mlinder18's Reviews (632)

The idea of this book was so much better than the execution. I really enjoyed when the book split into dual POV and thought that was some of the stronger parts but when it was multi-pov at once it was confusing and all over the place. I did like the friendship and character development. At first I was annoyed with the girls and the choices they were making and how they were treating each other but it all came full circle and wrapped up nicely in the end. 
However, the ending was HIGHLY unrealistic.

Why the fuck was Josie driving with one foot and one hand?!? SERIOUSLY!! I understand it was a sign of character growth and she finally felt confident enough to drive but like maybe after you're not bleeding out and in shock. Especially when your friend is barely injured.

Before I even get to the meat of my thoughts on this...I do not condone of this author using multiple racial slurs in a book published in 2018. I understood why he put them there (its for character development and to show the background of which specific characters grew up and helps the reader understand their personality/views better) I think this could have been accomplished in a less offensive way. 

Looking beyond all of that, this was a great locked room/survival esque thriller. It was tense. I was anxious. The author did a great job setting the scene and delivering twist after twist. I flew through this in a couple sittings. 

It's a shame the author chose to include the language he did but seeing past that I still think this is an excellent execution of a thriller and it's a 5 star read for me. 

Helen Hoang books just keep getting better and better. This was definitely different than the previous two in the series but I loved it just the same. There was so much vulnerability, emotion and experience put into this. Although I missed some of the humor from her other books, this one still worked. I felt Anna's pain, I cried when she cried and I celebrated at her tiny victories. I hope Hoang keeps writing and giving us these beautiful novels. 

If you're going to attempt a plot in these types of books, then just go for it. This was all over the place and felt like two separate stories crammed together. Just not my thing. 

I've heard such wonderful things about this book over and over again but when I read the synopsis I didn't think it would do anything for me, but I was SO wrong. I was brought to tears. I've never read a book-in-verse and I enjoyed this layout so much. I think this story can resonate with anyone and is a great representation for females, Latino/a/x individuals, people who are religious, who aren't religious, who are maybe healing from some religious or generational trauma. Acevedo does a fantastic job of telling a relatable story. I can't wait to check out the audio book version. 

A feminist book on linguistics that made me examine the language I use and pay more attention to the language of those around me as well. This book is funny, well researched and delivers some great anecdotal stories that keep you reading. I think this would make a wonderful discussion book or college course reference material. 

Helen Hoang knows how to tell a story! I am actually mad at myself for letting this sit on my bookshelf for so long. Unconventional romance but it works so well. Beautiful character development, interesting plot, solid love story and just enough humor to make it enjoyable but not too cheesy. After this my expectations are very high for the next installment in the series but I have a feeling Hoang will not disappoint.