Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence
Moderate: Chronic illness, Pedophilia, Sexual assault
Minor: Vomit, Abortion
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
A great causal read, and would be an excellent introduction to mystery/thriller for young adults / those new to the genre. Check content warnings because there are a LOT.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Bisexual daughter of a con-artist with a new identity gets trapped in an active bank robbery with her ex-boyfriend and new girlfriend.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was perfection, I read it on one sitting. It’s unlike everything I’ve ever read. Can’t recommend enough.
💔 Powerful, Raw, and Deeply Human
The Girls I’ve Been is one of those books that quietly reaches into your chest and doesn’t let go.
It’s not just a thriller — though it absolutely keeps your heart racing — it’s also a story about identity, survival, and what it means to reclaim your voice after life tries to take it from you. There’s a strength in the way this book handles hard topics — not by flinching or glamorizing them, but by honoring the resilience it takes to move through them.
The main character is layered, flawed, smart, and so real it almost hurts. You’ll find pieces of yourself in her — in the ways she protects herself, in the walls she builds, and in her quiet determination to be more than what she’s endured.
This story reminds you that healing isn’t linear, and people are more than the labels the world tries to give them. It’s about survival, yes — but it’s also about learning how to live again.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide who you really are just to make it through, this book will speak to you. Loudly. Gently. Honestly.