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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, HarperTeen, for review by MuggleNet
Dark Room Etiquette follows Sayers, a teenager that goes through an unimaginable experience and makes it out alive. As he tries to adapt to his situation, reality blurs and he struggles to determine who he is and what parts of his life weren’t real. He comes out the other side, but it isn’t without confusion, difficulty, and a new outlook on life.
This book was not at all what I expected. What began as a story about privilege turned into a journey of situational trauma and the lasting impact it has. Sayers comes from a family whose name is known by all. There’s a scene where he’s pulled over for speeding, and as soon as the cop realizes who he is, he’s let go. It’s clear that he’s led a life that wants for little, so to see how he reacts to his kidnapping both makes sense and is alarming to a degree.
Roe does an amazing job of forcing the reader to be alongside Sayers in his torment in an incredibly visceral way. Like the teen, you don’t know how much time has passed or where you are, but as soon as those aspects are revealed, the confusion sets in. You went through several Christmases with the teen and his captor. All aspects pointed to years going by. When that illusion is shattered, I was just as disoriented as Sayers was.
Dark Room Etiquette does what many books about a kidnapping don’t. Typically you either follow the individual through their kidnapping and imprisonment, with the story ending when they are freed by the authorities or some other type of event that works in their favor, or you follow them as they are freed and how they put their life back together. Roe includes both, which makes her book what it is. As a reader, you aren’t left wondering what happened to them while they were captured or what their life was like after. It was a pleasant surprise that really drove home the impact a situation of that nature can have on a person.
This is easily one of the most poignant books I’ve read this year. From realizing the true nature of Sayers’ kidnapper to the sympathy I felt for the teen as he tries to return to a life that will never be the same, Roe does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader feels everything Sayers does. While I initially felt the story began slow, the pacing was perfect as the different stages of the novel play out.
There is a single throwaway line that I initially hoped would develop into something more. After finishing the book, I believe it would’ve taken away from Sayers and what he went through, so I’m glad it was just a simple line of dialogue.
I do feel it’s important to note this book has content that isn’t ideal for every reader. Panic attacks resulting from trauma, minor drug use, implied physical violence, and mentions of sexual assault are present throughout the story. They are discussed tastefully and in a manner that shows their severity in the context of the plot and are not used for shock value.
Dark Room Etiquette is an amazing read. Sayers is a compelling character that experiences something you wouldn’t wish on anyone. From the writing to the pacing, Roe has created a remarkable story that is gripping in just the right ways.
Dark Room Etiquette follows Sayers, a teenager that goes through an unimaginable experience and makes it out alive. As he tries to adapt to his situation, reality blurs and he struggles to determine who he is and what parts of his life weren’t real. He comes out the other side, but it isn’t without confusion, difficulty, and a new outlook on life.
This book was not at all what I expected. What began as a story about privilege turned into a journey of situational trauma and the lasting impact it has. Sayers comes from a family whose name is known by all. There’s a scene where he’s pulled over for speeding, and as soon as the cop realizes who he is, he’s let go. It’s clear that he’s led a life that wants for little, so to see how he reacts to his kidnapping both makes sense and is alarming to a degree.
Roe does an amazing job of forcing the reader to be alongside Sayers in his torment in an incredibly visceral way. Like the teen, you don’t know how much time has passed or where you are, but as soon as those aspects are revealed, the confusion sets in. You went through several Christmases with the teen and his captor. All aspects pointed to years going by. When that illusion is shattered, I was just as disoriented as Sayers was.
Dark Room Etiquette does what many books about a kidnapping don’t. Typically you either follow the individual through their kidnapping and imprisonment, with the story ending when they are freed by the authorities or some other type of event that works in their favor, or you follow them as they are freed and how they put their life back together. Roe includes both, which makes her book what it is. As a reader, you aren’t left wondering what happened to them while they were captured or what their life was like after. It was a pleasant surprise that really drove home the impact a situation of that nature can have on a person.
This is easily one of the most poignant books I’ve read this year. From realizing the true nature of Sayers’ kidnapper to the sympathy I felt for the teen as he tries to return to a life that will never be the same, Roe does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader feels everything Sayers does. While I initially felt the story began slow, the pacing was perfect as the different stages of the novel play out.
There is a single throwaway line that I initially hoped would develop into something more. After finishing the book, I believe it would’ve taken away from Sayers and what he went through, so I’m glad it was just a simple line of dialogue.
I do feel it’s important to note this book has content that isn’t ideal for every reader. Panic attacks resulting from trauma, minor drug use, implied physical violence, and mentions of sexual assault are present throughout the story. They are discussed tastefully and in a manner that shows their severity in the context of the plot and are not used for shock value.
Dark Room Etiquette is an amazing read. Sayers is a compelling character that experiences something you wouldn’t wish on anyone. From the writing to the pacing, Roe has created a remarkable story that is gripping in just the right ways.
This book had me riveted and drained me at the same time. Sayers has the perfect life: friends, money, a girlfriend who loves him. That all comes crashing down when he is kidnapped. What he thinks will end quickly becomes a daymare and nightmare all wrapped up in one. He begins to BELIEVE he is the son of his kidnapper due to the mental bashing he takes from Caleb. Will his daymare/nightmare end, even when he does escape? Has he lost who he was. There was the before, the after and the aftermath, having to discover who he truly is and how to live with the damage caused by his kidnapper.
I may not sleep for a while after reading this. This book packed a PUNCH. It should truly be 4.5 stars. Only gave it that rating because of the rawness and a couple of continuity issues, but other than that, just wow. Don’t read this book late at night. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
I may not sleep for a while after reading this. This book packed a PUNCH. It should truly be 4.5 stars. Only gave it that rating because of the rawness and a couple of continuity issues, but other than that, just wow. Don’t read this book late at night. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
dark
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Dysphoria
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Hate crime, Sexual assault, Violence, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Gun violence
I'm so so sorry to say this, because List of Cages is on my all time list of favorite books, but this will go down as probably the worst book I read this year. It had the potential for being an awesome story - rich boy kidnapped by a psycho. But it was like it was written by a High School student. It kills me to say this and I have no idea how it got so many stars on Goodreads.
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was very dark, but also hopeful. And I really enjoyed it. I honestly really disliked Sayers at first, as I think you were supposed to. But he really grew throughout the book and ended up a much better person for the adversity. Though obviously, no one should suffer that, he really needed something drastic to course correct him. Overall a great look at trauma, how people deal with it, and mental health overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Suicide
Minor: Child death, Sexual assault, Murder
Trauma. How does one process is? How do you go about living your life after an insanely traumatic experience?
Sayers Wayte has everything. Money, friends and anything a 16 year old could want. Until he's kidnapped and told his parents are liars. While being held, the lines between fact and fiction start to blur and Sayers wonders if he can escape before getting completely lost.
This book was thiccc. A little over 500 pages. This book was intense. It's raw and emotional.
I won't lie, I HATED Saye at the beginning. He's an arrogant rich kid who thinks he's above everyone else. But I think that makes this book more real. Nobody is perfect. Everyone is flawed. People can endure trauma and come out the other side a different person.
This book is intense and heart-breaking. Proceed with caution. If you do read, I know y'all will love it!
Sayers Wayte has everything. Money, friends and anything a 16 year old could want. Until he's kidnapped and told his parents are liars. While being held, the lines between fact and fiction start to blur and Sayers wonders if he can escape before getting completely lost.
This book was thiccc. A little over 500 pages. This book was intense. It's raw and emotional.
I won't lie, I HATED Saye at the beginning. He's an arrogant rich kid who thinks he's above everyone else. But I think that makes this book more real. Nobody is perfect. Everyone is flawed. People can endure trauma and come out the other side a different person.
This book is intense and heart-breaking. Proceed with caution. If you do read, I know y'all will love it!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This book has a piece of my 💜 best book of 2022
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes