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A review by kerriw
Mad Honey by Jennifer Finney Boylan, Jodi Picoult
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In general, I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the writing, mystery, and the education it provided on the trans experience.
Overall, I learned things I didn’t know, and was intrigued as to how this story would play out. The fact that the author’s co wrote this without it seeming disjointed was amazing. And I love how Olivia‘s story moved forward in time, whereas Lily’s story moved backward in time, giving you hints and bits to provide further context.
However, here are my issues with the book. There will be spoilers so just a heads up.
1) The relationship that develops at the end of the book between Olivia and Mike made me roll my eyes. A woman who was previously a domestic abuse victim is gonna be in a relationship with a law enforcement officer?! An occupation that has a much higher rate of partner abuse?!? Come on.
2) The fact that Lily was ill and could have simply fallen down the stairs should have been brought up earlier. Obviously no lawyer is perfect, but the fact that this renowned attorney didn’t even think of that as an option or to get a second opinion seems kinda silly.
3) The revelation about Maya and the subsequent lack of charges seems a bit unrealistic. Even if Ava, the mother, didn’t want to press charges, it seems like the state would? Kinda weird but whatever.
Overall, I learned things I didn’t know, and was intrigued as to how this story would play out. The fact that the author’s co wrote this without it seeming disjointed was amazing. And I love how Olivia‘s story moved forward in time, whereas Lily’s story moved backward in time, giving you hints and bits to provide further context.
However, here are my issues with the book. There will be spoilers so just a heads up.
1) The relationship that develops at the end of the book between Olivia and Mike made me roll my eyes. A woman who was previously a domestic abuse victim is gonna be in a relationship with a law enforcement officer?! An occupation that has a much higher rate of partner abuse?!? Come on.
2) The fact that Lily was ill and could have simply fallen down the stairs should have been brought up earlier. Obviously no lawyer is perfect, but the fact that this renowned attorney didn’t even think of that as an option or to get a second opinion seems kinda silly.
3) The revelation about Maya and the subsequent lack of charges seems a bit unrealistic. Even if Ava, the mother, didn’t want to press charges, it seems like the state would? Kinda weird but whatever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Child death, Murder, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Homophobia, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Abortion, Cursing, Medical content, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Bullying, and Hate crime
Minor: Mass/school shootings, Police brutality, and Sexual harassment