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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A powerful look--through the lens of fiction--at the grip of addiction and the wide swath of tragedy it cuts through family life.
I didn't hate the book. This is such an important topic, I feel the stories that touch on it should advance the dialog. This story seemed to me like the Hallmark channel version. The characters seemed to be cliches, but you didn't really notice because every situation was a melodramatic cliche. This review is even tempered after I read about the author's own experience with having a son that is an addict.
5 stars for Saving Beck written by Courtney Cole. This was the first novel written by Ms. Cole that I had the pleasure of reading thanks to Netgalley & Galley Books in exchange for an honest review. Saving Beck was a beautifully written yet tragic, heart-wrenching account of addiction from a mother's view. This novel was really emotional and difficult at times to read not because of the characters or Ms. Coles writes, but purely due to the content. If you or somebody you know has been in this situation you will fully understand if you haven't been afflicted by addiction in any means, shape or form it will either spread out your eyes or fix you made and judgmental. I applaud Ms. Cole & would recommend this book to be added to anyone's to read list.
5 Heartbreaking Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book takes a real and raw look at addiction and its impact not only on the addict but the addict’s entire family... Courtney Cole takes you on such an emotional journey with this book... and the fact that she has gone through this with her own son adds so much authenticity to the story.... as a mother I could not help but put myself in Natalie’s (the mother in this book) shoes... I cannot even imagine how helpless you would feel watching your child struggle with any type of addiction much less heroin... addiction has already had an impact on myself and my kids, their father is an addict (not a heroin addict) something that has both hurt them and made them stronger.... but there is a genetic component to addiction and that made this book all the more real and heartbreaking for me....
The book starts with Beck overdosing right in front of his mother Natalie.... Beck goes to the hospital and is placed in a medically induced coma... The story is told from both Beck and Natalie‘s perspectives.... I thought this was very effective, because we got both sides of the story leading up to the overdose... Beck was a stereotypical all-American boy... a good student, an athlete, has a lovely girlfriend, and a loving family... not what you picture when you think addict, but I’m sure as we all know addiction does not discriminate... after the family goes through a major tragedy and Natalie falls apart Beck is left to pick up the pieces... and really your heart breaks for him as he slowly makes the dissent into drug addiction....
This book really is about much more than just addiction... it is about forgiveness, acceptance, love, and hope... it really makes you think and ask the hard questions, and face the realization that there are some things that are simply out of your control as a parent.... there were times in this book I really found it hard not to judge Natalie for her actions, but I had to remind myself I have never been through what she has... a broken family trying to put themselves together again after tragedy... A family that could be any family, it could be my family... it could be your family... that’s what made this book so powerful and so real!
This is just a well done book about a very big problem we have in our country... it is not a light fluffy beach read, but an important book that I strongly encourage you to pick up! An emotional heartbreaking journey that will leave you feeling hopeful...
*** many thanks to Gallery for my copy of this wonderful book ***
This book takes a real and raw look at addiction and its impact not only on the addict but the addict’s entire family... Courtney Cole takes you on such an emotional journey with this book... and the fact that she has gone through this with her own son adds so much authenticity to the story.... as a mother I could not help but put myself in Natalie’s (the mother in this book) shoes... I cannot even imagine how helpless you would feel watching your child struggle with any type of addiction much less heroin... addiction has already had an impact on myself and my kids, their father is an addict (not a heroin addict) something that has both hurt them and made them stronger.... but there is a genetic component to addiction and that made this book all the more real and heartbreaking for me....
The book starts with Beck overdosing right in front of his mother Natalie.... Beck goes to the hospital and is placed in a medically induced coma... The story is told from both Beck and Natalie‘s perspectives.... I thought this was very effective, because we got both sides of the story leading up to the overdose... Beck was a stereotypical all-American boy... a good student, an athlete, has a lovely girlfriend, and a loving family... not what you picture when you think addict, but I’m sure as we all know addiction does not discriminate... after the family goes through a major tragedy and Natalie falls apart Beck is left to pick up the pieces... and really your heart breaks for him as he slowly makes the dissent into drug addiction....
This book really is about much more than just addiction... it is about forgiveness, acceptance, love, and hope... it really makes you think and ask the hard questions, and face the realization that there are some things that are simply out of your control as a parent.... there were times in this book I really found it hard not to judge Natalie for her actions, but I had to remind myself I have never been through what she has... a broken family trying to put themselves together again after tragedy... A family that could be any family, it could be my family... it could be your family... that’s what made this book so powerful and so real!
This is just a well done book about a very big problem we have in our country... it is not a light fluffy beach read, but an important book that I strongly encourage you to pick up! An emotional heartbreaking journey that will leave you feeling hopeful...
*** many thanks to Gallery for my copy of this wonderful book ***
A moving story about addiction and how it affects both the addict and the family. A very knowledgeable account, as the author has been through it with her own son. Very cathartic.
I was looking through my 2019 reads and know I read it but never reviewed it or added it to my completed books. I liked it - a fast read.
This book was so real and raw and heartbreaking. I loved it.
I received an earc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an earc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So glad I finally got to this one! This might possibly be the most authentic books I've ever read. I don't think I have the words to adequately review this one. Just wow. Be sure you read the Author's note if you pick this one up!
This book. It had me in tears a few times. Even the authors note at the end. The main characters deal with loss, depression, addiction, and obstacles that really hit you hard. It is so relatable and you can really feel the emotion in the words.