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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
I read this book in high school and it has always stuck with me. Such a great book. Super intense but good.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
The book delves deeply into how this shocking event impacts the lives of its residents, pushing them to seek justice while grappling with their own involvement in the tragedy. The author skillfully blurs the lines between truth and fiction, right and wrong, creating a vivid and gripping portrayal of a community in chaos.
At the heart of the story is Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge handling the case. Her struggle with memory loss adds significant emotional depth to the narrative. Josie’s journey is both heart-wrenching and relatable as she battles her inner demons while the town’s collective tension continues to rise.
Friendships that once seemed unbreakable are strained, and families begin to unravel under the weight of suspicion and hidden truths. The novel paints a stark picture of how quickly a tight-knit community can fall apart when faced with a crisis.
The story excels in exploring the complexities of guilt, responsibility, and the human psyche. Each character’s struggle is portrayed with raw emotion, making their experiences feel incredibly real and poignant. However, the narrative does have its flaws. The transitions between characters can sometimes be abrupt, making it occasionally challenging to keep track of the storyline. This can pull the reader out of the immersion and require a bit more effort to stay engaged.
Despite this minor issue, the book’s exploration of raw emotion and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read. The author’s ability to capture the essence of a community in turmoil and the personal struggles of its residents is commendable. If you’re looking for a story that is both gripping and emotionally intense, this book is definitely worth your time. It offers a deep dive into the impact of violence on a small town and the intricate web of human relationships, making it a powerful and memorable read.
At the heart of the story is Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge handling the case. Her struggle with memory loss adds significant emotional depth to the narrative. Josie’s journey is both heart-wrenching and relatable as she battles her inner demons while the town’s collective tension continues to rise.
Friendships that once seemed unbreakable are strained, and families begin to unravel under the weight of suspicion and hidden truths. The novel paints a stark picture of how quickly a tight-knit community can fall apart when faced with a crisis.
The story excels in exploring the complexities of guilt, responsibility, and the human psyche. Each character’s struggle is portrayed with raw emotion, making their experiences feel incredibly real and poignant. However, the narrative does have its flaws. The transitions between characters can sometimes be abrupt, making it occasionally challenging to keep track of the storyline. This can pull the reader out of the immersion and require a bit more effort to stay engaged.
Despite this minor issue, the book’s exploration of raw emotion and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling read. The author’s ability to capture the essence of a community in turmoil and the personal struggles of its residents is commendable. If you’re looking for a story that is both gripping and emotionally intense, this book is definitely worth your time. It offers a deep dive into the impact of violence on a small town and the intricate web of human relationships, making it a powerful and memorable read.
This is a very eye opening read. i haven't read anything By Jodi Picoult before and haven't read anything like this. This book discusses real issues that children face while in school. Obviously, this book contains the worst outcome of bullying but that makes it for a gripping read. You feel all the emotions while reading this book and my opinions on the characters changes I read. one thing I didn't like was the long chapters but I will definitely give her other books a read.
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oof, this was such a heavy read. I had a hard time putting it down but also a hard time listening. There were a lot of cliches about games and music and queerness that I didn't think furthered the plot. The twist made sense but felt rushed. I both think it's an incredible story because of perspectives and a ridiculous one because of them. Hearing from the perspective of a child who commits such an act of violence? Super eye-opening. The perspective of a judge who is also the mother of that child's ex-best friend and has complicated feelings about motherhood? Less helpful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
