A review by sbojo32
Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea Bala

2.0

It is hard to rate this book because it is real people's stories. However, it was equally hard to read as it was easy to devour. I know that doesn't make a ton of sense, but the stories were intriguing. They were short enough for you to get invested, but long enough that enough details are given. I think the biggest issue is that the stories are all of people who got a raw deal at life. Not all of them have happy endings... in fact, most don't. But that is what makes it real.

I guess I just wish there were more happy stories to balance out the sad and depressing ones. I loved the idea of strangers sharing their secrets and stories. I love reading PostSecret, and I was hoping for a bit of a balance, like that site has been able to do. I wanted a little more humor, smiles, and just hope for humanity.

I'm pretty sure the last story in the book is the author's, which I really love. I really wanted to love all of this book, but it was depressing. Trigger warnings should be given to anyone who gets triggered because this book has it all... and if this is humanity, we're all in trouble.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.