Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

8 reviews

frogknitting's review against another edition

reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

SHE GOT PREGNANT IN A PSYCH WARD BATHROOM?????? this was just so out of left field it was crazy

Overall a kind of dull book to be honest. It's reflective and slow-paced, but it's more so that it doesn't dwell within the characters all that much when it isn't directly telling you about them. Emily has a temper, Maisie is kind, Nell is the baby, and that's really all I can say about them. I would've probably quit it if Meryl Streep hadn't been the narrator tbh

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization and Death

Moderate: Sexual content

moond4ncer's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Abortion, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Pandemic/Epidemic, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Mental illness

seastheday's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

3.5

This book was much better than Dutch House. I thought the story was intriguing enough to follow and want to keep listening to. It’s definitely had its dark moments, but that’s just part of life- nothing the author did was weird or out of the blue for the story. It was a rhythmic read, and I enjoyed hearing the POV’s reflection on her life and choices as well as her daughter’s input/thoughts. It was enjoyable but nothing super special, which is why it’s a 3.5 to me.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol

Minor: Blood, Abortion, and Forced institutionalization

lisasilv's review against another edition

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

5.0

This was a really lovely book. Meryl Streep is a fantastic narrator and tells the story in a voice only she can bring. She's sweet and tempered and soft which was perfect for this story. The book is slow but that lets you enjoy it and catch the nuances. I thought about speeding it up but I decided not to since I was savoring the tempo, tone and timing.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Forced institutionalization, Mental illness, Abortion, and Animal cruelty

marioosa517's review

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Infidelity

Moderate: Animal death, Forced institutionalization, Pandemic/Epidemic, Toxic friendship, and Blood

Minor: Abortion, Suicide, Sexism, Racism, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Drug use, Self harm, Death, Death of parent, Cancer, Excrement, Violence, War, and Sexual content

alyssapusateri's review against another edition

reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content, Alcoholism, Death, Toxic relationship, Addiction, and Alcohol

Minor: Suicide, Abortion, Pregnancy, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Medical content, Cancer, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, and Infidelity

katietregs's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

2.0

Quite sentimental. Not a lot of twists and turns. The writing is good, but most of the characters feel quite flat. Very pro farm. My main takeaway is that this woman loves farm. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Alcoholism, Addiction, Vomit, and Death

Moderate: Mental illness, Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Racism

Minor: Abortion and Animal death

fiddle_leaf_ferg's review

3.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Pandemic/Epidemic, Forced institutionalization, Racism, and Child death

Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death