Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

4 reviews

wickedgrumpy's review against another edition

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No

2.0

Decidedly meh.  I wasn't sure if a novella was supposed to have me on Warner's side, making him seem sympathetic and empathetic to Juliette.  There was like creepy obsessive stalker vibes from both of her love interests with insta-love on their part and it was just a bit too cringe for my tastes.  I'm semi interested in the world and plot of the overall story so I might read spoilers for the series but I do not plan to continue reading.

This is not to say that the writing is bad.  I think the way the author uses metaphor is very vibrant and evocative and honestly paints a picture with phrases and repetition.  I just cannot get over the juvenile relationship angst.  Oh well.  Not for me, but could be for thee.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Stalking, Medical content, Medical trauma, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Classism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Death, Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Grief, Abandonment, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Gun violence, and Police brutality

chloelj27's review

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Child abuse, Alcoholism, and Gun violence

jen1804's review

dark informative reflective sad fast-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

4.5

And just like that I’m a little bit in love with Aaron Warner!
What a fantastic use of a novella, I appreciated these 108 pages so much oh my goodness. Love loved Aaron’s POV and discovering parts of the story we already know but from his perspective, helping me warm up to him immensely! He’s just a damaged soul trying to do his best in his bleak circumstances, explanations are given and plot points are expanded on and who knew, Aaron Warner actually has a good heart. Part of me feels protective of him.
I also adored the insight into Juliette’s journal entries that she kept whilst she was isolated in the asylum, further cementing the chaotic thoughts she had, and the empathetic way that Aaron reacted to reading these. Loved. Looking forward to book 2 after this complex and layered character development of Aaron. Thank you Mafi.
Satisfactory ending? Cliffhanger, yes.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, and Child abuse

Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Murder

Minor: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

that_reader_naomi's review

dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Gun violence, and Physical abuse

Minor: Alcoholism