Gun Love by Jennifer Clement

Cover Art Courtesy of Goodreads

When I first heard about this book, I was super excited for it. Gun Love by Jennifer Clement is a coming of age story that centers around a young girl growing up in a world obsessed with guns. Sounds relevant right? The main character Pearl (named for her alabaster skin) lives in a car with her mother in a small trailer park in Florida. We learn about Pearl, her mother, and their neighbors and friends, as Pearl struggles to find herself and learn about the world when her own world is so small.

I have to say I'm very neutral on this book. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I wouldn't reread it, but it also wasn't a waste of time. There wasn't much of a plot, and even what you might call the climax was a disappointment. And as far as a coming of age story goes, I didn't really see any character development with Pearl, who simply just existed. Everything was very flat when it came to her character, and you got more character development and motivation from the minor characters than from her. I did very much enjoy those minor characters, as I think they added a large amount of value, and I loved learning about their personalities and backstories.

One big complaint that I had with this book was that quotes weren't distinguished as quotes. They ran into the normal descriptive paragraphs and it was hard to figure out what was a quote versus what was just descriptive or Pearl's stream of consciousness. Otherwise, the writing was beautiful, detailed, and flowed well, and was a quick read. It was easy to imagine yourself in that Florida trailer park.

I did appreciate that this book talked about the relevant topic of guns, but I wish the overall message had been a little stronger. People in Pearl's life were obsessed with them, whether that meant going out and shooting randomly into a lake at all hours of the day and night, trying to get guns off the street in the name of God, or selling guns across the border. And ultimately, it was a gun that lead to a turning point in Pearl's life. I also liked all the Selena references, and I obviously have to mention that the cover is stunning. 

If you like flowy books with pretty writing and very basic plots, you'd really enjoy this story. If you're looking for something more complex with some action, this might not be your cup of tea. Since to me this was a very middle of the road book, it's getting a very middle of the road rating.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Thanks so much to Hogarth for sending me a finished copy of this book! Gun Love by Jennifer Clement releases tomorrow, so if this sounds like something up your alley, be sure to pick up a copy!

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

Cover Art Courtesy of Goodreads

WOAH. This book was a rush. I flew through it and I can tell this is one that will stick with me for a while. Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan is set in London and follows a cast of characters, Sophie, James, Kate, Holly, and Alison. After owning up to an affair, prominent government worker James gets accused of rape and must face trial for his supposed actions. Told in both present day and flashbacks, the reader soon realizes that there are more ties that bind this group together than originally thought, and that everyone is not always who they seem to be. 

This novel deals very heavily with sexual assault and rape. As this is a prominent topic in our society today, I think this book is both timely and necessary. Revealing how deeply a rape can impact an individual, how celebrity and prominence can play a role in prosecution, and how easily someone's guilt can be questioned, it speaks to the deep set issues that for many years our society has ignored that are finally coming to light. 

While this was a tough topic to swallow, I loved everything about this book. I loved the characters, especially Kate. The plot was fast moving and interesting, and even though there were flashbacks it was very easy to piece together. The ending was so satisfying as well, even if it isn't what you initially expect it will be, and there are a few plot twists along the way that keep you engaged. Each character's section was the perfect length, enough to let you know what was happening and what they were thinking but not too long to get bored of them before moving on, and I really enjoyed Vaughan's detailed yet simple writing style.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan releases TOMORROW so be sure to pick up a copy!

A huge thanks to Atria and Goodreads for allowing me early access to an ecopy of this fantastic read.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Cover Art Courtesy of St. Martin's Press

I've been reading so many good books lately, and this was no exception! Kristin Hannah is a very well known and phenomenal author so I jumped at the chance to read her newest release, The Great Alone. I do want to put in a trigger warning for PTSD and spousal abuse, because those topics are very prevalent in this story. It follows thirteen year old Leni Allbright and her parents, Cora and Ernt. When Ernt returns from being held captive in Vietnam, he has severe PTSD, often being unable to hold a job (or his temper), and he gets stir crazy very easily. The family soon finds out that one of Ernt's war buddies has left them his home and land...in Alaska. So off they go to start a new life for what Leni hopes is the last time. 

They soon come to realize that they are ill-prepared for the life that awaits them: danger around every corner, no power, and the threat of freezing or starvation being very real. But the Allbrights are survivors, so they do their best to adapt with the help of their new neighbors. As winter starts to set in; however, Ernt's temper gets worse, and he starts getting explosively angry and hurting Cora. Leni and her mom must figure out how to survive, not only the Alaskan winter, but also the danger now lurking in their own home.

This book was outright fantastic. Even though this was a longer read (the physical ARC was over 400 pages), I flew through it in less than 24 hours. The story was engaging, moving, and a little emotionally stressing. I loved Leni's character, especially how she loved books and used reading as a coping mechanism for what was going on around her. Seeing her grow up and fall in love, despite all the challenges she faced was an inspiration. The topics of spousal abuse and PTSD are difficult ones to swallow, but the more we acknowledge that these are real issues that need addressed, the better things will become. I'm glad that Leni was able to acknowledge these issues even as an adolescent and understand that what was happening was not okay.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah releases on February 6, 2018!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Thanks so much for St. Martin's Press for sending me this ARC! This was a very highly anticipated release for me so I'm excited to have had the opportunity to read it early.