Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

5 reviews

slimejules's review

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad

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

5.0

absolutely LOVED this one. the storytelling felt original, the characters were fleshed out perfectly. i think emily austin's character studies are meant to feel like punches to the gut, and this one got me even moreso than her last two. sigrid spoke to me so deeply and i will carry her with me for a long time. i wish we could be rats.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Rape

Minor: Cancer and Medical content

disguisedposer's review

dark funny hopeful fast-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

littlelizzieborden's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, and Alcohol

Minor: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Vomit

bourbon_bookworm's review

dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

Does Noah Kahan's song, Call Your Mom, resonate with you? 

What about Isabel Pless's song, Eldest Daughter?

If you answered "yes" then you’re likely to find something profoundly relatable in this book.

This book hits the sweet spot between laughter and heartache, offering a raw, honest portrayal of family dynamics, personal growth, and the quiet, often messy, emotional battles that shape who we are. At its core, We Could Be Rats is about two sisters—each struggling in their own way with personal and family expectations, and navigating the complexities of their relationship with one another. 

I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and felt the format added an extra layer of depth. The narrator’s delivery enhanced the emotional weight of the story, making it even more heartbreaking and ultimately more impactful. The pacing of the book and structure felt just right. Austin did a fantastic job highlighting the nuanced relationships we have with the people closest to us, especially family. It’s a reminder that we’re all a little broken, a little lost, but somehow still deeply human, trying to make sense of it all. Whether you’re laughing at a snarky comment or wiping away a tear from a painful realization, Austin masterfully captures these emotional extremes.

TW: Suicide, Sexual Assault, Drug Abuse 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting

Minor: Xenophobia and Lesbophobia

crispynugget's review

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

The only thing I’m mad about is that I was too tired to finish this book in one sitting. When I wasn’t reading this I was thinking about reading it. How can she keep creating characters that sound so similar, but are so compelling it doesn’t matter?

As stated above, our character perspectives feel identical to their predecessors, and I could not have been happier. I always feel seen by the neurospicy narrators. Although, Emily does introduce us to a new character voice and darker themes.  for the third time in a row, I related to this book on a scary level. Please get out of my head Emily Austin. The older sisters arc is one I am deeply familiar with, but both sisters keep me up past my bedtime. I was left frustrated on back to back nights when I was too tired to continue. I was at social events and with family thinking I’d rather be reading this. I laughed, cried, and quoted countless passages from the novel to my partner. I am so, so grateful to have gotten my hands on an arc. 

Please read the content warnings if you are interested in picking this up. Your mental health and well being come first (and she’s got two other phenomenal books you could take a look at too!) 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault

Minor: Car accident