mel_books's review
5.0
Lauren is not a typical teen. Her father is dead, and her mother is showing early stages of dementia. She lives in a small town with her mother and her new husband - Samuel. Her life is stressful as she doesn't know how long it will take before her mother's dementia progresses.
Oleanders are Poisonous is a very good and heartbreaking coming-of-age story. Even though this seemed like a young adult read, I would say it is more an adult material because of the sensitive theme. I liked Lauren and her way of thinking. Throughout her story, I could connect and feel for her. I can't wait to read the second part!
I received an advance review copy for free. Thanks for the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
Oleanders are Poisonous is a very good and heartbreaking coming-of-age story. Even though this seemed like a young adult read, I would say it is more an adult material because of the sensitive theme. I liked Lauren and her way of thinking. Throughout her story, I could connect and feel for her. I can't wait to read the second part!
I received an advance review copy for free. Thanks for the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
myntop's review
4.0
I got a copy of this book from Book Siren. It was compared to Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson so I thought I might like it.
The beginning of the book was a bit hard to follow, I felt like it jumped from place to place a bit quickly and it took me awhile to figure out what was going on and what the importance of certain things were. Once I got into the book I had a hard time putting it down. It was very expressive, being told from Lauren's perspective, I felt like I could truly see and feel what she was going through. She's already dealing with so much with her mother, then Harry leaving, and finally what happens with her stepfather. I don't know that anyone at any age would be able to cope with so much and not break or at least snap at some point.
The end of the book is what got to me the most. The start of recovery, the start of feeling happy again and then ... Boom! A Bombshell! I didn't realize when I started the book that there would be a sequel and now I'm anxious to read it and find out how everything plays out.
The beginning of the book was a bit hard to follow, I felt like it jumped from place to place a bit quickly and it took me awhile to figure out what was going on and what the importance of certain things were. Once I got into the book I had a hard time putting it down. It was very expressive, being told from Lauren's perspective, I felt like I could truly see and feel what she was going through. She's already dealing with so much with her mother, then Harry leaving, and finally what happens with her stepfather. I don't know that anyone at any age would be able to cope with so much and not break or at least snap at some point.
The end of the book is what got to me the most. The start of recovery, the start of feeling happy again and then ... Boom! A Bombshell! I didn't realize when I started the book that there would be a sequel and now I'm anxious to read it and find out how everything plays out.
georginaballantine's review
5.0
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Oleanders are Poisonous tackles some challenging themes — mental health, dementia, grief, abuse and more — but it wasn't a book weighed down by them, as some stories are. The humour and pacing kept the story moving and I found myself engrossed after the first two chapters.
The central character Lauren was portrayed skillfully and I certainly found myself empathising with her, especially over her mother's dementia. Lauren shows both vulnerability and strength in the face of betrayal and abandonment, and the ending is a hopeful one.
An enjoyable, thought-provoking, well-paced 5-star read.
Oleanders are Poisonous tackles some challenging themes — mental health, dementia, grief, abuse and more — but it wasn't a book weighed down by them, as some stories are. The humour and pacing kept the story moving and I found myself engrossed after the first two chapters.
The central character Lauren was portrayed skillfully and I certainly found myself empathising with her, especially over her mother's dementia. Lauren shows both vulnerability and strength in the face of betrayal and abandonment, and the ending is a hopeful one.
An enjoyable, thought-provoking, well-paced 5-star read.
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