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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Most of the way through this book, I kept saying...good book, good storytelling, but why am I reading this? Where is this going? By the end of the book, I was not wanting to put it down and crying. Definately one of those that you savor the moments when you're done and want to tell someone else to read it too. Certainly didn't see the ending until it was upon me.
The twist at the end of Me & Emma reminded me of The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. However, I think Me & Emma is a much better novel than the Double Bind. I can't say that I really enjoyed Me & Emma, because the entire book was heartwrenching. This book shows how easily children can slip through the cracks, especially when the immediate family is unwilling to help. There really wasn't a happy moment in the book & the ending just killed me. My only beef with the book is that I think it might have worked better as a short story rather than a novel. There was quite a bit of filler that could have been edited out. Besides that, I am glad I read Me & Emma. I just wish I could take Carrie home with me & get her the help she needs.
Haunting story of a young girl and her younger sister who live with an abusive stepfather and an emotionally detached mother.
Me & Emma was a hard book to digest. At times, I had to put this book down and just dive into something new and different. For example, diving into a nice Disney movie (like Tangled) after reading a tough chapter or two. I didn't stop that much while reading this book but when I did it was a good breather.
In it, you will meet Carrie who is 8 years old and not living her best life one bit. Nope, she is abused and lonely right now and desperately needs help. Then there's Emma, who is her younger sister, Richard, the evil douche of a step dad, and their mother.
Carrie is barely hanging onto a thread right now. She is tired of all the bullshit that comes with Richard's cruelty. The one thing she wants back in her life, her dad, she can't have because he's dead. Then there's Emma, who is her sole reason for staying and suffering. So, yeah, I wasn't prepared for anything that was coming my way. I will admit hating Richard came pretty damn easy though.
A lot of horrible stuff happens in this book and I will highly suggest taking breaks while reading this one. Or maybe doing a chapter or two a day just to keep sane and digest everything at your own pace. It's a lot to take in. A whole lot.
In the end, I'm glad that I took a chance on this one and knocked it off of my TBR.
In it, you will meet Carrie who is 8 years old and not living her best life one bit. Nope, she is abused and lonely right now and desperately needs help. Then there's Emma, who is her younger sister, Richard, the evil douche of a step dad, and their mother.
Carrie is barely hanging onto a thread right now. She is tired of all the bullshit that comes with Richard's cruelty. The one thing she wants back in her life, her dad, she can't have because he's dead. Then there's Emma, who is her sole reason for staying and suffering. So, yeah, I wasn't prepared for anything that was coming my way. I will admit hating Richard came pretty damn easy though.
A lot of horrible stuff happens in this book and I will highly suggest taking breaks while reading this one. Or maybe doing a chapter or two a day just to keep sane and digest everything at your own pace. It's a lot to take in. A whole lot.
In the end, I'm glad that I took a chance on this one and knocked it off of my TBR.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know how to rate this one. I HATED the story... abused children and adults around them knew and did nothing. Sweet 8 yo Carrie narrates the story and her voice is poignant.
The writing was not strong and the story felt very cliche. The twist at the end didn't save it for me either. Disappointed.
A good but not groundbreaking read. I saw the twist coming before I was even halfway through the book.