On the bookshelf in February
The first book I read was All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood (I got it on kindle unlimited). Wowza I have so many thoughts on this book & I don’t even know how to untangle all of them in my brain, because let me tell you, this book was so bizarre. I think we can all agree that when we read / see / experience something that makes us question our morals & why we’ve chosen them, it can be pretty uncomfortable. That’s exactly what I experienced while reading this book.
It was confusing because there is a relationship that takes place that I would typically say is not only unethical, but also inappropriate. However, one thing I’ve learned as a middle school counselor, is that hearing the perspective of a child’s heart can make you change your mind. I found myself questioning myself & if the questionable relationship was really “that bad”. When I think from an outside point of view, the answer is an obvious & loud YES. But hearing it from the main character, Wavy, I’m not so sure. Which then made me annoyed at myself & honestly a little sick to my stomach.
Y’all know that I love a good drama story & human struggle, & this book definitely falls under that category.
Also, this book should come with a trigger warning — it’s incredibly graphic & includes child sexual exploitation. There where multiple times where I would physically cringe or have to set the book down based on the content.
If you’ve read this book, what’re your thoughts?
The second book I read was Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas. It’s on kindle unlimited, btw! Let me just start out this review by saying that this book is VERY rated R & basically pornographic in my opinion. There were several parts that made me feel super icky & were uncomfortable to read. The book follows two main characters, Ryen & Misha, who start out their friendship being assigned to one another as pen pals. They end up writing letters to each other for seven years before finally meeting in person. & when they do meet, are they truly the type of person they’ve been portraying themselves as in their letters? All of this, & more, comes to light throughout the book. There was a huge plot twist right at the end that I didn’t see coming at all, but I don’t want to give anything away. My mom & I both gave it two stars.
The third book I read was Spilled Milk by K. L. Randis. This one is also on kindle unlimited. This book needs to come with a big huge trigger warning: child sexual abuse story ahead. As a school counselor who has been fairly educated on this topic, I felt that it was phenomenally written, in all areas. While I do not feel like I’m necessarily numb to these types of stories, I have heard my fair share & am only in my second year as a counselor. They never get easier to hear, but I am always reminded of the resiliency that embodies these survivors.
The book is written from the perspective of Brooke Nolan, who is molested by her father. When it comes to these types of incestuous relationships, it’s very easy to ask “why” the victim didn’t come forward. Brooke explains her thought process & about why she didn’t report sooner. She also described the court process, & how confusing & frustrating it can be, perfectly. Ever bit of this book was spot on. That is why even though it was incredibly difficult to read, I felt that it was beautifully written. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who works with children. I gave it five out of five stars (my mom gave it three out of five stars).
The last book I read was Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. This one is also on kindle unlimited. I’ve always been a pretty black & white person, especially when it comes to the justice system. Right is right & wrong is wrong. However, being a counselor & hearing a lot of different stories has softened my edges a little — there may even be a little grey in there. This book totally fit that. It’s about a woman named Kenna who makes a really really bad choice that results in the death of her boyfriend & father of her unborn child. Like I tell my students, every action has a consequence — some are good, some are bad. Kenna has to face up to her consequences & she ends up going to jail for her role in her boyfriend’s death. Towards the beginning of her time in jail, she gives birth to a daughter. The book mainly focuses on Kenna’s quest to reconnect with her daughter, but like all good books, there’s a love story, betrayal, & a whole lot of drama. My mom & I both gave this book four out of five stars.
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