A review by hilzisreading
The Very Nice Box by Eve Gleichman, Laura Blackett

2.5

That book was terrible !!!! Or maybe really good??????? Like props to the author for finishing a novel because that’s an impressive feat to accomplish. Some of it was a funny satire around toxic positivity and the horror of self improvement when it becomes something that enables bad behavior. But I found Ava’s fall into her relationship with Mat very unbelievable as I was reading it. I know part of the framing was purposeful — making the reader see how toxic and manipulative the relationship was — but I also was unable to see any compelling chemistry between Ava and Mat. Yes, part of it is just like oooh the glow of masculinity and male validation but most of that was overshadowed by his annoying and stupid behaviors. Ugh, also, Lamby? Cringe. So, maybe it was well written in that it made me feel literal anger in my blood towards Mat? He’s a very good villain but I knew he was the villain from the get go. I did not feel seduced by him and I think a seduction bait and switch would’ve made it more compelling.