My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was onto every play, I just wanted you. -Fiona Apple, who is aptly referenced many times in My Dark Vanessa


Spectacular. This staggering debut charts the devastating sexual abuse of Vanessa Wye, 15, by her teacher, the captivating 40-something Jacob Strane. I can't imagine the psychic excavation that went into writing this book. The nuances of Vanessa's actions and interactions, Strane's subtle gaslighting and calculating pursuit, and the painful breakdown of Vanessa's sense of self are brilliantly and bravely written.

Click here to purchase My Dark Vanessa from your local indie bookstore. (affiliate link)
Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little Secrets centers around Marin, who is a shell of herself since her son was kidnapped a little over a year ago. Her days are filled with attending a missing child support group, trying to run her chain of salons, and barely speaking to her husband. She doesn't want to move on, but all leads on the kidnapping have gone cold, until one day she finds out her husband is having an affair, and Marin's going to do something about it.
This was a unique thriller because I didn't really know the direction it was going, and it was exciting and fun while still being realistic.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book will be released on April 21, 2020.

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book.



Tigers, Not Daughters, tells the story of the four Torres sisters, one of whom is a ghost. They dream of running away, but are pulled back by their emotionally broken and derelict father, among other things. (Trigger warning: physical and emotional abuse.)
What starts off as a story of tragic sisters with strong Virgin Suicides vibes quickly develops into an ode to sisterhood, standing up for yourself, and being strong when no one else will.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.

Click here to purchase Tigers, Not Daughters from your local indie bookstore.

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into Saint X expecting a beautifully dark Dateline episode, and Alexis Schaitkin handily upended that expectation. What starts as an all too familiar story of a teen girl going missing on vacation soon turns very deep, exploring themes of colonialism, grief, and beauty itself. Impressive debut.


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.

Click here to purchase Saint X from your local indie bookstore.

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