jessmviv's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
grumpz's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
As a fan of dystopian fiction, I've been eager to read this book.. A Rehab-School for bad mothers, what could go wrong?
At first, I was looking forward to Fridas time in school. What will happen there? How did the author weave in bits and pieces of our society and the way we think about mothering?
Yes, there have been interesting parts, but it was repetitive and slow-burning.. I nearly stopped to read the book because I couldn't handle the school anymore.
Glad I didn't as the last quarter was heart-wrenching. Baby Betty <3
At first, I was looking forward to Fridas time in school. What will happen there? How did the author weave in bits and pieces of our society and the way we think about mothering?
Yes, there have been interesting parts, but it was repetitive and slow-burning.. I nearly stopped to read the book because I couldn't handle the school anymore.
Glad I didn't as the last quarter was heart-wrenching. Baby Betty <3
mktaylor15's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was very well written but a warning to any parent, this book will be upsetting and probably traumatic. I was very upset by the end
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Bullying, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Abandonment and Alcoholism
megs_s's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
glecastillo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
4.0
Wow, dark and dystopian and classic open ambiguous ending.
august_ambrosia's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hmmm... ok. interesting! definitely felt a deep sense of sympathy for frida. though throughout the whole thing i was constantly trying to think whether i actually cared FOR her, or for her situation? the grief was well written, but the grief of losing a child and seeing them grow up without you would be gut wrenching even if a teen wrote it. anyway. im not going to talk about if the characters were compelling or not because there was no doubt in my head that i would finish the book. i just wish it delved a bit deeper into certain areas? it sort of touched on a lot of different things, understandably given the nature of the "school" but it could've made a few less points and developed the ones it did make? i was left with a very deep pit of despair + hopelessness :( though im pretty sure that WAS the point. don't think i would read again? its worth reading though. the emotions take you for a Ride for sure.
kcmoss's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The School for Good Mothers is an engrossing, disturbing, rage-inducing, thought-provoking read, delivering a shrewd analysis and social commentary about the carceral child welfare system, family separation, and state violence. It explores the depths of a parent’s love, how we harshly judge others, and the importance of self-compassion. Jessamine Chan debut novel is written as a dystopian warning that like most in its genre that mirrors what’s actually happening in our society, specifically, the general reality that we have become a surveillance state as families and mothers are policed, the state exerts limitless control over families and women, and reinforces their power with violence and punishment. The School for Good Mothers is also satirical account of the unrealistic demands of motherhood and “new age” parenting, raising questions about what makes a “good parent” or a “happy child”. Overall the plot was good, the pacing was good, and the end was satisfying. I’d rate this 4.5 stars. TW: suicide, self-harm, family separation, child abuse
groovy_boovy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Definitely a sad girl book. Very powerful narrative about surveillance and our expectations of mothers and women. Highly recommend if you are a fan of 1984 or One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
elaine707's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0