liz_biz's review
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dthndk's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lizzzardbean's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
specificwonderland's review
5.0
as a person (and reader) who sets expectations, I really enjoyed this collective. I felt the stories all had characters who expected something. I found true characters (maligned and authentic in their imperfection). I found truth in the worried girlfriend in Cactus. I found resonance in the dog owner in Ball. I enjoyed the creativity of Multiple Choice and the struggle of Wig felt like you were creeping someone's home life. and poor, poor Bakery Girl with her 13 year old trite expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed this digestible grouping of pieces that I felt were rooted in expectations.
wonderful writing with excellent though sparse dialogue.
wonderful writing with excellent though sparse dialogue.
jenbergmark's review
5.0
I loved these stories. Edgy, dark, startling, human, deeply moving, with some of the most elegant, pitch-perfect sentences I've ever read.
mhartford's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Self harm
readswithdogs's review
5.0
I devoured this sweet-slightly-sadistic book in one day! I could see myself in nearly every character in each story with almost chilling accuracy.
to sum it up; freaky and there is no pleasure without pain.
to sum it up; freaky and there is no pleasure without pain.
kady_evans's review
3.0
First things first: I would not recommend this book unless you are alright reading graphic, sexual works. I often find 'provocative' is just a code word for 'borderline pornographic' - not that that's a problem, but it can be misleading for those not expecting it. These stories showcase abusive relationships, dubious consent with a minor, animal abuse, and intensely flawed individuals in a myriad of relationships.
That being said, 'Ball' is a gutsy debut. I was immediately drawn in to the world of the stories and their complicated, violent, terrified characters. The people that Ison portrays feel real, even if their scenarios or reactions seem almost dreamlike. I can't see myself doing a lot of what these characters do, but I sympathize with them. I know how much luckier I am than they are.
Sex and relationships are undercurrents throughout the collection. You will feel ashamed for the characters, and you'll question your own fascination in their ridiculous, disturbing lives. They don't make smart or rational decisions - but that's not the point. They're human, and they're responding to scenarios in that very human way of 'this doesn't totally make sense, but this is how I rationalize it'.
My favourite stories were 'Cactus', 'Musical Chairs' and 'Multiple Choice'. If you read anything, read the last story. The other stories give it more impact, but I really feel it still stands on its own as a type of feminist manifesto. It's by far the most female-positive. Avoid 'Bakery Girl', 'Ball' and 'Apology' for the reasons above; they're shock for the sake of being shocking. 4/5
That being said, 'Ball' is a gutsy debut. I was immediately drawn in to the world of the stories and their complicated, violent, terrified characters. The people that Ison portrays feel real, even if their scenarios or reactions seem almost dreamlike. I can't see myself doing a lot of what these characters do, but I sympathize with them. I know how much luckier I am than they are.
Sex and relationships are undercurrents throughout the collection. You will feel ashamed for the characters, and you'll question your own fascination in their ridiculous, disturbing lives. They don't make smart or rational decisions - but that's not the point. They're human, and they're responding to scenarios in that very human way of 'this doesn't totally make sense, but this is how I rationalize it'.
My favourite stories were 'Cactus', 'Musical Chairs' and 'Multiple Choice'. If you read anything, read the last story. The other stories give it more impact, but I really feel it still stands on its own as a type of feminist manifesto. It's by far the most female-positive. Avoid 'Bakery Girl', 'Ball' and 'Apology' for the reasons above; they're shock for the sake of being shocking. 4/5
juliamrichardson's review
4.0
I really liked this book and I enjoy Tara’s voice. However some stories were so deeply disturbing it’s difficult to justify a positive review (triggering topics such as underage molestation, animal abuse, incest). However what I find she nails is just the dark hungers we experience and the setting of gritty LA for these stories was perfect for that. If I had to compare this to any other book or recommend something similar, I would say Difficult Women by Roxane Gay captures this darkness in the thrilling, mysterious format of the short story
You can read more of my first impressions here: https://juliamrichardson.wordpress.com/2018/06/02/read-it-or-return-it/
You can read more of my first impressions here: https://juliamrichardson.wordpress.com/2018/06/02/read-it-or-return-it/
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