Reviews

Girls in Tears by Jacqueline Wilson

rkpig's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

ccxo's review against another edition

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3.0

In Girls in Tears, the fourth and final instalment of Jacqueline Wilson's Girls series, Ellie, Magda, and Nadine face new challenges that test the strength of their friendship. Ellie's relationship with Russell hits a rough patch, Magda grapples with the loss of her pet, and Nadine's online relationship raises concerns.

While the book explores relatable teenage issues like friendship drama, romantic troubles, and family conflicts, the characters' constant negativity and mean-spirited behaviour towards each other can feel a bit much. Nadine's insensitive comments, particularly towards a friend struggling with an eating disorder, are especially jarring. The book also touches on mature themes, such as older boys pressuring girls for sex and underage drinking, but handles them with a simplicity that feels more appropriate for a younger audience, creating a disconnect in terms of target readership.

Wilson's signature style and attention to detail are still present, the characters' similar speech patterns and use of dated slang can be distracting. Girls in Tears is an okay read for fans who have followed the series, but it's arguably the weakest of the four and doesn't offer a particularly satisfying conclusion.

leslie_ann_thornton's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

joglasgow11's review against another edition

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4.0

The final installment of the girls series is definitely the best.
I preferred Ellie over her friends in this book compared to the overs, was a bit predictable that Nadine would have that storyline.
Still can't bare russell or the father.

mystic_lucinda's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

natniss's review against another edition

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3.0

I don't like the ending of this one at all. Magda, Nadine, Russell and Ellie's dad have all behaved appallingly but Ellie and Anna are meant to just forgive and forget...

The storyline with Nadine also felt too close to what happened in the third book.

readingwithkatielouise's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a really difficult book for me to actually rate but in all honesty, I found this such an uncomfortable read as an adult! I do think some of it was relevant but some of this is just so absurd but also baffling in a good way as obviously teenagers will be teenagers!

kebcyx's review against another edition

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1.0

This rating is for Magda and Magda alone because what do you mean
Spoilerher excuse for kissing her best friend's boyfriend was 'I was sad about my dead hamster'???????
Jacqueline I'm sorry to say you lost me on this one

artiecarden's review against another edition

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1.0

Spoilers right away because wtf.
The end was horrific, glad I didn’t actually read these as a 13 year old as it would have encouraged me to put up with such a vile boy who kissed my best friend and make up with the best friend ???
Not thanks. All in the bin.

luna_abraxos's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No

3.5