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mommyandme_bookclub's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Oof. Immediately, I knew this was going to be a book that would make me want to throw it against the wall.
An absolute gut punch. This book is sharp, poignant and so very necessary. My stomach was in complete knots as Jade’s story unfolded. Lee writes with purpose and powerfully raw energy in this thought-provoking exploration of identity and the far-reaching effects of sexual assault.
This was certainly not an easy read. Yet, Lee beautifully weaves together complex themes as she captures the barrage of emotions and intrusive thoughts of a woman grappling with the effects of trauma.
I recommend reading this one with care. Thank you so much @bakers.bookends for being an emotional sounding board and buddy as we read this together. 🫶🏻🥹
And thank you @simonbooks #SimonBooksBuddy for the #gifted copy!
eleos01's review against another edition
It triggered me and made me nauseated. Vomited due to it (and periods).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
kidbones's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
carlynclark's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
liamckenzie's review
4.0
4.5⭐️ I really loved this book. I found myself sighing, getting angry, having to close the book to calm down...relatable on so many levels, a must read!
karenh123's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
madgerdes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I stayed up until midnight to finish this book because it was stressing me out so much
breanneporter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was hard to read but extremely compelling. I’m between a 4/4.5 but I’m rounding up because of how much I thought about this novel in between reading sessions, and how quickly I finished it. It follows Ceyda, the successful lawyer daughter of Korean and Turkish immigrant parents, in thr weeks and months after she was SA’d by a coworker at her prestigious law firm. It focuses a lot on the relationship between her and her long term (white, wealthy) boyfriend, Kit, as they struggle to communicate and move forward together after Jade’s trauma, and how this event brings several red flags to the surface. It also describes in detail her mental health challenges and the professional repercussions she faces in the aftermath.
The subject matter is difficult to stomach, and the author does not shy away from describing the body trauma, but I think it’s a really excellent examination of how this kind of violent assault can have far-reaching effects beyond physical pain, and really paints a picture of the types of mental and emotional (and relational and professional) issues that survivors face. The novel is also a searing commentary on the prevailing impact that race and misogyny has when it comes to who is protected and who is punished, and how even “nice, feminist guys” are often (willfully) oblivious to how they can benefit from or simply ignore actions that cause harm to women, and especially to women of color. Very impressed by this debut and will look out for more from this author.
The subject matter is difficult to stomach, and the author does not shy away from describing the body trauma, but I think it’s a really excellent examination of how this kind of violent assault can have far-reaching effects beyond physical pain, and really paints a picture of the types of mental and emotional (and relational and professional) issues that survivors face. The novel is also a searing commentary on the prevailing impact that race and misogyny has when it comes to who is protected and who is punished, and how even “nice, feminist guys” are often (willfully) oblivious to how they can benefit from or simply ignore actions that cause harm to women, and especially to women of color. Very impressed by this debut and will look out for more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Alcohol, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Domestic abuse
winstonandbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0