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cactuspunk's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Body shaming, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Outing, and Toxic friendship
flordemaga's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A solid, sweet book that is more about siblinghood, especially sisterhood, than it is about romance, even if it is called a romance.
Overall a pretty respectful depiction of autism, too, especially as seen through the eyes of the protagonist’s teen sister. I like that all the autistic characters are very clearly autistic, but in different ways. It would have been better with less mentions of “innocence” but it also lets its autistic characters want things, like to drive and to kiss and to feel lust—you know, the kind of stuff disabled people are often not allowed to aspire to.
SPOILER INCOMING.
I am iffy about the institution Ethan gets sent to being presented as positive, but I also get that the book doesn’t want to end as a major bummer, and that the institution isn’t also seen as the Best Solution Ever. It’s kind of the characters working with what they’ve got, which honestly seems realistic to me. Especially since they’re high schoolers.
Overall a pretty respectful depiction of autism, too, especially as seen through the eyes of the protagonist’s teen sister. I like that all the autistic characters are very clearly autistic, but in different ways. It would have been better with less mentions of “innocence” but it also lets its autistic characters want things, like to drive and to kiss and to feel lust—you know, the kind of stuff disabled people are often not allowed to aspire to.
SPOILER INCOMING.
I am iffy about the institution Ethan gets sent to being presented as positive, but I also get that the book doesn’t want to end as a major bummer, and that the institution isn’t also seen as the Best Solution Ever. It’s kind of the characters working with what they’ve got, which honestly seems realistic to me. Especially since they’re high schoolers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Forced institutionalization, and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
onkenzisshelf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
What I Liked
- I thought this book dove really well into the issues behind ableism and how prevalent it is in our society without making Ivy or Ethan seem like "lesser" of characters due to their disability.
- I loved Chloe and Ivy's relationship as well as the relationship that built between David and Chloe - it's obvious that Chloe craved someone who understood her and Ivy's situation and I thought David was the perfect match for that.
- Ivy's personal journey was beautiful as well.
What I Didn't Like/Wanted More Of
- I felt like pieces of the book moved too quickly to be realistic.
- Relationships felt forced at times.
You Should Read If You Like
- Honestly, this book is super unique but I think it's incredibly important and everyone should read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
neverbeenanatural's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism