bella613's Reviews (551)

The lust came on a little too fast, too strong for me. I had to skip some parts because there was too much.. and zoned out in other parts because it was too meh. But the banter was funny and I liked her family a lot. Good narrator. 

So good! 
I definitely binged this pretty fast for a daily pass webtoon because there's 10 ad passes per day. I couldn't stop reading it!
The art is incredible and the characters are pretty toxic but also lovable at the same time? The storytelling is great and I hope for more from Haemuri-nim. 

I'm going to stop listening and get this in digital form or find a different narrator if I can. 

This narrator is a good reader and has a nice voice but doesn't even try to say the names properly. I don't expect all that much but names are more important than other words and it's my opinion you should try to say them how they're meant to be said. I know it's just a book but it was bothering me so I'll stop here for now.

Amazing book! 
Some parts of the story were frustrating and I kept wishing I could reach out and shake the characters for their communication problems. But it kind of added to the enjoyment in a way too. There's not too much gore but plenty of mystery and scare factor. Very well written, and the narrator of the audiobook is perfect; it was pleasant to listen to. I'd highly recommend :) 

This is a very well written story, by and about someone who overcame an intensely horrible foundation in life to become stable and successful. 
I won't say I liked it, though. 
The last third or so was the best out of the book- tbh I would have rated the first half 2 stars. This might be because the beginning events take place before she could possibly remember them. 

I know it's a memoir, and it's her perspective on her own life, but something I can't quite put into words to felt off about it. It reads very casually, in parts that are clearly not lighthearted. Some people described it as straightforward writing style but it felt more detached to me. I obviously dont know the facts of her life but I felt the distinct impression of someone exaggerating, not necessarily to gain sympathy or praise, but more because they actually see themselves as the main character of the world. The whole family is clearly very intelligent (even though both parents are extremely closed minded, selfish, and arguably psychotic) and the kids took a lot of initiative despite never being taught or shown any responsibility. 
I think the biggest thing that made it difficult for me to relate and/or take something from this book is that the people in it don't feel real. Walls describes everyone in her life as very clear good vs bad characters- there are the evil ones and the victims, and no in between. And despite this, she shows almost no resentment and describes no clear forgiveness. Everything that was done to the children is swept away and they sort of just act like nothing happened once they are on their own. There's no boundaries set but there's also no reconciliation. 

I listened to the audiobook, which the author reads herself. I would have preferred a different reader but I would say I'm glad I listened rather than reading it in physical copy. 

This was predictable, but quite thoughtful. I liked it but it got a little slow in the 3rd quarter or so. It's definitely similar themes to other books by this author. Well written characters. I loved Tommy and hated Ruth. I'd recommend it, especially for book club discussion.