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kelsey1997's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nkaori's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tencutepuppies's review against another edition
5.0
It speaks to the author’s skill that this story was immensely disgusting, horrifying, hard to read and simultaneously beautiful and addicting, basically every single sentence packing a punch. I found it full of nuance, especially given that Vanessa is very far from the stereotypical “perfect victim.” So so so well done.
plaidcoaster's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kirstencholewa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A very complex and poignant, but very difficult read. This book does a great job of making you look at our society and adult minor relationships. It serves as a reminder to allow survivors to tell their stories as they see fit and to not make assumptions.
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Dysphoria, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide, Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
mushroom55's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
shaleen64's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
There’s no denying that the content of this book makes for difficult reading. However, the way in which it is written is skilful and tactful. It explores the issues of sexual abuse with no romanticism but raw honesty and forces you to reflect on your own perceptions of both survivors and perpetrators. A thought provoking book that needs to be read by people from all demographics.
Graphic: Rape, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual violence, and Drug use
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent, and Animal death
readcharlotte's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic! This follows Vanessa as she's groomed by her 40 year old English teacher as a HS sophomore, and then the trauma she experiences as an adult. I usually hate books like this that depict abuse and trauma because the feel so contrived and overly dramatic to make a statement, but this was so real and raw. When you're reading about 15 year old Vanessa, you see how she was susceptible and how it happened. I know sometimes I wonder how something like this, which happens, can really happen, and then watching it with Vannesa it's so believable and tragic to see her nativity. Another thing is I hate the trope of dark, misunderstood girl who sleeps with her English teacher thinking it makes her deep - but this didn't do that, so don't worry!! Easily one of my favorites so far this year, because it really makes you appreciate the side of the story we don't always get to see.