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mehsi's review against another edition
1.0
Two people, connected forever... it sounds much better than it actually was.
I have had this book on my shelves for quite a while and I believe I have tried reading it earlier. This was quite a trip. In the way that I was disgusted with most of the characters, the story was just eh. But yet, I kept on reading. Maybe I was hoping for it to become better? I can tell you that didn't happen.
Review to come tomorrow.
I have had this book on my shelves for quite a while and I believe I have tried reading it earlier. This was quite a trip. In the way that I was disgusted with most of the characters, the story was just eh. But yet, I kept on reading. Maybe I was hoping for it to become better? I can tell you that didn't happen.
Review to come tomorrow.
supitsmarissa13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
heidisreads's review against another edition
4.0
Secret memories are finely-woven into Jennifer's life, but when her best childhood friend, Cameron starts attending her same highschool, things start to unravel and Jennifer has to search her heart for the truth. This is a story of the bond of friendship, the burden of memories and the belief that people do change.
annagwritesandreads's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
General Description: Jenna gets to reinvent herself, until Cameron Quick, her old BFF, seemingly comes back to life and rocks her world, pulling her old self (Jennifer) out. Can Jenna help Cameron, what will she learn along the way?
It's a 1 star because I finished it, but I feel like there are no redeeming qualities for this book. Here are some of my issues.
1) Usage of the R word. I get 2008 was a different time, but I cannot support books with that language.
2) I could not stand Jenna's mom. I think her stepdad had a level head for a stepdad, but her mom just ruined this book for me. I am not a parent so maybe I don't fully understand, but when you let her daughter change her name, praise her disordered habits to reinvent herself, and just not at least 20% in tune with her daughter. It doesn't seem like the mother had any deep dark secrets, she was just a working single parent which is tough, but for the single parents I know, they are definitely more dialed in. It didn't feel believable.
3) In terms of Cameron Quick: I just can't. No body questions the kid at any point. Like, not even Jenna! I'd have so many questions and not just let a friend walk all over me after not contacting me for 8 years.
4) I feel like there are a lot of unhealthy topics in this book that aren't addressed in any sort of positive light. If you don't know these are walking read flags, I feel like the behavior may seem normal and that's concerning.
5) The side characters were not redeeming either, they were all too absorbed with themselves (except Steph) and it was not pleasing to read.
I would not recommend it, just skip it. There are other, better character driven stories that handle trauma in a much better light.
It's a 1 star because I finished it, but I feel like there are no redeeming qualities for this book. Here are some of my issues.
1) Usage of the R word. I get 2008 was a different time, but I cannot support books with that language.
2) I could not stand Jenna's mom. I think her stepdad had a level head for a stepdad, but her mom just ruined this book for me. I am not a parent so maybe I don't fully understand, but when you let her daughter change her name, praise her disordered habits to reinvent herself, and just not at least 20% in tune with her daughter. It doesn't seem like the mother had any deep dark secrets, she was just a working single parent which is tough, but for the single parents I know, they are definitely more dialed in. It didn't feel believable.
3) In terms of Cameron Quick: I just can't. No body questions the kid at any point. Like, not even Jenna! I'd have so many questions and not just let a friend walk all over me after not contacting me for 8 years.
4) I feel like there are a lot of unhealthy topics in this book that aren't addressed in any sort of positive light. If you don't know these are walking read flags, I feel like the behavior may seem normal and that's concerning.
5) The side characters were not redeeming either, they were all too absorbed with themselves (except Steph) and it was not pleasing to read.
I would not recommend it, just skip it. There are other, better character driven stories that handle trauma in a much better light.
feralpoodles's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
Was packing up some old books, saw this one and decided to read the first few pages. Immediately hooked me and I couldn’t put it down, ended up reading the entire thing in one night. A lot of aspects of Jenna’s character really resonated with me, like her binging and the way she felt around her friends. I wanted to knock a star off for the ending, but I just couldn’t because it just made sense. The ending I wanted wouldn’t fit with the kind of book this is. Definitely dark and heavy, but beautiful and heartwrenching. Thought the writing was excellent as well, very subtle but clever and well done, lots of stuff to think about it. Also I love Alan
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Animal death
rae_the_bookworm's review against another edition
1.0
This was so underwhelming... I really thought I'd feel something. Yes, it's heartbreaking and sad that they went through what they did. Yes it sucks she had to do what she did to feel whole. Yes, I get it. But I just... don't feel moved or changed or sad or really anything. I was expecting some sort of build up to amount to something, and it just, didn't.
melanieloyola_'s review against another edition
3.0
lets just say, childhood me was very into the "brown haired boy from your past returns home and you suddenly cannot stop thinking about him" cliche
16 year old "love is not real unless you fall in love while hating each other" me was not impressed
16 year old "love is not real unless you fall in love while hating each other" me was not impressed