literally me coming out of my seasonal affective disorder

alexa play free by florence + the machine

5/5

This felt like Catcher in the Rye mixed with The Bell Jar plus a sprinkle of Lady Bird. In so many instances I felt like I could connect with the main character (especially with where I am currently in life) and I think that’s why I liked it so much. I can understand why people might not like it considering there’s not much action or real plot going on but since I felt personally connected to it, I enjoyed it a lot.

There were numerous parts of this book that I found incredibly offensive, so I feel like I can't put that aside to rate the book otherwise. While the narrator is meant to be unlikeable, she isn't called out on these horrifying remarks, mainly because they tend to occur within her own mind. Even if the author herself doesn't hold these beliefs, it's harmful to use slurs and stereotypes without acknowledging the damage they do. Additionally, I thought the eating disorder representation in this book was extremely harmful and offensive as well. The book was compelling enough for me to keep reading, but these problematic aspects ruined it for me. Ultimately, I don't think there's enough good in this book to counteract any of the damaging words/representations used.

edit:
Also, that part where the narrator calls Trevor and says she’d been r**ed and then that she’ll kill herself if he doesn’t come over… yeah that’s not being an unlikeable person, that’s being an awful person. I know this book is satirical but that shouldn’t be used as a joke. Ever. Ugh so many things that made me so angry :/