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yourbookishbff's review against another edition
5.0
This narrative structure also helps the reader understand the slow boil of abuse and sheds light on the ways people wield power within relationships. It is a heart wrenching examination of the isolation, emotional manipulation, bullying and gaslighting of emotional abuse in particular. I also really appreciated the reflections on language and pop culture (the origin story of the term gaslighting was new to me and fascinating).
This is a horrifying and beautifully written memoir that will resonate with those who appreciate nonlinear reflections. I particularly loved the use of second person to address her younger self, and the simultaneous distance and intimacy this created for her as she examines this part of her life.
I would also note that the audiobook is narrated by Machado and I highly recommend this format.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Biphobia, Fatphobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual content
abigailstone10's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Biphobia, Blood, Grief, and Homophobia
vrhayes08's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence, Cursing, Stalking, Alcohol, and Biphobia
Minor: Drug use and Pregnancy
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Lesbophobia, Medical content, and Vomit
Moderate: Animal death, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, Biphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual assault, Rape, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, and Confinement
Minor: Dementia, Pandemic/Epidemic, War, Bullying, Gun violence, and Stalking
hoolen's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, and Body shaming
Minor: Biphobia
sunshine_sophia's review against another edition
5.0
as someone who works in the domestic violence/sexual violence awareness realm, this was poignant and applicable to my work. relationship violence is already something that many people shy away from and would rather brush under the rug. queer relationship violence is even more scarce when it comes to discussions around it (or lack thereof). Machado beautifully shows the light on queer domestic violence with her own powerful story paralleled by literature and research. not only was it moving but it was also educational.
i listened to the audiobook, narrated by Machado herself, which made it more personal. overall, this was an incredibly moving and thought-provoking read. i would recommend this book to queer individuals, especially women loving women individuals, and allies and supporters alike. we must shine a light on relationship violence, especially in marginalized communities.
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Biphobia and Lesbophobia
mdwsn27's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Fatphobia, Vomit, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, and Biphobia
breadbummer's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, Alcohol, Physical abuse, and Animal death
Minor: Biphobia, Vomit, Religious bigotry, and Blood
jadejeanne's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Homophobia and Biphobia
Minor: Fatphobia
scifi_rat's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
Minor: Death, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Infidelity, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Biphobia, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cancer, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Vomit, Fatphobia, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Cursing, Grief, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, and Torture