A review by ladykatka
The Teacher by Freida McFadden

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

The whole thing is a spoiler because I'm going to rant on this book. Be warned.

what the actual f*CK was the ii s book? There isn't a single likeable character in the whole thing. What exactly is the author trying to say about grooming children? What are we the reader's supposed to walk away feeling? None of this makes any damn sense. I can understand Addie being groomed and manipulated into not wanting to tell but did she also need to be a stalker? Were we not supposed to be on her side in this book? How can she be likeable when in the beginning of the book she stalked a teacher who was nice to her and then he was fired due to inappropriate rumours? How are we supposed to like her when she killed her father (accident) but then abandoned the scene? Clearly Nate is horrible because he is a child groomer who àbused his power as a teacher to manipulate and assault them. But just in case he has supporters out there saying 'age of consent" or whatever, it is made sure to be written in that he abused another girl when she was 14. And it was really clear that he had done it to others, duh. However I did think that was why Lotus was trying to reach out to Addie but it wasn't. Eve, also terrible, no innocent victim there. She could have been just a strict teacher who was trying her best in a loveless marriage and tried to help a girl in trouble. A no good deed goes unpunished situation. But, oh no, she is also having an affair with a highschool student. Wtf? And no way she doesn't know he is a high school student, he is the god damn star quarterback of the school she teaches at. Sure, you could argue that some schools have 2000 kids at them and a teacher can't know everyone. But the rising star quarterback on the football team? Give me a break. Oh and he doesn't get off the hook either, he has helped cover up not one but two deaths/murders, and he not only covered them up but actively participates in a complete murder and doesn't even bat an eye. Unlike Addie, who at least feels remorse, he seems to feel nothing. That kid is clearly a psychopath. Geezus. The only reason he isn't a serial killer is he is too busy with school, football, his job and babysitting his sibling. Good grief. Oh and to top it all off Eve met Nate when she was 15 when he was her teacher! *internal screaming*

I wanted to read this book but was immediately repulsed when. I found out the subject matter. I finished it hoping for a satisfying end. Not what I got. I feel disgusted by the whole thing and need a shower.