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jenmcreads 's review for:
Birds of California
by Katie Cotugno
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
I liked this book for the most part, and at under 300 pages it was a quick read. I did feel the ending was abrupt - either that, or the meat of the story I’d really love would be a sequel to this.
The back blurb talks about this book as being “set against the backdrop of a post-#MeToo Hollywood” and that is apt, but despite hints throughout the text, it’s only explicitly discussed in the last 30 pages or so. The seed of the idea I would love to see explored further is a journalist warning Fiona about what she will face going public, and specifically how she isn’t the “perfect” victim that will have everyone on her side. This a true phenomenon and major problem (see Depp-Heard trials recently…), but it’s all backlash that Fiona will face after this book ends.
What I did like about the book was that the chemistry between the leads felt genuine, sweet, and palpable. I also felt like PTSD was portrayed with accuracy and for the most part, sensitivity. I enjoyed a lot about this book, I just found it left me wanting more.
The back blurb talks about this book as being “set against the backdrop of a post-#MeToo Hollywood” and that is apt, but despite hints throughout the text, it’s only explicitly discussed in the last 30 pages or so. The seed of the idea I would love to see explored further is a journalist warning Fiona about what she will face going public, and specifically how she isn’t the “perfect” victim that will have everyone on her side. This a true phenomenon and major problem (see Depp-Heard trials recently…), but it’s all backlash that Fiona will face after this book ends.
What I did like about the book was that the chemistry between the leads felt genuine, sweet, and palpable. I also felt like PTSD was portrayed with accuracy and for the most part, sensitivity. I enjoyed a lot about this book, I just found it left me wanting more.
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
Minor: Body shaming, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship