rebleejen's review against another edition
It starts out teasing a mystery, but then it gets bogged down in the son's redemption story, which is boggy because it's bogged down by a myriad of other random characters' redemption stories, and tbh, I just didn't care about any of those people. I wanted to know what really happened to Belinda. I assume the book eventually answers that question, but I just didn't have the patience for it.
denaiir's review against another edition
4.0
felt long at times, I liked Stefan but Thea was a bit of a lone gun which I don't generally enjoy, and Esmee was the most annoying character I've encountered in a long time. The way Stefan rebuilt his life after prison and his struggles were by far the most interesting part
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
natalya_c14's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Violence
reallyintoreading's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard is a compelling novel with a hint of mystery.
Thea Demetriou does not know what to expect when her twenty-year-old son Stefan is released from prison. He was convicted of killing his girlfriend Belinda McCormack while under the influence of a combination of drugs. Thea loves her son and she finds it difficult to allow him to stand by and watch him try to find his way. She is also frustrated by the reaction of her fellow professors after Stefan's return. Thea also must contend with the daily demonstrations from the group Belinda’s mother Jill’s founded.
Thea has received calls and texts sporadically from an unknown caller professing to have information about the night Belinda died for years. These continue after Stefan return home but the family also endures acts of vandalism at their home. Thea is troubled by sudden appearance of a hooded figure whose presence is quite menacing.
Stefan knows his return home will be difficult but he is unprepared for some of the vitriol from people he has known all his life. He still struggles to understand how he could have killed Belinda but he takes responsibility for what he did. Stefan is despondent over his lack of employment and any semblance of a normal life. As he gradually finds his path, Stefan is able to put into motion an idea of providing offenders a meaningful way to show their remorse for their actions.
The Good Son is a thought-provoking novel of healing and forgiveness. Thea is a supportive mom who wants only the best for her. Stefan shows genuine remorse for his crime but he worries he will be defined by it for the remainder of his life. The storyline is unique and well-written. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The mystery surrounding the phone calls and stalking is intriguing but it is somewhat easy to discern the resolution. Jacquelyn Mitchard brings this fascinating novel to a slightly predictable but satisfying conclusion.
The Good Son by Jacquelyn Mitchard is a compelling novel with a hint of mystery.
Thea Demetriou does not know what to expect when her twenty-year-old son Stefan is released from prison. He was convicted of killing his girlfriend Belinda McCormack while under the influence of a combination of drugs. Thea loves her son and she finds it difficult to allow him to stand by and watch him try to find his way. She is also frustrated by the reaction of her fellow professors after Stefan's return. Thea also must contend with the daily demonstrations from the group Belinda’s mother Jill’s founded.
Thea has received calls and texts sporadically from an unknown caller professing to have information about the night Belinda died for years. These continue after Stefan return home but the family also endures acts of vandalism at their home. Thea is troubled by sudden appearance of a hooded figure whose presence is quite menacing.
Stefan knows his return home will be difficult but he is unprepared for some of the vitriol from people he has known all his life. He still struggles to understand how he could have killed Belinda but he takes responsibility for what he did. Stefan is despondent over his lack of employment and any semblance of a normal life. As he gradually finds his path, Stefan is able to put into motion an idea of providing offenders a meaningful way to show their remorse for their actions.
The Good Son is a thought-provoking novel of healing and forgiveness. Thea is a supportive mom who wants only the best for her. Stefan shows genuine remorse for his crime but he worries he will be defined by it for the remainder of his life. The storyline is unique and well-written. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. The mystery surrounding the phone calls and stalking is intriguing but it is somewhat easy to discern the resolution. Jacquelyn Mitchard brings this fascinating novel to a slightly predictable but satisfying conclusion.
mavandyne's review against another edition
I knew what was gonna happen and wasn’t interested in continuing.
jlim's review against another edition
2.0
the first two-thirds is pretty stale but then everything starts happening all at once out of absolutely nowhere and now i have whiplash
emilyrmph's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked the idea of this story but the execution was just not it
agbowler's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The plot twist was very good but ultimately the book was average.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Drug abuse