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I Hate Everyone But You #2
Please Send Help
In this hilarious follow-up novel to the New York Times bestseller I Hate Everyone But You, long distance best friends Ava and Gen have finally made it to the same time zone (although they’re still over a thousand miles apart).
Through their hilarious, sometimes emotional, but always relatable conversations, Ava and Gen are each other’s support systems through internships, relationship troubles, questionable roommates, undercover reporting, and whether or not it’s a good idea to take in a feral cat. Please Send Help perfectly captures the voice of young adults looking to find their place in the world and how no matter how desperate things seem, you always have your best friend to tell it like it is and pick you back up.
Through their hilarious, sometimes emotional, but always relatable conversations, Ava and Gen are each other’s support systems through internships, relationship troubles, questionable roommates, undercover reporting, and whether or not it’s a good idea to take in a feral cat. Please Send Help perfectly captures the voice of young adults looking to find their place in the world and how no matter how desperate things seem, you always have your best friend to tell it like it is and pick you back up.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2019
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July 14, 2019
First things first: When I requested this book from NetGalley, I had no idea it was a sequel. Despite my qualms, I decided to read it anyway, and I"m glad I did. While it might have been nice to have read the first book, not having read it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this cute, quirky, quick read. (More on this later...)
Please Send Help is written entirely in texts and emails between two best friends, Ava and Gen. Recent college grads, both are now facing grown-up life as they pursue their career dreams. Ava, in New York, is interning with a comedy show, dying to gain real-life experience as a writer while working her (unpaid) butt off. Gen, in Florida, is trying to break into serious journalism, but the only job she could find is at a small-town newspaper with nothing much at all to cover and no room for advancement at the family-run paper.
Ava and Gen have history together, and their bond is immediately apparent. Ava is coping with anxiety that stops her in her tracks from time to time, and because of Ava's previous experiences related to mental health, Gen tends to worry about her well-being -- especially once Ava gets disastrously involved with her older boss, who's so clearly a player who preys on young interns. Meanwhile, Gen is bi, out and proud, from a dysfunctional family and with no parental support whatsoever, trying to find connections as well as a juicy story in a backwards, socially conservative town where she has no chance of fitting in.
I loved the humor of the texts. Both Ava and Gen are wickedly, crassly funny, even when freaking out, making absurd decisions, or talking about insane events in their lives.
These two are definitely not perfect. But they get one another, and they're there for one another -- and even when they ignore good advice or act out in particularly questionable ways, they still are there to comfort, pick each other up, and kick a little ass if that's what needed to shake some reality into each other's minds and hearts.
Genre/library shelf-wise, I'm not quite sure where I'd put this one. NetGalley lists it as teen/YA, but since the characters are 22-ish (I think), I wouldn't have thought to consider this young adult. (Side note -- why are young adult novels mostly about teens and not about actual young adults -- which is what Ava and Gen are?) So sure, put it on the YA shelf if you want, but just know that it's about women in their 20s figuring out life, sex, STDs, and more. Not what I'd typically consider teen fare!
Please Send Help is heaps of fun. I'm glad I wasn't put off by finding out it's book #2. Now that I've finished it, I think I'll try to track down the first book (I Hate Everyone But You, set during Ava and Gen's college years). I'd imagine that the topics of the girls' families, mental health, sexuality, and more are explored in greater depth in that book, whereas here they're mostly backstory to the struggle to be independent and start a career and a life in a new city.
BUT, please don't feel that you can't read Please Send Help without reading the first book! Please Send Help works perfectly well as a standalone. I'm living proof that you can read this book without any prior knowledge of the characters and their stories. I really did feel like I got to know Ava and Gen through this book, and would love to hear what happens next in their lives! *fingers crossed for a book #3*
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
Please Send Help is written entirely in texts and emails between two best friends, Ava and Gen. Recent college grads, both are now facing grown-up life as they pursue their career dreams. Ava, in New York, is interning with a comedy show, dying to gain real-life experience as a writer while working her (unpaid) butt off. Gen, in Florida, is trying to break into serious journalism, but the only job she could find is at a small-town newspaper with nothing much at all to cover and no room for advancement at the family-run paper.
Ava and Gen have history together, and their bond is immediately apparent. Ava is coping with anxiety that stops her in her tracks from time to time, and because of Ava's previous experiences related to mental health, Gen tends to worry about her well-being -- especially once Ava gets disastrously involved with her older boss, who's so clearly a player who preys on young interns. Meanwhile, Gen is bi, out and proud, from a dysfunctional family and with no parental support whatsoever, trying to find connections as well as a juicy story in a backwards, socially conservative town where she has no chance of fitting in.
I loved the humor of the texts. Both Ava and Gen are wickedly, crassly funny, even when freaking out, making absurd decisions, or talking about insane events in their lives.
Tabby finally gave in to her gluttony and came inside. I jumped up and shut the door. She did NOT like that but I have put vodka on all of my scratches so I'm sure I'm fine.
These two are definitely not perfect. But they get one another, and they're there for one another -- and even when they ignore good advice or act out in particularly questionable ways, they still are there to comfort, pick each other up, and kick a little ass if that's what needed to shake some reality into each other's minds and hearts.
Genre/library shelf-wise, I'm not quite sure where I'd put this one. NetGalley lists it as teen/YA, but since the characters are 22-ish (I think), I wouldn't have thought to consider this young adult. (Side note -- why are young adult novels mostly about teens and not about actual young adults -- which is what Ava and Gen are?) So sure, put it on the YA shelf if you want, but just know that it's about women in their 20s figuring out life, sex, STDs, and more. Not what I'd typically consider teen fare!
Please Send Help is heaps of fun. I'm glad I wasn't put off by finding out it's book #2. Now that I've finished it, I think I'll try to track down the first book (I Hate Everyone But You, set during Ava and Gen's college years). I'd imagine that the topics of the girls' families, mental health, sexuality, and more are explored in greater depth in that book, whereas here they're mostly backstory to the struggle to be independent and start a career and a life in a new city.
BUT, please don't feel that you can't read Please Send Help without reading the first book! Please Send Help works perfectly well as a standalone. I'm living proof that you can read this book without any prior knowledge of the characters and their stories. I really did feel like I got to know Ava and Gen through this book, and would love to hear what happens next in their lives! *fingers crossed for a book #3*
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
July 25, 2019
This is the second in a series, I read the first a couple years ago and you probably don’t have to read the first to enjoy this one, but they’re such fun and fast reads I would just read both. It’s told via emails and texts making it really easy to get sucked into this one, it goes by really fast and the drama that Gen and Ava have in their lives is addictive!
While I’m AHEM quite a bit older than the characters I could relate to aspects of their angst, although thankfully I didn’t have to deal with social media issues when I was there age. The first book I had a minor struggle with Gen’s immaturity but this time around she didn’t bother me as much and I found her to be much more tolerable and fun. There is quite a bit of humor here, and lots of great pop culture references that even a grandma like me understood. This would be perfect when you’re in the mood for something really fun and light told in a unique format. If this series continues I’m here for it!
While I’m AHEM quite a bit older than the characters I could relate to aspects of their angst, although thankfully I didn’t have to deal with social media issues when I was there age. The first book I had a minor struggle with Gen’s immaturity but this time around she didn’t bother me as much and I found her to be much more tolerable and fun. There is quite a bit of humor here, and lots of great pop culture references that even a grandma like me understood. This would be perfect when you’re in the mood for something really fun and light told in a unique format. If this series continues I’m here for it!
March 18, 2019
ARC provided via NetGalley, but I swear these thoughts are Mine, whole Mine and nothing but Mine.
I would officially like to apologise to Gen.
I was a little bit harsh on her after the first book.
But, yes, she's grown and I actually found her character interesting and funny.
Problematic, but funny.
Storywise, I wasn't as impressed as I was with the first book.
Maybe I just didn't expect for it to jump from girls' freshmen year at college to their after-graduation life.
I signed up for a fun contemporary YA, not NA!
All in all, not a great work of art, but still very enjoyable and easy to read.
Probably more like a 3.5 stars.
I would officially like to apologise to Gen.
I was a little bit harsh on her after the first book.
But, yes, she's grown and I actually found her character interesting and funny.
Problematic, but funny.
Storywise, I wasn't as impressed as I was with the first book.
Maybe I just didn't expect for it to jump from girls' freshmen year at college to their after-graduation life.
I signed up for a fun contemporary YA, not NA!
All in all, not a great work of art, but still very enjoyable and easy to read.
Probably more like a 3.5 stars.
July 16, 2019
"I’m clearly flourishing in my isolation. Florida is my new natural habitat. Humidity is cleansing! The constant threat of a gator attack is thrilling! Our governor is probably only homophobic as a bit! (That last one is probably too optimistic.)"
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ebook ARC of this novel for review purposes.
PLEASE SEND HELP is a charming and raw sequel to Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin's I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU. It follows Ava and Gen as they enter the world of post-college jobs in New York and Florida. I love the continuation of the formatting of e-mails and texts to tell the story and the dialogue is as hilarious as ever.
It's great seeing how the girls have matured in both their lives and in their friendship. PLEASE SEND HELP managed to avoid so much of the drama that irked me in the first book and a lot of that is thanks to the incredible development we have seen both of these characters have made since I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU. I felt so proud of these girls as a reader as they struggled with more issues in young adulthood but stayed true to themselves and continued to find out what is important to them. You can tell that these characters have settled into their relationship more and know that nothing can tear them apart. They're doing their best and I love that.
Sensitive issues are handled with humor and with heart and I think the authors managed to walk the line there with few bumps in the road. The settings of NY and FL were explored well, although a bit dramatized, and gave great life to the story - almost acting as characters themselves. The secondary characters were eclectic while also being true to the type of people you find yourself around when you're exiting college and entering the world. It was awesome to see how their relationships with these new characters helped Ava and Gen continue to learn.
I would highly recommend PLEASE SEND HELP to anyone who has read I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU. But honestly, you could probably read this book without reading the first one and it would still be enjoyable! But with the context of I HATE EVERYONE BUT YOU in mind, it's great to see how these characters have grown and continue to evolve.
4 stars!
P.S. - As someone trapped in Florida, I related to Gen so much.
March 29, 2019
This book was not for me. I found the story boring and it had explicit content that I didn't like. DNF
March 12, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was just the book I needed after a string of books that didn't hold my interest.
I read the first book, 'I Hate Everyone But You', I enjoyed this one more. It was a quick read both because of the format (emails and text conversations) and because I liked reading about Ava and Gen.I liked reading what each of them was up to post-college.
The book tackles some heavy topics in a somewhat lighthearted manner (excessive drinking, dysfunctional childhood, work relationships, mental health, etc), but I didn't mind. I think I was too focused on the dynamic between the two friends to really be bothered by the superficialness. My only gripe would be with the ending, which seemed really rushed. I would love to read more about Ava and Gen. :)
This was just the book I needed after a string of books that didn't hold my interest.
I read the first book, 'I Hate Everyone But You', I enjoyed this one more. It was a quick read both because of the format (emails and text conversations) and because I liked reading about Ava and Gen.I liked reading what each of them was up to post-college.
The book tackles some heavy topics in a somewhat lighthearted manner (excessive drinking, dysfunctional childhood, work relationships, mental health, etc), but I didn't mind. I think I was too focused on the dynamic between the two friends to really be bothered by the superficialness. My only gripe would be with the ending, which seemed really rushed. I would love to read more about Ava and Gen. :)
April 25, 2019
Advanced reading copy supplied from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I. Hate. This. Book. Abominations like this are why boomers will never like us.
It really was like going through the phones of those two girls in your class who thought they were absolutely hilarious and quirky, who don't realise that no one but them are laughing at their jokes. It was almost painful how relatable and down to earth to my demographic this book tried to be, while completely missing the mark. The self inserts- i mean uh, 'protagonists' think ending every sentence with a '!' makes them interesting, the constant 'wokeness' felt completely forced and all of the other characters were just as souless and vapid as the main two.
It's sad because I really enjoy the concept of using media like email or texts to tell a story but this was just atrocious. So awful that I literally feel bad for the paper it will be printed on. It was utterly boring, the characters were detestable and I truly feel like I wasted my life reading it. The fact that these two authors are NYT bestsellers makes me want to drown myself in a river.
I. Hate. This. Book. Abominations like this are why boomers will never like us.
It really was like going through the phones of those two girls in your class who thought they were absolutely hilarious and quirky, who don't realise that no one but them are laughing at their jokes. It was almost painful how relatable and down to earth to my demographic this book tried to be, while completely missing the mark. The self inserts- i mean uh, 'protagonists' think ending every sentence with a '!' makes them interesting, the constant 'wokeness' felt completely forced and all of the other characters were just as souless and vapid as the main two.
It's sad because I really enjoy the concept of using media like email or texts to tell a story but this was just atrocious. So awful that I literally feel bad for the paper it will be printed on. It was utterly boring, the characters were detestable and I truly feel like I wasted my life reading it. The fact that these two authors are NYT bestsellers makes me want to drown myself in a river.
Want to read
April 12, 2019I didn't realize this book was a sequel before requesting it, but after reading other reviews, I learned that I didn't need to read the original I decided to give this story a try anyway. However, I quickly learned that I am not the intended target audience, and overall, the story just wasn't working for me.
A majority of the book is told in the format of texts and emails exchanges to chronicle a slice of life between two best friends just out in their first post-college jobs which I personally didn't enjoy. The dialogue and text-heavy format made it difficult to pinpoint the exact plotline of the story, and it eventually grew stale. Some issues and topics were handled insensitively which I found rather problematic.
I've been a fan of Gaby and Allison since their Buzzfeed days and was ecstatic at the opportunity to support their literary career. However, this book fell flat and just wasn't my cup of tea.
A majority of the book is told in the format of texts and emails exchanges to chronicle a slice of life between two best friends just out in their first post-college jobs which I personally didn't enjoy. The dialogue and text-heavy format made it difficult to pinpoint the exact plotline of the story, and it eventually grew stale. Some issues and topics were handled insensitively which I found rather problematic.
I've been a fan of Gaby and Allison since their Buzzfeed days and was ecstatic at the opportunity to support their literary career. However, this book fell flat and just wasn't my cup of tea.
October 25, 2021
If I was just rating based on pure entertainment and how often I laughed, then this book would be 5/5 stars. However, I don't love it entirely when I take into account the characters and their actions at times. Not a big deal for me, but I can see someone reading this book (series) and really disliking how the authors decided to write conflict.
September 2, 2019
this was nice
November 28, 2021
"1) You can buy sunblock that smells really good. Coconut or mango. I think if it smells good you will want to eat it and then when you realize you can’t eat it you will still want it on your body."
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Please Send Help made me smile and was a super quick read. I really enjoyed the banter between Ava and Gen, and it was clear they knew each other really well. Their conversations felt realistic and their situations were relatable. They had their disagreements and fights, but those never lasted very long. Their friendship was more important to them than whatever they were fighting about, and I liked how self-aware they seemed to be. They apologized when they did something wrong, and they were quick to forgive for the sake of their friendship.
I've rewritten this paragraph ten times trying not be too spoilery, but I feel like it's an aspect that should be addressed. Okay, eleventh time's the charm... one of the characters has sex and gets more than they bargained for (stop here if you don't want specifics). I think it's great the author's chose to address sexually transmitted diseases, because it's something that real people deal with every day. It's also not a topic I've personally come across while reading YA, likely because it's not an issue most people want to discuss. I thought it was handled well and offered a different perspective.
I liked the overall story, and seeing how the two main characters progressed over time, but I never felt connected to them. They're both struggling with serious issues (mental health, alcoholism, depression, anxiety), and I wish those things had been expanded on a little more. I appreciate what they authors were trying to do, but I also felt overwhelmed my how much was going on throughout the book. It was like they tried to take every touchy subject and cram them all into one book (therapy, boss hitting on an intern, LGBTQ, homelessness, corruption in politics, family bias in business, a ménage, plus the things I mentioned earlier, and others I've already forgotten).
As far as connecting with the characters... it's just hard to do when you're only reading text messages and emails. There's very little depth to those, and we don't really see how the characters are feeling, just what they say they're feeling (and we all know that our perceptions of ourselves can be a little skewed). It also felt like the topics were all over the place, and sometimes I got lost in their conversations.
Please Send Help was an interesting read that I often found humorous, although I wish it had delved deeper into the characters and their individual stories. Also, the ending felt rushed and a little too convenient. There's an epilogue that's super short, but somehow manages to tie all of the loose ends together. Maybe if this had been more than just conversations, it would have worked better for me, but in the end I felt like the story just stopped without really going anywhere (a problem I seem to be having with a lot of books lately). It didn't feel open-ended, just open.
Side note: I didn't read the first book, but I don't think you need to.
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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Please Send Help made me smile and was a super quick read. I really enjoyed the banter between Ava and Gen, and it was clear they knew each other really well. Their conversations felt realistic and their situations were relatable. They had their disagreements and fights, but those never lasted very long. Their friendship was more important to them than whatever they were fighting about, and I liked how self-aware they seemed to be. They apologized when they did something wrong, and they were quick to forgive for the sake of their friendship.
I've rewritten this paragraph ten times trying not be too spoilery, but I feel like it's an aspect that should be addressed. Okay, eleventh time's the charm... one of the characters has sex and gets more than they bargained for (stop here if you don't want specifics). I think it's great the author's chose to address sexually transmitted diseases, because it's something that real people deal with every day. It's also not a topic I've personally come across while reading YA, likely because it's not an issue most people want to discuss. I thought it was handled well and offered a different perspective.
I liked the overall story, and seeing how the two main characters progressed over time, but I never felt connected to them. They're both struggling with serious issues (mental health, alcoholism, depression, anxiety), and I wish those things had been expanded on a little more. I appreciate what they authors were trying to do, but I also felt overwhelmed my how much was going on throughout the book. It was like they tried to take every touchy subject and cram them all into one book (therapy, boss hitting on an intern, LGBTQ, homelessness, corruption in politics, family bias in business, a ménage, plus the things I mentioned earlier, and others I've already forgotten).
As far as connecting with the characters... it's just hard to do when you're only reading text messages and emails. There's very little depth to those, and we don't really see how the characters are feeling, just what they say they're feeling (and we all know that our perceptions of ourselves can be a little skewed). It also felt like the topics were all over the place, and sometimes I got lost in their conversations.
Please Send Help was an interesting read that I often found humorous, although I wish it had delved deeper into the characters and their individual stories. Also, the ending felt rushed and a little too convenient. There's an epilogue that's super short, but somehow manages to tie all of the loose ends together. Maybe if this had been more than just conversations, it would have worked better for me, but in the end I felt like the story just stopped without really going anywhere (a problem I seem to be having with a lot of books lately). It didn't feel open-ended, just open.
Side note: I didn't read the first book, but I don't think you need to.
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January 23, 2019
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up to three.
Apparently, this book is a sequel. However, I did not know that. I do not think it hinders the reading of this book because of the starting place.
What I liked: I love books about friendships. I love when there are relationships with others, but it does not override the friendship factor of the book.
What I did not like: The pettiness of the girls. For girls who are out of college, their friendship was immature and juvenile. Gen acts like a 16 year old girl. Ava is needy. While I could deal with Ava's neediness, I could not deal with Gen. She completely ditched Ava in a time of need, but then a few chapters later whined that Ava did the same to her. She had all these expectations for Ava, but held herself to about zero standards or put any forethought into her actions. I am not down for toxic friendships that then play out as a relationship that is healthy.
This might be for some people, but I thought it was just ok.
2.5 stars rounded up to three.
Apparently, this book is a sequel. However, I did not know that. I do not think it hinders the reading of this book because of the starting place.
What I liked: I love books about friendships. I love when there are relationships with others, but it does not override the friendship factor of the book.
What I did not like: The pettiness of the girls. For girls who are out of college, their friendship was immature and juvenile. Gen acts like a 16 year old girl. Ava is needy. While I could deal with Ava's neediness, I could not deal with Gen. She completely ditched Ava in a time of need, but then a few chapters later whined that Ava did the same to her. She had all these expectations for Ava, but held herself to about zero standards or put any forethought into her actions. I am not down for toxic friendships that then play out as a relationship that is healthy.
This might be for some people, but I thought it was just ok.
July 8, 2019
In the second installment of this series, I continue to be impressed by how Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin manage to tackle some pretty serious, important content while still producing hilariously funny, lighthearted books.
I was initially made aware of these books after listening to Gaby give an interview on the Glowing Up podcast, immediately thinking, where can I find more from this fantastic woman? That led me to the Just Between Us podcast, hosted by Dunn with Raskin, who co-authors this series. The podcast is a bit up and down, but it pointed me toward these books, for which I’ll be forever grateful.
Gen and Ava’s story takes on a lot of heavy topics, but the tone mostly remains light. This book (like it’s predecessor) is also incredibly heartwarming without being sappy or precious.
Having learned a bit about the authors through their podcast and other media, it’s clear that Gen and Ava are autobiographical to an extent. Generally speaking, I tend to hate when authors put too much “me” into a book, but Dunn and Raskin have managed it flawlessly.
Here’s my only gripe: We jump from first semester of college in the first book all the way to post-graduation in the second book. Which means we could have had like 7 more of these in between. Allison and Gaby, I won’t be mad if you want to go back and fill in the details on what I’ll refer to in the mean time as “Gen and Ava: The Lost Years.”
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was initially made aware of these books after listening to Gaby give an interview on the Glowing Up podcast, immediately thinking, where can I find more from this fantastic woman? That led me to the Just Between Us podcast, hosted by Dunn with Raskin, who co-authors this series. The podcast is a bit up and down, but it pointed me toward these books, for which I’ll be forever grateful.
Gen and Ava’s story takes on a lot of heavy topics, but the tone mostly remains light. This book (like it’s predecessor) is also incredibly heartwarming without being sappy or precious.
Having learned a bit about the authors through their podcast and other media, it’s clear that Gen and Ava are autobiographical to an extent. Generally speaking, I tend to hate when authors put too much “me” into a book, but Dunn and Raskin have managed it flawlessly.
Here’s my only gripe: We jump from first semester of college in the first book all the way to post-graduation in the second book. Which means we could have had like 7 more of these in between. Allison and Gaby, I won’t be mad if you want to go back and fill in the details on what I’ll refer to in the mean time as “Gen and Ava: The Lost Years.”
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 5, 2019
Note: I was provided with a digital ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I adored this!!
I read the first book, I Hate Everyone But You, last year and really liked it. The format of these books is extremely fast paced since they are told through text and emails and that's part of why I adore them so much.
This book is my favorite of the two. I don't completely remember everything from the first but I remember being annoyed with how some scenes played out and some of their reactions to things. This one I just loved from the start. Already knowing the characters and getting to see how their lives are after college was a blast.
I do have a few questions about some things that happened, but being told just through text and emails I'll probably never get those answers. I can only assume the answers and I suppose that's good enough for me.
If you like fast reads that are full of fun, drama, friendship, love, and even some hard times then pick up this series!
I adored this!!
I read the first book, I Hate Everyone But You, last year and really liked it. The format of these books is extremely fast paced since they are told through text and emails and that's part of why I adore them so much.
This book is my favorite of the two. I don't completely remember everything from the first but I remember being annoyed with how some scenes played out and some of their reactions to things. This one I just loved from the start. Already knowing the characters and getting to see how their lives are after college was a blast.
I do have a few questions about some things that happened, but being told just through text and emails I'll probably never get those answers. I can only assume the answers and I suppose that's good enough for me.
If you like fast reads that are full of fun, drama, friendship, love, and even some hard times then pick up this series!
February 19, 2020
This book was enjoyable and I know these two characters exist but I didn't want them to exisit. Let me explain. One is selfish and cares about focusing a lot on her problems while having her friend pick up the pieces and devote a lot of attention on her. The other says the wrong things at the wrong time and often chooses not to share their problems with the other one. It's tough. It's annoying. But it's real. So how am I supposed to demote stars to a book is very similar to what happen to me? The only reason why I'm not giving it a high rating is because the ending was so rushed. It felt like they were running to a happy ever after.
July 12, 2024
This one didn't do it for me like the first book in the series did. I think perhaps because the obsessive emailing/texting just made more sense to me as something that college freshmen would do, and seemed unrealistic for college grads working their first jobs?
July 10, 2019
firstly I would like to say thank you to net galley fo approving my request of this book. very grateful
this book is a sequel to Gaby Dunn's and Alison Raskin's book I hate everyone but you, I really enjoyed that book and the format of the story that it is in, which The form of writing is in texts and emails back and forth between two friends who have been best friends since forever and they are called Ava and Genevieve. sadly for me this second book wasn't as good as the first book and I just wasn't really connecting to this story as much as the first book. for me at points throughout this book I just didn't like some of the things both of the characters were saying in some parts and I just wasn't really feeling the story aswell which is a shame because I was very excited to read this book .
in this story I just found the characters not likeable at all yes at points I did enjoy but most of the time they both just seemed to be really petty at points and even though they were both in college they both acted way younger in some aspects definitely in the romantic relationships they go through in this book, I definitely was more fond of Ava than Gen because I could understand Ava's issues but most of the time she just didn't listen to Get when she was given her advice aswell.
one part I did like is that even though this friendship is definitely not the best in many ways with how Ava and Gen treat each other I did like that in the end the friendship overided the romantic interests because there is nothing worse when the character has been friends with someone for so many years and then once a guy comes into there lives they ditch the friend, I'm so happy that that didn't happen and the friendship ruled in the end.
overall this book is a 3 stars it was a okay quick read that was a bit disappointing aswell.
this book is a sequel to Gaby Dunn's and Alison Raskin's book I hate everyone but you, I really enjoyed that book and the format of the story that it is in, which The form of writing is in texts and emails back and forth between two friends who have been best friends since forever and they are called Ava and Genevieve. sadly for me this second book wasn't as good as the first book and I just wasn't really connecting to this story as much as the first book. for me at points throughout this book I just didn't like some of the things both of the characters were saying in some parts and I just wasn't really feeling the story aswell which is a shame because I was very excited to read this book .
in this story I just found the characters not likeable at all yes at points I did enjoy but most of the time they both just seemed to be really petty at points and even though they were both in college they both acted way younger in some aspects definitely in the romantic relationships they go through in this book, I definitely was more fond of Ava than Gen because I could understand Ava's issues but most of the time she just didn't listen to Get when she was given her advice aswell.
one part I did like is that even though this friendship is definitely not the best in many ways with how Ava and Gen treat each other I did like that in the end the friendship overided the romantic interests because there is nothing worse when the character has been friends with someone for so many years and then once a guy comes into there lives they ditch the friend, I'm so happy that that didn't happen and the friendship ruled in the end.
overall this book is a 3 stars it was a okay quick read that was a bit disappointing aswell.
March 22, 2019
3.5 Stars
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reading copy of Please Send Help by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin. I can't wait to start this book. Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin are YouTube personalities.
This book is a sequel to ”I Hate Everyone But You.” It is about two best friends Ava and Gen. They have known each other since high school. This novel takes place in their adulthood while living across the country from one another. This book is formatted through emails and text messages and was a nice change of pace. I love that the main focus of the plot was on friendship rather than relationships (although there are relationship talks within it).
For a book that is humorous, light hearted, and an easy read it did cover a lot of topics and issues. There are frequent discussions of sexuality and mental health. There are also conversations about past and present decisions that both girls make about their futures. I also liked that Gen was very openly feminist and was a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. Whereas, Ava is very anxious and suffers from bouts of depression.
I think that someone who suffers from mental health issues (such as anxiety, OCD, and depression) and people who identify as LGBTQ+ would enjoy this book and be able to relate to these characters as this is an own voices novel.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reading copy of Please Send Help by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin. I can't wait to start this book. Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin are YouTube personalities.
This book is a sequel to ”I Hate Everyone But You.” It is about two best friends Ava and Gen. They have known each other since high school. This novel takes place in their adulthood while living across the country from one another. This book is formatted through emails and text messages and was a nice change of pace. I love that the main focus of the plot was on friendship rather than relationships (although there are relationship talks within it).
For a book that is humorous, light hearted, and an easy read it did cover a lot of topics and issues. There are frequent discussions of sexuality and mental health. There are also conversations about past and present decisions that both girls make about their futures. I also liked that Gen was very openly feminist and was a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. Whereas, Ava is very anxious and suffers from bouts of depression.
I think that someone who suffers from mental health issues (such as anxiety, OCD, and depression) and people who identify as LGBTQ+ would enjoy this book and be able to relate to these characters as this is an own voices novel.
July 30, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A few months ago I read I Hate Everyone But You and what a nice surprise that book was. Please Send Help picks up a few years after the end of the first book, when Ava and Gen have just graduated from college and are ready to start their first job. Told also through texts and emails this keeps being as fresh and funny as the first book. Their conversations are filled with pop culture references and some laugh out loud moments, and though it may seem as this is just a light read, it manages to impart some powerful messages about important topics such as mental health, therapy, stigmatization of STDs and sex, LGBQT rights and addiction.
Crossing my fingers we’ll have a third installment as I’m not ready to say goodbye to Ava, Gen and their crazy shenanigans.
A few months ago I read I Hate Everyone But You and what a nice surprise that book was. Please Send Help picks up a few years after the end of the first book, when Ava and Gen have just graduated from college and are ready to start their first job. Told also through texts and emails this keeps being as fresh and funny as the first book. Their conversations are filled with pop culture references and some laugh out loud moments, and though it may seem as this is just a light read, it manages to impart some powerful messages about important topics such as mental health, therapy, stigmatization of STDs and sex, LGBQT rights and addiction.
Crossing my fingers we’ll have a third installment as I’m not ready to say goodbye to Ava, Gen and their crazy shenanigans.
July 16, 2019
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Please Send Help is the sequel to I Hate Everyone But You. Like the latter, it is told through written communication such as emails and texts. It tells the story of two best friends, Gen and Ava who just finished Uni and moved for job opportunities, one to Florida, the other to New-York. We get to see what they discuss and only that.
To be honest, I didn't remember I Hate Everyone But You all that well, but I didn't really mind. I still enjoyed this. I liked how it was told. It kept me engaged and I could picture a lot of the scene without really going through them. It made my imagination work even more than with usual storytelling styles. I liked the characters a lot, even when they were infuriating and fucking up. They are both very endearing and I related to them a lot on some stuff and not at all on others. It was interesting. The end was so frustrating though. I didn't feel like I got a proper ending but I guess it makes sense considering how it ended. Anyway, I enjoyed this quite a lot, I had fun reading it and it was such a quick read too.
Please Send Help is the sequel to I Hate Everyone But You. Like the latter, it is told through written communication such as emails and texts. It tells the story of two best friends, Gen and Ava who just finished Uni and moved for job opportunities, one to Florida, the other to New-York. We get to see what they discuss and only that.
To be honest, I didn't remember I Hate Everyone But You all that well, but I didn't really mind. I still enjoyed this. I liked how it was told. It kept me engaged and I could picture a lot of the scene without really going through them. It made my imagination work even more than with usual storytelling styles. I liked the characters a lot, even when they were infuriating and fucking up. They are both very endearing and I related to them a lot on some stuff and not at all on others. It was interesting. The end was so frustrating though. I didn't feel like I got a proper ending but I guess it makes sense considering how it ended. Anyway, I enjoyed this quite a lot, I had fun reading it and it was such a quick read too.
June 2, 2019
I really struggled with this book. I pushed on through hoping it would get better and it did for abut 50 pages in the 300's but back slid after that. The self centered, selfish, often crass and crude (and occasionally funny. Occasionally.) Ava and Gen lacked hardly any character development from the beginning to the end of the book. This book not only fell flat for me, it fell far short of that. Perhaps because I had not read the first book in the series? Probably not. :(
September 2, 2022
2.5 - i loved i hate everyone but you when i read it in high school so i’ve been wanting to read this for a while but i’m guessing the combination of my aging and the thematic differences in this book made it significantly less compelling, kinda just meh.
August 23, 2023
it was ok
Read
April 7, 2019I received this book via Netgalley. I did not realize this was a sequel. I was able to follow the book and get the chemistry between the friends without having read it.
I am not the right audience for this book. I did enjoy the format of texts and emails exchanges to chronicle a slice of life between two best friends just out in their first post-college jobs. I also liked that the book focused on female friendships. However, I only ever connected with Ava's character. Gen's voice was abrasive and self destructive in an in-your-face way. She unapologetically catfished someone and never felt an ounce of remorse for it which just turned me off of her character early on.
Her POV was fairly glorifying in regards to her self destructive quality as well. It's one thing to embrace yourself and your truths and own who you are. It's another to embrace your self-destructiveness and excuse all of your pettiness.
I was also turned off by the portrayal of southerners using bad stereotypes as well as Christians. I am both a Southerner and a Christian and I belong to a Methodist church (yes Methodist, which is villainified here in a bad stereotype) and in all of my churches that I have belonged LGBTQ people are welcomed and embraced. Perhaps the author came across a Methodist church like the one mentioned but I sure doubt it Instead, I suspect it was just a lack of research because I live in the south and have NEVER come across one like it (that doesn't allow LGBT people into their homeless shelter and other such un-christian issues). I also don't think the author bothered to research because there was a nun who worked it (that's Catholicism) and other small quibbles. I could ignore this but I think it harms part of the community this novel is trying to reach. Telling gay youth that the entire church doesn't like them (when this is not categorically true) is as problematic as those churches that do shun the LGBTQ community. They both do damage. There really are Christians who will fully accept people of this community.
All in all, the book excelled in showing a slice of life between two very different friends trying to get started in their own adult lives while simultaneously supporting and leaning on each other. However, it fell down in it's problematic portrayals that took the lazy way out by using shallow stereotypes for cheap laughs or villaney. It also rides the line of glorifying self destructive tendencies.
I am not the right audience for this book. I did enjoy the format of texts and emails exchanges to chronicle a slice of life between two best friends just out in their first post-college jobs. I also liked that the book focused on female friendships. However, I only ever connected with Ava's character. Gen's voice was abrasive and self destructive in an in-your-face way. She unapologetically catfished someone and never felt an ounce of remorse for it which just turned me off of her character early on.
Her POV was fairly glorifying in regards to her self destructive quality as well. It's one thing to embrace yourself and your truths and own who you are. It's another to embrace your self-destructiveness and excuse all of your pettiness.
I was also turned off by the portrayal of southerners using bad stereotypes as well as Christians. I am both a Southerner and a Christian and I belong to a Methodist church (yes Methodist, which is villainified here in a bad stereotype) and in all of my churches that I have belonged LGBTQ people are welcomed and embraced. Perhaps the author came across a Methodist church like the one mentioned but I sure doubt it Instead, I suspect it was just a lack of research because I live in the south and have NEVER come across one like it (that doesn't allow LGBT people into their homeless shelter and other such un-christian issues). I also don't think the author bothered to research because there was a nun who worked it (that's Catholicism) and other small quibbles. I could ignore this but I think it harms part of the community this novel is trying to reach. Telling gay youth that the entire church doesn't like them (when this is not categorically true) is as problematic as those churches that do shun the LGBTQ community. They both do damage. There really are Christians who will fully accept people of this community.
All in all, the book excelled in showing a slice of life between two very different friends trying to get started in their own adult lives while simultaneously supporting and leaning on each other. However, it fell down in it's problematic portrayals that took the lazy way out by using shallow stereotypes for cheap laughs or villaney. It also rides the line of glorifying self destructive tendencies.
March 13, 2019
Funny ~ Believable ~ Poignant
tl:dr: Life happens even when it's not on your own time
At first glance, this book looks long, but it's an epistolary of sorts. Two best friends digital communications form the body of the book. I picked this up because I wanted to read a book written by two female authors (for the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge), but I'm glad I did.
I loved how the classical epistolary is updated in this book. The authors do a wonderful job modulating their language to fit the forms (likely never using phrases as academic as modulating their language). Through these messages you see the reality of every person (teen's) life: uncertainty, self-doubt, love, hope, sadness. It takes a light-hearted look at some heady issues. I was surprised at how effected I was, feeling for each of the characters as I read.
I will say that while a quick read, I found it interesting how I sometimes found myself decoding, as one might when reading poetry, or how one does when your friend/ mom sends you text you can't quite understand. I loved this. This makes what at first seems a simple story of two people communicating into something more.
Great book.
Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter |
tl:dr: Life happens even when it's not on your own time
At first glance, this book looks long, but it's an epistolary of sorts. Two best friends digital communications form the body of the book. I picked this up because I wanted to read a book written by two female authors (for the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge), but I'm glad I did.
I loved how the classical epistolary is updated in this book. The authors do a wonderful job modulating their language to fit the forms (likely never using phrases as academic as modulating their language). Through these messages you see the reality of every person (teen's) life: uncertainty, self-doubt, love, hope, sadness. It takes a light-hearted look at some heady issues. I was surprised at how effected I was, feeling for each of the characters as I read.
I will say that while a quick read, I found it interesting how I sometimes found myself decoding, as one might when reading poetry, or how one does when your friend/ mom sends you text you can't quite understand. I loved this. This makes what at first seems a simple story of two people communicating into something more.
Great book.
Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter |
June 24, 2019
Another funny, relatable installment from Dunn & Raskin, this time catching up with Gen and Ava post-college as they set out on their careers. Ava gets an internship behind the scenes of a show in NYC and has joined Gen on the east coast, though it is just as Gen jets off to Florida for a staff position at a small publication, determined to revitalize it (and ideally make a couple straight girls fall for her). Their personalities shine as the pair continue to disagree over their abundantly different lifestyles via email but consistently check in on and care for the other over text. Gen was utterly rambunctious this time around, a newly minted 22yo grad, trolling the local bars for happy hour specials and secrets she can investigate and break in the next edition of the paper. Ava rather sweetly (and dumbly) becomes involved with the intern supervisor and tries to reassure herself and Gen that he is much kinder than she makes him out to be while making complaints. They predominantly butt heads when Ava pushes Gen to give up her job and just figure out her life on Ava's couch in New York, and Gen has to remind her that she can't give up a paycheck (or take an unpaid internship like Ava did) because she has to safety net. Their roller coaster friendship and respective dalliances prove again to be unputdownable as I flipped through all of the conversations in this installment in a single day.
September 10, 2020
I’m lowering my rating because 1) I’ve been thinking and I really don’t like this book enough for the rating I gave it. And 2) author has some shitty takes and I don’t need that energy on top of a mediocre book
July 14, 2019
3.5 stars
*Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I had a good time reading the first book in this series, and as continued fans of Gaby and Allison I was intrigued by the next book. This one was unfortunately not quite as good as the first one, but I did still enjoy reading it.
The choice to age them up so much for this second book was unexpected. I thought it would've been fun to read a book where they are comfortable in their college experiences and to see them deal with sophomore/junior year. It also might have helped the feeling of "missing out" you kind of get with this book. Gen and Ava reference a bunch of things that happened in between this book and the last that we never got to see, and that coupled with the fact that this is completely told in emails/instant messages where we are told things after the fact just makes you feel a bit removed from the story.
As for the characters themselves, I appreciated their diversity where both of them are Jewish & Ava deals with anxiety and depression, while Genevieve is bisexual. However, Genevieve is kind of the worst? I don't remember being quite so annoyed with her in the first book, but in this one HOO boy. The way she treats Ava is so annoying and hypocritical, and her level of self sabotage is something else. Both scenarios the characters were put in were kind of ridiculous, but I could believe Ava's to some extent. Gen literally moves a homeless person INTO HER HOUSE!? Which to be honest made for a fun reading experience but also the words "what the heck" were just playing in a loop as I was reading.
Overall while this does deal with some heavier topics this was a fun, light, read with a bit ridiculousness added for *charm*. If you liked the first one, I say continue on although you might not love this one. If you didn't like the first one, probably skip it.
*Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I had a good time reading the first book in this series, and as continued fans of Gaby and Allison I was intrigued by the next book. This one was unfortunately not quite as good as the first one, but I did still enjoy reading it.
The choice to age them up so much for this second book was unexpected. I thought it would've been fun to read a book where they are comfortable in their college experiences and to see them deal with sophomore/junior year. It also might have helped the feeling of "missing out" you kind of get with this book. Gen and Ava reference a bunch of things that happened in between this book and the last that we never got to see, and that coupled with the fact that this is completely told in emails/instant messages where we are told things after the fact just makes you feel a bit removed from the story.
As for the characters themselves, I appreciated their diversity where both of them are Jewish & Ava deals with anxiety and depression, while Genevieve is bisexual. However, Genevieve is kind of the worst? I don't remember being quite so annoyed with her in the first book, but in this one HOO boy. The way she treats Ava is so annoying and hypocritical, and her level of self sabotage is something else. Both scenarios the characters were put in were kind of ridiculous, but I could believe Ava's to some extent. Gen literally moves a homeless person INTO HER HOUSE!? Which to be honest made for a fun reading experience but also the words "what the heck" were just playing in a loop as I was reading.
Overall while this does deal with some heavier topics this was a fun, light, read with a bit ridiculousness added for *charm*. If you liked the first one, I say continue on although you might not love this one. If you didn't like the first one, probably skip it.
May 30, 2019
3.5 stars!
I was a HUGE fan of Gaby and Allison's first book I Hate Everyone But You. This sequel didn't quite hit the same way. I still think it was a super fun, On Brand TM follow up!
A major positive is this is a great start for a resurrection of New Adult. If the genre can rise out of its smutty ashes like a phoenix and follow this direction, that could be cool. There is a lack of books about recent college grads trying to figure life out in 2019. Internships, careers, making new friends, dating, keeping up with rent, etc. There's a plot point that I definitely have never read about in YA or NA that was handled in an awesome way.
Ava and Gen's friendship is still the best and that's obviously due to Gaby and Allison's real life relationship. Some jokes felt repetitive but that doesn't mean I wasn't laughing out loud for others. And then they have these unbelievably relatable bits that made me go wow are they actually in my head? Mainly, there are just parts in the middle that kinda drag and then the end feels too rushed... but again, an easy, enjoyable read!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I was a HUGE fan of Gaby and Allison's first book I Hate Everyone But You. This sequel didn't quite hit the same way. I still think it was a super fun, On Brand TM follow up!
A major positive is this is a great start for a resurrection of New Adult. If the genre can rise out of its smutty ashes like a phoenix and follow this direction, that could be cool. There is a lack of books about recent college grads trying to figure life out in 2019. Internships, careers, making new friends, dating, keeping up with rent, etc. There's a plot point that I definitely have never read about in YA or NA that was handled in an awesome way.
Ava and Gen's friendship is still the best and that's obviously due to Gaby and Allison's real life relationship. Some jokes felt repetitive but that doesn't mean I wasn't laughing out loud for others. And then they have these unbelievably relatable bits that made me go wow are they actually in my head? Mainly, there are just parts in the middle that kinda drag and then the end feels too rushed... but again, an easy, enjoyable read!
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 20, 2019
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
File this another another book Deanna read and had NO idea it was actually a sequel. HOWEVER, I feel like not reading the first book didn't take away from this novel AT ALL. I love books that are written in interesting ways, and this one was written in emails and texts, and was really fun to read. It reminded me a lot of Meg Cabot's The Boy series that was written similarly. I LOVE books like this, mostly because they are quick to get through and are just an interesting way to tell a story.
There were parts of this book that really just made me laugh so hard because Gen and Ava are just so outlandish, mostly it was Gen. Gen was a CHARACTER! She was a lot of fun to read about, and Ava's neuroses was something I could definitely understand. I loved reading their correspondences and it really rang true that they have a strong friendship. It also made me realize that I am really bad at being friends with people, because I definitley don't have any close friendships like this. GUYS! Do I have friends??
I also liked the representation in this book. Early on Gen mentions between gender fluid, although I believe she used She/Her pronouns, but it's also clear that she's bisexual. I love all the bisexual characters I am finding in books lately. There is also a side character that is trans, but it's almost like it's a footnote in this book. I was still glad it was included, and I wonder if it's more prevalent in the first book.
I ripped through this book. It was a funny look at friendships in the digital age, while also dealing with the issues that a lot of young people right out of college deal with. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a funny read.
File this another another book Deanna read and had NO idea it was actually a sequel. HOWEVER, I feel like not reading the first book didn't take away from this novel AT ALL. I love books that are written in interesting ways, and this one was written in emails and texts, and was really fun to read. It reminded me a lot of Meg Cabot's The Boy series that was written similarly. I LOVE books like this, mostly because they are quick to get through and are just an interesting way to tell a story.
There were parts of this book that really just made me laugh so hard because Gen and Ava are just so outlandish, mostly it was Gen. Gen was a CHARACTER! She was a lot of fun to read about, and Ava's neuroses was something I could definitely understand. I loved reading their correspondences and it really rang true that they have a strong friendship. It also made me realize that I am really bad at being friends with people, because I definitley don't have any close friendships like this. GUYS! Do I have friends??
I also liked the representation in this book. Early on Gen mentions between gender fluid, although I believe she used She/Her pronouns, but it's also clear that she's bisexual. I love all the bisexual characters I am finding in books lately. There is also a side character that is trans, but it's almost like it's a footnote in this book. I was still glad it was included, and I wonder if it's more prevalent in the first book.
I ripped through this book. It was a funny look at friendships in the digital age, while also dealing with the issues that a lot of young people right out of college deal with. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a funny read.
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