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joeyclowns's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Self harm and Blood
kawooreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When I found out that @cassiegusty , someone I have known for most of my life, was writing a book, I knew I had to preorder a copy and read it right away. My overall reaction to finishing this book is *deep breath in through the nose, calm measured breath out the mouth*.
CW: Bullying, Rape, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation
This is a powerful story that has multiple layers. It challenges arguments of consent, explores teenage insecurities, and begs the question, "Is it really that bad when we know it could have been worse?" (The answer is YES!). I navigated between rage and deep sadness through most of this book. Gustafson does an impeccable job of developing characters that will surprise you, disappoint you, and sometimes downright piss you off! While I am nearing almost 40yrs old, my memory is no stranger to the woes we experience as teenagers, as our brains and bodies rapidly develop and we try to make sense of the world we live in and the impact we have on other people. What's different and more challenging for teens today is they exist within a world that idolizes social media and weaponizes technology to encourage bullying behavior. Individuals with immature critical thinking skills and skewed ideas of accountability have access to more tools to gaslight and shame victims, so it is no wonder that self-harming behaviors and suicide attempts are high for this demographic. As animals with a communal biology, we crave reciprocated belonging and acceptance, and when that is used as a means to ostracize and belittle us, the damage can be irreparable.
Gustafson has given us all a rare gift. An opportunity to strengthen communication with our young adults and empower ourselves not to be silent bystanders. Not only will parents get insight as to what kind of world our kids are experiencing, but it will open the door for discussions on sexuality, consent, respect, and boundaries. It can strengthen child-parent bonds and re-enforce the message that victims should be believed, supported, and given appropriate space to heal. #ReadMore2021 #WomenWriters #AfterTheInkDries #BookRecommendation
CW: Bullying, Rape, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation
This is a powerful story that has multiple layers. It challenges arguments of consent, explores teenage insecurities, and begs the question, "Is it really that bad when we know it could have been worse?" (The answer is YES!). I navigated between rage and deep sadness through most of this book. Gustafson does an impeccable job of developing characters that will surprise you, disappoint you, and sometimes downright piss you off! While I am nearing almost 40yrs old, my memory is no stranger to the woes we experience as teenagers, as our brains and bodies rapidly develop and we try to make sense of the world we live in and the impact we have on other people. What's different and more challenging for teens today is they exist within a world that idolizes social media and weaponizes technology to encourage bullying behavior. Individuals with immature critical thinking skills and skewed ideas of accountability have access to more tools to gaslight and shame victims, so it is no wonder that self-harming behaviors and suicide attempts are high for this demographic. As animals with a communal biology, we crave reciprocated belonging and acceptance, and when that is used as a means to ostracize and belittle us, the damage can be irreparable.
Gustafson has given us all a rare gift. An opportunity to strengthen communication with our young adults and empower ourselves not to be silent bystanders. Not only will parents get insight as to what kind of world our kids are experiencing, but it will open the door for discussions on sexuality, consent, respect, and boundaries. It can strengthen child-parent bonds and re-enforce the message that victims should be believed, supported, and given appropriate space to heal. #ReadMore2021 #WomenWriters #AfterTheInkDries #BookRecommendation
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship
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