Let me start my saying I’m obsessed with Reese Witherspoon. Which is why, I’ve had this book on my shelves for months. It was one of her Book Club picks a while ago. Recently, I picked it up in anticipation for her miniseries adaptation of the book that also stars Kerry Washington and Joshua Jackson.
Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. Oh my goodness. It’s amazing. It starts with a fire and it keeps on burning till the very last page. Celeste Ng, the author, paints vivid pictures of how it was being a teen in the 90’s. From the vintage thrift store clothes to watching Jerry Springer after school. Oh and the drama. Woah, the drama! I felt like I was reliving my teenager years a few times.
The characters all have a depth to them that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. Each one of them. As their stories unravel, and you learn more about them, you feel as if you have known them their whole lives. Page after page, is filled with vivid imagery and a realness that makes you feel like you are each character.
This book is brilliantly written. The depth of feeling in its pages is breathtaking. There is beauty in the reality of it. Ultimately, secrets always come back to haunt you. Motherhood is different for every mother. Teenagers have no idea how the world works. And trusting strangers is not always wise.
I can’t wait to read more books by this author. I’m also looking forward to watching the miniseries as soon as I figure out who has a Hulu subscription I can borrow.
Side Note: Somewhere between finishing the book and writing this post, I misplaced my book. So of course I didn’t have a picture to share.
