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A review by kimmmy
The Places I've Cried in Public by Holly Bourne
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh boy. I never thought a YA novel would hit differently in my almost late 20s phase. There are not enough words to encapsulate what I truly felt about this book. I wish I had read this when I was a teenager, not because I could completely relate to Amelie, but because it would have prepared me for the warning signs and red flags in a relationship.
In a nutshell, TPICIP is extremely upsetting and traumatizing, yet an eye-opening book. It's written in a flashback narrative with a delicate prose and inner monologue of the protagonist that pierced my heart. This book covers sensitive topics, including public breakdowns and debunking the misconception that crying is a sign of weakness. It emphasizes the effects of abuse in all forms, stages of grief, the significance of asking for professional help, having a strong support system, setting boundaries, and learning to trust our guts.
As much as I'm annoyed with Reese, I'd like to focus more on Amelie. She reminded me of those stubborn friends wherein you would say, "Kahit ilang beses mo iuntog sa pader, masyadong matibay ang suot na helmet." Sounds familiar? We Filipinos know this as a joke when someone isn't thinking rationally. No matter how many times you make some sense, it won't work because her thoughts are clouded. She fell hard until she hit rock bottom, but the imaginary helmet she was wearing was so sturdy that it didn't break. No one is an expert on the subject of love, but what is love anyway? Obviously, it isn't controlling, manipulating, or gaslighting. It doesn't take you for granted. And it's not love when you constantly cry. (Srsly, are you dating an onion?)
Despite the push-pull cycle, Amelie found the road to recovery and reclaiming herself. It was indeed a long and excruciating process, but one that was necessary and worth it. I felt light and free by the end, like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and a wave of relief washed over me.
Whether it's young girls or adult women, this book applies to anyone who is confined to toxic relationships. To those who fall into a trap and are blinded by obsession, thinking what they have is one great love. There are real-life Amelies, and if you're one of them, I hope you muster up the courage to walk away from people and relationships you don't deserve. When you feel something is wrong, don't ignore your guts, because if you don't end the cycle, then who will? And if you're a Reese, seriously, you need some help!
Hands down to Holly Bourne for having the guts to write this phenomenal book. It's so underrated! It's one that I'll forever remember and treasure. That ending was a chef's kiss! I couldn't ask for a better ending. I'm torn in between recommending this and not. But pls, pls consider the tw first before diving in. I couldn't help but think of Taylor's and Olivia's songs while reading.
A deeply affecting and powerful novel, The Places I've Cried in Public appears to be shallow and immature in the beginning, but it is an in-depth analysis of how and why toxic relationships work, and more importantly, how to end a vicious cycle.
In a nutshell, TPICIP is extremely upsetting and traumatizing, yet an eye-opening book. It's written in a flashback narrative with a delicate prose and inner monologue of the protagonist that pierced my heart. This book covers sensitive topics, including public breakdowns and debunking the misconception that crying is a sign of weakness. It emphasizes the effects of abuse in all forms, stages of grief, the significance of asking for professional help, having a strong support system, setting boundaries, and learning to trust our guts.
As much as I'm annoyed with Reese, I'd like to focus more on Amelie. She reminded me of those stubborn friends wherein you would say, "Kahit ilang beses mo iuntog sa pader, masyadong matibay ang suot na helmet." Sounds familiar? We Filipinos know this as a joke when someone isn't thinking rationally. No matter how many times you make some sense, it won't work because her thoughts are clouded. She fell hard until she hit rock bottom, but the imaginary helmet she was wearing was so sturdy that it didn't break. No one is an expert on the subject of love, but what is love anyway? Obviously, it isn't controlling, manipulating, or gaslighting. It doesn't take you for granted. And it's not love when you constantly cry. (Srsly, are you dating an onion?)
Despite the push-pull cycle, Amelie found the road to recovery and reclaiming herself. It was indeed a long and excruciating process, but one that was necessary and worth it. I felt light and free by the end, like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and a wave of relief washed over me.
Whether it's young girls or adult women, this book applies to anyone who is confined to toxic relationships. To those who fall into a trap and are blinded by obsession, thinking what they have is one great love. There are real-life Amelies, and if you're one of them, I hope you muster up the courage to walk away from people and relationships you don't deserve. When you feel something is wrong, don't ignore your guts, because if you don't end the cycle, then who will? And if you're a Reese, seriously, you need some help!
Hands down to Holly Bourne for having the guts to write this phenomenal book. It's so underrated! It's one that I'll forever remember and treasure. That ending was a chef's kiss! I couldn't ask for a better ending. I'm torn in between recommending this and not. But pls, pls consider the tw first before diving in. I couldn't help but think of Taylor's and Olivia's songs while reading.
A deeply affecting and powerful novel, The Places I've Cried in Public appears to be shallow and immature in the beginning, but it is an in-depth analysis of how and why toxic relationships work, and more importantly, how to end a vicious cycle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Rape, and Toxic relationship