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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
Second half was much more interesting and faster paced than the first. Definitely an emotionally challenging read.
medium-paced
I get what the author was trying to do but most of it feels gross and voyeuristic instead of worthwhile to read. Seems like it will deal with privilege and racism but actually never really does, making the whole read tiring and offensive.
(TW - SA) This book draws you in because your are getting a sexual assault case from the view point of the accused person’s sister. It explores the gray area of these cases very well (and tests some of your own bias). There is obviously a twist and it’s a big one. If you liked the tv shows The Undoing or Anatomy of a Scandal you will probably enjoy this.
I feel kind of guilty for rating this 5⭐️. But this was so good and if the authors goal was to get you to hate most of the characters, then they accomplished just that. I thought this was so entertaining and juicy.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
•contemporary lit•courtroom drama•disturbingly dysfunctional family•unlikable characters•the dark side of love•twisty & definitely twisted•single POV•
•This story is about a rape and so much more. It won’t be for everybody, but I was fixated on it despite, or perhaps because, it tended to resemble a train wreck.
•Marin Ireland's narration was superb as always.
•My Score 7.77/10•
This one was not for me. I did not care about any of the characters. I suspect that the author made the characters unlikeable on purpose, but if so, then the plot should be riveting. This plot was slow to start and the big secret was hinted at so many times that it was no big surprise when it was revealed. And even then, I did not care.
As the description says, Billy is accused of raping his ex-girlfriend. I won’t post any spoilers, but the book follows this case and makes alarming portrayals that mirror Brock Turner and his case.
I do think it is important to acknowledge both sides of any situation, but this was so saturated with “pretty, shiny people” that it comes off much differently than I envision the author goals might have been.
Having said that, the victim takes the stand and the questions made me want to puke. Same for her BFF. I can see how it may be pointing out a stereotype, but it is also safe to say we all know the stereotypes. Further “glorifying” them is dangerous.
The bullshit with Cassie and Lawrence - again no spoilers - absolutely disgusting. There was nothing redeeming about this entire storyline. Not only was it completely unnecessary, it perpetuates so many stereotypes and victim blames/shames.
In the end, there is no true effort to break down stereotypes, stop victim blaming/shaming, break down the stigma of groomed girls, and the victim is portrayed as sheepish and weak, further perpetuating that fallacy as well.
I stuck with it in hopes that there would be some lesson learned, stereotypes challenged, healing/help/hope for Cassie, different outcome for Billy - either the opposite verdict or something to support the verdict. Absolutely grossed out and painfully disappointed in this book.
I do think it is important to acknowledge both sides of any situation, but this was so saturated with “pretty, shiny people” that it comes off much differently than I envision the author goals might have been.
Having said that, the victim takes the stand and the questions made me want to puke. Same for her BFF. I can see how it may be pointing out a stereotype, but it is also safe to say we all know the stereotypes. Further “glorifying” them is dangerous.
The bullshit with Cassie and Lawrence - again no spoilers - absolutely disgusting. There was nothing redeeming about this entire storyline. Not only was it completely unnecessary, it perpetuates so many stereotypes and victim blames/shames.
In the end, there is no true effort to break down stereotypes, stop victim blaming/shaming, break down the stigma of groomed girls, and the victim is portrayed as sheepish and weak, further perpetuating that fallacy as well.
I stuck with it in hopes that there would be some lesson learned, stereotypes challenged, healing/help/hope for Cassie, different outcome for Billy - either the opposite verdict or something to support the verdict. Absolutely grossed out and painfully disappointed in this book.