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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is just boring. It's very simply written and none of the characters have any depth to them. I was expecting something more and I have too many other books to read to wait and see if anything happens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Misogyny, Sexual content, Religious bigotry
Minor: Homophobia, Miscarriage
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
medium-paced
I think my main issue with this book was that I never felt like I truly knew the main character. her obsession and her problems fuel this book forward but there is a wishy washyness to her that perhaps was meant to come off as relatable, but in reality comes off as inconsistent writing. additionally, the therapy sessions should have been an opportunity to truly discover our character but they are frustratingly futile and add little to the story. however, despite this I was drawn into the unique and original story. I bought this book on a whim and without consulting any reviews and I don’t regret it but I was a bit disappointed nonetheless.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An enthralling story about an ultra-Orthodox 19-year-old girl who develops an addiction to porn and must reconcile her burgeoning sexuality within a family pressuring her to get married and start a family of her own. For a debut novel, the prose was excellent - seriously discussing topics of coming-of-age in a strict household, discovering one's sexuality, and faith, all the while sprinkling in hilarious imaginings of sexual encounters within Raizl's monotonous day-to-day life. I enjoyed the short chapters (titles included!) as well as the lessons in Yiddish from the glossary located at the back of the novel. This story is told with such heart that I couldn't help but feel for Raizl every embarassing, messy step of the way towards her unknown future, heavily relating to her feelings of rebellion in the short moments she is free from her stifling family. I would highly recommend this title and look forward to reading Berliner's future works!
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 rounded down for GR
Well....that was incredible. This is truly a one of a kind read. Raizl is an amazing multi layered character, I kept confirming whether this book was a novel or a memoir it was so well researched and felt real. I think what I loved most about this book was that although our main character is trying to find herself outside of her religious guidelines, the author did not disrespect the religion. I think anyone can relate to this character, the push and pull of what you are told to be and what you want to be. Her addiction was characterized perfectly, the little taste to the full-blown obsession, the secrets, and even tid bits she would give. Can't wait to see what else this author does!
Well....that was incredible. This is truly a one of a kind read. Raizl is an amazing multi layered character, I kept confirming whether this book was a novel or a memoir it was so well researched and felt real. I think what I loved most about this book was that although our main character is trying to find herself outside of her religious guidelines, the author did not disrespect the religion. I think anyone can relate to this character, the push and pull of what you are told to be and what you want to be. Her addiction was characterized perfectly, the little taste to the full-blown obsession, the secrets, and even tid bits she would give. Can't wait to see what else this author does!