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coleycole's review against another edition
4.0
Waldman's style is simple and straight-forward, which lets her riff on a host of themes, ranging from the criminal justice system and mandatory minimums, to motherhood and birth, to the complications of race and class. She also manages to look at these themes using practically all of her characters, who are different enough that they give the reader a well-rounded picture of each issue. Waldman manages to do all that without seeming preachy, either.
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
leleroulant's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely informative story about federal drug trafficing, illegal immigrants and minimum drug sentencing. All that and a very moving story as well. Will pluck at any mother's heartstrings.
kathleendayle's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Pregnancy
sharondblk's review against another edition
4.0
A solid book about relationships, underpinned by commentary on the drug war and the flow on effect it has had on many people.
I didn't realise this when I started reading but this novel was a perfect companion piece for Johann Hari's :Chasing the Scream" which I read last month.
I really like the way Waldman writes, whatever her subject matter. This book is no exception, although there is a little bit too much explaining how the characters feel, in ways that seem a little too knowing for a third person narrator. The ending quite tidy, possibly a bit too much so, but not over sanitised.
I didn't realise this when I started reading but this novel was a perfect companion piece for Johann Hari's :Chasing the Scream" which I read last month.
I really like the way Waldman writes, whatever her subject matter. This book is no exception, although there is a little bit too much explaining how the characters feel, in ways that seem a little too knowing for a third person narrator. The ending quite tidy, possibly a bit too much so, but not over sanitised.
soliteyah's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.25
ashleebuttars's review against another edition
4.0
I almost gave up on this book, then it sucked me in and I finished it in less than a day. It explores the relationship between mother and daughter from both angles and has you feeling for both women. Combining this with drug charges and a trial had me turning pages while my heart ached for these mothers. I’m glad I decided to keep reading!
ashleebuttars's review
4.0
I almost gave up on this book, then it sucked me in and I finished it in less than a day. It explores the relationship between mother and daughter from both angles and has you feeling for both women. Combining this with drug charges and a trial had me turning pages while my heart ached for these mothers. I’m glad I decided to keep reading!
kowwie's review against another edition
4.0
It was pretty good. I was left rooting for the characters, and also kind of wanting to punch them at the same time. I felt like the relationship with Arthur was one of the more awkward parts in the book.
rlbasley's review against another edition
5.0
This book tugged at my heartstrings for several reasons especially the last pages. I see the effect a parents incarceration has on children because my husband is in his eleventh year if his forty year sentence. Our daughter was 13 when my husband went to prison she is 24 now. We all have worked very hard and continue to work hard to stay a close family but the fact is when the visit is over for the week. We have to get up and become separated again. I have so many stories I could tell very similar to the last chapter of children and their parents. It’s not an easy life but it’s our life.
As a mother, there were several times during this book I was enraged at the mother’s initial reactions to her then pregnant daughter. There were times I’d cheerfully have taken the mother’s boyfriend and kicked him into a volcano. I felt sad for both daughters in this story but overall this book is idealistic but real.
I would encourage anyone who has family going through a loved ones time in prison to read this book, especially if you are one who liked to give advice. My hope is this might lead you to be less advice giving and more education seeking.
As a mother, there were several times during this book I was enraged at the mother’s initial reactions to her then pregnant daughter. There were times I’d cheerfully have taken the mother’s boyfriend and kicked him into a volcano. I felt sad for both daughters in this story but overall this book is idealistic but real.
I would encourage anyone who has family going through a loved ones time in prison to read this book, especially if you are one who liked to give advice. My hope is this might lead you to be less advice giving and more education seeking.