Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Someone I Used to Know by Paige Toon

8 reviews

paperbacksandsnacks's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-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

Paige Toon has done it again with another heart wrenching, and uncomfortable yet beautiful love story. 

This was a singular POV book, but it flashed between ‘then’ and ‘now’. It was really well done as sometimes I think flashbacks can interrupt pacing and fluidity of a present day story. In this instance though it was nice to see how the lives playing out in the past impacted their future. And how things taking place in the present made Leah reflect on her past with both Theo and George. 

I’m gonna be honest, I was rooting for George the whole time haha. Loved that boy from the second he came into her life/story.

Something I always love about Paige Toons books is the deeper story. It’s not always about the love for her. This book wove together so many peoples stories, and demonstrated that everyone’s family is different and that whatever your family or your home looks like, it’s just as valid. 

I adored the fostering story line in this book, it was so emotional and I think such a good read to debunk stigma surrounded fostering and children in care. Nothing was smooth sailing but I’m so glad that things worked out in the end for everyone. It was just super wholesome. 

Also, I liked learning about alpacas haha. Something I’m surprised I’ve gained from reading this, but happy nonetheless. A super adorable read, obviously tear jerking too and I would advise reading content warnings just because of the deeper themes mentioned. Overall though, a happy read and yet another gorgeous story about love, family and friendship from Paige Toon. I can’t wait to read more from her!

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jodierose14's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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rereadsromance's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring slow-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

I've seen people call Paige Toon the "British Colleen Hoover", I would argue that's she's not; she's better. This is my second book by this author and although there was definitely angst, I was not left feeling emotionally manipulated.

Someone I used to Know was an engaging read about friendship, grief, love and second chances. I enjoyed it thoroughly and was happy to see
George and Leah get their own happy ending.


Now, I need to read something a bit lighter because this second chance reading kick I've been on always involves angst and I need a break.

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velsbooknook's review

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emotional hopeful reflective

5.0

This book pulled all the right strings! It was sad but also so good and beautifully written! I would not say that this is a typical romance read because all the characters had so much depth it definitely felt very special. 
I honestly loved all the characters with all their flaws and strengths! 
Leah's parents for example did such a great job with taking care of all those different children and teenagers. I can't imagine doing it myself. 
Also the friendship of Leah, Theo and George felt very special and I loved following them through the book, getting to know them better. 
The setting also was absolutely brilliant! I can't imagine a better place for a big foster family than the alpaka farm. It must feel so therapeutic living and growing up in a place like that. I can't recommend this book enough and I'm sure this won't be my last read by Paige Toon. 

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ccassidy98's review

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hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0


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gouldstonejc's review

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

4.0


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j_hudbook's review

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

WARNING: SPOILERS 

This book is actually amazing and I wish I could read it again!!! I was so attached to to the characters and was hooked learning about the Foster care system. This book deals with second chances, grief, love and connections

The story goes between the past and presents of Leah. In the past she gets to know both George and Theo; we get to read about their friendship and their connection deepen aswell as get to know a little about the lives of George and theo and the hardships they have to deal with.

The present shows Leah dealing with the aftermath of 2 major life changing events. She has moved back into her parents house with her daughter and finds out that after so many years George has returned. The plot twist at the end left me shocked and I DEFINITELY wasn't expecting it 

The bonds between the characters from both past and present are exceptional and I was so invested in would 1000% recommend reading this :))

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crystalmethany's review

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.25


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