Reviews

My first book by Kim Hooper, but not the last. I’m somewhat unsatisfied with it, the topic had a lots of potential, but just didn’t make it through the book. The story is mostly focused on the plot, and I feel like Kim Hooper didn’t do a deeper insight into the characters, which is a big flaw for me. I dare to say that the three female protagonists had very shallow personalities, and I couldn’t empathize with them.
However, I’m still looking forward to read her other books very soon.

kristenmitchell2017's review against another edition

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emotional

4.0

apriljbeckler's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful informative reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

4.0

jenbsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Almost 5* ... I think this one will stay with me. It started off strong and kept my interest. I went with the audiobook, and was a little surprised to hear a large cast listed as the book began. The blurb indicated that this would be the stories of three women. It was mostly chapters from the POV of each of the three MCs ... but then there were others. I was a little surprised at the sudden change (the first 1/3 is a rotation between the three MCs) when there was a new character/POV. There were five people killed in the shooting, and we (the reader) get a glimpse into each of their lives (a single chapter for each) up to that final moment. It was pretty powerful. All the stories were tragic, but Dan's (young man, new bartender) story made me cry.

Especially interesting was the POV of Joyce, the mother of the shooter, who had no idea her son was capable of killing others, or even suicidal himself. I think there is a tendency today to blame the parents. Some times there may be something to this thought, but other times, the parents are just another victim.

Angie (wife of one of the victim's who survived the shooting but is in a coma) and Tessa (bartender) had interesting story lines too. I have to say I totally figured out the "twist(s)" long before it was revealed.

First person/Present tense - very easy, conversational tone.

On a personal connection - dealing with a family member going through a divorce. Sometimes it's a little hard to see a situation (fictional though it may be) where they work through it ((SPOILER))

Spoiler

Cale fathered a child 23 years ago that he never told his current wife about ... and also triggered the entire incident here

... and I look at the family situation which to me seems SO minor comparatively, yet, unable/unwilling to work through it. I know, my view from the outside may not have all the details, but the split just seems so sad and unexpected ... and unnecessary.

I wish I knew which in the list of narrator's voiced Angie, as her voice sounded very familiar to me and I wanted to figure out where I'd heard her before.

annaavian's review against another edition

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1.0

I cannot believe how incredibly dull this book was. Looking at the 5* reviews and wondering if we even read the same story?
Overly simplistic writing that felt like elementary school level. Characters that had absolutely no distinctive traits, no energy, no depth to speak of. All three women sounded shallow and roughly the same and I don’t even remember any of the victims half an hour after I’ve finished the book.

dai2daireader's review against another edition

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4.0

In the very beginning of this book, there is a shooting that happens at a local dive bar in Boise called Ray’s (this isn't a spoiler). The entirety of the rest of the book talks about the aftermath of this terrible act. The story is told from different perspectives - those inside the bar at the time and their family members who weren’t there. It’s easy to form an opinion about this shooting and the people involved. But, the story was told in such a layered way that gave you background and context. Having the various characters share the intricacies of their own personal story made it less about the shooter and more about those involved. The reader is able to slowly piece together the story of each character to see the full picture.

There were wide-reaching effects in the wake of the shooting but this story really focused on the human aspect. Kim Hooper really knows how to build a complex and emotional story that draws you in and keeps you invested. Her books are an auto-read for me!

Thank you Kim Hooper for sending me an ARC of this book!

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