Nathan H

Did not know a single thing about the plot going into this and-- Wow, this was not what I expected. Vibes of Manchurian Candidate and Looper.

Sometimes King books feel like a first draft and this was definitely on par with that.

Also, the undertones of Trumpism before it ever even existed are, uh, toning...

Way better than I remember it being. A very mature book that I really had no business reading at such a young age. Appreciated the way that Katniss’s father death was handled in conjunction with Rue’s, as well as the difficulty of being elevated to a motherly role at such a young age. I’m sure this book meant a lot to young folks dealing with similar situations.

Very important text, though reads like a textbook.

The kind of book that makes you struggle each page

Usually find case studies to be annoying, but this was fantastic. Excellent flow and “conversation” between Oprah and Dr. Perry. Really, really excellent breakdown of childhood trauma and development.

This was a tough read, but still worthwhile! Didn’t connect with the characters as much as I’d hoped. I kinda appreciate the ending, even if it’s a bit anticlimactic.

I appreciated the "down to earth" approach of trauma and talking to folks dealing with trauma. Great quotes scattered throughout.