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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Wow, did this book make me think. As a woman, the fear Hall describes is all too normal. Cole also reminded me of an old boyfriend; he, too, changed my name for me by couching the decision in compliments around how “dignified” my birth name sounded compared to my preferred nickname. He, too, mocked safety protocols I followed, including asking him to walk me to my car after a late date downtown or having friends check in with me throughout our first few dates. Of particular derision was the fact that initially I only gave him my email, instead of a phone number. He, too, engaged in somewhat scary, definitely isolating bedroom practices that I was unsure how to handle.
So why did I stay? Because I was lonely. Because the forced intimacy of online dating made me feel closer to him than I actually was when we first met. Because on paper, there were no flags, and anyway, aren’t there personality quirks I have that are probably annoying to others? Because he was attractive, had a good job, shared some mutual interests. Because I didn’t think highly enough of myself to realize the way he spoke to me was inconsiderate at best.
This book was so weirdly cathartic, deeply unsettling and ultimately thought provoking. I want to make my husband read it, especially Cole’s POV chapters, to see if he identifies the slightly twisted bend to his thoughts that as a woman, I picked up on immediately. I feel like, just as he realized when watching America Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie, it might open his eyes further to the ways in which misogyny still are rooted so deeply in our culture.
So why did I stay? Because I was lonely. Because the forced intimacy of online dating made me feel closer to him than I actually was when we first met. Because on paper, there were no flags, and anyway, aren’t there personality quirks I have that are probably annoying to others? Because he was attractive, had a good job, shared some mutual interests. Because I didn’t think highly enough of myself to realize the way he spoke to me was inconsiderate at best.
This book was so weirdly cathartic, deeply unsettling and ultimately thought provoking. I want to make my husband read it, especially Cole’s POV chapters, to see if he identifies the slightly twisted bend to his thoughts that as a woman, I picked up on immediately. I feel like, just as he realized when watching America Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie, it might open his eyes further to the ways in which misogyny still are rooted so deeply in our culture.
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Suspenseful and rage inducing!
I’m exhausted in all the best ways after reading this. Seriously. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by Araminta Hall and I can’t wait to devour everything she’s written up until now. What a voice!
The pace was on the faster side and Hall’s voice gripped me from the first page. I haven’t felt this addicted to a story in a long time. This is very much voice-driven—a he said, she said, story (which I love)—and each POV gets a chance to air frustrations. However, when a behavioral pattern emerges in one of them (Cole), it’s safe to say that actions speak louder than words. Hall did an amazing job setting up the scene of a heartbroken man who feels wronged by the world and the women in it, especially during an era of feminist uprising. Cole had so many irritating personality traits but the one I hated the most was his victim mentality, including breaking down crying when things didn’t go his way. The way he described Mel made her sound like a cold individual but I held out, expecting that she had her reasons. And I was right. At first, Lennie appeared as an unknowing potential victim, and I enjoyed reading about her background as an artist, and the trauma from her past that motivated her.
The structure of the story worked to set up suspense, painting Cole as an unreliable narrator. Once Mel’s POV was revealed it completely shifted the story, and I quickly sided with her after the shocking reveals regarding her struggles with fertility and Cole’s need for control, not caring how she felt or even listening. The characters were well-fleshed out, making it a very intriguing read. I enjoyed the evidence updates through social media commentary. It added a more interesting structure and quickened the pace, making it an easy read. The only criticism I have is that the resolution felt a little drawn out. But other than that, I highly recommend this book!
4.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m exhausted in all the best ways after reading this. Seriously. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by Araminta Hall and I can’t wait to devour everything she’s written up until now. What a voice!
The pace was on the faster side and Hall’s voice gripped me from the first page. I haven’t felt this addicted to a story in a long time. This is very much voice-driven—a he said, she said, story (which I love)—and each POV gets a chance to air frustrations. However, when a behavioral pattern emerges in one of them (Cole), it’s safe to say that actions speak louder than words. Hall did an amazing job setting up the scene of a heartbroken man who feels wronged by the world and the women in it, especially during an era of feminist uprising. Cole had so many irritating personality traits but the one I hated the most was his victim mentality, including breaking down crying when things didn’t go his way. The way he described Mel made her sound like a cold individual but I held out, expecting that she had her reasons. And I was right. At first, Lennie appeared as an unknowing potential victim, and I enjoyed reading about her background as an artist, and the trauma from her past that motivated her.
The structure of the story worked to set up suspense, painting Cole as an unreliable narrator. Once Mel’s POV was revealed it completely shifted the story, and I quickly sided with her after the shocking reveals regarding her struggles with fertility and Cole’s need for control, not caring how she felt or even listening. The characters were well-fleshed out, making it a very intriguing read. I enjoyed the evidence updates through social media commentary. It added a more interesting structure and quickened the pace, making it an easy read. The only criticism I have is that the resolution felt a little drawn out. But other than that, I highly recommend this book!
4.5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This didn't go where I expected it to and it really is thought provoking, also the writing techniques in the second half are so creative.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I won’t forget this book anytime soon. It was incredibly impactful and made me reflect deeply. I’m still torn on whether I feel sympathy for Cole or if he truly deserves what he went through. However, I absolutely agree that we need to take stronger action against violence toward women. I’m not a feminist, but it really frustrates me when men act as though there's no problem or when they claim they also face violence. Yes, we know both sides experience it, but let’s be honest this world was built for men, not women.
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes