For a quick rundown: Perri lived a rough life: abusive father, negligent mother, flirted quite seriously with an eating disorder and was bullied all throughout school. So to escape, she drew fairy tale creatures that were imperfect in their own ways (one was clumsy, another nearly blind, etc.) in a world that in itself was awkward. The Story Of Awkward begins with Perri on her way to her university with her best friend and best friend's jerk of a brother (who had a good hand in her bullying). She ends up in Awkward and finds it in danger of being destroyed.
Cons:
1. Good god the word Awkward is used so many times. Not just in reference to the universe Perri had created, but to everything. There are synonyms for awkward and I wish the author had chosen to use a wider variety.
2. I felt like Perri's eating disorder was unnecessary. It was only really brushed upon and didn't seem to affect her current life. The bullying and her father factored into her decisions a lot but the anorexia not so much. It was just mentioned now and again and that was it. As extreme as she got with it, it should have had lasting repercussions, even if just psychologically. Flirting with it is one thing but getting to the point where you're vomiting blood and end up in the hospital, it's usually a more serious aspect of that person's life, instead of being treated as having anorexia is similar to coming down with a case of the measles.
3. There were times when it seemed like the action skipped a frame or two. For example, Perri would be facing someone and then feel herself pulled backward toward that same person. Happened a few times.
Pros:
1. Everything is well-written except for what's mentioned above. It felt polished and like the author worked very hard on getting the words just right.
2. Each character was well thought out and unique in their own ways. Ms. Ryals did a good job giving each character depth and layers.
3. Not predictable! Yet everything has a logical turn. I felt like the author might have started out with one path but the characters took the reigns and changed the story themselves.
4. The romance fits into the story and is entirely believable. No heroine changes herself or feels less than her 'prince' in demeaning, twilighty ways. Their emotions are all realistic and their interactions are both sweet and a little steamy. No big declarations of love. It's simple and satisfying.
5. There's a happy ending but with lots of ambiguity.
6. Perfect length. Not rushed or dragging.
7. There's more pros but I think that's enough for now.
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Top reviews from other countries
Simi
I wish I had read this 20 odd years ago
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2022
Selma
Wonderful, dead thinking story that leaves you with so much courage especially if you are also kind of awkward.
Reviewed in Germany on December 15, 2015