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catherineamerica's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I thought this was a thriller but it was not.
_changingtime's review
1.0
To see all of my book-related content, check out my blog @ http://bit.ly/2zzVt0R
I understand that mystery/thrillers require a level of suspension of disbelief; that without a certain skewing of reality, books that fall into this genre wouldn’t have the necessary excitement, the twists and turns, to be able to stand out in a saturated market.
I get that.
But if that skewing requires perpetuating damaging misconceptions about both mental illness and mental health institutions, then I just can’t get on board.
It is not the 1950s anymore and I think mystery/thriller authors need to start realising that the stereotypes that were acceptable (or even held in high regard) back then, will not be stood for now.
Mental health facilities are a necessary part of the fabric of so many people's lives. To someone in pain, at rock-bottom, or just in need of a little help, they can be a lifeline. A light in the darkness leading them back to the sun.
And, I think wider society needs to understand that. They’re not horror-movie settings and, if the mystery-thriller genre keeps portraying them as that, let me be frank - people will continue to be prevented from getting the help they need.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Head on over to http://bit.ly/2y7JSWV for this book, as well as all of the others featured in my reviews, complete with the added bonuses of free worldwide shipping and bringing a little joy to my life.
I understand that mystery/thrillers require a level of suspension of disbelief; that without a certain skewing of reality, books that fall into this genre wouldn’t have the necessary excitement, the twists and turns, to be able to stand out in a saturated market.
I get that.
But if that skewing requires perpetuating damaging misconceptions about both mental illness and mental health institutions, then I just can’t get on board.
It is not the 1950s anymore and I think mystery/thriller authors need to start realising that the stereotypes that were acceptable (or even held in high regard) back then, will not be stood for now.
Mental health facilities are a necessary part of the fabric of so many people's lives. To someone in pain, at rock-bottom, or just in need of a little help, they can be a lifeline. A light in the darkness leading them back to the sun.
And, I think wider society needs to understand that. They’re not horror-movie settings and, if the mystery-thriller genre keeps portraying them as that, let me be frank - people will continue to be prevented from getting the help they need.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Head on over to http://bit.ly/2y7JSWV for this book, as well as all of the others featured in my reviews, complete with the added bonuses of free worldwide shipping and bringing a little joy to my life.
aseligson20's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
gabrizzle's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Suicide
emlorainegil's review
5.0
WOW. I lost track of how many times I said “girl what?!” out loud, in the best way. I loved hours many perspectives and details are given in the ‘side quests’ throughout the book. You get the opportunity to have so many opinions about almost every character.
elyssamiller's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars, this isn’t exactly my type of book but it was written very well and had an interesting storyline. I really liked the ending of the book because it was realistic- she goes to jail for her crimes and Josiah commits suicide so he doesn’t have to suffer anymore. Although Lucas didn’t want to except it, that’s what was best for his dad. He was slowly dying and he didn’t need to suffer.
This book was written well, but at times I found there was too much detail. When I read a book I like detail to a point, when there’s too much it becomes boring and disconnects you from a book. So I do wish that there had been less but for the most part it was still good.
I really liked Maya in this book. When I found out she went to Congdon herself for killing a man I choked. It was really not what I was expecting. And when she told the story of how and why she killed the man, it was written very well. I almost felt as if I was there watching it.
In conclusion, this book was a good read but it took me a long time because I am very busy and I would put it down whenever it got boring. But do I recommend this book? Yes, it’s for sure something to read!
This book was written well, but at times I found there was too much detail. When I read a book I like detail to a point, when there’s too much it becomes boring and disconnects you from a book. So I do wish that there had been less but for the most part it was still good.
I really liked Maya in this book. When I found out she went to Congdon herself for killing a man I choked. It was really not what I was expecting. And when she told the story of how and why she killed the man, it was written very well. I almost felt as if I was there watching it.
In conclusion, this book was a good read but it took me a long time because I am very busy and I would put it down whenever it got boring. But do I recommend this book? Yes, it’s for sure something to read!
emilyclemenson's review
3.0
There were some plot issues and a few characters fell a little flat, but overall it was a fun read set in beautiful northern Minnesota. The descriptions of the Boundary Waters, Iron Range, and Duluth brought me right back home.