I read My Dark Vanessa and wasn't the biggest fan of that book. From the description and the cover, My Last Innocent Year gave me moody, dark academia vibes, so I thought this one potentially would work for me a bit better, but I think maybe just this theme, in general, isn't something I enjoy. The ending was decent but the rest just felt a bit too drawn out and boring, the characters felt a bit too flat, and I wasn't invested at all.

I should have known when I say 'nonconsensual' this wouldn't be for me...and I was right :) DNF @ 30%.

A little confusing, and very very sad. I knew I wasn't really into it from the first few pages. Very gritty, and not what I was looking for at the time, so I think my review is a little bit tainted.

This novel well and truly made me re-evaluate how important it is to trust your gut and natural instincts. Parts of this book at times felt too close to reality, at times I often found myself querying if I was reading fiction or fact.

I really hope this is picked up for audio soon as I'd re-listen in a heartbeat.

These books have to be written but for me, they don't have to be read. Triggers. Sadness. Just not my kind of book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

This is a coming of age story, set in the late ‘90s. I loved the flashback to that time. The story itself is very intense, and left me feeling really sad. I thought it was well written, and went at a lot of really sensitive topics, including SA, if that is a trigger for you, steer clear. Some parts did drag on for me, so I think I didn’t get quite as much out of it as I could have, but overall I did enjoy it.

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This was such an excellent book, and one that will stick with me for a long time. The author skillfully blends the sordid reality of date SA and teacher/student affairs with the naviete of being in your early twenties. Running parallel to this is the narrator's perspective at a later stage in her life, looking back on these events with the wisdom that comes from lived experience, which further emphasizes the innocence that the main character portrays even when all the events around her seem better suited to someone older or more mature. I particularly liked the author's juxtaposition of the narrator's affair with the crumbling marriage of two other professors, all alongside the Monica Lewinsky headlines that were so prevalent at the time. I think those three narratives highlighted the overall theme well, and while I was able to piece together from the foreshadowing what direction the novel was going to take, I was still in awe at the ending.

Florin's debut novel, "My Last Innocent Year," reads like an indie movie, portraying Isabel's tumultuous senior year at Wilder College in the late '90s. The narrative delves into themes of consent, personal identity, and complex relationships, notably her affair with a married professor. Florin's fluid and rhythmic writing style mirrors Isabel's stream of consciousness, exploring Jewish cultural dynamics and college life.

However, while engaging, the plot feels somewhat disjointed, resembling vignettes more than a cohesive arc. This approach, reflective of Isabel's introspection, may leave readers craving deeper narrative depth and momentum.

The novel excels in tackling sensitive issues like sexual assault and inappropriate relationships, yet sometimes lacks the expected emotional impact. The affair with the professor, pivotal to Isabel's growth, feels underdeveloped due to its late introduction.

Moreover, the characters, though intriguing, remain emotionally distant, hindering a deeper connection. Isabel herself, while navigating significant events, can feel detached, dampening potentially powerful moments. At times, I felt like an outsider peering into a deeply personal time rather than being immersed in the story.

Despite these criticisms, "My Last Innocent Year" offers a nuanced portrayal of a young woman's journey into adulthood, grappling with her past and forging her future. Florin authentically captures Isabel's internal struggles and external challenges, providing insight into identity formation and the impact of early-life experiences.

For readers interested in introspective narratives and cultural exploration, this debut novel offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the uncertainties and revelations of young adulthood. While its unconventional storytelling and pacing may not satisfy those seeking a tightly woven plot, "My Last Innocent Year" remains a compelling read that sensitively captures a pivotal moment in a young woman's life.

This was a smart coming of age story about a woman in college feeling out of place and finding her way. She explores different relationships with friends and lovers and she searches for herself. Highly recommend for people who like campus novels.

I kept thinking this was a book I was really going to like but it just fell a bit flat for me. I did however like the ending and how it was wrapped up.

This was very interesting, but sad read. Nothing extraordinary happened, so I’m sad I won’t remember much about it.

This was a good story that involved some touchy subjects that young women may or may have had the same experiences of their own. The story unfolded it self towards the end when she chose which path to take. It was unique.

Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down! I loved the writing.
The comparison to My Dark Vanessa originally drew me in, but I have to say that I enjoyed this one even more.
This book is summed up as sad girl vibes in an academic but it works!

A harrowing, heart-wrenching, and all too relatable coming of age story set in the not too distant past of 1998. Oof.

This was one of my favorite books of 2023! The writing was fantastic and atmospheric. Read if you like campus novels, coming of age stories, like a little bit of mystery, and don't mind a messy protagonist.

I feel like this book dragged along, and I didn’t feel the emotional hit that I should have. I enjoyed reading it and seeing how it tackled the tough subjects but really wish there was more of an emotional punch.

Isabel is a flawed person who faces unfortunate experiences & does not always handle them well. Seems like a pretty average explanation about a pretty average girl, which honestly suits this book. It was… fine. Nothing stands out to me as all that great or all that bad. It tried hard to be “dark academia” but didn’t really go dark enough to count. It explains “consent” well and explores the concept of “agency.” But it didn’t lean far enough one way or another to hook me in, surprise me, shock me or move me.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Last Innocent Year is a great debut novel. I'm a huge fan of books set in the 1990's. I had to take little breaks while reading this though because the subject matter hit too close to home for me.
Isabels character was well written and fleshed out, but at times I didn't connect with her or care too deeply.

Overall this was a good book and I would recommend it to the 20-something out there who are just trying to make it through that transition from girlhood to womanhood.

Thank you so much for the ARC! I'm looking forward to the next no el from this author.

A well-written debut novel, My Last Innocent Year delves into one young woman’s experiences and growth in her last year of college, and how her experiences stay with her as she transitions into adulthood. Author Daisy Alpert Florin skillfully drew readers into Isabel’s story, creating a believable picture of the girl’s emotional confusion in decoding sexual relationships while juggling grief over the recent death of her mother. Young adults will relate to the issues, and older adults will recall the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal that evolved during the time period in which the novel was set.. As a bonus, New York City scenes and culture come alive for the reader.

I have to be honest, I didn’t enjoy this book. I felt like the pacing was off, and the protagonist was so blank and unengaging that I could never fully care about what was happening to her.