Tag: sexual assault

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Between Harley’s own experiences of abuse and misogyny and what happens to her friend, Bernice, at a frat party, Harley’s decided she’s not going to take it any more.

Her retaliation against Bernice’s attacker catches some attention, and other girls come forward wanting to punish some of the more egregious examples of sexism and abuse on campus. Together they become The Reckoning.

But when members of The Reckoning are targeted, including Bernice, who has become something more than just a friend, Harley is desperate to find out what is happening to the people who have become like family to her and protect them.

Review

Harley is not a character in the DC Universe I’ve read a lot about. I have mostly a passing familiarity with her. But I have enjoyed this DC Icons series for years, so of course I picked up the latest addition.

The author does an amazing job with teasing out Harley’s darkness while still keeping her endearing. You are rooting for her – to triumph over her family and living situation, to get to pursue her dreams. But at the same time you cringe at revenge (real or imagined) taken too far. I found myself torn between the visceral desire to see the misogynists and abusers brought low and the line between right and wrong in the eyes of the law. There’s a lot said here about what it’s like for women in STEM for readers to consider as well.

All of the things I know about Harley from previous encounters – her brilliance, her fascination with the Joker, her own penchant for violence, her sexuality, her interest in psychology – are all tucked into this story. Again, the author does this in such a natural way while still telling her own story. It’s really well done. My only complaint is that I feel the timeline could have been more clear. The book starts in one place, then jumps back in time, and then jumps a couple more times. Hopefully this will be more clear in the final published version of the story.

I didn’t realize until the end that this is launching a trilogy of books. I have my fingers crossed about the next subject after a teaser in the book. I’m not sure if “trilogy” means they will all focus on Harley, or if it is more of a Sirens trilogy – but I’m here for it no matter what. HQ fans and DC fans should be sure to pick this one up. (Some language, reference to sexual assault/child abuse and neglect/emotional abuse, grief and loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel

REVIEW: The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing/Forever in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Liya thought she was having dinner with her parents. Not her favorite activity thanks to her father’s constant disapproval. But she expressly told them she was not in the market for a husband. She wanted no part of some matchmaking dinner engineered by her parents.

Then Jay and his mom came to the door.

In her fury, Liya ended up slamming right into Jay, knocking them both to the ground, as she tried to escape. He probably thought she was rude – or crazy – but his opinion doesn’t matter. She’s not going to have to see him again.

But she does. When she should be celebrating a new promotion at work, she discovers her company is going under. They never mentioned the lawsuits or other issues during her interview. And the lawyer who’s been brought in to determine if the company can be saved? Jay.

And he’s furious that Liya ran out and was so disrespectful to his mother. He’s heard all sorts of rumors about Liya at church. She’s sassy and hard headed. Almost impossible to get along with. And she clearly wants nothing to do with him. So why does his heart race like that when he gets in verbal sparring matches with her?

Review

Tons of rich, emotional content in this contemporary enemies-to-lovers romance! Liya is a complex, complicated character. She’s fun and loyal with her friends, protective of her mother, and respectful of Jay’s mother. But at the same time she has no patience for gossipy aunties. And she’s openly hostile to the trash-talking men at her church. Her hostility is a shield, but Jay sees through some of that when he finally starts really paying attention.

Liya doesn’t make a very good first, second, or third impression with Jay. And he’s willing, after all that, to write her off. But his true character comes through when she’s too vulnerable to be hostile or protective. And that gives them a chance.

The author has a note right at the front of the book that indicates there are references to sexual assault in the book. Sensitive readers should know that going in.

Both Jay and Liya bring significant baggage into the story. And those situations are huge enough to derail the healthiest couple. There’s a lot for them to work through. And I was here for all of it. The final conflict in the story – and the subsequent wrap up – was an emotional powerhouse. My heart was racing, and I was hanging on every word. I though the ending was faithful to real life – no miracle endings. It was satisfying, although I would have happily taken an epilogue to see how things played out later. (Some language, CW: sexual assault)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Unleaving by Melissa Ostrom

REVIEW: Unleaving by Melissa Ostrom

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Maggie’s mother calls it a “sabbatical.” Instead of starting her sophomore year at Carlton College, Maggie is going to live in western New York with her Aunt Wren. In some ways, it’s a welcome change of scenery. Maggie’s memories of Carlton are tainted by what happened – and by the reaction of the community when she accused their favorite football star and his friends. A change of scenery may be just what she needs.

Maggie falls into a routine at her aunt’s – time on the beach, reading, cleaning up around the house, avoiding any reminders of Carlton. That includes avoiding her phone, texts and emails. All too often they were nasty attacks and reminders of all she endured. Then she finds the email from a girl at Carlton. Jane says she’s gone through the same thing Maggie did. She’s looking for an empathetic ear and maybe some advice – things Maggie’s not sure she can offer. But when Jane goes silent, Maggie worries she might be in trouble, and she feels compelled to get involved after all.

Review

This is a very good story. But I didn’t like it. At first I was concerned that the assault flashbacks might be detailed and upsetting. While what is there could be triggering for survivors and some other readers, the author did a good job of giving just enough information to convey what happened and how Maggie is struggling. The story works without a lot of troubling details.

Maggie finds a small community where she lives with her aunt. She’s smack in the middle of the drama of another family. But those folks are also a safe place for Maggie to be herself and not have to hide her story. There’s also some major things going on between Maggie’s mom and her estranged sister, Wren. This layers some additional weight onto the themes of the book.

I was curious about how things were going to come together, so I kept reading where I might not have otherwise. There are several major threads weaving through the book – Maggie’s recovery, her connection with Jane, the things going on with Aunt Wren, and then the family drama with Wren’s neighbors. I wanted to know how things would play out. But there weren’t any characters I especially liked. This is a book full of broken people, just trying to get through the day as best they can. It’s a dark story in some ways – heavy themes, struggling people.

As I said, this is a good story. It’s well written and engaging. But it’s too dark for me. Other readers will be a better fit for this than I was. (Language, Trigger Warning for sexual assault/abuse)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥