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4.52 AVERAGE
4.52 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Some of the most beautiful prose I've read in a long time. A thought provoking memoir and important subject matter. Had time permitted, I could have consumed this book whole in one sitting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5GiqOZrsCU/?igsh=ZTNvYzBvZmVxdnFv
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Stories like this are important. The representation of the abused, the underrepresentation of queer persons being abused. I have a deep respect for Carmen Maria Machado for writing this book and sharing her story with the world, and I genuinely hope that it is read by many for there are many that need books like these.
There are many things that this author did very well. The picture she paints of what it is like to live with someone who can be warm and loving one minute and absolutely furious the next. Those moments in her books stirred up many of my own feelings and memories.
I know there are those who feel very strongly about the use of second person writing, but I feel in this case it was a good choice. It allowed us as readers to feel like we were taking a few steps in her shoes.
So.... why 3 stars?
Well, I had to rate based on my personal interaction with this book. For me, the writing style didn't connect. I, personally, found the lyrical writing style distracting and it interfered with my ability to connect with the book. Also, the book felt incomplete to me. I don't know the author's story, so I cannot say what should have been added. I just after reading it, I just feel like so much is missing. If I had been a beta reader on this one I would have sent it back as a great start, but it needs filling in. Now, keep in mind, Carmen Maria Machado owes us nothing. I have no right to make demands of her regarding her story. What and if she shares is entirely her decision and I respect that. I am sharing the impression I had after reading the book - which is that to me, I wanted more than what I had read.
There are many things that this author did very well. The picture she paints of what it is like to live with someone who can be warm and loving one minute and absolutely furious the next. Those moments in her books stirred up many of my own feelings and memories.
I know there are those who feel very strongly about the use of second person writing, but I feel in this case it was a good choice. It allowed us as readers to feel like we were taking a few steps in her shoes.
So.... why 3 stars?
Well, I had to rate based on my personal interaction with this book. For me, the writing style didn't connect. I, personally, found the lyrical writing style distracting and it interfered with my ability to connect with the book. Also, the book felt incomplete to me. I don't know the author's story, so I cannot say what should have been added. I just after reading it, I just feel like so much is missing. If I had been a beta reader on this one I would have sent it back as a great start, but it needs filling in. Now, keep in mind, Carmen Maria Machado owes us nothing. I have no right to make demands of her regarding her story. What and if she shares is entirely her decision and I respect that. I am sharing the impression I had after reading the book - which is that to me, I wanted more than what I had read.
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
This book was an emotional whirlwind. It should, truly, be required reading. It makes you think about yourself and where you stand in the context of “others.”
My favorite chapter was the Choose Your Own Adventure one. It was brutal, cyclical - it felt like I was stuck in the abuse and couldn’t escape.
Please, please read this. It’ll change your life.
My favorite chapter was the Choose Your Own Adventure one. It was brutal, cyclical - it felt like I was stuck in the abuse and couldn’t escape.
Please, please read this. It’ll change your life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual content
The structure of the book didn’t work for me. It felt fragmented and it was hard to follow most of the time. The use of second person voice was also distracting. The good things about the book: the writing at times felt so poetic. It’s clear that the author has a gift. The last 25 or so pages were probably the best of the book. I also thought it overall gave great insights into how slowly abuse can happen, and why it becomes so difficult for the abused to leave. Unfortunately I don’t think the structure worked and took attention away from what is such an important story.
4.5. Wonderful. Difficult to put down (and to stomach).
I'm knocking off just half a star because some of the interludes in which the author summarizes something she's read or watched detract a bit from the narrative. As a reader, you lose some momentum. That said, I respect the author's right and desire to grapple with her experiences through these innovative approaches.
I'm knocking off just half a star because some of the interludes in which the author summarizes something she's read or watched detract a bit from the narrative. As a reader, you lose some momentum. That said, I respect the author's right and desire to grapple with her experiences through these innovative approaches.