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A review by emmalyn_reads
Mad Honey by Jennifer Finney Boylan, Jodi Picoult
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
It took me a few days to process this story and I think I am finally ready to write my review.
This was a HARD story to read with a serious nod to some pretty heavy topics such as domestic abuse, transphobia, suicidal attempts, death, bullying, sexual assault, physical abuse, self harm, child abuse, abortion (briefly mentioned) and murder.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I found it very thought provoking, mysterious, gripping and educational on trans experiences. I went into this book VERY blind (I didn't know what category to set it under lol) and I was very impressed to learn that it was cowritten and you couldn't notice the "hiccup" in the styles what so ever. This is the first Picoult book I wrote and I am happy to say I will return to her.
This very gripping, emotional and dark book covers a lot of dark things, as mentioned above.
I loved the back stories as well. I loved seeing how Olivia, through trauma colored glasses, could see her son doing those things to Lily. Trauma often clouds our perception and what's in front of us in all future relationships and seeing that so broadly shown, unabashedly, was strongly appreciated. I feel that was portrayed well with Olivia and even Lily and even some in Asher.
Things that I really hated about this book that cost it a star: the END. Almost everything about the end of this book pissed me off.
You are REALLY going to wait til the last chapter to show that it was Maya that caused Lily's death and then have her picked up, questioned and AQUITTED. Where tf was Asher's acquittal?? Why did HE get sentenced and tried? Also, why did it take them SO long to get a second opinion on her death certificate? Wouldn't that have been step one? To rule out any underlying medical conditions that might have been missed? Also, I can't help but feel this was a set up to get Mike and Olivia talking, which is just *shudder*.
So overall, a very moving, dark, challenged, sad read but one I thoroughly enjoyed; until the last chapter anyways.
This was a HARD story to read with a serious nod to some pretty heavy topics such as domestic abuse, transphobia, suicidal attempts, death, bullying, sexual assault, physical abuse, self harm, child abuse, abortion (briefly mentioned) and murder.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I found it very thought provoking, mysterious, gripping and educational on
This very gripping, emotional and dark book covers a lot of dark things, as mentioned above.
I loved the back stories as well. I loved seeing how Olivia, through trauma colored glasses, could see her son doing those things to Lily. Trauma often clouds our perception and what's in front of us in all future relationships and seeing that so broadly shown, unabashedly, was strongly appreciated. I feel that was portrayed well with Olivia and even Lily and even some in Asher.
Things that I really hated about this book that cost it a star: the END. Almost everything about the end of this book pissed me off.
So overall, a very moving, dark, challenged, sad read but one I thoroughly enjoyed; until the last chapter anyways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Abandonment, Death, and Hate crime
Minor: Abortion