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cheye13's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"What were you supposed to do with pain but polish it until it became something pointy and pretty?"
This book ruined me, a little bit. In these characters, I saw such visceral glimpses of myself and those I love most – the ways we love, the ways we laugh, the ways we hurt ourselves and each other. This is not a pleasant read, this is not a fun read. But it is so excellently crafted that it blooms into catharsis rather than wilting into misery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual content, and Vomit
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse, Suicide, and Religious bigotry
There is an instance of a traumatic brain injury causing memory problems. There is a lot of reference to prison and the experience of being a prisoner. The rape is conveyed secondhand, through dialogue; it is date rape involving blacking out/lack of memory. It may also be worth noting that Michael lies about his age, so the men he sees aren't aware that he is under legal age.