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dwhitneyjr's review
5.0
Such an intense book! Martin Wilson did such a wonderful job with the layering of this story. I enjoyed the narration by these two real, genuine characters who are struggling themselves as they are supporting someone who has survived the most horrible, unimaginable things. More so than his first book, which is one of my top 10 favorite books, this book drew me in and I kept on reading until the end. I eagerly await Marin's next book and know that I will be rereading this one!
sophelstien's review
4.0
this book was great! heartfelt and emotional, pretty short. one of the two protags is gay, but the book is not about that at all--it's really about sam.
tw abuse, torture, sexual abuse/pedophilia (its a book about kidnapping), a scene with questionable consent bw two minors
tw abuse, torture, sexual abuse/pedophilia (its a book about kidnapping), a scene with questionable consent bw two minors
llyrrhiannon's review
4.0
4.75 This story seemed very close to the "I know my name is Sam" story/film, but I appreciated that an alternate chapter voice wasn't the victim, but his childhood friend who harbors a painful secret and his sister. I was very much engaged and even lost track of time reading this novel. Give to those who want to read about realistic fiction.
nicolem93's review
5.0
Ugh this was like one thousand punches to the gut and flutters in the heart all at the same time. Some of it was hard to read, but I laughed and cried and the title was so, so fitting. I bought this book months ago and kept neglecting to read it, but I got it done in one day, two sittings, once I started.
sorokowskij's review
2.0
An intriguing idea, but poorly executed. Everything about this story was just a bit off, and there were a few problematic sections that were never addressed again. However, I didn’t abandon it because I wanted to find out what eventually happens with all the characters - Sam, of course, and Josh in particular drew me in. Unfortunately, the ending was also unsatisfactory.
ionno's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
thatlibrarynerd's review
2.0
I suppose this book was... meh? It was fine, a little repetitive and lacking in any real rising action, more like slice-of-life post-kidnapping. A lot is either not address or not dealt with, it's just kind of there, and ultimately the idea of Sam being healed felt anti-climactic and not like the point.
heathermassareads's review
3.0
Sam disappeared three years ago, abducted. Now he's been found. He's different, as one would imagine.
The interesting thing here, though, is that the story is told through the perspective of two alternating characters - Sam's older sister, Beth and the last person to see Sam before he disappeared, Josh. They both carry a lot of guilt, and they're both trying to resolve it.
I guess I feel like their is so much unresolved, but, hey. That's life.
The interesting thing here, though, is that the story is told through the perspective of two alternating characters - Sam's older sister, Beth and the last person to see Sam before he disappeared, Josh. They both carry a lot of guilt, and they're both trying to resolve it.
I guess I feel like their is so much unresolved, but, hey. That's life.