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georgiamariegrace's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
j_busyreading's review against another edition
5.0
What a gut-wrenching story about a mother’s love for her child through the most disturbing circumstance. This book will stay with me for awhile. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
sarzneddo's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most emotional books I have read! The pain and emotions I felt reading this book, the book was written so well I could feel the pain from all the different characters. I don’t know if I would’ve had the strength to do what the mom did in the end, but the moment her and Noah shared and that she gave him what he needed to be free, I cannot even imagine how that would feel. I have 2 sons and it was heartbreaking reading this and made me think of their futures and to be honest made me so scared of what will happen as they get older. But also the strength of the mom in this book to go through all of this…omg definitely a 5 star read! ✨
diana_filmbooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
Just wrapped up a read that absolutely bowled me over with its emotional depth – a story that's been on the shelves for some time, yet its impact is timeless. Without giving too much away, let's dive into the heart of it.
At the center is Adrianne, a mother whose world turns upside down when her son, Noah, confesses to a crime that's every parent's nightmare. The narrative, primarily through Adrianne's eyes, with occasional peeks into Noah's perspective, navigates the tumultuous aftermath – the confession, the confrontation with Noah's father, Lucas, and the daunting juvenile justice system.
The journey with Adrianne is one of unwavering maternal commitment, as she stands by Noah through his conviction and time in a juvenile sex offender facility, all while wrestling with Lucas's refusal to reintegrate Noah into their home, in an effort to safeguard their daughter, Katie. The family's ordeal is a maelstrom of emotions, leading to decisions that would test the resolve of any parent.
This book, folks, isn't for the faint of heart. It's a raw, poignant exploration of familial bonds, the essence of forgiveness, and the gray areas of morality. It asks the tough questions: What defines a monster? How far would you stretch to alleviate your child's pain? How do you confront a truth that shakes your moral foundation?
And just when you think you've got it all figured out, the story throws a curveball that leaves you reeling. A thought-provoking, tear-jerking read that's bound to stir the soul.
At the center is Adrianne, a mother whose world turns upside down when her son, Noah, confesses to a crime that's every parent's nightmare. The narrative, primarily through Adrianne's eyes, with occasional peeks into Noah's perspective, navigates the tumultuous aftermath – the confession, the confrontation with Noah's father, Lucas, and the daunting juvenile justice system.
The journey with Adrianne is one of unwavering maternal commitment, as she stands by Noah through his conviction and time in a juvenile sex offender facility, all while wrestling with Lucas's refusal to reintegrate Noah into their home, in an effort to safeguard their daughter, Katie. The family's ordeal is a maelstrom of emotions, leading to decisions that would test the resolve of any parent.
This book, folks, isn't for the faint of heart. It's a raw, poignant exploration of familial bonds, the essence of forgiveness, and the gray areas of morality. It asks the tough questions: What defines a monster? How far would you stretch to alleviate your child's pain? How do you confront a truth that shakes your moral foundation?
And just when you think you've got it all figured out, the story throws a curveball that leaves you reeling. A thought-provoking, tear-jerking read that's bound to stir the soul.
_lenaslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book in 3 hours ending at 3am.
How am I supposed to sleep after that?
Wow the ending literally had me shaking and sobbing.
How am I supposed to sleep after that?
Wow the ending literally had me shaking and sobbing.
whamshell's review against another edition
2.0
The only good thing I can say about this book is that it probably does shed light on what it’s like to be a parent to someone with this problem. But overall this book was disgusting and disturbing and really gives no resolve.
The mom is in clear denial as she can’t even ever say that his son molested or sexually assaulted people. It was always just an accident or playing. Wake the fuck up! However, in seeing so many true crime shows that show the killers family and how they had no idea I guess I could see this as a reality. Just a really gross one.
I read this from a recommendation and this is the second most garbage book I’ve ever read.
Also the narrator was pretty horrible and monotone for an audiobook so not even a great listen.
The mom is in clear denial as she can’t even ever say that his son molested or sexually assaulted people. It was always just an accident or playing. Wake the fuck up! However, in seeing so many true crime shows that show the killers family and how they had no idea I guess I could see this as a reality. Just a really gross one.
I read this from a recommendation and this is the second most garbage book I’ve ever read.
Also the narrator was pretty horrible and monotone for an audiobook so not even a great listen.
madladym's review against another edition
1.0
There’s just nothing good to say about this book. I honestly was disgusted by the entire thing. Not one likable character. It was one long excuse for pedophilia. I wish I could go back an unread it. Do yourself a favor and skip it.
stephaniemoon's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me think and broke my heart on so many levels. The pain that would come if my child was hurt by someone like Noah. The pain that would come if my child hurt another child like Noah did. What do you do? How do you move forward? Could you do the unthinkable to bring them peace?
anballone's review against another edition
4.0
If you're a boy mom, this will absolutely tug at your heart strings. This book didn't change my opinion about people like Noah, but it did make me think. I didn't see the twist that hit coming, and I was sobbing before the book ended.