i loved the characters and the writing. shocker, i know. i was just disappointed by the execution of the reveals of the solutions to the mystery. i would have preferred it to be slightly more grand or elaborate or detailed. 

i received an arc from netgalley and the publisher :)

i wasn’t really enjoying this at first, because there was lots of tension in the first half, and i don’t really like books that stress me out, and i definitely don’t expect too much stress from sarah hogle. the fact that it’s second chance probably contributes to that, and i don’t usually care for second chance, but i just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this book, mostly because of the cover. the second half really made the book for me. it was so sweet and special and soft. since there was a good amount of tension in the first half, i LOVED the lack of a 3rd act breakup. i also felt like i really understood the characters’ motivations. i didnt love alex’s secret, but it didnt ruin anything for me. and i loved the detail of romina wanting to be a mother so bad; it was so sweet and heartfelt and genuine. 

i was skeptical at first because i don’t love revenge plots, but i think i enjoyed this just about as much as its possible for me to enjoy a revenge plot. amalie howard did a fantastic job at making poppy one of the WORST characters ive ever read. i HATED her. so much. i was rooting against her harder than ela was. 

i was intrigued by the concept, but when i started the book, i became unsure because i found the writing to be kind of cringey, but it improved as the book progressed, and i was genuinely invested in their relationship by the end. 

idk if the representation was good or not, but i did really like these characters. i’m glad i took a break from ruby dixon before this. i forgot just how delightful she can be. i can’t wait for the next one!

i didnt realize this was a duology, but i dont care. i wanted more romance in this one, so i hope there is more romance in the second book. the writing was good, and i liked the characters. i kept getting the povs mixed up, but that’s probably (definitely) my fault. 

this book is short, helpful, and to the point. i will be recommending it to everyone from now on. 

i picked this up because i wanted something different, and in my opinion, this got the job done. i ADORE stephanie perkins’ romances, so i was excited to try her other genre, despite the bad reviews. the fact that i already liked her writing probably enhanced my enjoyment. i thought it was a solid ya-thriller, and a really great introduction for romance readers/those who are new to the genre. even tho the twist happened early, i didnt mind it because i was still compelled by the conflict getting solved. i honestly couldn’t put this book down. i wish it had a higher rating :(

the hazing scene was HARD for me to read

this is an objectively good biography. truly a feat of journalism and authorship. but it was so long. like so long. like quite literally the longest single book i’ve ever read. idk exactly where, but i believe in the depth of my soul that some parts of this could have been trimmed down/cut out. 

i had to read this for school and i really did not enjoy it. it focused on the problem and barely mentioned solutions, and it didnt consider the root of the problem. like you cant say people in low-income areas often dont have strong community and suggest that they spend more time engaging with their community and not acknowledge that they might literally be unable to afford free time? there was a bunch of stuff like that, like ppl w chronic illnesses being lonely partially bc of inadequate healthcare. gee, i wonder what the GOVERNMENT could do to make HEALTHCARE more ADEQUATE?