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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
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
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At the end of the day, just look out for yourself and screw everyone else.
What a beautiful moment in time captured by Willy Vlautin. Our protagonist is trying… really trying, and yet it seems that everyone she encounters over the next two days and nights is set against her.
When thinking of Lynette, I’m reminded of the C. S. Lewis quote: “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.” And, boy, do I relate. The memory of an adolescent teenager, struck with depression and anger, crying out to be heard but ignored by those around her—Lynette embodies that raw desperation. She is resilient and strong, though she’s done some questionable things to get there.
Each character felt fleshed out and vital to Lynette’s story. I particularly enjoyed the prolonged monologues; they provided deeper insight into her life and struggles. Her mother, on the other hand, I absolutely despised—entitled, selfish, lazy, and an alcoholic. Though she occasionally pulled Lynette out of her lowest moments, once Lynette found her footing, her mother’s true colours showed, making her failures even more glaring as Lynette reached adulthood.
And Jamie. Poor, beautiful Jamie. Lynette didn’t mean to hurt you—she was on a path of self-sabotage, and you got the brunt of it.
I would have loved to see more of Kenny’s character. Despite being nonverbal, there were moments where Vlautin could have expanded on his presence, offering a deeper sense of his perspective and the impact Lynette had on his life.
Though it’s a quick read—just six hours on audio or around 200 pages—the story feels complete and well-rounded. I found the ending immensely satisfying, leaving me hopeful for the new chapter Lynette will create for herself.
If you enjoy gritty coming-of-age stories, resilient yet flawed female protagonists, and explorations of mental health struggles, then this is a novel well worth your time.
What a beautiful moment in time captured by Willy Vlautin. Our protagonist is trying… really trying, and yet it seems that everyone she encounters over the next two days and nights is set against her.
When thinking of Lynette, I’m reminded of the C. S. Lewis quote: “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.” And, boy, do I relate. The memory of an adolescent teenager, struck with depression and anger, crying out to be heard but ignored by those around her—Lynette embodies that raw desperation. She is resilient and strong, though she’s done some questionable things to get there.
Each character felt fleshed out and vital to Lynette’s story. I particularly enjoyed the prolonged monologues; they provided deeper insight into her life and struggles. Her mother, on the other hand, I absolutely despised—entitled, selfish, lazy, and an alcoholic. Though she occasionally pulled Lynette out of her lowest moments, once Lynette found her footing, her mother’s true colours showed, making her failures even more glaring as Lynette reached adulthood.
And Jamie. Poor, beautiful Jamie. Lynette didn’t mean to hurt you—she was on a path of self-sabotage, and you got the brunt of it.
I would have loved to see more of Kenny’s character. Despite being nonverbal, there were moments where Vlautin could have expanded on his presence, offering a deeper sense of his perspective and the impact Lynette had on his life.
Though it’s a quick read—just six hours on audio or around 200 pages—the story feels complete and well-rounded. I found the ending immensely satisfying, leaving me hopeful for the new chapter Lynette will create for herself.
If you enjoy gritty coming-of-age stories, resilient yet flawed female protagonists, and explorations of mental health struggles, then this is a novel well worth your time.