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I am really disappointed it has taken me so long to read this - it has been on my shelf for over 12 months!
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I want to preface this by stating that true-crime memoirs or accounts, especially those involving kidnapping or woman who make it through horrific circumstances, are my jam. (Yes, I am aware how problematic this part of my wheel-house is, and therefor do try to stick to own-voices accounts where possible – I am all about the survivor controlling the narrative and supporting their right to choose). I also went into this knowing that for the time-frame, it was likely that the people and their families involved in this story were no longer around to tell it themselves. With that caveat in mind, know that I went into this novel expecting a detailed, “suspenseful crime narrative”, juxtaposed with Nabokov’s infamous work.
That is not what this book is.
The details, nuances and overall knowledge of what happened to Sally Horner just did not exist within the pages of this book. What we got instead was a 300 comparison piece that would have read better as a mid-length Wikipedia page, journal article or ‘think-piece’. There just simply was not enough meat to flesh this out into a compelling work of non-fiction.
With a heavy reliance on speculation and vague attestation, Sally’s story is not justly told. You get no sense of her as person, there is no basis to build empathy and the reader is not given the tools to understand what this child encountered and how/why it could it had the longevity it did.
What we got instead was unnecessary detail about Nabokov – his life, his timeline and far too many mundane details of how Lolita came to be.
I did not need a chapter speculating to exactly when Nabokov learned of Sally Horner. That. Tells. Me. Nothing.
I did not need details of his unrelated road-trip and butterfly-centered expeditions.
I did not need explicit details about other articles that have made comparisons between the book and the kidnapping – these are reference materials, not points of relevance within the narrative attempting to be unfolded.
Finally, to be frank, I feel the connection between the novel and the historical event being detailed is just not strong enough. I feel the similarities are thin and superficial, at best. There was nothing here to satisfactorily establish causation or connection, and it did not do Sally or Lolita justice.
That is not what this book is.
The details, nuances and overall knowledge of what happened to Sally Horner just did not exist within the pages of this book. What we got instead was a 300 comparison piece that would have read better as a mid-length Wikipedia page, journal article or ‘think-piece’. There just simply was not enough meat to flesh this out into a compelling work of non-fiction.
With a heavy reliance on speculation and vague attestation, Sally’s story is not justly told. You get no sense of her as person, there is no basis to build empathy and the reader is not given the tools to understand what this child encountered and how/why it could it had the longevity it did.
What we got instead was unnecessary detail about Nabokov – his life, his timeline and far too many mundane details of how Lolita came to be.
I did not need a chapter speculating to exactly when Nabokov learned of Sally Horner. That. Tells. Me. Nothing.
I did not need details of his unrelated road-trip and butterfly-centered expeditions.
I did not need explicit details about other articles that have made comparisons between the book and the kidnapping – these are reference materials, not points of relevance within the narrative attempting to be unfolded.
Finally, to be frank, I feel the connection between the novel and the historical event being detailed is just not strong enough. I feel the similarities are thin and superficial, at best. There was nothing here to satisfactorily establish causation or connection, and it did not do Sally or Lolita justice.
2.5. maybe
Text me when you get home takes an anecdotal, almost memoir-esque approach to the exploration of female friendships, with varying levels of success. Much like a series of short-stories or essays, there are parts that resonate and hit their mark, and others that highlight the blinders of privilege (this reads from a very white-cis-hetero-normative, narrow perspective).
If your feminism isn’t intersectional, is it feminism?
Without being specifically stated, it feels like the premise was to evaluate, critique and attempt to overcome the impacts of both systemic and internalised misogyny, however, it just doesn’t get there. It instead became a superficial evaluation of pop-culture references. These references and discussion of the way female friendships have been portrayed in the media over time could have been a beautiful catalyst for discussing the impacts of the patriarchy, identifying and taking ownership of internalised biases and learned behaviours. Instead, they were just quipy stories. Some that do make you consider your own relationships and girl gangs, but not in the analytical, inclusive way I think is expected in this time.
Using the title alone as an example, the concept of “text me when you get home” has so many layers that can be unpacked. Unfortunately Schaefer reduces it to simply the idea that it is a way of woman saying “I love you”, but doesn’t take the opportunity to state why we use that particular phrase as an expression of our love.
Text me when you get home= I love you and want to make sure you get home safe> The world is not safe, especially for female identifying/non-binary people> why is the world not safe> Rape culture and rampant, overwhelming violence against woman> The even more horrific connotations of this for those with less privilege> ……. Delving deeper and deeper. You can continue to unpack the deeper implications of how, and more importantly why, those 6 words became such a integral part of our vernacular.
This book was published in 2018 – we can, and need to, do better.
Text me when you get home takes an anecdotal, almost memoir-esque approach to the exploration of female friendships, with varying levels of success. Much like a series of short-stories or essays, there are parts that resonate and hit their mark, and others that highlight the blinders of privilege (this reads from a very white-cis-hetero-normative, narrow perspective).
If your feminism isn’t intersectional, is it feminism?
Without being specifically stated, it feels like the premise was to evaluate, critique and attempt to overcome the impacts of both systemic and internalised misogyny, however, it just doesn’t get there. It instead became a superficial evaluation of pop-culture references. These references and discussion of the way female friendships have been portrayed in the media over time could have been a beautiful catalyst for discussing the impacts of the patriarchy, identifying and taking ownership of internalised biases and learned behaviours. Instead, they were just quipy stories. Some that do make you consider your own relationships and girl gangs, but not in the analytical, inclusive way I think is expected in this time.
Using the title alone as an example, the concept of “text me when you get home” has so many layers that can be unpacked. Unfortunately Schaefer reduces it to simply the idea that it is a way of woman saying “I love you”, but doesn’t take the opportunity to state why we use that particular phrase as an expression of our love.
Text me when you get home= I love you and want to make sure you get home safe> The world is not safe, especially for female identifying/non-binary people> why is the world not safe> Rape culture and rampant, overwhelming violence against woman> The even more horrific connotations of this for those with less privilege> ……. Delving deeper and deeper. You can continue to unpack the deeper implications of how, and more importantly why, those 6 words became such a integral part of our vernacular.
This book was published in 2018 – we can, and need to, do better.
3.5
TW for violence, islamophobia and addiction/drug use.
“I know it is weird, but book people are weird, trust me.”
You don’t know me tells the story of an unnamed narrator, who, over the duration of the novel, defends himself against a murder accusation. I read this via audio, and I was blown away by the narration and how well the narrative lends itself to an audio medium. I feel like this would translate beautifully to a stage production. The reader is put into the place of the jury, and the story is made up of ‘transcriptions of court recordings’ from the closing statements of the court case.
For a debut piece, this is a really interesting concept that is fairly well executed. The narrators voice was so distinctive and rang with authenticity, however it is really important to note that, as far as I have been able to find, this is *not* own voices, but does provide an intriguing look at drug, street and gang scenes. Everyone is morally grey, unreliable and that works strikingly.
What I found really interesting was at about the 60-70% mark you feel like you have gotten to the meat of the murder and, to be honest, if that was the overall ‘outcome’, it would have been an interesting, but kinda flat, story. The plot twist though! It was such a gentle reveal and Mahmood teased it out in a smooth, natural way. Even though it was easy to foresee, I think it was done really well!
My main issues is that there were several instances (in the audio at least) where the story suddenly cuts (at times, mid word) and jumps to a new chapter starter. There is one point where this is so jarring I am still not sure there that there wasn’t an error in the recording. It does end up coming together, but it really takes you out of the flow of the story. I would also have preferred a little more ‘show not tell’ regarding the development of the main relationship – the narrator goes to the end of the earth for his girlfriend, however, not enough time is spent building the relationship into something that seems strong enough to withstand, or to justify, the narrators willingness to risk *everything* for this woman.
I am really interested to read what else the author comes out with.
TW for violence, islamophobia and addiction/drug use.
“I know it is weird, but book people are weird, trust me.”
You don’t know me tells the story of an unnamed narrator, who, over the duration of the novel, defends himself against a murder accusation. I read this via audio, and I was blown away by the narration and how well the narrative lends itself to an audio medium. I feel like this would translate beautifully to a stage production. The reader is put into the place of the jury, and the story is made up of ‘transcriptions of court recordings’ from the closing statements of the court case.
For a debut piece, this is a really interesting concept that is fairly well executed. The narrators voice was so distinctive and rang with authenticity, however it is really important to note that, as far as I have been able to find, this is *not* own voices, but does provide an intriguing look at drug, street and gang scenes. Everyone is morally grey, unreliable and that works strikingly.
What I found really interesting was at about the 60-70% mark you feel like you have gotten to the meat of the murder and, to be honest, if that was the overall ‘outcome’, it would have been an interesting, but kinda flat, story. The plot twist though! It was such a gentle reveal and Mahmood teased it out in a smooth, natural way. Even though it was easy to foresee, I think it was done really well!
My main issues is that there were several instances (in the audio at least) where the story suddenly cuts (at times, mid word) and jumps to a new chapter starter. There is one point where this is so jarring I am still not sure there that there wasn’t an error in the recording. It does end up coming together, but it really takes you out of the flow of the story. I would also have preferred a little more ‘show not tell’ regarding the development of the main relationship – the narrator goes to the end of the earth for his girlfriend, however, not enough time is spent building the relationship into something that seems strong enough to withstand, or to justify, the narrators willingness to risk *everything* for this woman.
I am really interested to read what else the author comes out with.
TW: Racism, violence against woman.
Mia Tang is the most delightful middle-grade protagonists I have encountered since Ivy Aberdeen (and the two shall life side-by-side on my shelves).
This is a beautiful juxtaposition of writing for the entertainment of middle-grade readers, while allowing the exploration of tough, confronting topics (in an age appropriate manner). Yang does not shy away from the ugliness, but instead uses it to shine a light on the inspiring. Beautiful, own-voices exploration of culture, immigration, racism, exploitation, fears, dreams, poverty, family, empathy, compassion and prejudice.
Mia Tang is the most delightful middle-grade protagonists I have encountered since Ivy Aberdeen (and the two shall life side-by-side on my shelves).
This is a beautiful juxtaposition of writing for the entertainment of middle-grade readers, while allowing the exploration of tough, confronting topics (in an age appropriate manner). Yang does not shy away from the ugliness, but instead uses it to shine a light on the inspiring. Beautiful, own-voices exploration of culture, immigration, racism, exploitation, fears, dreams, poverty, family, empathy, compassion and prejudice.
4.5 stars
This is (unsurprisingly) one of the most eloquent, well-worded, engaging memoirs I have ever read. Reading this via audiobook was an exceptional experience, jus to be able to take in the cadence, tone and passion behind the beautifully penned words really added to the enjoyment.
I really appreciated the level of candor the former first lady spoke with – she managed to tell her story in a way that felt authentic and real, without any hint of bitterness or reproach. 100% class – even when discussing President Voldemort. Most importantly, this isn’t the story of the ‘Presidents Wife’; This is the story of a woman, a mother, a daughter, a scholar, a sister, a friend, a feminist, a champion of rights, a hard-working WOC who took every opportunity she was given and did everything she could with it.
She is a down right, bad-ass, classy AF KWEEN!
This is (unsurprisingly) one of the most eloquent, well-worded, engaging memoirs I have ever read. Reading this via audiobook was an exceptional experience, jus to be able to take in the cadence, tone and passion behind the beautifully penned words really added to the enjoyment.
I really appreciated the level of candor the former first lady spoke with – she managed to tell her story in a way that felt authentic and real, without any hint of bitterness or reproach. 100% class – even when discussing President Voldemort. Most importantly, this isn’t the story of the ‘Presidents Wife’; This is the story of a woman, a mother, a daughter, a scholar, a sister, a friend, a feminist, a champion of rights, a hard-working WOC who took every opportunity she was given and did everything she could with it.
She is a down right, bad-ass, classy AF KWEEN!
“You’ll be stuck with the person you are.” Pg.91
The writing style was odd, a combination of both run-on sentences, and jarring, fragmented clipped ones. Mix that with odd metaphors, and the overall effect really could take you out of the story. For those who struggle with the beginning, it does really pick up in part two, but, granted, not as much as I wish it did.
I will say though, I read this for a book club, and I think that it is perfectly suited for that, as there is just so much that can be unpacked and dissected, including the look at the teenage perspective and psyche during that time in history, self destruction and isolation, belonging, the roles of woman at the time, the psychological nuisances of cult-like mentality, etc. One reviewer pointed out the implications of someone not being fully included or part of one of the biggest moments in their own lives, that they, and others, would see as a major definer, and I think that is such an interesting perspective to consider with this book.
The detraction for me were, on top of the writing style, the lack of depth the characters were really given. It was easy to mix the girls up, as majority were only superficially looked at. I think a deeper character dive, partnered with more explicate exploration of the cult would have really fleshed this out better. I would have preferred a more constant slow-burn, then the dipping in-and-out that Evie did.
Although it does read as a debut, I think it defiantly has its merits and over all was enjoyable – a good one to read and discus.
The writing style was odd, a combination of both run-on sentences, and jarring, fragmented clipped ones. Mix that with odd metaphors, and the overall effect really could take you out of the story. For those who struggle with the beginning, it does really pick up in part two, but, granted, not as much as I wish it did.
I will say though, I read this for a book club, and I think that it is perfectly suited for that, as there is just so much that can be unpacked and dissected, including the look at the teenage perspective and psyche during that time in history, self destruction and isolation, belonging, the roles of woman at the time, the psychological nuisances of cult-like mentality, etc. One reviewer pointed out the implications of someone not being fully included or part of one of the biggest moments in their own lives, that they, and others, would see as a major definer, and I think that is such an interesting perspective to consider with this book.
The detraction for me were, on top of the writing style, the lack of depth the characters were really given. It was easy to mix the girls up, as majority were only superficially looked at. I think a deeper character dive, partnered with more explicate exploration of the cult would have really fleshed this out better. I would have preferred a more constant slow-burn, then the dipping in-and-out that Evie did.
Although it does read as a debut, I think it defiantly has its merits and over all was enjoyable – a good one to read and discus.
I need to come back when I am no longer a puddle of feelings to write a detailed review.
4.5
“We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.”
This is an incredible, multi-generational novel that follow the descendants to half sisters, one who is sold into slavery, and one who is married off to those who profit from it. Each chapter is a vignette that follows the next generation of descendants, as the history and stories from each generation bleed through. It is an unusual, but beautifully executed style that I think is a fantastic catalyst for showing the impact of history. It can be so easy for short amounts of time to separate us from atrocities and trauma, which means that the impacts can go unaddressed – the structure of this book eloquently allows that barrier of time to be compressed so you can see the impact of each generation on future. On top of the socio-political commentary, discussions surrounding systemic racism, colonialism, oppression and civil rights, this is also a lovely way of poising the question of ‘where does your history start?”.
“We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.”
This is an incredible, multi-generational novel that follow the descendants to half sisters, one who is sold into slavery, and one who is married off to those who profit from it. Each chapter is a vignette that follows the next generation of descendants, as the history and stories from each generation bleed through. It is an unusual, but beautifully executed style that I think is a fantastic catalyst for showing the impact of history. It can be so easy for short amounts of time to separate us from atrocities and trauma, which means that the impacts can go unaddressed – the structure of this book eloquently allows that barrier of time to be compressed so you can see the impact of each generation on future. On top of the socio-political commentary, discussions surrounding systemic racism, colonialism, oppression and civil rights, this is also a lovely way of poising the question of ‘where does your history start?”.
2.5
I wanted to love this so much! It has been sitting on my shelf for so long and I just wanted to fall in love with it like I did Summer of Salt… buuuuuut....
I loved the idea of this book, however the overall plot turned out to be super predictable However, it did make up for that somewhat with the atmosphere… atmospheric AF! The biggest downfall for me was the lack of characterization, and that is purely personal taste. I much rather a character driven story than a plot-based on, and this, unfortunately for me, is much more plot based. Which is sad because these characters, specifically the sisters, could have been their own kind of magic (see what I did there?!).
I will pick up future work by this author though; I think she will go from strength to strength!
I wanted to love this so much! It has been sitting on my shelf for so long and I just wanted to fall in love with it like I did Summer of Salt… buuuuuut....
I loved the idea of this book, however the overall plot turned out to be super predictable However, it did make up for that somewhat with the atmosphere… atmospheric AF! The biggest downfall for me was the lack of characterization, and that is purely personal taste. I much rather a character driven story than a plot-based on, and this, unfortunately for me, is much more plot based. Which is sad because these characters, specifically the sisters, could have been their own kind of magic (see what I did there?!).
I will pick up future work by this author though; I think she will go from strength to strength!