Reviews with content warning for Self harm - Yes, Daddy

I was in no way prepared for the force of this novel. (s/o to @adancewithwords for the rec)

tw: graphic violence (physical/sexual), rape, substance abuse, homophobia

Yes, Daddy follows Jonah Keller, a young, ambitious writer scraping by in New York, who schemes a meeting with the rich and successful Richard Shriver, a playwright himself. An affair, cemented in the imbalance of power, ensues, and what follows is a twisted tale of abuse and violence.

From the very beginning, Parks-Ramage peels away the layers of Jonah's character, hereby showing his vulnerability and how lack of validation leads to his later mistakes. These aspects alone make the novel worth a read - it is a character study, both of Jonah and of #MeToo. The critical exploration of trauma allows the reader to empathise with a very flawed, often even unlikable character - something essential in our time, where victim blaming is still commonplace.

The first 60% is truly impossible to put down. Although often painful to read, it is fast-paced and able to elicit strong emotional response often, without becoming over-the-top or unrealistic. The build up of tension is spaced out in a ways that give each twist a sense of realisation rather than shock. This was brilliantly done, considering that sexual abuse stories so often hide in plain sight in reality.

The next few chapters felt a bit all over the place, but to the book as a whole they remain relevant to Jonah's journey. The effects of his experiences never leave the story (rightfully), rather manifesting themselves in any and all aspects of his life. Towards the end a good pace is achieved again, and allows the novel to be tied up in a hopeful way. I also think the book deserves to be acknowledged for the constructive way it deals with therapy, forgiveness and religion - especially in the LGBTQIA+ community.

The use of the second person allows the book to feel even more personal, though never directed at the reader. Although I wouldn't say I have any special attachment to Jonah, his turmoil resonated with me from beginning to end. I unexpectedly found tears of anger streaming down my face as I made my way through this novel, crying at the injustice but also saddened by the fact that this is a book rooted in truth. It's a powerful story, strengthened by its implications and inspiration, that will stay with me for a long time.

Content Warnings

perfect_leaves's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

2.0

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ronniereadsbooks's review

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challenging dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Synopsis: Jonah is a young, broke, aspiring playwright who moves to NYC to achieve his dream. When he enters a live affair with Richard, a handsome, wealthy, older successful playwright, he thinks that all his dreams are coming true. But a vacation to the Hamptons takes a dark and twisted turn that leaves Jonah battered, broken and unsure of how to pick up the pieces.

Review: when I first heard of this book I wanted to read it. The title alone appealed to me. When I got this arc via giveaway, my enthusiasm soared. My initial goal was to finish before pub day but a day later isn’t bad. Yes, Daddy is a page turner. You want to know more and what happens next. But it hits you hard early on. You see trauma being inflicted so early on in the book. The topics aren’t easy to read. Sexual assault, gaslighting, physical and mental abuse, conversion therapy, drug abuse, self-harm. But it’s written in a way that makes you root for Jonah and wonder how is he going to heal. Jonah isn’t perfect because of his trauma he makes two decisions that impact others in the worst possible ways. Throughout the entire work, there is a theme of trauma, forgiveness, and healing. Not only forgiveness of the abusers and those who caused your pain but also forgiveness of self. There is also a weaving of Christianity throughout and how it is weaponized against people. The trauma you experience isn’t your choice. However, you can choose to hold on to it and let it continue to change the course of your life, or you can choose to heal. This is the lesson Jonah has to learn by the end.

This entire books had me on the edge of my seat and I highly recommend it. As I stated before it’s not an easy read so heed this as my trigger warning. Thank you @hmhbooks and @my_book_journey_ for this amazing read! Be sure to get yourself a copy.

TW: Sexual assault, gaslighting, physical and mental abuse, conversion therapy, drug abuse, self-harm, toxic family dynamics

Content Warnings

bookishlybrief's review

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-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

3.0

This book is being marketed in confusing and deceiving ways. Initially described as a gay ‘Get Out’ it is most certainly not that and in fact has a clear agenda perpetrated by the author that comes out in the later half of the book.

The first half of the book were compelling and hard to read. It flails in the second half where the protagonist is reckoning with trauma and how to deal with it. The end was disappointing for sure given the promise of the front half.

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stayathomereader's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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