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thebeesknees79's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I can see students enjoying this. That’s why it’s a solid 3 stars. I did not care for this book as an adult reader and that’s okay because I am not the intended audience.
This is a story of Betty, a high school graduate living with her older sister and single mother. Her mother and sister experience a mass shooting. The story is all about how each individual handles the after effects of a shooting. Personally? I did not like Betty at all. I found her ignorant and self absorbed. I found her relationship with her father to be the only authentic experience. I appreciate the obtuseness of her as a new adult, but I don’t know. She rubbed me the wrong way. Michael was the only character I truly loved in this story. I do love the way the novel worked itself, and I will absolutely recommend it to my students.
Disclaimer: I can see students enjoying this. That’s why it’s a solid 3 stars. I did not care for this book as an adult reader and that’s okay because I am not the intended audience.
This is a story of Betty, a high school graduate living with her older sister and single mother. Her mother and sister experience a mass shooting. The story is all about how each individual handles the after effects of a shooting. Personally? I did not like Betty at all. I found her ignorant and self absorbed. I found her relationship with her father to be the only authentic experience. I appreciate the obtuseness of her as a new adult, but I don’t know. She rubbed me the wrong way. Michael was the only character I truly loved in this story. I do love the way the novel worked itself, and I will absolutely recommend it to my students.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Gun violence, and Addiction
cpalmisanod's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
After a mass shooting at a mall Betty, her mom and her sister are all leave reeling.
Her mom, Beverly, goes on a crusade against gun violence becoming a prominent activities.
Her sister, Joy, retreats within herself and her room too afraid to leave their home.
Betty starts trying to figure out what led the shooter to this course of action.
There's politics, struggles with mental illness and substance abuse, changed perspective on public spaces, a smidge of romance, and the desire to find forgiveness and peace.
This story examines a scenario all too common in the US and the various ways those who experience the situations try to find healing in the aftermath.
Her mom, Beverly, goes on a crusade against gun violence becoming a prominent activities.
Her sister, Joy, retreats within herself and her room too afraid to leave their home.
Betty starts trying to figure out what led the shooter to this course of action.
There's politics, struggles with mental illness and substance abuse, changed perspective on public spaces, a smidge of romance, and the desire to find forgiveness and peace.
This story examines a scenario all too common in the US and the various ways those who experience the situations try to find healing in the aftermath.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Drug abuse, and Suicide attempt
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