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500 Words or Less
Nic Chen refuses to spend her senior year branded as the girl who cheated on her charismatic and lovable boyfriend. To redefine her reputation among her Ivy League–obsessed classmates, Nic begins writing their college admissions essays.
But the more essays Nic writes for other people, the less sure she becomes of herself, the kind of person she is, and whether her moral compass even points north anymore.
But the more essays Nic writes for other people, the less sure she becomes of herself, the kind of person she is, and whether her moral compass even points north anymore.
373 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2018
48 people are currently reading
3379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
July 14, 2018
There was nothing particularly wrong with this book, but it was just so mediocre that I know I won't think about it ever again. I didn't really understand why this book needed to be written in verse because it stunted the delivery of the book, but if the author had chosen to written the whole book out instead, it would have probably been so boring and just as unremarkable. Although this book had a cool aim and cast of characters, we weren't really let in to know a lot about them, so it fell flat. Most of the book just ended up focusing on relationship drama, which made the tone of the book melodramatic and cheesy.
Again, I like the characters though and one of the chapters had SUCH a good message about racism, so the themes throughout this are awesome, even if the forefront of the book rests on mediocre boy drama
Again, I like the characters though and one of the chapters had SUCH a good message about racism, so the themes throughout this are awesome, even if the forefront of the book rests on mediocre boy drama
July 30, 2018
the mc's thought process is basically a depiction of all my darkest thoughts on sleepless nights
500 Words or Less is about a half-Chinese, half-white girl who went through a breakup in the past and basically lost the friends most important to her. And while she's trying to discover herself, she starts a business where she starts writing college admissions essays for others in exchange for money.
My original rating was five stars, but I've decided to lower it to three. Mainly because I feel like the concept of this novel was fantastic, but it was honestly kind of lackluster in execution.
When a book is written in prose, the main reason is usually that it has more of an impact rather than if it was written in storytelling format. However, I feel like this book would still literally have had the same impact if it was written in novel format, and honestly I wish that it was written in novel format.
In some instances, the writing was really beautiful, but in other instances I almost laughed out loud at the poems because they were... pointless, really.
I feel like to me, personally, I didn't notice the weirdness of the poems because I read really quickly and kind of just clump together the words, but when I look at the poems again I just.... want to cringe.
Like... what was the point of these line breaks here.
But besides this, I feel like this was a really poignant novel on racism and I honestly wish that this novel was longer so that the characters could be more fleshed out and we could have explored Nic's friendships and relationships more.
Everything seemed kind of thrown together haphazardly to create a novel, and while this really did have a strong and important message, I wish the execution had been done a little better.
Trigger and content warnings for death and excessive alcohol.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc via Netgalley!
Maybe I was broken inside,
with a moral compass
that no longer pointed north.
Or maybe I just wanted
to be wanted,
to be heard,
to be seen,
by someone.
Anyone.
500 Words or Less is about a half-Chinese, half-white girl who went through a breakup in the past and basically lost the friends most important to her. And while she's trying to discover herself, she starts a business where she starts writing college admissions essays for others in exchange for money.
My original rating was five stars, but I've decided to lower it to three. Mainly because I feel like the concept of this novel was fantastic, but it was honestly kind of lackluster in execution.
When a book is written in prose, the main reason is usually that it has more of an impact rather than if it was written in storytelling format. However, I feel like this book would still literally have had the same impact if it was written in novel format, and honestly I wish that it was written in novel format.
In some instances, the writing was really beautiful, but in other instances I almost laughed out loud at the poems because they were... pointless, really.
I feel like to me, personally, I didn't notice the weirdness of the poems because I read really quickly and kind of just clump together the words, but when I look at the poems again I just.... want to cringe.
"It's not smashed.
Your sandwiches are always
smashed,"
Kitty said.
Like... what was the point of these line breaks here.
But besides this, I feel like this was a really poignant novel on racism and I honestly wish that this novel was longer so that the characters could be more fleshed out and we could have explored Nic's friendships and relationships more.
Everything seemed kind of thrown together haphazardly to create a novel, and while this really did have a strong and important message, I wish the execution had been done a little better.
Trigger and content warnings for death and excessive alcohol.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc via Netgalley!
September 23, 2019
3.5/5 Stars
This book explores the theme of loss on so many levels: the loss of a mother who ran away without looking back, the loss of first love, the loss of the closest friends you ever had, and also in part the loss of yourself. I liked how most of these themes were tackled and I appreciated Nic's internal monologue and reflections. By deciding to start the college application essays business she definitely discovers more about others, but mostly importantly she discloses parts of herself that she had pushed away.
I did not appreciate
This book explores the theme of loss on so many levels: the loss of a mother who ran away without looking back, the loss of first love, the loss of the closest friends you ever had, and also in part the loss of yourself. I liked how most of these themes were tackled and I appreciated Nic's internal monologue and reflections. By deciding to start the college application essays business she definitely discovers more about others, but mostly importantly she discloses parts of herself that she had pushed away.
I did not appreciate
July 27, 2020
3.5 stars /// review to come
October 1, 2020
The premise is intriguing and quite novel. However, the execution left a lot to be desired. I think this mainly stemmed from the limitations of its format. Frankly, I just could not see why this story had to be told in verse. Honestly, I think the impact of 500 Words or Less would have been more beautifully delivered in narrative form.
I was a bit worried about the possibility that this book might inadvertently glorify or romanticize cheating in relationships. Thankfully, that did not happen at all! Infidelity was handled with remarkable sensitivity, and even more so, 500 Words or Less tentatively explored the gender-based unfairness in infidelity.
The story shined the brightest during the scenes that focused on Nic’s diasporic experiences as a Chinese-American teenager and her journey towards growth and self-discovery. These scenes held the most depth, and it was only during these scenes that I could really empathize with Nic’s plight.
By the end of the day, this verse novel is teeming with untapped potential and I still enjoyed reading it, despite its numerous flaws – largely its lackluster execution and format. Ultimately, 500 Words or Less delivers a story about identity and loneliness that most people can easily relate to, while igniting necessary conversations on systemic issues that the less privileged, particularly people of color, are forced to endure.
Content/Trigger warnings:
Disclosure: I am participating in a blog tour organized by Rich in Variety Tours, which is why I received a review copy of 500 Words or Less. This neither affects my opinion nor the content of my review.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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I was a bit worried about the possibility that this book might inadvertently glorify or romanticize cheating in relationships. Thankfully, that did not happen at all! Infidelity was handled with remarkable sensitivity, and even more so, 500 Words or Less tentatively explored the gender-based unfairness in infidelity.
The story shined the brightest during the scenes that focused on Nic’s diasporic experiences as a Chinese-American teenager and her journey towards growth and self-discovery. These scenes held the most depth, and it was only during these scenes that I could really empathize with Nic’s plight.
By the end of the day, this verse novel is teeming with untapped potential and I still enjoyed reading it, despite its numerous flaws – largely its lackluster execution and format. Ultimately, 500 Words or Less delivers a story about identity and loneliness that most people can easily relate to, while igniting necessary conversations on systemic issues that the less privileged, particularly people of color, are forced to endure.
Content/Trigger warnings:
Disclosure: I am participating in a blog tour organized by Rich in Variety Tours, which is why I received a review copy of 500 Words or Less. This neither affects my opinion nor the content of my review.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
instagram • pinterest • twitter
September 17, 2018
“Maybe I was broken inside,
with a moral compass
that no longer pointed north.
Or maybe I just wanted
to be wanted,
to be heard,
to be seen,
by someone.
Anyone.”
I actually really liked parts of 500 Words or Less - Nic writing the essays for her classmates, and her overall journey of what’s expected of her from society versus what she wants/needs in life. The essays were great at letting us get to know the other characters and Nic’s mindset and personality. I really loved seeing Nic challenge the racisms and micro-aggressions she faced as a half Chinese-American woman. But I didn’t connect with the characters at all. Yes, I feel like I got to know them and their perspectives, but I didn’t really care for them or even like them in most cases. The story was mostly forgettable, or plot points came out of nowhere to force character change. It wasn’t the highlight I was expecting, or hoping for.
Want to read
September 3, 2018i'm trash for well-written novel in verse
March 15, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this gorgeously written novel-in-verse. Full of moral complexity and no easy answers, put this on your TBR!!!
April 1, 2020
I liked this one because of main oc went through so much and made a lot of reckless decisions and became more of it. The ending was tragic and touching.
August 23, 2018
*Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
“When I write essays,
I write about the emotionally raw moments,
the lowest points,
the authentic experiences that change and shape us.
I am more than writing college essays.
I am telling stories that we are too afraid to tell,
because to tell them is to relive them,
and sometimes it hurts too much.”
First, forgive the formatting. My ARC was digital and for some reason my Kindle messed with the format of the verse so I'm just guessing how these passages were supposed to look.
Now, into the book.
I'm so glad verse is a rising theme in YA. I adore novels written in verse. Books like The Poet X and Solo were the greatest surprises of the year for me. Sadly, while I enjoyed 500 Words of Less, it did not live up to the hype I set for it.
Don't get me wrong; this is a good book. The last few chapters left me in an emotional lurch and had me questioning my life choices and what matters in life versus what matters to society. Honestly, it was one of the strongest endings of a contemporary novel I have read in a while.
But tragically the 90% of the novel that came before those last few chapters was nothing special. It wasn't memorable. The characters weren't very memorable. I could see snippets throughout the book of scenes and people that had the potential to be fantastic, but just weren't. I wish I enjoyed this more but even now, a few days later, I'm struggling to recall characters' names.
However, I will read more by this author in the future. She has a strong grasp on certain issues in our society that I can tell will translate into stronger novels in the future. Not bad for a debut.
Loneliness
Isn’t this gaping hole in your heart because your boyfriend broke up with you.
It isn’t being dateless on prom night.
It isn’t even the emotional distance between you and your parents.
Loneliness is living in your own skin with a person you don’t even know.
Loneliness is the void of self, the absence of knowing who you are.”
“When I write essays,
I write about the emotionally raw moments,
the lowest points,
the authentic experiences that change and shape us.
I am more than writing college essays.
I am telling stories that we are too afraid to tell,
because to tell them is to relive them,
and sometimes it hurts too much.”
First, forgive the formatting. My ARC was digital and for some reason my Kindle messed with the format of the verse so I'm just guessing how these passages were supposed to look.
Now, into the book.
I'm so glad verse is a rising theme in YA. I adore novels written in verse. Books like The Poet X and Solo were the greatest surprises of the year for me. Sadly, while I enjoyed 500 Words of Less, it did not live up to the hype I set for it.
Don't get me wrong; this is a good book. The last few chapters left me in an emotional lurch and had me questioning my life choices and what matters in life versus what matters to society. Honestly, it was one of the strongest endings of a contemporary novel I have read in a while.
But tragically the 90% of the novel that came before those last few chapters was nothing special. It wasn't memorable. The characters weren't very memorable. I could see snippets throughout the book of scenes and people that had the potential to be fantastic, but just weren't. I wish I enjoyed this more but even now, a few days later, I'm struggling to recall characters' names.
However, I will read more by this author in the future. She has a strong grasp on certain issues in our society that I can tell will translate into stronger novels in the future. Not bad for a debut.
Loneliness
Isn’t this gaping hole in your heart because your boyfriend broke up with you.
It isn’t being dateless on prom night.
It isn’t even the emotional distance between you and your parents.
Loneliness is living in your own skin with a person you don’t even know.
Loneliness is the void of self, the absence of knowing who you are.”
September 26, 2019
500 Words or Less is not a bad book and has some powerful and relevant things to say, but I do think its potential to be more was undercut by its execution.
- Follows Nic, a biracial Chinese/White teen who is trying to salvage her reputation of cheating on her boyfriend by charging her classmates to write their college admission essays.
- Thematically, this book is relevant, poignant, and powerful. I'm pretty certain that del Rosario is a fantastic writer and that is apparent in this book, and I'd love to read her future works.
- Themes, in particular, examined the grief and anger of being abandoned by a family member, the sexism inherent in infidelity and who is ostracised the most, and also diasporic identity.
- However, perhaps limited by its in-verse format, some elements of the story (characterisation and some pivotal moments) left more to be desired. There is certainly substance, but there was absolutely fertile ground for more.
- I... was not a fan of the ending. This opinion - which is all it is, my opinion - has no bearing on my rating, but I think it took away the impact of the book. I don't know.
Trigger/content warning:
- Follows Nic, a biracial Chinese/White teen who is trying to salvage her reputation of cheating on her boyfriend by charging her classmates to write their college admission essays.
- Thematically, this book is relevant, poignant, and powerful. I'm pretty certain that del Rosario is a fantastic writer and that is apparent in this book, and I'd love to read her future works.
- Themes, in particular, examined the grief and anger of being abandoned by a family member, the sexism inherent in infidelity and who is ostracised the most, and also diasporic identity.
- However, perhaps limited by its in-verse format, some elements of the story (characterisation and some pivotal moments) left more to be desired. There is certainly substance, but there was absolutely fertile ground for more.
- I... was not a fan of the ending. This opinion - which is all it is, my opinion - has no bearing on my rating, but I think it took away the impact of the book. I don't know.
Trigger/content warning:
February 10, 2020
Note: I had the pleasure of meeting Juleah del Rosario at BookNet Fest 2o18 where we invited her to speak on a couple of panels. She was phenomenal, especially as we talked about intersectionalism in fiction.
What I liked about this book: I read it in an hour and it made me think and feel. It had some poignant moments as they pertained racism, privilege, the misogyny baked into people's reactions to infidelity, abandonment, loneliness and grief. It felt a little angsty and melodramatic, but it also felt a lot like the confusion I felt near the end of high school. I, too, was lost at sea as I faced down the big decisions that would guide me into adulthood. If you are sensitive to teen drama, this might be off-putting.
What I thought was lacking in this book: I think you can clearly tell that del Rosario has skill and a good sense of storytelling and pacing. I don't think this used the format and verse quite successfully. When I read a novel told in verse, I what something lyrical or descriptive or musical. I want the format to add something and not limit it. This read like the kind of contemporary poetry I don't like-- it reads like a sentence broken up with no rhyme or reason. It ultimately inhibited the characterization.
I also, personally, wasn't fan of the ending. While I was all about the drama of the rest of the story, something about the final dramatic bang felt forced and out of place. It also undercut some of the living with your choices and your regrets and your consequences message.
Overall, this was engaging in the moment and I look forward to reading more from del Rosario as her career progresses.
What I liked about this book: I read it in an hour and it made me think and feel. It had some poignant moments as they pertained racism, privilege, the misogyny baked into people's reactions to infidelity, abandonment, loneliness and grief. It felt a little angsty and melodramatic, but it also felt a lot like the confusion I felt near the end of high school. I, too, was lost at sea as I faced down the big decisions that would guide me into adulthood. If you are sensitive to teen drama, this might be off-putting.
What I thought was lacking in this book: I think you can clearly tell that del Rosario has skill and a good sense of storytelling and pacing. I don't think this used the format and verse quite successfully. When I read a novel told in verse, I what something lyrical or descriptive or musical. I want the format to add something and not limit it. This read like the kind of contemporary poetry I don't like-- it reads like a sentence broken up with no rhyme or reason. It ultimately inhibited the characterization.
I also, personally, wasn't fan of the ending. While I was all about the drama of the rest of the story, something about the final dramatic bang felt forced and out of place. It also undercut some of the living with your choices and your regrets and your consequences message.
Overall, this was engaging in the moment and I look forward to reading more from del Rosario as her career progresses.
August 20, 2022
Nic had lost a lot in the past two years. She lost her mother, her boyfriend, her friends, herself. Her senior year was not the one she imagined, but it was the one, where she came to understand herself and others, step by step, in 500 words or less.
This book was not a lighthearted read. It was raw, real, and painful at times. There was a layer of sadness, which got thicker and thicker, until I was full-on crying. Eventually, though, some light broke through, and hope emerged in the end.
Nic was a tough character to like, but easy to empathize with. She made mistakes she regretted and was emotionally distant, but because I spent the entire book essentially in her head, I sort of understood her. Her feelings of loneliness and brokenness were palpable, and I suffered sympathy pains for her.
Several things stood out for me in this book. One was the writing. I enjoy books in verse. I feel as though a lot of consideration is given for every word chosen and the phrasing that is used, because the author is trying to tell the story in verse. del Rosario's writing was gorgeous, and packed quite a punch. It was emotional and full of vivid imagery. I fully imbibed all her words, and loved the way they felt and made me feel.
The other stars of this book were the essays Nic wrote. Those college admissions essays were not your average fluff. This was where del Rosario confronted many social issues. The approach was interesting and thought provoking, and I felt like the ideas carried more weight in the way they were presented in such a personal way.
I fully appreciated what they essays gave back to Nic. As she explored each of those characters' lives, she found bits of herself in their stories. She came to many realizations about herself. She started that journey towards acceptance of the circumstances, and maybe even started moving on.
Yes, this book was somewhat weighty, but there were some lighthearted and happy moments shared as well, and in the end, I was left hopeful for Nic.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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This book was not a lighthearted read. It was raw, real, and painful at times. There was a layer of sadness, which got thicker and thicker, until I was full-on crying. Eventually, though, some light broke through, and hope emerged in the end.
Nic was a tough character to like, but easy to empathize with. She made mistakes she regretted and was emotionally distant, but because I spent the entire book essentially in her head, I sort of understood her. Her feelings of loneliness and brokenness were palpable, and I suffered sympathy pains for her.
Several things stood out for me in this book. One was the writing. I enjoy books in verse. I feel as though a lot of consideration is given for every word chosen and the phrasing that is used, because the author is trying to tell the story in verse. del Rosario's writing was gorgeous, and packed quite a punch. It was emotional and full of vivid imagery. I fully imbibed all her words, and loved the way they felt and made me feel.
The other stars of this book were the essays Nic wrote. Those college admissions essays were not your average fluff. This was where del Rosario confronted many social issues. The approach was interesting and thought provoking, and I felt like the ideas carried more weight in the way they were presented in such a personal way.
I fully appreciated what they essays gave back to Nic. As she explored each of those characters' lives, she found bits of herself in their stories. She came to many realizations about herself. She started that journey towards acceptance of the circumstances, and maybe even started moving on.
Yes, this book was somewhat weighty, but there were some lighthearted and happy moments shared as well, and in the end, I was left hopeful for Nic.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
June 19, 2018
Thank you to #netgalley for a free ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Raw, real, and an honest look at teens in America, 500 Words or Less is a beautifully written-in prose!!!-book. With a diverse cast of characters, this books captures a senior year in high school perfectly. The book's narrator Nic Chen is flawed and messy and falling apart, and such an excellently written character that you can't but help relate to her and her insights to her classmates.
Raw, real, and an honest look at teens in America, 500 Words or Less is a beautifully written-in prose!!!-book. With a diverse cast of characters, this books captures a senior year in high school perfectly. The book's narrator Nic Chen is flawed and messy and falling apart, and such an excellently written character that you can't but help relate to her and her insights to her classmates.
June 9, 2018
I devoured this stunning novel-in-verse in one sitting. It's raw and real, painful and hopeful. I felt transported back to high school -- in part because this takes place in a fictionalized version of a Seattle suburb, but also because Juleah del Rosario writes with such empathy for her messy, flawed teen characters.
November 5, 2018
There was literally no reason for this to be in verse, and I'm irrationally annoyed by it.
May 2, 2024
Super good read. A quick one too. Emotional.
Read
October 23, 2018Nic Chen's mother disappeared and after cheating on her boyfriend with a friend, Nic herself has been branded a slut. From whispers in the hallway to a lipstick scrawl of "whore" on her locker, Nic finds herself feeling isolated from her peers -- and herself.
But when she begins to write college admissions essays for her peers, even though she doesn't need the money, she begins to uncover some of the depths of those around her. Depths she'd never seen before. And when she loses someone important in her life, it's by seeing the truth of her own story and depths she's not allowed herself to explore internally, that Nic is able to better speak and live her own truth.
Nic is half-Chinese and half white, and she attends a racially and economically diverse school. Though the second part isn't apparent until later, there's a powerful moment when Nic realizes that someone she's seen as a golden boy in the school has grown up with a father working several jobs in order for his son to attend a prestigious high school. It's a big ah-ha moment to her own privilege, and it's one of the ways that del Rosario shows us what Nic believes on the outside vs. what she learns to be true of the inside.
The family dynamics in this one are interesting, as Nic's parents are divorced and her mother is out of the picture. Her stepmother is the opposite of Nic's mother in every way, but there isn't discord or frustration; in many ways, her stepmother is someone Nic doesn't judge or see as someone less-than. We find out that she, in fact, knows nothing about her until later on.
A well-paced verse novel set in the high-stakes period of college admissions time during senior year of high school. My one criticism is .
But when she begins to write college admissions essays for her peers, even though she doesn't need the money, she begins to uncover some of the depths of those around her. Depths she'd never seen before. And when she loses someone important in her life, it's by seeing the truth of her own story and depths she's not allowed herself to explore internally, that Nic is able to better speak and live her own truth.
Nic is half-Chinese and half white, and she attends a racially and economically diverse school. Though the second part isn't apparent until later, there's a powerful moment when Nic realizes that someone she's seen as a golden boy in the school has grown up with a father working several jobs in order for his son to attend a prestigious high school. It's a big ah-ha moment to her own privilege, and it's one of the ways that del Rosario shows us what Nic believes on the outside vs. what she learns to be true of the inside.
The family dynamics in this one are interesting, as Nic's parents are divorced and her mother is out of the picture. Her stepmother is the opposite of Nic's mother in every way, but there isn't discord or frustration; in many ways, her stepmother is someone Nic doesn't judge or see as someone less-than. We find out that she, in fact, knows nothing about her until later on.
A well-paced verse novel set in the high-stakes period of college admissions time during senior year of high school. My one criticism is .
April 8, 2020
This was OK, I guess. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters, hated the double standard of Nic getting all the crap but not Jordan, not a fan of cheating so maybe that is why I just couldn't stand Nic, didn't care about the essays (still think it is funny though that is needed to get anywhere), I did like reading about Nic's family and what happened there, how she is still longing for her mom, for answers. I like how well she can write. I did like reading about the school and the lessons. I liked that Nic was half Chinese-half American. I liked the diversity.
The verse stuff was pretty OK, though I am still not a big fan of it (still think it looks like someone just got a story put through a shredder). But I do want to read more as I have found verse books that I love.
ALSO FUCK LOVE TRIANGLES!!!!
The verse stuff was pretty OK, though I am still not a big fan of it (still think it looks like someone just got a story put through a shredder). But I do want to read more as I have found verse books that I love.
ALSO FUCK LOVE TRIANGLES!!!!
May 11, 2020
While this was a quick read, it wasn't anything that I connected to. I struggled to care about the MC because she came across like a love sick tween who thought her world was ending because the boy she loved (or thought she loved) broke up with her (and for good reason). She was OBSESSED with him and that was not healthy, yet nobody would tell her that. How can I connect with a MC like that? Answer: I can't.
October 2, 2020
this book has my name written all over it. and I am SO happy that it delivered. The book starts off well, never slows down or drags and ends in a devastating way. LOVED IT!
October 7, 2018
Honestly, this one was just meh. Creating a good narrative with prose poetry is tricky and this one was sort of a miss. It was overly maudlin, I didn't really care about the characters, and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for any of the decisions that the main character made. I just really really didn't care for this book. I wanted to! And I liked some parts of it--it was really interesting to see the story from the main character's point of view, but that wasn't enough for me to like it.
June 12, 2021
3.5/5
This book was depressing. I liked how the ending was realistic and everything didn’t turn out perfectly, but I thought one of the character’s deaths was kinda abrupt and unnecessary. Idk this book was just kinda meh but in a heavy way. In some ways, however, it did help me think about my own life.
This book was depressing. I liked how the ending was realistic and everything didn’t turn out perfectly, but I thought one of the character’s deaths was kinda abrupt and unnecessary. Idk this book was just kinda meh but in a heavy way. In some ways, however, it did help me think about my own life.
January 11, 2022
It was thought provoking. I enjoyed it
July 13, 2019
Me enteré de la existencia de 500 Words or Less cuando buscaba recomendaciones de novelas que hablan sobre adolescentes en una transición entre la secundaria y la universidad, y me encontré con una entrada llamada "recomendaciones de novelas para aquellxs estresadxs sobre la universiad". Y... si. Acá estoy xD. ¡SIN DUDA DISFRUTÉ DE ESTA NOVELA!
“Or maybe I just wanted to be wanted, to be heard, to be seen by someone. Anyone.”
500 Words or Less de Juleah del Rosario es la historia de una chica que ha sido marcada como aquella que engañó a su novio y se siente perdida en los pasillos de un colegio que antes lo era todo para ella, por lo que no le queda más remedio que concentrarse en sus estudios en una sociedad en la que el éxito yace supuestamente en ir a una gran universidad. Y entonces esta chica que busca ser aceptada nuevamente comienza a escribir los ensayos para la universidad de sus compañeros, pero sus palabras terminan teniendo un efecto en ella de lo más inesperado. Esta es la historia de una chica que siempre lo ha tenido todo bien definido y que de repente comienza a ver cómo sus alrededores se caen a pedazos. No sé, creo que la descripción de Juleah del Rosario de varios aspectos de lo que es el último año del secundario es magnífica. AMÉ la diversidad de los personajes secundarios y el rol que la diversidad étnica de la protagonista juega en su personalidad. ¡QUÉ LIBRO TAN BELLO! Además, está escrito en verso y afsydgufhgij. Adoro las novelas escritas de esta manera, aunque al mismo tiempo debo decir que no entiendo al 100% por qué la autora decidió escribir así esta novela. ADORÉ CADA SEGUNDO DE ESTA GRANDIOSA PROTAGONISTA, tan humana y real y con fallas... No sé, 500 Words or Less es una lectura rápida, llevadera y que te deja pensando sobre la propia moralidad adolescente y el poder de las palabras. ¡Súper recomendado!
“When I write essays, I write about the emotionally raw moments, the lowest points, the authentic experiences that change and shape us."
October 8, 2019
This book was alright. There were some verses that I thought were really good and hit a nerve or made a great point. Especially when it came to the double standards of how men and women are treated.
That being said, I found Nic's obsession with her ex Ben super annoying. She was frustrating and whiny and mopey, and I don't understand fully why she was so obsessed, especially given that there were many hints that he didn't open up fully or feel the same way about her and yes, she cheated on him. With his best friend. But she paid the price for it, she was branded a 'whore' in school, and that was unfair. Especially when his best friend continued to be popular and loved and received absolutely no harassment from anyone at school, and the most annoying part is that Ben continued to hang out with Jordan, continued to be best friends with him, but no...not Nic.
Very ridiculous. Very frustrating. Makes me really mad.
I did love the snippets of essays she wrote for the other students. I loved the parts where she was questioning herself and life and education and everyone's obsession with going to an ivy league uni, but could not get past the irritating obsession with her ex.
That being said, I found Nic's obsession with her ex Ben super annoying. She was frustrating and whiny and mopey, and I don't understand fully why she was so obsessed, especially given that there were many hints that he didn't open up fully or feel the same way about her and yes, she cheated on him. With his best friend. But she paid the price for it, she was branded a 'whore' in school, and that was unfair. Especially when his best friend continued to be popular and loved and received absolutely no harassment from anyone at school, and the most annoying part is that Ben continued to hang out with Jordan, continued to be best friends with him, but no...not Nic.
Very ridiculous. Very frustrating. Makes me really mad.
I did love the snippets of essays she wrote for the other students. I loved the parts where she was questioning herself and life and education and everyone's obsession with going to an ivy league uni, but could not get past the irritating obsession with her ex.
July 31, 2019
Absolutely beautiful. Truly a breathtaking story of finding yourself when you have no clue what that means. This novel is written in verse which really adds that extra touch that sets it apart from any other that I have read with a similar plot. It’s a girl-cheats-on-boyfriend-girl-gets-called-a-slut-girl-tries-to-figure-out-where-she-goes-from-here story that doesn’t end the way you think it will. It has so much depth and makes you feel in that special way that a well written novel in verse can. {8/10 recommended}
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May 13, 2019
The main reason this book is getting three stars is because I read it less than a week ago, as of when I'm writing this review, and I remember it as a giant blur of nothing. Nothing about this book stands out. Nothing is special. The fact that it's written in verse didn't add anything to the story. The main character didn't feel developed at all and I could not tell you a single thing about her. It didn't feel like there was a central idea or a message to the plot and the plot itself was rather confusing as well. Everything about this book was just so incredibly mediocre that I can't remember anything.
December 2, 2018
beautiful, sad, broken and real
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December 30, 2018I went into 500 Words or Less not knowing what the book was about at all so I was in for a bit of a surprise when it wasn’t actually a fluffy contemporary?
Nic Chen is a complicated MC. She cheated on her ex, who everyone knew to be a great human being. Worse than that, she cheated on her ex with his best friend (who coincidentally, her ex is still talking too…so…) But she doesn’t want to known as the girl who cheated on her ex so she starts writing people’s college essays for them. But the more time she spends writing essays, the less sure she is of herself or how she perceives her classmates.
Honestly, Nic Chen is one of the most well written characters ever. There are so many layers to her and she feels SO REAL. She is not perfect and it is wonderful that she can make such huge mistakes and somehow not be villainized. In so many stories, she’d be a bitchy side character but del Rosario has offered her multidimensionality.
It’s been months since I’ve read this book but I still haven’t forgotten it because Nic Chen has left such a remarkable mark on my mind. EVEN IF YOU HATE CHEATERS i really hope you’ll give Nic Chen a chance because she is worth it, and this book is worth it.
Nic Chen is a complicated MC. She cheated on her ex, who everyone knew to be a great human being. Worse than that, she cheated on her ex with his best friend (who coincidentally, her ex is still talking too…so…) But she doesn’t want to known as the girl who cheated on her ex so she starts writing people’s college essays for them. But the more time she spends writing essays, the less sure she is of herself or how she perceives her classmates.
Honestly, Nic Chen is one of the most well written characters ever. There are so many layers to her and she feels SO REAL. She is not perfect and it is wonderful that she can make such huge mistakes and somehow not be villainized. In so many stories, she’d be a bitchy side character but del Rosario has offered her multidimensionality.
It’s been months since I’ve read this book but I still haven’t forgotten it because Nic Chen has left such a remarkable mark on my mind. EVEN IF YOU HATE CHEATERS i really hope you’ll give Nic Chen a chance because she is worth it, and this book is worth it.
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