I'd give it six if I could ❤️ ( )

I was so impressed with the start of this book because it was so comical with exactly the type of sarcastic humour that I enjoy. However, it did go on too long and for no reason that I can discern. Her trips to Abe Hill and The Comb's trailer kept repeating themselves. I did feel for Nomi but got tired of the wanderings with no point. ( )

she is brilliant ( )

Toews seminal text holds up. Nomi's angst, questions, and profound grief are rendered in a way that captures the spirit of adolescence without being dated or awkward. I did wish for a bit more explication of her mother's turn away from her father as that seemed to hang in the background and came to the surface rather abruptly. Overall I am reminded why she's one of my favorite authors and really the joy, wonder, and sorrow of living.

If 3.5 stars were an option...but I'll error on the side of generosity. I know something of the world Toews describes. I found it entertaining and rewarding. I did grow tired of it about 2/3 of the way through. I felt like telling the author, "ok, I've got it. Move on." For all it's very interesting look into Nomi's teenage mind, somehow it lacked some depth. Even stoned and confused, I suspect more would be going on inside. ( )