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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
So many mysteries in this world, yet one I can't fully comprehend is the low rating of this book.
Not sure if I've read a completely different book than most of the general populace, but my version of the book is terrifyingly good and addicting.
Nothing Can Hurt You took on a unique and creative way of portraying murder and its repercussions on people's lives. Each chapter is a vignette of different individuals who were directly or indirectly connected to Sarah. It unveiled the discovery of Sarah's murder, its aftermath, and the ripple effects it had on people's lives. And while each tale interlinked with Sarah's murder, it also took a subtle examination on topics like gender violence, depression, teenage rebellion, grief, and mental health.
Despite Goldberg's way of telling a murder story with a multitude of perspectives, each chapter is distinct and thought-provoking. At times it may be a bit confusing and underwhelming (especially the last chapter from Sara's POV) yet it's also compelling and intoxicating to read. I truly enjoyed how this book diverged from your typical murder stories and how it's told in a new and original manner.
This is definitely an underrated book and I hope you won't let that low rating daunt you.
Not sure if I've read a completely different book than most of the general populace, but my version of the book is terrifyingly good and addicting.
Nothing Can Hurt You took on a unique and creative way of portraying murder and its repercussions on people's lives. Each chapter is a vignette of different individuals who were directly or indirectly connected to Sarah. It unveiled the discovery of Sarah's murder, its aftermath, and the ripple effects it had on people's lives. And while each tale interlinked with Sarah's murder, it also took a subtle examination on topics like gender violence, depression, teenage rebellion, grief, and mental health.
Despite Goldberg's way of telling a murder story with a multitude of perspectives, each chapter is distinct and thought-provoking. At times it may be a bit confusing and underwhelming (especially the last chapter from Sara's POV) yet it's also compelling and intoxicating to read. I truly enjoyed how this book diverged from your typical murder stories and how it's told in a new and original manner.
This is definitely an underrated book and I hope you won't let that low rating daunt you.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
It sounded intriguing – an exploration of the aftereffects of a murder – but it fell a little short of expectations. It feels almost like short stories as every chapter is from a different person’s perspective at different points in the timeline. Moving around in the story means we never really get deep enough into some characters before we move on and they only appear again on the periphery. I also wanted something else from the conclusion; it builds almost like a mystery but isn’t.
Having said all that, I didn’t dislike it and I’ll round it up to 4 stars where necessary; it was easy to read and entertaining enough. I don’t think it will be memorable for me though.
Based on a true story, "Nothing Can Hurt You" examines the ripple effect of the violent murder of a young woman on those on the periphery. Each character, through whom the story unfolds, has a distinctive voice. I found some of the passages and observations very moving and eloquent. Nicola Maye Goldberg has produced a relatively quick read with some heavy hitting themes. Her novel provides some stark truths about gender-based violence and the assumptions we make about victims and perpetrators.
fast-paced
Not too sure about this one, 3 stars might be just pushing it. A nice short and captivating read, but not a fan of how it was (or wasn’t) wrapped up towards the end. A little too open ended but an easy and fun book nonetheless
I received this book as a free ARC via NetGalley.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, but whatever it was, it wasn't what I got. Nothing Can Hurt You is less a crime novel than a series of intersecting stories about intersecting lives - which is, in itself, an arresting & fascinating way to tell this story - and those stories are each thoughtful and beautifully written. It manages to be so many things at once, but stood out to me most as a thoughtful exploration of the difficult, difficult themes of justice, mercy, and morality, and a really well-written, empathetic view of complicated lives & characters. The writing reminded me a little of Tana French (which is always a good thing!), but this book is wholly its own, and well worth the read.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, but whatever it was, it wasn't what I got. Nothing Can Hurt You is less a crime novel than a series of intersecting stories about intersecting lives - which is, in itself, an arresting & fascinating way to tell this story - and those stories are each thoughtful and beautifully written. It manages to be so many things at once, but stood out to me most as a thoughtful exploration of the difficult, difficult themes of justice, mercy, and morality, and a really well-written, empathetic view of complicated lives & characters. The writing reminded me a little of Tana French (which is always a good thing!), but this book is wholly its own, and well worth the read.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This felt closer to a short story collection than a novel. There is some fine writing here but the overall effect is fragmented and perhaps a little lacking in direction. I was expecting more of a focus on Sara and what happened to her - maybe the case getting reopened etc - but the writer chooses to use her more as a springboard for everyone else to tell their stories.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Self harm
Minor: Alcoholism, Rape