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rsilverst's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
This was such a fantastic book from start to finish. The closer I got to the end, the more I worried that I would be disappointed, but this book was really well architected.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death, Dysphoria, Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Sexual content, Eating disorder, Grief, Medical content, Transphobia, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Sexual assault
bookishboujeeandbossbabe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is an absolutely heartbreaking story told in dual POVs of Lily and Olivia. Lily is a young woman facing many of the same issues we all did growing up, but her life is cut short when she is murdered. Through her POV, you get to learn about her life - about how strong and brave she was.
Olivia is still healing from a life she left behind, full of abuse from her ex-husband. Her own past and pain clouds her judgment when her son is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Lily. Her desire to protect her son, like she did during the height of her own abuse; but she struggles to separate in her head her son and the pain of her own past.
This book was a mix of my favorite things - mystery, dual POVs, and courtroom scenes that felt so real. The characters were so well done, and the way they unravel the story about both women was captivating.
I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews about the fact that one of the character was a trans woman, and that they felt it was ‘glorification’ of early transition. Why should a transgender character need to be listed as a trigger warning? I’m hoping the more stories we have about the trans community help to educate those that still don’t understand that they’re people looking for validation to be who they truly are- just like the rest of us. We all seek validation in some shape or form.
You don’t have to agree with me, but I do ask that you be respectful of the fact that my page is a safe space for anyone that needs it. Hate has no place here.
Olivia is still healing from a life she left behind, full of abuse from her ex-husband. Her own past and pain clouds her judgment when her son is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Lily. Her desire to protect her son, like she did during the height of her own abuse; but she struggles to separate in her head her son and the pain of her own past.
This book was a mix of my favorite things - mystery, dual POVs, and courtroom scenes that felt so real. The characters were so well done, and the way they unravel the story about both women was captivating.
I’ve seen quite a few negative reviews about the fact that one of the character was a trans woman, and that they felt it was ‘glorification’ of early transition. Why should a transgender character need to be listed as a trigger warning? I’m hoping the more stories we have about the trans community help to educate those that still don’t understand that they’re people looking for validation to be who they truly are- just like the rest of us. We all seek validation in some shape or form.
You don’t have to agree with me, but I do ask that you be respectful of the fact that my page is a safe space for anyone that needs it. Hate has no place here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Murder, Alcoholism, Grief, Eating disorder, and Death
Minor: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Physical abuse
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