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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was quite the rollercoaster. I made it through this book super fast, though it was not at all what I expected. The prose was well-written and made for an easy and enjoyable read, but my god was it depressing at times.
I’m not sure the description really captures what a downer this book is; 80% of it is either describing the agony of a loved one’s decline into illness or candidly describing the hardest parts of motherhood. However, if you know this going in, it is definitely an intriguing read.
Much of it feels slice of life, with just enough foreshadowing to keep you constantly theorizing about what might happen next. Of the major twists, I’d say I called one really early, one before it happened, and one had my jaw on the floor because I didn’t see it coming at all. It seems to be an unpopular opinion but the last part of the book was my favorite and felt like the perfect conclusion to me. I also particularly enjoy the select moments of female rage where we see one of the characters lose it. I imagine people who do not relate will think these parts are unrealistic or exaggerated, while the people who do relate will nod and say they’ve been there.
All in all, a recommended read if you're someone who reads to feel seen and understood, or if you’re a fan of brutally honest depictions of parenting, complex characters and family dynamics, and stories about finding resilience in every day life. If you're someone who reads to escape real life or are particularly sensitive to descriptions grief or mental health struggles, this may be one to skip.
A big thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not sure the description really captures what a downer this book is; 80% of it is either describing the agony of a loved one’s decline into illness or candidly describing the hardest parts of motherhood. However, if you know this going in, it is definitely an intriguing read.
Much of it feels slice of life, with just enough foreshadowing to keep you constantly theorizing about what might happen next. Of the major twists, I’d say I called one really early, one before it happened, and one had my jaw on the floor because I didn’t see it coming at all. It seems to be an unpopular opinion but the last part of the book was my favorite and felt like the perfect conclusion to me. I also particularly enjoy the select moments of female rage where we see one of the characters lose it. I imagine people who do not relate will think these parts are unrealistic or exaggerated, while the people who do relate will nod and say they’ve been there.
All in all, a recommended read if you're someone who reads to feel seen and understood, or if you’re a fan of brutally honest depictions of parenting, complex characters and family dynamics, and stories about finding resilience in every day life. If you're someone who reads to escape real life or are particularly sensitive to descriptions grief or mental health struggles, this may be one to skip.
A big thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy
This was great. I enjoyed the narrator's voice. The ending is not for everyone, but I really liked it. Audiobook narrator was great. She made the children sound very annoying, but realistic.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
dark
emotional
funny
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
Woman on the Verge hooked me from the very beginning. This book is unflinchingly raw, emotional, and at times hilarious, with plenty of intriguing plot twists to keep you on your toes. But as much as I liked the story, I don't think I would be able to read it again because of the plotline regarding Nicole's father. If you're sensitive to stories about elderly people suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, proceed with caution.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was a bit skeptical about this book at first, but the ending left me feeling both happy and sad. It’s a really well-crafted story.
If you’re a woman looking for something to fill your time, I highly recommend it. However, some of the chapters may be triggering for certain readers.
If you’re a woman looking for something to fill your time, I highly recommend it. However, some of the chapters may be triggering for certain readers.
emotional
funny
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 loved the first 80% but the ending killed it for me.
emotional
reflective
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:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes