Wow. what an incredible read. Faith Jones’ reflections on her childhood and upbringing and her ultimate conclusions are so powerful. i truly believe that everyone should read this book, even though there are a lot of very disturbing themes and moments. despite this, there are so many lessons and perspectives that this book and Faith Jones offer that are absolutely astounding.
I really wanted to like this book, and the part that I did read was relatively cute. But I have some beef with it. as well as the author. Xavier is very judgmental for a person who is constantly talking about how he feels judged. Also, he talks about his best friend, Mya, looking down on him for wanting to leave Maine, but he seems to really look down upon her—or really anyone—for staying in Maine. And for commuting to USM to study education. Like he hardcore judges her for this. I study education at USM. So yeah, i took this kind of personally. Maine isn’t a bad place to be from. So i really dislike how the author made it seem that way. And especially because THE AUTHOR ISNT FROM MAINE. It really bothered me how he pushed the idea that Maine wasn’t a place where you could be ambitious or successful, when that’s really not the case. Note to authors: don’t drag a place you’re not from.
Holy moly, this book. i whipped right through it. it’s the most invested i’ve ever been in a book, i think. the only issue i had with it was that Ellie died. i understand why she did; the storyline would not have been the same if it weren’t for her death, and—as cruel as it is—that storyline is why we are reading this particular book, isn’t it? even though i understand why her death was essential to the storyline, i was still so rooting for her to make it out. i knew the whole time she didn’t survive the basement, but that didn’t mean i was disappointed when it actually happened. additionally, the way the noelle brushed past her death—while completely in character—was saddening to me. that was my main qualm, but really that was just me being sad about it. because it was literally so good otherwise.