Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Bright Young Women

Loved that the author did not glorify or glamorize the killer. But The Place was too slow. Additionally, when listening to the audio, there were too many time jumps back and forth without clarification, and I felt the story dragged out much longer than needed. Basically this is a story based on

Ted Bundy and the monstrous murder crimes he committed at a FL girls sorority house,

but no one really figures out how to move forward or heal, and it’s realistic and quite saddening. I think the book got caught in the weeds of how much men and misogynistic viewpoints by the general public are total garbage, because I feel like it’s common knowledge now. And I could be wrong, but glorifying a murderer because of his looks is terribly wild and sadistic. So while I’m glad the characters were fighting against stupid judicial systems, looking for justice, I wish the focus was more on the healing and grief journey. Lots of trauma too so reader be wary.

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alexflagg's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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rex15's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

An amazing book I do recommended to everyone (but do be conscious of sensitive material discussed). As a casual enjoyed of true crime this book is such a necessary read. It centralizes victims and demistifies serial killers that are often put in a pedestal. It very masterfully showcases the harm that society imposes unto victims and survivor by expecting a perfect victim and speaks of the harm of these expectations. The pain, grief and humiliations created not only by what they have been through but also by the justice system and media. It also touches on more casual examples of misogyny and sexism that are equally as infuriating as they are validating to everyone that has experienced it. It is so easy to fall in love with these women and the prose makes it so you cheer for their wins and cry for everything else.

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florabutler's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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bella_cavicchi's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Stunning and startling in equal turn. I greatly admire how Knoll weaves the theme of sisterhood throughout, not in an icky "girl boss"/white feminism way but, rather, in a profound call to reconsider—to remember—the shared responsibility we hold to do better for each other. A true sucker punch of a novel, one that I'd think would pair well with A Tiny Upward Shove.

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