This was an odd read for me. Having already seen the Netflix series, my expectation was to love the book even more (as I usually do). Oddly, I found the book added very little to the story I already knew, and I found myself wanting to rewatch the series rather than continue the book. That absolutely speaks to just how amazing the Netflix adaptation is. It's very faithful to the book, and where it made slight changes, it absolutely improved upon the story. I don't regret reading the book, as it was a fine read, but I am surprised to say I think the Netflix show with its impeccable production is my recommended way to experience this tale.
I can’t keep track of all the characters in the audiobook version, even though the narrator does excellent voices. I’ll have to go for the print version of this at some point.
I didn’t really care for this. I loved the main character but once the plot started rolling (aka the horrible guy came into her life) I just wanted it to be over.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Vomit, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship
I honestly just wish this had an extra hundred pages of character and relationship building, because that would have made this into a solid five star read. I really would have loved to spend more time with Mickey and Jaysen, and I feel like I didn’t get to see enough of them near the end. It was a perfect book, otherwise. I absolutely adored their dynamic from start to finish, and I really enjoyed Mickey as a POV character. He’s very layered, and his struggles felt realistic and not overdone. I just wish there was a little bit more! With the plot so quickly over and done with, it’s a somewhat forgettable book.
Wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to anyone who struggles with depression/dissociation and is triggered by reading about those things in fiction, as those themes were quite present.