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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I've had this book on my list since John Green recommended it as his favorite novel of 2023, and I'll say I was not disappointed! I was a tad worried after reading some reviews and seeing a maybe less than ideal overall rating, but this is proof that ratings and reviews aren't always to be believed.
I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a real page-turner. Not a high stakes thriller by any means, but rather an interesting unfolding of information and events that crafted together into a great narrative. It's modern in its podcast-centered theme and in its social commentary, but also nostalgic as it taps into 90s boarding school dark academia notes, too. Some reviews say it's overly ambitious and doesn't go a great job and fleshing out all themes explored, and that may be true in some examples, but I did not at all feel that it detracted from the central plot. The not-so-subtle take on true crime, especially in the modern era of podcasts, was also interesting to read woven in the text. I might have preferred a bit cleaner of an ending, but I wasn't terribly disappointed in that either. Overall a solid read.
I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a real page-turner. Not a high stakes thriller by any means, but rather an interesting unfolding of information and events that crafted together into a great narrative. It's modern in its podcast-centered theme and in its social commentary, but also nostalgic as it taps into 90s boarding school dark academia notes, too. Some reviews say it's overly ambitious and doesn't go a great job and fleshing out all themes explored, and that may be true in some examples, but I did not at all feel that it detracted from the central plot. The not-so-subtle take on true crime, especially in the modern era of podcasts, was also interesting to read woven in the text. I might have preferred a bit cleaner of an ending, but I wasn't terribly disappointed in that either. Overall a solid read.
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Really disappointing after the excellence of “great believers”. Cliche, not relevant Covid tie ins. Just a dud :(
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Put me face to face with the editor of this one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Murder, Sexual harassment
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Death, Sexual assault, Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Alcohol
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved how she told this story.
I loved the complications of her life and soon to be ex- husband.
I felt like I was punched with every “aside” of a fact about men getting away with rape and murder. I checked to see if these were actual events, but couldn’t find verification. But as a woman and mother of 3 daughters whom I have worried about their entire lives, every one of those asides FELT real. And in 2025, as we are discovering how little women’s lives matter…even more so.
This story is being told to a once favorite teacher who she now has a realized anger toward. A perspective that age can give but as a young inexperienced teen, she didn’t have.
I find the building of this story to be creative and true. As all theories in a mystery begin somewhere. And then evolve. The suspects morph and change as you discover more information.
I was going to give a 4.5 but I rounded up because while this isn’t the “WOW” of James by Perceval Everett, it is such a good story. I think a not just a captivating story but also an important story to read.
I loved the complications of her life and soon to be ex- husband.
I felt like I was punched with every “aside” of a fact about men getting away with rape and murder. I checked to see if these were actual events, but couldn’t find verification. But as a woman and mother of 3 daughters whom I have worried about their entire lives, every one of those asides FELT real. And in 2025, as we are discovering how little women’s lives matter…even more so.
This story is being told to a once favorite teacher who she now has a realized anger toward. A perspective that age can give but as a young inexperienced teen, she didn’t have.
I find the building of this story to be creative and true. As all theories in a mystery begin somewhere. And then evolve. The suspects morph and change as you discover more information.
I was going to give a 4.5 but I rounded up because while this isn’t the “WOW” of James by Perceval Everett, it is such a good story. I think a not just a captivating story but also an important story to read.
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Podcasts, murder mystery, boarding school setting, seeing our pasts from a different perspective...everything that Rebecca Makkai has going on here was very irresistible to this reader.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the related Nerdette episode.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the related Nerdette episode.
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated