Reviews

Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding

tiguer's review against another edition

3.0

I listened to the audiobook version of this. I think the author is the only person that could have possibly narrated this. There is no way another voice actor could have interpreted the main character and her jumbled thoughts! The narration is fantastic. The main character's anxiety definitely impacted my own anxiety. I also struggled with the character of David. He starts off seeming innocent enough, like he just wants to help. By the end, his character shifts dramatically and I lose all faith in him.

It seems like there is no real conclusion to this book. Maybe that is fitting because even for an alcoholic in recovery, there is never a conclusion to alcoholism.

sharirobinson100_2023's review against another edition

Too raw. Made me feel upset 

brandi_sue's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Alcohol

finessa's review against another edition

2.0

I don’t mind a slightly, if not completely, aimless plot but there has to be some kind of resolution. It was okay. Just not worth the $30+ I spent but we live & we learn. 

alykat_reads's review against another edition

medium-paced

2.0

This had such potential, but if you're looking for a story that's more about the journey than the ending, then this might be for you. I was shocked when I was listening to it and the little audiobook closing came on. This story felt like it stopped 3/4 of the way through a sentence. Just an additional 20 pages could have brought so much more - there's just too many unanswered and unresolved things by the end -

who Tommy's father is and why Sonya lied and told Tommy he's dead; the whole thing with David and Sonya's father; all the hostility from Lara; why is Sonya's father so seemingly involved in her life to other people, but doesn't actually check in with her for weeks or months at a time... Not to mention everything about Tommy being placed in care with multiple people and everyone that seemingly had "good intentions" for Tommy caused him the most harm.

Most of the characters were unlikeable, except Tommy :'(. 
This one didn't burn bright enough for me.

briana513's review against another edition

Book was kind of depressing and characters were a bit complicated to follow via audiobook 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Forced institutionalization

iceangel32's review against another edition

3.0

I am mixed about this book. It was good but I was disappointed in the ending. I liked how it was written with the characters train of thought, (it made mine not seen so crazy to me, lol). I liked that it was a book written in the perspective of the alcoholic and it was raw and real. I just did not get the end. I feel it left me just feeling lost. I don’t mind a book not tied in a pretty bow but this one just seemed unfinished.

tmathews0330's review against another edition

5.0

This is a book of tension, of needing to be willing to see things the way the narrator does, of concern...but also, maybe, proof that the way things seem aren't always the way they are.

angelarae235's review against another edition

dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

meepsharrison's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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