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gabs_parr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book, a fictionalized account from the survivor’s and victim’s perspectives, changes the zeitgeist of how we think and discuss Ted Bundy and similar serial killers. It is natural to have a fascination with these killers. This novel shifts our attention from the serial killer to the women affected by him.
Every reference to how handsome, charming, cunning, or promising “The Defendant” was made me feel just as sick to my stomach as it has in real life when I’ve seen the same true remarks made about Bundy. This novel did not shy away from how hard women had to fight to be believed and how inadequate the media and law enforcement truly was when dealing with this case. Rather than admit to their wrong-doings, the authorities would rather spin a tale that Bundy was a mastermind of some kind, though his school records would indicate that he’s anything but… with this kind of misogyny and idiocy abound, it’s really a miracle he was ever convicted at all. In relation to the media portrayal, the character of Carl was really well done. He really showed that even amongst men who were supposed to be helpful friends, these women still faced an uphill battle of perception.
I loved the way Knoll knitted the two main female character together using the Tina character. It was a brilliant throughline. And the side drama of Ruth wrestling with her sexuality and family life was an excellent addition to the story. Sexuality changed everything for Ruth. It was because of the rejection of her family and her fight with Tina about her family that she went to her father’s ceremony solo, thus ending up at the lake alone on that fateful day. Pamela was an extremely strong and lovable character. She is relatable, smart, confident, and incredibly brave.
Something that I was really reminded of while reading this book is that women do not need to be nice to men. We do not owe men our time, our smiles, our attention, our help, nothing. If that makes us “bitches”, then so be it. It’s better to be an alive bitch than a dead nice lady. Ted Bundy was able to lure so many of his victims away because he made them feel bad for him and made them feel like they owed him help. They didn’t.
This book is a must read for all fans of true crime, thrillers, or mysteries.
Every reference to how handsome, charming, cunning, or promising “The Defendant” was made me feel just as sick to my stomach as it has in real life when I’ve seen the same true remarks made about Bundy. This novel did not shy away from how hard women had to fight to be believed and how inadequate the media and law enforcement truly was when dealing with this case. Rather than admit to their wrong-doings, the authorities would rather spin a tale that Bundy was a mastermind of some kind, though his school records would indicate that he’s anything but… with this kind of misogyny and idiocy abound, it’s really a miracle he was ever convicted at all. In relation to the media portrayal, the character of Carl was really well done. He really showed that even amongst men who were supposed to be helpful friends, these women still faced an uphill battle of perception.
I loved the way Knoll knitted the two main female character together using the Tina character. It was a brilliant throughline. And the side drama of Ruth wrestling with her sexuality and family life was an excellent addition to the story. Sexuality changed everything for Ruth. It was because of the rejection of her family and her fight with Tina about her family that she went to her father’s ceremony solo, thus ending up at the lake alone on that fateful day. Pamela was an extremely strong and lovable character. She is relatable, smart, confident, and incredibly brave.
Something that I was really reminded of while reading this book is that women do not need to be nice to men. We do not owe men our time, our smiles, our attention, our help, nothing. If that makes us “bitches”, then so be it. It’s better to be an alive bitch than a dead nice lady. Ted Bundy was able to lure so many of his victims away because he made them feel bad for him and made them feel like they owed him help. They didn’t.
This book is a must read for all fans of true crime, thrillers, or mysteries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Murder, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Cursing, Fatphobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Kidnapping
abernathy_33's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Eating disorder, Incest, and Dementia
alexandriapiette's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
In an era of sensationalized true crime stories, where predominantly white, middle-aged women engage with media highlighting the most infamous of horrors and cruelty—most often against women themselves—Bright Young Women decides to flip the script and centralize on the victims and survivors. Namely, the heart of who they are; their dynamic natures that led them to empowerment following trauma.
I, myself, am guilty of succumbing to the popularization of true crime sensationalism. Between YouTube videos detailing grisly murders while applying makeup, blockbuster films and series hitting the Netflix screen, and tell-all books, it is nearly impossible not to become wrapped up in the fanaticism. There’s a common excuse of wondering about the abnormal psychology of serial killers; however, Knoll makes one thing clear: there is nothing notable about these men. Yes, depraved. Yes, likely traumatized in ways that are inexplicable and depriving of child-like innocence. And still, they grew up to be dangerous and vicious, whereas so many others do not become violent ensuing abuse, et cetera.
BYW had me enthralled from the jump. I read a sample on Libby, desperately in search of something to pull me in, and I was immediately enamored with Knoll’s descriptive writing style. Most of all, her storytelling mechanics were phenomenal. The resolution, especially, truly felt as though all my questions were answered, which does not always ring true with every novel.
Admittedly, this book is not easy to digest. I found myself dreading a particular chapter towards the end, a puddle of tears in its aftermath. There is such humanity in Knoll’s women, and I am so grateful to have experienced it, however devastating.
I, myself, am guilty of succumbing to the popularization of true crime sensationalism. Between YouTube videos detailing grisly murders while applying makeup, blockbuster films and series hitting the Netflix screen, and tell-all books, it is nearly impossible not to become wrapped up in the fanaticism. There’s a common excuse of wondering about the abnormal psychology of serial killers; however, Knoll makes one thing clear: there is nothing notable about these men. Yes, depraved. Yes, likely traumatized in ways that are inexplicable and depriving of child-like innocence. And still, they grew up to be dangerous and vicious, whereas so many others do not become violent ensuing abuse, et cetera.
BYW had me enthralled from the jump. I read a sample on Libby, desperately in search of something to pull me in, and I was immediately enamored with Knoll’s descriptive writing style. Most of all, her storytelling mechanics were phenomenal. The resolution, especially, truly felt as though all my questions were answered, which does not always ring true with every novel.
Admittedly, this book is not easy to digest. I found myself dreading a particular chapter towards the end, a puddle of tears in its aftermath. There is such humanity in Knoll’s women, and I am so grateful to have experienced it, however devastating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
cgay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
amlegomo's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
enc8659's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Murder
katlynann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Murder
erinjeanette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexism, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical content, and Death of parent
bestkasescenario's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. An excellent read, I love that this didn’t romanticize Bundy & respected the victims - even though it’s considered to be fiction. This is the story telling about murder victims & their families that needs to be in the world, not those bullshit Netflix shows that glorify murder. Well done - best book I’ve read all year
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
madisonlcollins0917's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault