A review by lulimaffeo
What We Never Say: Bold Journeys Book One by Paulette Stout
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
2.5
OMG This book was really something!
It really explored, and very well done, some incredibly interesting and complicated subjects.
To be honest, if I knew exactly what the book was about, I don't know if I would've read it, from a completely biased point, but I am SO glad I did.
I think it's fresh. It explores sexual themes and abuse from the male perspective, which I don't think its done enough, without taking away the female experience. Rebecca's experience and sexual awakening that gave her newfound confidence is a great way to parallel Jane's ""confidence"". Both women feel empowered, but only one is doing it right, this way. it shows so clearly how you can be empowered without pushing someone, instead, its by uplifting someone.
It also touches a lot on social media and how it has an effect on these types of topics and stories.
I also liked Kyle and Rebecca's relationship. Again, not a lover of having a relationship bloom out of the story and having to belive these characters are in love, I really love the buildup of it. But it works here, because the build up is shown by the transition of this couple from their honeymoon period into life partners, and its truely something more intimate and a beautiful thing to love. --> update: I didn't know this was sort of a sequel, will be checking it later!!
Surprisingly, ALL the secondary characters are really well done and have different bright personalities, each one with a tiny story. Loved Libyy, Rebecca's friends and Visaj.
Now, what I didn't like:
There are some typos or some writing mistakes, enough to make me notice. There is a scene even when the narrator's voice turns into first person instead of the usual third person.
I also didn't like having that many POVs or I would've liked less switches.
The other thing I felt weak was how easily everything was solved. It all went down terribly and suddenly, two pages after, everything was ok and fixed! Weird.
It really explored, and very well done, some incredibly interesting and complicated subjects.
To be honest, if I knew exactly what the book was about, I don't know if I would've read it, from a completely biased point, but I am SO glad I did.
I think it's fresh. It explores sexual themes and abuse from the male perspective, which I don't think its done enough, without taking away the female experience. Rebecca's experience and sexual awakening that gave her newfound confidence is a great way to parallel Jane's ""confidence"". Both women feel empowered, but only one is doing it right, this way. it shows so clearly how you can be empowered without pushing someone, instead, its by uplifting someone.
It also touches a lot on social media and how it has an effect on these types of topics and stories.
I also liked Kyle and Rebecca's relationship. Again, not a lover of having a relationship bloom out of the story and having to belive these characters are in love, I really love the buildup of it. But it works here, because the build up is shown by the transition of this couple from their honeymoon period into life partners, and its truely something more intimate and a beautiful thing to love. --> update: I didn't know this was sort of a sequel, will be checking it later!!
Surprisingly, ALL the secondary characters are really well done and have different bright personalities, each one with a tiny story. Loved Libyy, Rebecca's friends and Visaj.
Now, what I didn't like:
There are some typos or some writing mistakes, enough to make me notice. There is a scene even when the narrator's voice turns into first person instead of the usual third person.
I also didn't like having that many POVs or I would've liked less switches.
The other thing I felt weak was how easily everything was solved. It all went down terribly and suddenly, two pages after, everything was ok and fixed! Weird.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault