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A review by momadvice
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This backlist book has been on my reading bucket list for years, and it appears partially inspired by the Duggar family's rise and fall within the public eye.
Essie is a seventeen-year-old daughter of an evangelical preacher and is now grappling with a secret pregnancy that threatens to unravel their TV world.
To control the narrative, the family agrees to quickly marry Essie to pass the pregnancy off as a product of their union. As another family is desperately strapped for cash and wants their son to further his education, this large sum is pivotal to their livelihood.
As the readers uncover the mystery behind this pregnancy, they grapple with how reality TV and a seemingly perfect family can harbor such dark secrets. As Essie isn't the only one hiding a few secrets, I can promise a few reveals from her betrothed.
While it wasn't my favorite of the month, readers who love a behind-the-scenes experience with a reality TV show in their literature will find this a great addition. Pair it with the memoir Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar for a perfect book pairing.
Essie is a seventeen-year-old daughter of an evangelical preacher and is now grappling with a secret pregnancy that threatens to unravel their TV world.
To control the narrative, the family agrees to quickly marry Essie to pass the pregnancy off as a product of their union. As another family is desperately strapped for cash and wants their son to further his education, this large sum is pivotal to their livelihood.
As the readers uncover the mystery behind this pregnancy, they grapple with how reality TV and a seemingly perfect family can harbor such dark secrets. As Essie isn't the only one hiding a few secrets, I can promise a few reveals from her betrothed.
While it wasn't my favorite of the month, readers who love a behind-the-scenes experience with a reality TV show in their literature will find this a great addition. Pair it with the memoir Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar for a perfect book pairing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault