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A review by triple_m
The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I…. think I hated this book? I read it quickly and I thought the writing was pretty good but I hate almost everything about the story. Salem is very ~quirky~ and ✨not like other girls✨ with her Diet Coke addiction and dislike of shopping.
She’s also ✨not like other girls✨ in that she fully cheats on her very nice and loving boyfriend! 🤪 On a real note, it’s fine that her and Caleb were growing in different directions, not many people stay with their high school sweetheart. The issue is that she recognized her crush way before she committed the act of cheating, there was no reason not end things with Caleb sooner.
About the abuse, I think Salem and her sister are way too well adjusted considering they were sexually assaulted by their father. Obviously Salem still has some flashbacks and nightmares but idk. Also, it’s COMPLETELY fair to question why the mom didn’t leave the dad when SHE KNEW. Because he threatened them? Okay? Go to the police. I know it’s not black and white but I can’t imagine her knowing what he was doing in their room with the girls and not feeling sick towards the mother too.
The twist— Forrest’s death was so fucking uncalled for. I didn’t cry because I only wasn’t invested in the child and I just didn’t think the author would kill a 6 year old, so I was mostly in shock. And what was the reason? For the sequel of this book? I just didn’t see the purpose. Forrest’s death doesn’t add anything to the story it just makes it a bummer with no pay off.
The very last scene— Salem is pregnant and I honestly wonder if she planned it. I mean, she was on birth control and had sex several times throughout this story, but the one time she has sex when ML (forgot his name) when he’s withdrawing and giving up on the relationship and she ends up pregnant. Suspicious.
This whole book is whatever and not worth the read unfortunately. Will not be reading the second one.
She’s also ✨not like other girls✨ in that she fully cheats on her very nice and loving boyfriend! 🤪 On a real note, it’s fine that her and Caleb were growing in different directions, not many people stay with their high school sweetheart. The issue is that she recognized her crush way before she committed the act of cheating, there was no reason not end things with Caleb sooner.
About the abuse, I think Salem and her sister are way too well adjusted considering they were sexually assaulted by their father. Obviously Salem still has some flashbacks and nightmares but idk. Also, it’s COMPLETELY fair to question why the mom didn’t leave the dad when SHE KNEW. Because he threatened them? Okay? Go to the police. I know it’s not black and white but I can’t imagine her knowing what he was doing in their room with the girls and not feeling sick towards the mother too.
The twist—
The very last scene—
This whole book is whatever and not worth the read unfortunately. Will not be reading the second one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Sexual assault