A review by cortanasreadingnook
The ordeal of being known by Malia Rose

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

First and foremost, I would like to thank the author Malia Rose for sending me an early review copy of her debut novel in exhange for an honest review.

Please support this author. She is a proud Palestinian and supports the liberation of Palestine 🇵🇸 

What’s the book about? 
  • golden retriever x black cat 
  • he fell first and he fell harder
  • bookworm/athlete guy x artist girl 
  • bisexual, palestinian fmc 
  • mute mmc
  • diverse and queer cast of characters
  • found family 

Please check all CWs/TWs before getting into this book as it heavily tackles abuse, school shootings, and trauma.

This book is none other than a story about recovery and acceptance that it was as if all your vulnerabilities were laid bare to someone and you were finally listened to. That’s how Jess and Layla made me feel. This book is for the ones who grew up in suffocating households and for those who were made to feel like they are never enough to be loved like the books. This book is definitely one of the more emotional romance reads I’ve had this year. But even though we’re aware that it’s not easy moving forward, setting boundaries to protect yourself is not necessarily a bad thing, but getting help is the best way to leave it behind. It also made me realize how that humans can feel that desperation to fall in love and that it’s okay to want that. What I loved the most about this book was the emphasis on how love is freely given, especially to those who need it. The Ordeal of Being Known is a story of slowly letting go and just allowing oneself to live. Most importantly, it will teach you to acknowledge yourself and your needs above everything else. 

I felt like I actually went to therapy (this book did a better job in two days than my psychiatrist did in four weeks)  
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