A review by bookscoffeetour
Betty, by Tiffany McDaniel
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
CW: rape, death of a child, animal cruelty, death of a parent, suicide attempt, pedophilia, racism, addiction, overdose
I really am not sure how to even write a review for Betty by Tiffany McDaniel. I went into this book not really knowing too much about it. I knew it was highly recommended by a few friends and that it was primarily set in the Ohio Appalachian region.
McDaniel’s story is based in part on her mother’s life story and her writing is hauntingly beautiful as she describes every hardship that Betty and the Carpenter family encounters. The members of the Carpenter family come to life throughout these pages and you feel each and every emotion they feel. The pain, the hurt, the laughter, the love. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book that has so forcefully tugged at my heartstrings.
This book has destroyed me in the best way possible to rebuild my heart in the end. Thank you Tiffany McDaniel for sharing the story of Betty. And of Landon, Lint, Trustin, Fraya, Flossie, Alka. These characters will stick with me long after finishing this book. Please read this book.
Graphic: Abortion, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse and Vomit