Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - My Dark Vanessa

this is a devastating, poignant read, yet so so important. This book details a dark story of Vanessa who was groomed and sexually abused at 15 by her high school English teacher. As she grows into an adult, she alongside a therapist begins to grapple with the reality of what has happened to her. To say this book is good, feels convoluted because the subject matter is so difficult to ingest. It’s hard to read and yet it’s perfect representation of how the grooming process happens over time and the ramifications it can have on a child. As someone who works with kids who have been in similar situations everyday, I applaud the author for her realism.
Please look up trigger warnings before starting this book if you so choose!

Content Warnings

abrdoodle's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

planreadrepeat's review

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challenging dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book does an excellent job of explaining the life impact grooming and abuse can have on a young person who is preyed upon by a person in power, like a teacher. Although I have sympathy for Vanessa, I was dismayed at her continued denial of how the abuse impacted her. And her denial that it even was abuse. On reflection, maybe most abuse survivors tend to downplay their “story”. Few people want to see themselves as a victim. I think this was a good study of the healing process. Just make sure you check for content warnings.

Content Warnings

madelinedalton's review

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challenging dark emotional tense 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

4.0

Content Warnings

katiefronk's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense 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

4.0

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greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I thought this was a solid read, and it was definitely upsetting, which I think was the point. It moved a little slowly for me and perhaps was a bit wordy. But I think it does really give the reader a good examination of like what warning signs we can look out for to protect young people.

Content Warnings

emilycacho's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.25

This book was difficult to read. It was very well written and such a heart wrenching story about abuse and recovery. It’s hard to say I loved this novel but it is an extremely important and excellent read.

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