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4.52 AVERAGE
4.52 AVERAGE
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.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Such a beautiful, psychological tale of Machado’s life. Often times I forgot I was reading a memoir, its pacing was so unique and story-like. I’ve never quite read a non-fiction book like this.
This is the second book I’ve read of Machado’s and I felt a similar way both times after reading her work— like I was being flung back into reality. She creates a world so effortlessly that you can’t help but envelop yourself in, even if it’s supposed to be tortuous. It feels so warm, so inviting, and I always wish the book was longer. But I love that feeling from a book, I feel, personally, as though it’s a good thing to leave the reader wanting more.
The queer talk in this book was amazing. It had me questioning things and ways I speak and handle my community, made me aware of how imperfect queerness is and that it is sometimes what makes it beautiful, but can also be what makes you want to rear your head at it.
And this book had plenty of both. This book feels horrible, sticky, wet, while also beautiful, airy, and lush.
And while yes, this book is contemporary, she has such a way of blending old with new that I forgot at times that this is a newer book! I applaud her for that. I wish more authors would take the jump like she has. I think she could write anything and I would give it a five star review. Everything that I have read of hers so far, feels timeless.
Really exceptional, beautifully twisted memoir. I’m not sure if I’ll ever read a memoir so beautiful and intriguing.
5/5⭐️
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
If you’ve ever experienced abuse in a sapphic relationship, this book will punch you right in the gut.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
If you're scrolling through these reviews, wondering if you should read this book, this is your sign to stop and, yes, read it.