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A review by aforestofbooks
Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Juniper and Thorn is a book you won't be able to put down. It's darkness draws you in and grips you, not letting go until the last page. I haven't read a book this fast in ages.
I haven't read Ava's other book, but I fell in love with the writing style. I think it was the main reason I could not put the book down.
This book is dark and disturbing and will definitely make you uncomfortable. But I also think it speaks a truth that may be difficult to put to words for a lot of people. Just like Marlinchen aches for answers, I think her story also brings to light the truth for so many survivors of abuse.
You ever love/hate a book because you feel attacked, but also relate, and hate that you relate, but also it puts words to your experiences and makes you feel Seen. This book did that. It left me with so much to think about, especially with how girls are sexualized from a young age and how this affects them throughout their childhood and into their adulthood. But what I appreciated the most was the commentary on emotional abuse and manipulation...of taking someone's innocence and naiveté and using it for your own purposes, and them blaming them for being silent and passive as a result. Of creating a picture of a world/life that is dangerous to keep someone scared and submissive. This book did that and I'm still a little shocked and at a loss for words.
While aspects of this book are disturbing and difficult to read, I am glad I went into this openminded and aware of different experiences and reactions to those experiences. In a way, it helps you understand your own ugly and dark thoughts better, and maybe makes you feel less alone.
5/5 stars. I am excited to pick up Ava's other book now.
I haven't read Ava's other book, but I fell in love with the writing style. I think it was the main reason I could not put the book down.
This book is dark and disturbing and will definitely make you uncomfortable. But I also think it speaks a truth that may be difficult to put to words for a lot of people. Just like Marlinchen aches for answers, I think her story also brings to light the truth for so many survivors of abuse.
You ever love/hate a book because you feel attacked, but also relate, and hate that you relate, but also it puts words to your experiences and makes you feel Seen. This book did that. It left me with so much to think about, especially with how girls are sexualized from a young age and how this affects them throughout their childhood and into their adulthood. But what I appreciated the most was the commentary on emotional abuse and manipulation...of taking someone's innocence and naiveté and using it for your own purposes, and them blaming them for being silent and passive as a result. Of creating a picture of a world/life that is dangerous to keep someone scared and submissive. This book did that and I'm still a little shocked and at a loss for words.
While aspects of this book are disturbing and difficult to read, I am glad I went into this openminded and aware of different experiences and reactions to those experiences. In a way, it helps you understand your own ugly and dark thoughts better, and maybe makes you feel less alone.
5/5 stars. I am excited to pick up Ava's other book now.