I really enjoyed this story, up until the last few chapters which felt rushed and perplexing on multiple counts. The writing was serviceable but not tI really enjoyed this story, up until the last few chapters which felt rushed and perplexing on multiple counts. The writing was serviceable but not the greatest; the song lyrics were uninspiring and there were a lot of clunky phrasings. ...more
Comprehensive, inclusive, useful. I’ll update my review after reading it with my 8yo! (Who is not close to puberty yet, but likes information. And beiComprehensive, inclusive, useful. I’ll update my review after reading it with my 8yo! (Who is not close to puberty yet, but likes information. And being prepared.)...more
I really enjoyed this book, AND I deeply, deeply appreciate the reviews calling it ableist. The characters live in an ableist environment and have intI really enjoyed this book, AND I deeply, deeply appreciate the reviews calling it ableist. The characters live in an ableist environment and have internalized those views (just as they’ve also internalized that it’s best to be as thin as possible, because they work in Hollywood). I felt that their story was beautifully and believably told, but yes, that’s within a foundation of ableism that is never really questioned on the page. Your capacity for tolerance for these views will inform your ability to enjoy the book!...more
Wow, I loved this book. I didn’t know anything about the author but I’d gotten an excerpt from this book in a free collection, and after reading that Wow, I loved this book. I didn’t know anything about the author but I’d gotten an excerpt from this book in a free collection, and after reading that and the Kindle sample I was ready for the rest. I’m a total sucker for characters with fascinating jobs (professional cuddler!), when those jobs are described in a way that feels really lived-in. I also adore characters whose way of being shows me something I hadn’t thought about in my own life (Hannah has aphantasia, as does the author, Jae). There was so much thoughtfulness and care in this book....more
Veering between funny and over-the-top silly, but I enjoyed it, especially once the action got going (I listened to this on audiobook, which made the Veering between funny and over-the-top silly, but I enjoyed it, especially once the action got going (I listened to this on audiobook, which made the slow beginning especially slow). ...more
"Girl who has been cowed by her family all her life decides to take up with publicly outrageous man who turns out to be deeply supI LOVED THIS SO MUCH
"Girl who has been cowed by her family all her life decides to take up with publicly outrageous man who turns out to be deeply supportive and a joy to be with" is one of my very favorite tropes, as evidenced by my enduring affection for LM Montgomery's The Blue Castle. I love that Eliza is a painter and can talk art with Melville. Melville is an absolute delight, as are Margaret and Caroline. I laughed so much while reading this. ...more
I laughed a lot, I cried a bunch, I loved everybody in this book and it kept me very good company while I was on planes all day. And � not related to I laughed a lot, I cried a bunch, I loved everybody in this book and it kept me very good company while I was on planes all day. And � not related to the book itself, but definitely related to feelings of happiness, which the book also gives me � the last line of Anita Kelly’s bio is about how they hope I get to pet a dog today, and I DID, which I think the characters in this book would appreciate a lot (as I did)!...more
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