Scan barcode
ohyes_that_girl's review
4.0
I was hesitant to start a book about a school shooting. I've read a few and I know how emotionally draining the books can feel plowing through with such a heavy topic. While the subject is still indeed heavy, I like how the subject was covered; it was the aftermath of the tragedy. The characters were well developed and the story itself held my attention. The only thing I would add is how the profanity just seemed awkward. I'm all for a good story with some profanity thrown in, but some of it felt out of place and too forced. But overall a fantastic story.
beastreader's review
3.0
It is kind of hard to do reviews on books like this. I am not saying it is hard in the context that the book was bad but more due to the subject matter of school shooting and mental illness. Although, the matter of mental illness is a very serious one and more awareness needs to be brought on this so that people can get the help that they need.
I thought the author did a good job with this book. Stephen and Monica were relatable. In fact, I really got upset some that they were treated so unkindly. However, seeing things from their view does make you think more about the fact that the families of killers are victims as well. To quote from the book "Perception is a powerful thing".
I thought the author did a good job with this book. Stephen and Monica were relatable. In fact, I really got upset some that they were treated so unkindly. However, seeing things from their view does make you think more about the fact that the families of killers are victims as well. To quote from the book "Perception is a powerful thing".
booksnbeanies's review
5.0
Stephen Valley is starting high school in Rockingham, Texas, which wouldn’t be a big deal if his older brother Jude hadn’t shot seven students in the cafeteria just three months earlier. Stephen has no idea why his brother did what he did, other than the fact that he was seriously twisted. Everyone blames Stephen and his mother for Jude’s crime.
Monica Monroe is also dreading starting school at Rockingham High School after the incident in the cafeteria, after Jude killed her sister Simone and Simone’s friends. Monica has has a crush on Stephen since seventh grade and little does she know that he too has had a crush on her. Together they figure out the twisted secrets of their families and Jude’s reason for killing those seven people.
Butterfly Suicide by Mary Ann Loesch is a serious page turner. The story is told by both Stephen and Monica as they figure out the reason behind Jude’s shooting spree. This book is full of surprising secrets that will keep you flipping the pages. This story is full of drama and romance that will keep your on your feet.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loesch did a wonderful job of laying out hints and details leading up to why Jude did what he did. This book is not what I expected from the title but I was not disappointed at any point. I was continuously surprised by the plot while reading this, each plot-twist perfectly placed. I would love to read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Backlit PR for a copy of this book in return for a honest review.
Monica Monroe is also dreading starting school at Rockingham High School after the incident in the cafeteria, after Jude killed her sister Simone and Simone’s friends. Monica has has a crush on Stephen since seventh grade and little does she know that he too has had a crush on her. Together they figure out the twisted secrets of their families and Jude’s reason for killing those seven people.
Butterfly Suicide by Mary Ann Loesch is a serious page turner. The story is told by both Stephen and Monica as they figure out the reason behind Jude’s shooting spree. This book is full of surprising secrets that will keep you flipping the pages. This story is full of drama and romance that will keep your on your feet.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loesch did a wonderful job of laying out hints and details leading up to why Jude did what he did. This book is not what I expected from the title but I was not disappointed at any point. I was continuously surprised by the plot while reading this, each plot-twist perfectly placed. I would love to read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Backlit PR for a copy of this book in return for a honest review.
ruby_roo's review
5.0
I received a free copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book in a few hours. The first book I've read entirely focusing on the long term aftermath of a school shooting, it absolutely blew me away.
Three months ago Stephen's older brother, Jude, shot seven people in the high school cafeteria on the last day of school. Now it's Stephen's first day as a freshman and he has to deal with the hatred of the students and faculty who believe he and his mother should bear the blame for those deaths in Jude's absence.
Three months ago Monica's sister, Simone, was shot by her ex boyfriend, Jude, for breaking up with him. Now Monica faces the attention and whispers of people who want to know what it's really like to lose someone so violently, and how she'll cope attending the school where her sister died.
Stephen and Monica are supposed to stay away from eachother, but there's one problem, they've both been attracted to the other since seventh grade, and their new theatre teacher didn't get the memo and partners them up for a project.
Neither believing the reason given for Jude's attack makes sense, they team up to look for answers, but some people really don't believe they should even look at eachother, and the real reason behind Jude's shooting might destroy their relationship, and rip apart both their families.
This book was brilliant, I can't say what I loved about it without spoiling it, but it's a fascinating look at what life might be like for the ones left behind after a school shooting. Reading about Jude growing up was enlightening, and when you find out the real reason he did what he did, you'll start to think that maybe Jude is the only one to blame for those deaths, but who helped make him so angry? And when you finally learn the meaning behind the title, it's absolutely chilling.
I devoured this book in a few hours. The first book I've read entirely focusing on the long term aftermath of a school shooting, it absolutely blew me away.
Three months ago Stephen's older brother, Jude, shot seven people in the high school cafeteria on the last day of school. Now it's Stephen's first day as a freshman and he has to deal with the hatred of the students and faculty who believe he and his mother should bear the blame for those deaths in Jude's absence.
Three months ago Monica's sister, Simone, was shot by her ex boyfriend, Jude, for breaking up with him. Now Monica faces the attention and whispers of people who want to know what it's really like to lose someone so violently, and how she'll cope attending the school where her sister died.
Stephen and Monica are supposed to stay away from eachother, but there's one problem, they've both been attracted to the other since seventh grade, and their new theatre teacher didn't get the memo and partners them up for a project.
Neither believing the reason given for Jude's attack makes sense, they team up to look for answers, but some people really don't believe they should even look at eachother, and the real reason behind Jude's shooting might destroy their relationship, and rip apart both their families.
This book was brilliant, I can't say what I loved about it without spoiling it, but it's a fascinating look at what life might be like for the ones left behind after a school shooting. Reading about Jude growing up was enlightening, and when you find out the real reason he did what he did, you'll start to think that maybe Jude is the only one to blame for those deaths, but who helped make him so angry? And when you finally learn the meaning behind the title, it's absolutely chilling.
laikynmeng's review
5.0
Applause Appluase
This book brings about a lot of critical.issues. Facing not only our own fears but the fears others place on us.
The monologue at the end deserves a standing ovation. Good comes from this, greatness will evolve from her words.
This book brings about a lot of critical.issues. Facing not only our own fears but the fears others place on us.
The monologue at the end deserves a standing ovation. Good comes from this, greatness will evolve from her words.
katkinney's review
5.0
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Backlit PR for allowing me to read and review this fabulous gem by Mary Ann Loesch. "Butterfly Suicide" is set in the aftermath of a school shooting, told from the perspective of two teens, the brother of the shooter, and the sister of one of the victims, which are great dual perspectives. What a fabulous job Loesch does of capturing the wide range of emotions festering in these two adolescents, in these two families, and in this small Texas town destroyed by what has happened.
Monica's perspective and the deep look into the twisted familial problems driving her end of the story, is of course, fascinating. But the real voice in this is Steven's, and I loved the way the author kept the twists and turns coming all the way until the end. A great read!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Monica's perspective and the deep look into the twisted familial problems driving her end of the story, is of course, fascinating. But the real voice in this is Steven's, and
Spoiler
the rightful rage he feels after spending the first thirteen years of his life living in fear of an unstable family member, never protected, and then having everyone in town turn on him and subject him to further physical abuse, as if he is to blame for Jude's rampage.Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.
chrissycracksabook's review
4.0
An amazing tale of survival after a school shooting. The perspectives of a member of the shooter's family and a victim's family are impressive and touching. loved this book.
jennyreads66's review
3.0
Good book, but the parents are beyond screwed up. I wish it focused more on the students
More...