whatamydid's review against another edition
3.0
The Book of Essie has been a book I’ve been dying to get my hands on since late last year after seeing it all over Instagram in the USA.
The book follows Essie, a teenage girl and member of the Hick’s family who are reality TV stars with their own hugely successful show Six for Hicks - documenting raising a family with strict religious beliefs. Her father is a pastor and Essie and her siblings have grown up in front of the nation. But when Essie gets pregnant, there is a panic between her mother and production - do they cross state lines to get Essie an abortion, play the baby off as Celia’s (Essie’s Mother) or have Essie get married as soon as possible.
The book flips between three POVs - Essie’s, a boy named Roarke who is Essie’s potential suitor and Liberty, a member of the production team who Essie trusts.
I really enjoyed the writing and I thought the story was quite unique. I’m normally drawn to reading books on cult like/religious groups so this slightly fit the bill in that sense. But, as interesting as the plot was, it didn’t hold my attention too much after the first few chapters. It had so much potential but for me, fell short. If we had solely focused on Essie and her issue, it would have been great but the different layers that were added left me feeling a little bored.
The book follows Essie, a teenage girl and member of the Hick’s family who are reality TV stars with their own hugely successful show Six for Hicks - documenting raising a family with strict religious beliefs. Her father is a pastor and Essie and her siblings have grown up in front of the nation. But when Essie gets pregnant, there is a panic between her mother and production - do they cross state lines to get Essie an abortion, play the baby off as Celia’s (Essie’s Mother) or have Essie get married as soon as possible.
The book flips between three POVs - Essie’s, a boy named Roarke who is Essie’s potential suitor and Liberty, a member of the production team who Essie trusts.
I really enjoyed the writing and I thought the story was quite unique. I’m normally drawn to reading books on cult like/religious groups so this slightly fit the bill in that sense. But, as interesting as the plot was, it didn’t hold my attention too much after the first few chapters. It had so much potential but for me, fell short. If we had solely focused on Essie and her issue, it would have been great but the different layers that were added left me feeling a little bored.
evreardon's review against another edition
5.0
While I started this book a few days ago, I didn’t really have the time to sit and read until today. And boy, did I read. Before I knew it, I was flying through the pages completely enthralled with Essie, Roarke, and Liberty.
This a story about a girl who has grown up in the public eye but who is a very different person due to the things that happen behind closed doors. Essie is brave and fierce. Her story unfolds and you grow to love her a little more with each and every page.
While dealing with religious themes, Weir handles it expertly. It’s not preachy and it’s not condemning. It just is. That’s a hard line to walk.
This a story about a girl who has grown up in the public eye but who is a very different person due to the things that happen behind closed doors. Essie is brave and fierce. Her story unfolds and you grow to love her a little more with each and every page.
While dealing with religious themes, Weir handles it expertly. It’s not preachy and it’s not condemning. It just is. That’s a hard line to walk.
zinelib's review against another edition
4.0
Essie (Esther) is the youngest in a large reality TV evangelical family/brand, Six for Hicks. Her dad is the preacher, but it's her mom who's calling the shots (pun). Essie has played along for all of her 17 years, even while scheming a way out. Her moment comes from an unplanned pregnancy, and Roarke, the boy she chooses to play her husband.
That description should be enough for you, but I'll add that it's quality white lady literary YA.
That description should be enough for you, but I'll add that it's quality white lady literary YA.
meganmccamy's review against another edition
3.0
Tough subject but interesting book overall. I was intrigued by the storyline and disgusted at the same time. It was a little confusing with 2 storylines going at the same time with 2 different characters.
lyndsm's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating book. If you’re familiar with the Duggar family or watch reality TV, you’ll recognize a lot of the themes and plot points in this story.
lynnaeaowens's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting premise but the execution did not work for me. The book uses 3 point of views - Essie (teenage daughter to the preacher of a megachurch who's family seems to be based off of the Duggars from 17 Kids and Counting), Libby (journalist, survivor of a cult), and Roarke (Essie's soon to be husband). All three characters have intense backstories and as a result the themes of this book are all over the place. We get plot lines about grief, conversion camps, abuse (and more, but no spoilers). There are so many complex issues that none are fully expanded on. The "plot twists" were also predictable which undercut the tension for me.
I did not find the two teens compelling. The author did not manage to write believably from their perspectives. The characters I found most interesting (Essie's sister, her sister-in-law, and her mother) are two dimensional and the motives of most characters was unclear.
2/5
I did not find the two teens compelling. The author did not manage to write believably from their perspectives. The characters I found most interesting (Essie's sister, her sister-in-law, and her mother) are two dimensional and the motives of most characters was unclear.
2/5
sbnich's review against another edition
3.0
A fast read, the first half was pretty good. The second half rushed through things, leaving a giant question mark around all of the critical issues brought up.
torirkive's review against another edition
5.0
This was probably my favorite book this year.
Such a beautiful and inspiring tale of a young protagonist. Essie is incredibly written, she is real and I know she will stay with me for a very long time.
Honestly, this is a timeless story with a timeless message. A very important one.
Fictional or not, I know there will be times where I'll catch myself hoping Essie is okay and that she is happy. As I hope for every other girl, beautiful and brave in their own ways.
Such a beautiful and inspiring tale of a young protagonist. Essie is incredibly written, she is real and I know she will stay with me for a very long time.
Honestly, this is a timeless story with a timeless message. A very important one.
Fictional or not, I know there will be times where I'll catch myself hoping Essie is okay and that she is happy. As I hope for every other girl, beautiful and brave in their own ways.