A review by readingintheether
Furious Thing by Jenny Downham

5.0

This book is deeply sad, and not in an obvious way. No one in Lex’s life understands why she can’t control her fury, not even Lex. Everyone around her is telling her she needs to calm down, try harder, be kinder, focus more, and just behave, but what no one sees is the way her manipulative, gaslighting stepfather has completely sunk his claws into any shred of power she or her mother might have. Lex is consistently put down, made to feel like nothing, and forced to witness her mom’s problematic relationship up close. Reading this felt like being constantly aware of an impending doom. The ending was far from what I would have wanted if I’d written the book myself, but that’s okay. It rings realistic and true, and is overall hopeful. I loved this book.