asquareclaire's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Warning: Between the gratuitous violence and coverage of many dark topics, this may not be for everyone. I'd maybe liken it to philosophy that reads like a Chuck Palahniuk novel.
Halfway through, I still wasn't sure if I liked this book - I even considered putting it down altogether. Having finished it, however, I will be immediately recommending it to friends & probably buying a few copies to give out.
"Anthem" is right.
Graphic: Rape, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Self harm, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Gun violence, Sexism, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Racism, Mass/school shootings, Racial slurs, Mental illness, and Hate crime
It’s a lot. There’s a point to it, but it’s a lot.booksandcatsgalore's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have no idea what to say about this book. How do I help you decide if you should read it? It's dark, it's violent, it's depressing, bleak even. It hits you in the face with all the headlines of the day, like mainlining CNN without even a commercial break: teen suicide, the opioid crisis, white supremacy and QAnon crazies, a Jeffrey Espstein-ish villain, global warming and climate disasters, political upheaval and revolution. It's not a pleasant read, I can't say I enjoyed it, but it's gripping, I felt compelled to keep reading. The writing earns 4 stars, maybe more? Right until the end I wasn't sure if it was a 1 star book or a 5 star book. Ultimately I say give it a shot. It may not be for you, but if you can get through it, I think you will be glad that you did.
Graphic: Gun violence, Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Classism, Confinement, Pregnancy, Racism, Rape, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Addiction, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Gaslighting, Self harm, Terminal illness, Torture, Domestic abuse, and Drug use
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