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danaslitlist's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Right off the bat I just know that this book isn't going to be for everyone, either for the "HUH?!" of it all, the body horror, or just the writing style. However it struck so many cords with me and so, I shall be forced to thrust this into the hands of everyone I speak to for the foreseeable future.
From page one Chlorine transported me back to my days as competitive swimmer, whether that was for better or worse is up for debate, and it pulled at my soul. I've not read a book that depicts the struggles, the love and the all consuming need to swim as well as this story.
I could relate to Ren's obsession with being in the water and the way that it calls to you, regardless of the pain and sacrifices it requires of you. In Chlorine, Song tackles so many different topics and aspects of life as someone perceived as "girl". The way that men look at you and take from you, the way that you are demanded perfection in every aspect, how your body is never really your own when you live and breathe sports.
The body horror was so effective at evoking a visceral reaction from me even though I saw it coming! It was truly stomach churning in the occurrences, but where I think Jade Song was the most masterful in including these elements was the way I felt sickened by the REASONING behind the choices. All born from a desperation to be better, to be what others want, to receive the praise that the character is DEPENDENT upon due to the conditioning of her entire life.
The blend of surrealism and realism left me beautifully baffled for the majority of the book. I was questioning how much of this was delusion vs how much of this was mythical. Even at the end there is room to ponder the questions.
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Self harm, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
ollietarp_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If you had a complicated relationship with sports growing up, this book will tear into your soul.
Had me crying while reading and after finishing.
A truly gut wrenching narrative that gives perspective from two kids who grew up with a toxic relationship to their sport.
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
dale1997's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror and Self harm
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Medical content, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
hxdfn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical trauma, Abortion, Gaslighting, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
q_bert13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual assault, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Car accident
murderousscottishgremlin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Eating disorder
pey333's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Self harm, and Blood
Moderate: Eating disorder, Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia, Vomit, and Alcohol
zazula's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Self harm, and Blood
Moderate: Eating disorder, Racism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Pedophilia, Vomit, and Alcohol
kooky_kayla's review against another edition
Graphic: Body horror, Self harm, and Blood
Moderate: Eating disorder
k8lynn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail