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tjminus's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I picked this book up from the library knowing nothing about it and I am surprised that I enjoyed it. I thought this book was very well written and descriptive. I want to read some other works by this author.
I liked how the book was broken up into parts that were the same length, which really helped with the pacing. Towards the middle of the book, I felt like it started to become its own enemy because we were rehashing some of the same conversations just from another character's perspective. It didn't give more insight into the dynamics of the story or the relationship between the two characters.
Also, the constant miscommunication and lying between the family members made me feel so conflicted because I wanted to root for them to figure it out, but at the same time a good, HONEST conversation between every member of this family would have helped solve their problems. But I think that is what makes it very based in reality, because being honest with the people you love/care about can be the hardest thing in the world
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone wanting to find a page-turner literary fic pick.
I liked how the book was broken up into parts that were the same length, which really helped with the pacing. Towards the middle of the book, I felt like it started to become its own enemy because we were rehashing some of the same conversations just from another character's perspective. It didn't give more insight into the dynamics of the story or the relationship between the two characters.
Overall, I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone wanting to find a page-turner literary fic pick.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
cassielaj's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is a work of art. Rachel M. Harper’s creation of these characters and all of their complexities is awe-inspiring, and the writing with which she brings them to life is lyrical and stunning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Terminal illness, Alcoholism, Lesbophobia, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Abandonment and Addiction
buttermellow's review
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcoholism, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Racism
snowydaze's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an audiobook copy of The Other Mother by Rachel Harper from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I found listening to this book to be a bit emotional and thought provoking at times. The various perspectives of the characters allowed for a more three-dimensional look at how the same event affected everyone and the interconnectedness of it all.
However, it was very slow paced, which at times, made it a bit harder to hold my interest. Overall, it was an interesting read, that I recommend looking up the content warning for before reading.
However, it was very slow paced, which at times, made it a bit harder to hold my interest. Overall, it was an interesting read, that I recommend looking up the content warning for before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Grief, Alcohol, Addiction, Cancer, and Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent and Death
patricktreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Ok, so I really appreciate this book and the awareness that it raises on issues of abandonment, lgbt relationships, the struggle with alcohol, parent/child relationships, and acceptance.
However, the book was a little slow for my tastes. At first I didn’t like the way the multi perspectives and multi timelines jumped. Just as I was getting accustomed to one character and the tone of things, we changed. I did get used to it after a while but I was well over halfway at that point. That is a more personal reading style situation though.
I also pulled a star because of no pre content warnings. This covers a lot of possibly triggering content, especially in regards to lgbt and minority familial situations. CWs for something like that are extremely important.
I would recommend this for someone wanting a more slow and thoughtful read, but if you need some speed then this might not be your taste.
However, the book was a little slow for my tastes. At first I didn’t like the way the multi perspectives and multi timelines jumped. Just as I was getting accustomed to one character and the tone of things, we changed. I did get used to it after a while but I was well over halfway at that point. That is a more personal reading style situation though.
I also pulled a star because of no pre content warnings. This covers a lot of possibly triggering content, especially in regards to lgbt and minority familial situations. CWs for something like that are extremely important.
I would recommend this for someone wanting a more slow and thoughtful read, but if you need some speed then this might not be your taste.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Abandonment, and Addiction
low_keybookish's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I had to sum it up… it just kept surprising me. It’s split up by diff pov and — no spoilers — I was always gasping with each new pov!
It features so many diverse characters. Black. Cuban. Mixed race Afro latinx. Gay and lesbian characters. So. Many. Secrets! And I seriously could NOT guess what was going to happen.
It was a slowly unraveling onion with so much depth and character development. What does it mean to be family? Do you choose yourself or your family? How do you stay a family when everyone’s trying to protect each other but keeps lying? It all comes to light! Cw Homophobia, Grief, Alcoholism, Cancer, Racism, and Infidelity. This is def a favorite of the year.
It features so many diverse characters. Black. Cuban. Mixed race Afro latinx. Gay and lesbian characters. So. Many. Secrets! And I seriously could NOT guess what was going to happen.
It was a slowly unraveling onion with so much depth and character development. What does it mean to be family? Do you choose yourself or your family? How do you stay a family when everyone’s trying to protect each other but keeps lying? It all comes to light! Cw Homophobia, Grief, Alcoholism, Cancer, Racism, and Infidelity. This is def a favorite of the year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Homophobia
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Racism, and Alcoholism
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