Scan barcode
sarahrob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is a thoughtful reflection on motherhood and mothering. Readers ache for the women in this story; Aubrey and her longing to become a mother and for Nadia and her decision to not. We see each character “mother” in her own way, from Mo protecting Aubrey, to Nadia eventually caring for her father. I found this to be a beautiful representation of mother as a verb and not simply a noun. That mothers hold families and communities alike together by both protecting them, and loving them.
The relationship these two women form is as tragic and it is beautiful. I loved the friendship while knowing that it would be torn apart.
We are hurt along with Aubrey when Luke and Nadia betray her, but also completely understand their need to explore the way they are interconnected.
As an agnostic, I sometimes found I had a hard time understanding the weight of some characters actions, but tried to understand them within the community of the Upper Room and their deep faith. But, in the same vein I really enjoyed reading a book that demonstrated a church community. As this is not a space I occupy, I found it enjoyable to peek inside and see the way they support each other, but also the insidious nature of secrets and gossip, and how The Mothers bring down the one thing they love most, Upper Room, because of this.
Overall I found this story to be thoughtful and engaging. It has me contemplating motherhood, relationships and race all at the same time.
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
sunshineariel's review against another edition
3.5
Moderate: Pregnancy, Infertility, Death of parent, and Infidelity
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, and Sexual assault
niamhct's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Abortion, Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, and Pregnancy
awkwardllama's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, Death of parent, Abortion, and Infertility
Moderate: Child abuse, Grief, Rape, Alcohol, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Racism
abbilaka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Abortion, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Suicide, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
bannedbookbaddie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, and Suicide
jaja_1212's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After getting such a deep, intimate look into the lives and minds of these characters the ending felt a little too abrupt, I can see why the author might want to end it at that point in their lives though.
Graphic: Suicide, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Abortion, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Violence, Grief, Rape, Infidelity, and Child abuse
Minor: Racial slurs, Car accident, Alcohol, and War
jessereadsthings's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abortion and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Infidelity, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide
sparklefarm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Abortion, Suicide, Gun violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Medical trauma
aseel_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Abandonment, Abortion, Alcohol, Child abuse, Death of parent, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Physical abuse, Grief, Infertility, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide