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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have no idea how this is supposed to support the #metoo movement as the author intended. It was too wordy when it came to things that didn’t matter, didn’t explore things that did matter, and at times it came off as a rich white apologist manifesto, but one that screamed “that’s not what this is! I promise!” I do give it two stars because I was at least compelled enough to finish it and see the “big secret” reveal. Disappointed in myself.
dark
4.25 stars
Yet another book that I think would make a phenomenal TV adaptation, When We Were Bright & Beautiful centers around a wealthy family of five whose son is accused of rape. Full of intrigue and multi layered secrets and relationships, this is a captivating narrative with solid writing. The narrative is split into three parts (Discovery, Investigation, Judgement) and, while I was captivated throughout most of the narrative, there was a period in between parts II and III where I got bored with the legal jargon (particularly in audio form). That said, the twists at the end are UNREAL, and this one is definitely worthy of a read, particularly if you like “The Staircase” and “Succession” TV series.
Yet another book that I think would make a phenomenal TV adaptation, When We Were Bright & Beautiful centers around a wealthy family of five whose son is accused of rape. Full of intrigue and multi layered secrets and relationships, this is a captivating narrative with solid writing. The narrative is split into three parts (Discovery, Investigation, Judgement) and, while I was captivated throughout most of the narrative, there was a period in between parts II and III where I got bored with the legal jargon (particularly in audio form). That said, the twists at the end are UNREAL, and this one is definitely worthy of a read, particularly if you like “The Staircase” and “Succession” TV series.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The only redeeming part about this book was the ending. The last 30% was a decent story. The first 70% was frankly boring and sort of hard to follow as the timeline jumped from current to past (at least on the audiobook version, as there was no indicator that the story had transitioned to past actions). I can’t say that I was entirely surprised by the ending, and it was certainly not a happy one, but it was mostly well written. I had seen this classified as a “psychological thriller” but would not call it that. It was a bland book that attempted to shock the reader at the end.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Rape
This one was tough. I nearly DNF’ed it, but after reading a spoiler about it, it was intriguing enough to continue. It’s… an interesting court procedural. The first half could have been far more engaging, but the back half was admittedly a very fast read. I appreciate the realistic conclusion.
I feel like I would've liked this book a whole lot more if the main character had more personality and a reason behind her actions/feelings. She just felt like an annoying rich girl the entire time but it did not detract from how hooked I was during the trial and her back story.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated