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A review by pepperpot66
The Burning by Laura Bates
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
As an adult it did not necessarily challenge me; however that's not the reason why I read this book. As a teacher of teenagers, I always like to delve into young adult books so that I can make recommendations to my students. (Ironically, this one happened to be recommended to me by one of my students!)
It really encapsulates the mob mentality around teenagers and the lengths some will go to, to feel superior over others. There is a subtle nod to misogynistic attitudes towards young women and victim blaming culture, but it's not super overpowering in my opinion. I think this allows young girls to make up their own mind.
I love to the idea that the main character, through researching a historical figure accused of witchcraft, would learn about and resonate with victim blaming culture. I think I would have liked more focus on that side of the story as someone who's really interested in that part of history myself.
This would make an absolutely incredible movie or Netflix series of some kind! I think it's a really good book for young girls to read but also mothers of young girls to read and discuss with them about the realities of being a teenage girl in the modern day.
It really encapsulates the mob mentality around teenagers and the lengths some will go to, to feel superior over others. There is a subtle nod to misogynistic attitudes towards young women and victim blaming culture, but it's not super overpowering in my opinion. I think this allows young girls to make up their own mind.
I love to the idea that the main character, through researching a historical figure accused of witchcraft, would learn about and resonate with victim blaming culture. I think I would have liked more focus on that side of the story as someone who's really interested in that part of history myself.
This would make an absolutely incredible movie or Netflix series of some kind! I think it's a really good book for young girls to read but also mothers of young girls to read and discuss with them about the realities of being a teenage girl in the modern day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Death of parent