4.5 i love tori spring ( )

Kids these days.

This is Alice Ossman's first book, and she was only 17 when she wrote it (and basically, she was born after I graduated from university), so it's no wonder I don't like it as much as I like her book Loveless. Loveless is wonderful. It feels the feels… and it’s one of her more recent books.

Imagine having a high school teacher who looks like Alan Rickman! Apparently that has a quite different connotation to someone young enough to be my daughter, as opposed to someone close to my age. See the 1990s film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, and you'll understand. Probably.

"Everything in this room is pink and black and if it were a person it'd be a Kardashian on a middle income (p. 94)." ( )

Since I have read most of Oseman's other work, it was fascinating to read the story that started it all. As Oseman states, this story is very different from her other ones, though I would argue that Radio Silence is closest in style.

For people with mental illness, this is a novel to be careful with when reading. Tori is very dark for most of it, which can be difficult to handle on rough days. However, I can also appreciate how having her darkness can be a good representation for those who need it.

I enjoyed the story, but I did keep hoping that Tori would lighten up. This is not my favorite story in the Heartstopper/Solitare universe, but I do like the insight it gives into Tori. ( )

4.5 stars rounded up
I loved getting to know a few of the other characters in the Nick and Charlie world. I’m definitely more sympathetic to Tori now (not that I wasn’t before, but I loved getting to know her better). ( )

"I know I don't like books, but you can always tell what someone is thinking by what they're reading."
An English older secondary school student tries to understand her world. Well written from inside her head, all the words she doesn't say, and her feelings hidden inside. Almost like a zombie she finds herself in surprising situations, making and breaking friends. Alongside running through the character assessment of "Tori" lies the story's plot about a group called Solitaire causing havoc in her school. Very heartfelt and realistic. Very modern, with references to Twilight and Muse.
"Films aren't real, but I love them. But books they're different. When you watch a film, you're sort of an outsider looking in. With a book - you're right there. You are inside. You are the main character." ( )