an amazing job at making you fall in love with some characters and yet making you despise and feel hatred towards others.

It had such a unique setting, but it helped set an amazing tone for this book. It was so nostalgic, energetic, fun and an all around good time. I would definitely recommend this to others. Though, keep in mind that this is an adult book and has things in it that might not be appropriate or understood by younger people. There is some harsh language and some sexual scenes that are present, which is why I rated this book lower then I would have if the book didn't include those aspects. That is purely a personal preference, as I would rather read, and ultimately prefer, "cleaner" books.

90sinmyheart's review against another edition

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5.0

INCROYABLE. And don't you dare think I missed any of those 90s nods.

heypretty52's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.5