Hello everyone! Today I’m bringing you all a review for a stunning book that was deep, real, and shocking. This story was full of drama and anger, and it has many trigger warnings that I recommend reading through prior to starting this amazing book.
Title: Solitaire
Author: Alice Oseman
Content Warnings: Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression, eating disorders, OCD behaviors, homophobia, and misogyny
Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Unspoilery Blurb (Taken from Goodreads)
In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story.
My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now.
Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden.
I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden.
I really don’t.
Unspoilery Review
Wow. So, I’m not totally sure what I want to say about this book. On the one hand, it dealt with a ton of super serious issues, and I think it introduced an incredibly valuable perspective on mental health, emotions, and life. But I also found the story confusing and slightly boring. I finished the book and thought, what just happened?
I highly recommend reading a full list of content warnings before beginning this book because it is full of depressing, anxious thoughts and suicidal situations. There is a lot of content in this book, and I do think it is an important story to read but be aware of the numerous triggers.
Tori was a fascinating narrator. I loved her and found her amusing, but I also felt incredibly sad for her. The tone of this book was depressing but also upsettingly realistic. I enjoyed getting to know Tori better as well as seeing her fears, anxieties, and dreams. That being said, it was hard to read about her lack of caring for her own life. She constantly isolated herself throughout the story, and it was challenging to get through. I do think this is a stunning account of a depressed state of mind, and I am grateful for these books that speak for individuals who have these thoughts and feelings.
Michael was confusing. He was a wonderful, complex character both full of positivity and anger. I enjoyed seeing him and Tori interact and support each other, and I would love to get to know him better and learn his history.
The rest of the students were well-written and flushed out well. I really felt like I was a part of the school, and I enjoyed getting to know everyone. Solitaire was stunningly written. It was both fascinating and creepy, and I am shocked by how far it went. Also, Charlie and Nick were my favorite parts of this story!
Overall, I am unsure how to feel about this book. It will definitely stick with me for years to come, but I am also confused and a little depressed now. Maybe my thoughts will change with more time and reflection. This was a stunning story though, and I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Have you read this book? Have you read other Alice Oseman books? I definitely prefer the Heartstopper novels more so far, but I’m hoping to read Loveless soon and I’ve heard it’s really good!
Well I’d love to know your thoughts, and feel free to talk in the comments!
Be safe, Stay strong, and Change the world!! ❤️🏳️🌈✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻🏳️🌈❤️
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Anna's Book Nook 