Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
3.75⭐️ This book was hard to rate and hard to read. I listened to it in the kitchen with my own mom and she and I were both spitting mad. Then we had a lot of difficult conversations. I think this book was well-written and the writing style was easy to digest. The flashbacks of innocent memories being tainted by what we know now was an insightful touch. Often times as victims of assault we look back on memories that at the time were innocent snd good and try to see if we could find where things started going wrong. That, plus the memories that come back without our permission. I like that the girl had a hint of obsessive compulsive behavior disguised as religious/spiritual signage and manifestation. This was overall really accurate unfortunately. The end was somewhat satisfying although I’d liked to have seen more revenge. I also didn’t care much for the last page.
Not what I expected, but a quick read. Pretty disturbing.
This was a Christmas gift that I put off reading--and I'm kind of glad.
To be honest, I was very disappointed. I don't read a lot of books about sexual abuse or pedophilia, and so I thought this might be a good book that would tackle the issue in a way that would justify the victims. It was just... boring. There aren't any nice things I can say about it, (except the main character's number obsession) because the writing failed to sell me the main character (which I think is important, in these kinds of books). I didn't feel the hurt or the anger or the trauma--just the I-want-my-father-to-get-arrested-feeling. I just didn't feel the main character's frustration.
Maybe if I knew someone, or I am someone, who is going through these kinds of things I would be able to sympathise clearer, because clearly this is the only audience the book entertains.
To be honest, I was very disappointed. I don't read a lot of books about sexual abuse or pedophilia, and so I thought this might be a good book that would tackle the issue in a way that would justify the victims. It was just... boring. There aren't any nice things I can say about it, (except the main character's number obsession) because the writing failed to sell me the main character (which I think is important, in these kinds of books). I didn't feel the hurt or the anger or the trauma--just the I-want-my-father-to-get-arrested-feeling. I just didn't feel the main character's frustration.
Maybe if I knew someone, or I am someone, who is going through these kinds of things I would be able to sympathise clearer, because clearly this is the only audience the book entertains.
it's an MTV novel. but other than that, not bad. very nice handling of religion, presenting a diversity of perspective without insulting either side.
the solid, ballsy ending makes up for the rest of it. i love a ballsy ending.
the solid, ballsy ending makes up for the rest of it. i love a ballsy ending.
Oh. My. God. If "Before I Die" and "Leftovers" didn't break your heart, this will.
Ohmygod! I was hooked from the first page! I didn't want to read a book with that kind of content (incest/molest) but couldn't put it down. Weiss does an excellent job of portraying teenagers. Every character was so interesting...
Such a Pretty Girl takes place over the course of just four days. On Friday evening, 15-year old Meredith's father is released from prison, where he served a sentence for child sexual abuse. Meredith was one of his victims.
He returns home to live with Meredith and her mother. The tension builds over the weekend and comes to a head on Monday when Meredith's mother leaves for work.
Meredith is furious that he is allowed to move in with them after what happened and terrified that her father might come after her again. However, unlike many unfortunate young women in similar situations, Meredith is not alone. While her mother is appallingly selfish and deeply in denial, she can count on help from her grandmother, her boyfriend Andy and his mother, and a kindly retired police officer who lives in her apartment complex.
This book was well-written and gripping and the tension led to an ending that is satisfying, though perhaps a bit too neat and perfect in its ironic justice.
I frequently recommend this book to older teen girls who are looking for a book about someone with a tough life situation. However, those who do not like books with gut-wrenching conflict should definitely steer clear of it.
He returns home to live with Meredith and her mother. The tension builds over the weekend and comes to a head on Monday when Meredith's mother leaves for work.
Meredith is furious that he is allowed to move in with them after what happened and terrified that her father might come after her again. However, unlike many unfortunate young women in similar situations, Meredith is not alone. While her mother is appallingly selfish and deeply in denial, she can count on help from her grandmother, her boyfriend Andy and his mother, and a kindly retired police officer who lives in her apartment complex.
This book was well-written and gripping and the tension led to an ending that is satisfying, though perhaps a bit too neat and perfect in its ironic justice.
I frequently recommend this book to older teen girls who are looking for a book about someone with a tough life situation. However, those who do not like books with gut-wrenching conflict should definitely steer clear of it.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes