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agarrett88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Car accident, and War
kingsteph's review against another edition
2.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Gun violence, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Medical content, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and War
lraronson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
hxppyhxt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Body horror, Suicide, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
paronomaniac's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, and Blood
Moderate: Gun violence, Pedophilia, Suicide, Violence, Dementia, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism and Car accident
nikimorr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the kind of book where you could read it more than once and each time find a new message or meaning in it. Overall, I felt like this book came together in the end and answered almost all of the lingering questions. Also, what a creative story idea! This took a special kind of story telling to bring this all together.
My favorite part of the book was the beginning. A mother and son, both of whom are trying to do their best for each other. I really loved their bond and their struggles. I couldn’t wait to get off work to rejoin them in this story, especially for the first ~100 pages. The power of a mother’s love resonates through every chapter, beginning to end.
It is a long book, but I never really got tired of it. I think part of the enjoyment comes from different character perspectives in short chapters. My favorite type of book is from various points of view.
There is a lot of religion in this book. I was not raised in a religious environment, so I would not be surprised to learn that there was a lot more to get from these parts, especially from Mary Katherine. I struggled with liking her character, but what I did gather from her message (spoiler) is that she goes from the side of religion that is focused on being perfect/fear to what the true goal should be - love. I am still pondering the meaning of her pregnancy (besides the “Virgin Mary” reference).
Spoiler - I found the ending of the book to be quite wonderful. What resonated with me is that the true Hell comes from within - especially with our own guilt and not letting go. We create our own hell. The only freedom can come from within and forgiving ourselves. Also, the importance of coming from a place of love and forgiveness, even with those who have done wrong. Finally, recognizing when we are wrong and working to fix/repent. It ended up being a very positive book with a worthwhile message.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
finn_vibing's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Dementia, Sexual harassment, and War
lizkoroskenyi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Fine but pretentious. I enjoyed the story up until the halfway mark and then wondered why he couldn't just wrap it up and be done? Why did it need to be over 700 pages?
It felt very much like he was trying to write a Stephen King book. Especially with the unneeded deep backgrounds on every single character and super long, unnecessary drawn out scenes.
There were so many statements that felt like they were supposed to be profound but really weren't. It read more like Christian horror fanfiction than anything deep and complex.
Every other line was a simile or a metaphor and it got VERY sickening very quickly. Especially since they were mostly terrible.
Also what is up with the author's obsession with the cool side of the pillow? It must have come up at least a hundred times.
Moderate: Child death and Torture
Minor: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
theimposter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Stalking, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
rcd229's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Suicide, Violence, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Torture
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, and Miscarriage