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Oh this one hurt! But it was also tender and beautiful and showcased mental illness and counseling in a way that I feel media usually fails to? It’s such a special little book
listen……I respect it, but it ain’t for me. that being said!! if it is ever adapted I would watch that film soooooooo fast.
Let me start off by saying, no one writes an unlikable character quite like Eliza clark.
Penance tells us the fictional “non fiction” tale of Joan Wilson’s death and all those who played a part in it. We learn the small sea side towns history and lore and see how that fuels the girl’s imaginations. We are taken on a twisted and compelling journey through the young girls lives as seen in real life and their blogs. We learn the toxicity and cruelty of teenage girls with social media accounts. We examine the class and hierarchy of the small town, how someone always knows someone that can take care of it for you. No one ever has to suffer consequences why should they?
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I found myself entranced by the narrative and how tumblr posts and subcultures were painted. I was there throughout the tumblr true crime era. I know the chaos and cringe of which this book speaks. Pushing the social boundaries of not only being a teenager but also being a girl. I think penance does all of this and then some. It flips the true crime genre on its head in such a fun and exciting way. Just when you think you know what happens next, you don’t. Much like boy parts, Eliza clark knows how to wow you!
Thank you netgalley and Harper books for the eARC!
Penance tells us the fictional “non fiction” tale of Joan Wilson’s death and all those who played a part in it. We learn the small sea side towns history and lore and see how that fuels the girl’s imaginations. We are taken on a twisted and compelling journey through the young girls lives as seen in real life and their blogs. We learn the toxicity and cruelty of teenage girls with social media accounts. We examine the class and hierarchy of the small town, how someone always knows someone that can take care of it for you. No one ever has to suffer consequences why should they?
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I found myself entranced by the narrative and how tumblr posts and subcultures were painted. I was there throughout the tumblr true crime era. I know the chaos and cringe of which this book speaks. Pushing the social boundaries of not only being a teenager but also being a girl. I think penance does all of this and then some. It flips the true crime genre on its head in such a fun and exciting way. Just when you think you know what happens next, you don’t. Much like boy parts, Eliza clark knows how to wow you!
Thank you netgalley and Harper books for the eARC!
this book was so fun and cleverly written and I just love women and halloween so much
Like many of us, this was one of my most anticipated reads of this year, I was so ready to love this! And I just didn’t…
I felt a lot of the themes explored were never fully fleshed out? The only theme I felt was truly explored fully was the mother daughter dynamic and even that felt flat to me. I wish the racially charged dynamic between Mirabelle and Mother were explored a bit more.
I do love Mona’s writing and the atmospheres she creates. No one knows how to make a stream of consciousness written character quite like her, however in this particular book it got old pretty fast. The flashback driven plot really threw me for a loop as it’s what drives Mira’s choices and we see no real growth. Overall I just felt it read a little clunky, yes I love Mona’s voice but the overall tone of this read was more serious and way longer than I expected.
I felt a lot of the themes explored were never fully fleshed out? The only theme I felt was truly explored fully was the mother daughter dynamic and even that felt flat to me. I wish the racially charged dynamic between Mirabelle and Mother were explored a bit more.
I do love Mona’s writing and the atmospheres she creates. No one knows how to make a stream of consciousness written character quite like her, however in this particular book it got old pretty fast. The flashback driven plot really threw me for a loop as it’s what drives Mira’s choices and we see no real growth. Overall I just felt it read a little clunky, yes I love Mona’s voice but the overall tone of this read was more serious and way longer than I expected.
Maureen’s writing is like a cozy blanket or a warm cup of apple cider. Just what you need for the Halloween season.
“You’re going to die one day. Then what do I do? In a way, it’s like you’re already gone. I have to prepare.”
“If that’s the case, why love anyone? Everyone is going to die at some point.”
“Exactly! It’s like two ghosts trying to cuddle each other. Dust cuddling dust.”
I am always intrigued by Melissa broder’s work, but since I had such a dislike for the Pisces I’ve kind of avoided her other works. When I heard she had Death Valley coming out and began seeing it everywhere I knew I had to get my hands on it somehow.
Death Valley tells the story of a woman in the California desert trying to find solace while her father and husband are both bedridden with sickness. She checks herself into her favorite chain hotel where she begins to question everything about herself, life and death. After speaking to one of the hotel workers she goes on a hike encountering a cactus that should not be there, but is. What happens next will take you on the ride of your life.
It isn’t very often that I feel like an author has opened my brain up and scooped the main character straight out of it. The woman in this novel is me and I’m sure most of us have felt her loneliness and fear. It tells a very philosophical tale of how to try and gain compassion and empathy for others. It is a deep dive into death and grieving. It was the book I didn’t know I need in my life until after reading it. Cannot recommend this one more!
Thank you netgalley and Scribner for this eARC and everyone look for it at your local bookstore this Oct 3!
“If that’s the case, why love anyone? Everyone is going to die at some point.”
“Exactly! It’s like two ghosts trying to cuddle each other. Dust cuddling dust.”
I am always intrigued by Melissa broder’s work, but since I had such a dislike for the Pisces I’ve kind of avoided her other works. When I heard she had Death Valley coming out and began seeing it everywhere I knew I had to get my hands on it somehow.
Death Valley tells the story of a woman in the California desert trying to find solace while her father and husband are both bedridden with sickness. She checks herself into her favorite chain hotel where she begins to question everything about herself, life and death. After speaking to one of the hotel workers she goes on a hike encountering a cactus that should not be there, but is. What happens next will take you on the ride of your life.
It isn’t very often that I feel like an author has opened my brain up and scooped the main character straight out of it. The woman in this novel is me and I’m sure most of us have felt her loneliness and fear. It tells a very philosophical tale of how to try and gain compassion and empathy for others. It is a deep dive into death and grieving. It was the book I didn’t know I need in my life until after reading it. Cannot recommend this one more!
Thank you netgalley and Scribner for this eARC and everyone look for it at your local bookstore this Oct 3!
addie took luc’s hand at the end and said “the devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” and honestly I respect her for that