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What’s Not Mine
For fans of Miriam Toews, an absorbing, darkly funny story of family, addiction, and survival The summer Bria Powers turns 16 is sinister. Waves of insects plague her hometown of Beauchamp, where fentanyl has recently infiltrated the drug stream. Forest fires muddy the normally wide-open skies, and everything smells like a barbecue all the time. It’s also the summer Bria goes from having saved a life to ruining her own. Since her drug-dealing father disappeared and his girlfriend overdosed, Bria has lived with her aunt Tash and best friend/cousin Ains. By day, Bria and Ains babysit Ains’s younger siblings and sling fast food at Burger Shack. But at night, Bria has her own secret world, sneaking out to see Someboy, an older guy who captivates her sometimes. Other times, he angers-insults-upends her, and that has a certain charm too. But trouble comes for Beauchamp and for Bria in the form of bears that wander into town, dick pics texted from a mystery number, and a creeping dependence on what Bria should hate most of all. Steeped in tragicomedy and written in starkly observed prose, What’s Not Mine explores inheritance, addiction, and survival when the odds are against you.
248 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
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4322 people want to read
About the author
Nora Decter
3 books38 followersNora Decter grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. She earned a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from York University and an MFA from Stony Brook University. In 2019 her debut young adult novel How Far We Go and How Fast received the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for literary fiction, selected by author Craig Davidson. She was a 2020 BookEnds fellow, working on her novel What’s Not Mine with program founders Susan Scarf Merrell and Meg Wolitzer. Nora lives in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory with her partner and their two cats, near the foot of Garbage Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 17, 2024
2.5
Not for me I'm afraid. I was intrigued by the blurb which suggested a coming of age story for a teen whose home life was chaotic to say the least. I was therefore delighted to receive an audio advance review copy.
However, even though the narration was good and clear and there was (thankfully) noone repeating the word "like" in every sentence, the entire book irritated me.
It is really down to a thoroughly unlikeable, unreliable main character. Bria is simply a whiney child who takes any tiny bit of support or love and throws it back in everyone's face. She has seen her mother in the thrall of addiction, knows she does not see her father because of his involvement with drugs and has saved her ersatz step-mother's life when she overdosed. And yet, despite hating all of them for putting her through this she still behaves like an entitled brat, experimenting with the drug du jour, Fentanyl (despite knowing its effects first hand).
And yes, I know that children with chaotic family backgrounds often make bad choices. I wouldn't mind that but Bria whined constantly about her life. Her carer isn't caring enough, her friend isn't supportive enough or is too supportive, she doesn't want to do anything but get high or drunk or laid. I won't even get started on how useless the people who were supposed to be looking after her were. I'd gave had the child in foster care before 24 hours was up.
This simply wasn't for me. If she'd had an iota of pleasantness I'd have enjoyed the book a bit more.
Thankyou to Netgalley and ECW Press Audio for the audio advance review copy.
Not for me I'm afraid. I was intrigued by the blurb which suggested a coming of age story for a teen whose home life was chaotic to say the least. I was therefore delighted to receive an audio advance review copy.
However, even though the narration was good and clear and there was (thankfully) noone repeating the word "like" in every sentence, the entire book irritated me.
It is really down to a thoroughly unlikeable, unreliable main character. Bria is simply a whiney child who takes any tiny bit of support or love and throws it back in everyone's face. She has seen her mother in the thrall of addiction, knows she does not see her father because of his involvement with drugs and has saved her ersatz step-mother's life when she overdosed. And yet, despite hating all of them for putting her through this she still behaves like an entitled brat, experimenting with the drug du jour, Fentanyl (despite knowing its effects first hand).
And yes, I know that children with chaotic family backgrounds often make bad choices. I wouldn't mind that but Bria whined constantly about her life. Her carer isn't caring enough, her friend isn't supportive enough or is too supportive, she doesn't want to do anything but get high or drunk or laid. I won't even get started on how useless the people who were supposed to be looking after her were. I'd gave had the child in foster care before 24 hours was up.
This simply wasn't for me. If she'd had an iota of pleasantness I'd have enjoyed the book a bit more.
Thankyou to Netgalley and ECW Press Audio for the audio advance review copy.
April 1, 2024
An insightful look at the opioid epidemic told from the POV of a young Canadian teen who finds herself addicted. Moving, heartfelt and oh so relevant! This was great on audio and I look forward to reading more from this new to me Canadian author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 23, 2023
I am speechless. This is beautifully tragic and uplifting novel, about the addiction to drugs, love, loss, pain, chaos and hope. Bria is girl learning to live a life where she is abandoned and in turn she decides to abandon it. She is a girl we all once knew, we all once were. She was a girl we wished we were and glad we weren't. She is that confused, damaged child that we all want to hug and never let go. She hurts but somehow her pain feels better because at least you know she is still there. That you are still in her orbit.
What's Not Mine, is a deep dive into leaving childhood and lingering on the precipice of the real world. The world that every child is protected from until they have to be pushed out of the nest, over the edge, into reality. This book was so gorgeously written, that it tugs on our very essence. The imagery and metaphors are seamless and lovely. I can not say enough about this book. Completely breathtaking and heart wrenching.
What's Not Mine, is a deep dive into leaving childhood and lingering on the precipice of the real world. The world that every child is protected from until they have to be pushed out of the nest, over the edge, into reality. This book was so gorgeously written, that it tugs on our very essence. The imagery and metaphors are seamless and lovely. I can not say enough about this book. Completely breathtaking and heart wrenching.
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed read this book very much!!
The story follows a young girl who is struggling with drug usage in an environment that makes keeping herself and her usage under control. She has come from a family where drugs were the norm and she knows what can happen when you use but, how can she not go down that same hole? Who can she turn to?
This book will pull st your heart strings and have you cheering for the FMC!!
The story follows a young girl who is struggling with drug usage in an environment that makes keeping herself and her usage under control. She has come from a family where drugs were the norm and she knows what can happen when you use but, how can she not go down that same hole? Who can she turn to?
This book will pull st your heart strings and have you cheering for the FMC!!
March 17, 2024
High quality audio which tells the decent into drug addiction through the eyes of the teenage addict. Definitely not a funny story but deals effectively with the reality of the condition and life. This quality audio had good narration and the language was try to the subject matter. I think this was gripping thought the ending was a bit of a miss for me. It was a solid 4 star listen. Think it would be better received by a young audience as this is more true to their life . It is gripping and thought provoking and says with you long after you finish listening . Its 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
March 6, 2024
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Billie Baird’s narration of this book! She seamlessly brings all the characters to life and makes you feel like you’re along for the ride in this young girls descent into addiction. This is one of those books where it feels like not much of significance is happening, yet it’s something that will stick with me for years. I have a seventeen year old daughter who I know would also love the story so I’ll definitely be gifting her a copy soon!
I thoroughly enjoyed Billie Baird’s narration of this book! She seamlessly brings all the characters to life and makes you feel like you’re along for the ride in this young girls descent into addiction. This is one of those books where it feels like not much of significance is happening, yet it’s something that will stick with me for years. I have a seventeen year old daughter who I know would also love the story so I’ll definitely be gifting her a copy soon!
March 11, 2024
This book tells the story of Bria, a teen who lives with her aunt because her mom has left and her dad has to stay away due to some bad business he did with some not great people.
In a town where everyone is partying and she has seen the result of common drug used as she lost her friend and dad's girlfriend to an overdose, you would think that Bria would stay away from it all, but really, she's just in the center of it.
It is a slow but steady story where we see the path that Bria takes and how it affects her regular life, a story told many times before, but here the intent is in what others might think of small and insignificant events but that in reality is the backbone of what is shaping the main character.
Everything is tight with a nice bow at the end, which seems a little unrealistic or maybe very lucky for Bria, but never the less a good coming of age story.
#netgalley #whatsnotmine
In a town where everyone is partying and she has seen the result of common drug used as she lost her friend and dad's girlfriend to an overdose, you would think that Bria would stay away from it all, but really, she's just in the center of it.
It is a slow but steady story where we see the path that Bria takes and how it affects her regular life, a story told many times before, but here the intent is in what others might think of small and insignificant events but that in reality is the backbone of what is shaping the main character.
Everything is tight with a nice bow at the end, which seems a little unrealistic or maybe very lucky for Bria, but never the less a good coming of age story.
#netgalley #whatsnotmine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
I love reading CanLit so I was excited to read WHAT’S NOT MINE by Nora Decter and I quite enjoyed reading it earlier this week. The main character, Bria, is sixteen years old and spends the summer working at a burger shop, taking care of her little cousins and spending time with her sorta boyfriend while living with her Aunt and her best friend/cousin. Her narrative voice felt very authentic so it felt like I was reading a YA novel. There’s some heavy stuff in this book as Bria deals with addiction, overdose, and creepy men. I liked the small town setting as everyone seemed to know everyone. I liked the balance with some more humorous and lighthearted moments and the audiobook narrator Billie Baird did a great job. This topic can be difficult to read but I found the storyline very engaging.
Thank you to ECW Press and ECW Press Audio for my review copies!
Thank you to ECW Press and ECW Press Audio for my review copies!
October 25, 2023
The summer Bria turns 16 is a rough one for her. Her mother is out of the picture, her drug-dealing father has disappeared, her stepmom has OD’d (with Bria saving her), her boyfriend is borderline abusive and someone keeps sending Bria dick pics. Although she lives with her loving aunt and three cousins – one of which is her best friend, Ainsley – it is not enough to keep her away from fentanyl, which has recently infiltrated the local drug scene. This is a story of gradual drug abuse and how easy it is to become addicted to drugs, especially opioids. With all she is dealing with, it doesn’t seem so bad that Bria takes an occasional pill to calm herself down. But when she finds herself panicked that her supply is nearly out and realizes how much her life has changed since she has been using, Bria must face the music.
I enjoyed this book, even if, in the end, it read more like a short story to me than a novel. I realize that the author’s intentions were to leave off on a positive note, but addiction is a hard nut to crack and I wanted to see for myself that Bria could come through the other side, especially as some of her negative influences (her dad, for one) would continue to be potentially harmful to her. My problem with the abrupt ending shouldn’t be taken as a criticism, though. I did like the story and found the myriad of characters in it to be well-drawn. The portrayal of drug addiction from the perspective of an at-risk teenage girl was very believably written. All-in-all, it’s a story I will remember and would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my opinion.
I enjoyed this book, even if, in the end, it read more like a short story to me than a novel. I realize that the author’s intentions were to leave off on a positive note, but addiction is a hard nut to crack and I wanted to see for myself that Bria could come through the other side, especially as some of her negative influences (her dad, for one) would continue to be potentially harmful to her. My problem with the abrupt ending shouldn’t be taken as a criticism, though. I did like the story and found the myriad of characters in it to be well-drawn. The portrayal of drug addiction from the perspective of an at-risk teenage girl was very believably written. All-in-all, it’s a story I will remember and would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my opinion.
April 29, 2024
Thank you to libro.fm and ECW Press for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
Every so often, you come across a book where the author has this incredible talent and writes this book that just takes up residence in your head because it hits so hard. And with this book, Nora Decter takes her spot among authors who have made a running list in my head, alongside others like Dani Shapiro, Laurie Frankel, and Barbara Kingsolver.
To start with, Decter sets the tone with an ever-increasing set of dangers in town—fentanyl in the streets, insects plaguing the small town, forest fires, bears, and a creepy guy sending anonymous dick pics to Bria. But to Bria Powers, she’s got problems closer to home that are eclipsing the bigger issues facing her small town. Her mother, struggling with a drug addiction, left the family with no explanation. Bria’s father is a drug dealer who is incarcerated, and his girlfriend Stephanie has been taking care of Bria, until Stephanie overdoses and Bria is the one who revives her and saves her life.
But that one good deed throws Bria’s entire life into a downward spiral. She moves into her aunt Tash’s house, where she lives with Tash; Tash’s borderline creepy, freeloading boyfriend; her cousin Ains, who is about the same age as Bria, and her best friend; and Tash’s two younger children, Emma and Doug. During the long summer days, Bria and Ains babysit the little ones and visit the town pool, and then the girls work at a local fast food place in the evenings. The nights are devoted to getting high or drunk, and spending time with Someboy, an older man who isn’t exactly a positive influence.
There’s so much to unpack in this book, and I almost don’t even know where to start. So I guess I’m just going to start with the most obvious point. While this is very much a coming of age story, and almost reads like a YA book since things are told through the POV of Bria alone, it is not a YA book. It touches on so many important topics—substance use and addiction, family dynamics and intergenerational trauma, sexual harassment, and how difficult it is to be a teenager nowadays.
It feels like everyone in Bria’s life fails her in some way or another. Part of this lies at Bria’s feet, as well—the simple fact that she is 15 plays a role, since that isn’t exactly the easiest age to deal with, but she also pushes the people close to her away. As someone who has worked with addiction both professionally and had it hit close to home personally, I thought that Decter did a fantastic job of portraying a teenager slowly sliding into addiction. She nails it with the thought process and the insidious way that addiction slowly takes over, almost without the person realizing until it is too late. Yet at times, Bria is astonishingly insightful.
The story was so well done, with wonderfully rendered characters who felt realistic. As the story gets more involved, the events in the town seem to get more sinister, almost as if the events in the town are reflecting events in Bria’s life. I found it easy to empathize with Bria (although if I had to deal with her in person, I’d probably be saying something different), since I know how addiction hijacks the thoughts and behaviors, teenagers don’t have fully developed consequential thinking, and that she was raised in a dysfunctional setting. It’s easy for us to assume that Bria should automatically hate drugs, yet she’s also genetically predisposed towards addiction from both parents, and her upbringing hasn’t exactly taught her healthy coping skills. Instead, she quickly resorts to taking pills to deal with stressors, and trying to escape, except all of this contributes to the pattern of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that she’s amassing. My only complaint about the story was that the ending felt a little too rushed and neatly wrapped up for such a messy, meandering story. But other than that, this is a fantastic book, and it leaves me wondering what exactly is going on in Canada that all the books coming out are so good lately? I think they’re on to something up there!
Every so often, you come across a book where the author has this incredible talent and writes this book that just takes up residence in your head because it hits so hard. And with this book, Nora Decter takes her spot among authors who have made a running list in my head, alongside others like Dani Shapiro, Laurie Frankel, and Barbara Kingsolver.
To start with, Decter sets the tone with an ever-increasing set of dangers in town—fentanyl in the streets, insects plaguing the small town, forest fires, bears, and a creepy guy sending anonymous dick pics to Bria. But to Bria Powers, she’s got problems closer to home that are eclipsing the bigger issues facing her small town. Her mother, struggling with a drug addiction, left the family with no explanation. Bria’s father is a drug dealer who is incarcerated, and his girlfriend Stephanie has been taking care of Bria, until Stephanie overdoses and Bria is the one who revives her and saves her life.
But that one good deed throws Bria’s entire life into a downward spiral. She moves into her aunt Tash’s house, where she lives with Tash; Tash’s borderline creepy, freeloading boyfriend; her cousin Ains, who is about the same age as Bria, and her best friend; and Tash’s two younger children, Emma and Doug. During the long summer days, Bria and Ains babysit the little ones and visit the town pool, and then the girls work at a local fast food place in the evenings. The nights are devoted to getting high or drunk, and spending time with Someboy, an older man who isn’t exactly a positive influence.
There’s so much to unpack in this book, and I almost don’t even know where to start. So I guess I’m just going to start with the most obvious point. While this is very much a coming of age story, and almost reads like a YA book since things are told through the POV of Bria alone, it is not a YA book. It touches on so many important topics—substance use and addiction, family dynamics and intergenerational trauma, sexual harassment, and how difficult it is to be a teenager nowadays.
It feels like everyone in Bria’s life fails her in some way or another. Part of this lies at Bria’s feet, as well—the simple fact that she is 15 plays a role, since that isn’t exactly the easiest age to deal with, but she also pushes the people close to her away. As someone who has worked with addiction both professionally and had it hit close to home personally, I thought that Decter did a fantastic job of portraying a teenager slowly sliding into addiction. She nails it with the thought process and the insidious way that addiction slowly takes over, almost without the person realizing until it is too late. Yet at times, Bria is astonishingly insightful.
The story was so well done, with wonderfully rendered characters who felt realistic. As the story gets more involved, the events in the town seem to get more sinister, almost as if the events in the town are reflecting events in Bria’s life. I found it easy to empathize with Bria (although if I had to deal with her in person, I’d probably be saying something different), since I know how addiction hijacks the thoughts and behaviors, teenagers don’t have fully developed consequential thinking, and that she was raised in a dysfunctional setting. It’s easy for us to assume that Bria should automatically hate drugs, yet she’s also genetically predisposed towards addiction from both parents, and her upbringing hasn’t exactly taught her healthy coping skills. Instead, she quickly resorts to taking pills to deal with stressors, and trying to escape, except all of this contributes to the pattern of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that she’s amassing. My only complaint about the story was that the ending felt a little too rushed and neatly wrapped up for such a messy, meandering story. But other than that, this is a fantastic book, and it leaves me wondering what exactly is going on in Canada that all the books coming out are so good lately? I think they’re on to something up there!
June 2, 2024
Thank you to ECW Press for a finished copy of What’s Not Mine in exchange for an honest review.
Bria is on the cusp of 16 and she is living her life to the best of her ability. Her father was recently arrested, and her father’s girlfriend suffered an overdose. Bria is between places as she hangs out with her older boyfriend, she calls Someboy, and spending time with her cousin Ains. As summer hits, so do the problems. Fentanyl use is on the rise, and there are some creepy guys hanging around. This eye-opening novel explores the challenges of being a teen in a town that’s a little rough around the edges.
A lot of this novel struck a chord with me. I’ve lost people to drugs in my life and grew up in a bit of a tough town. I think this story is much more common than people may realize, and the author guides Bria through it with such grace. A lot of the people in Bria’s life, especially the male relationships, really let her down. And it’s hard for the reader to watch Bria as these things impact her and she begins to sink.
It's a great summer read, but it is heavy. The ending is filled with so much tension and anxiety, that I literally couldn’t put it down and had to extend my lunch break to finish it! I was waiting for something bad to happen and what does occur will be sticking with me for quite some time. It left a tightness in my chest. If you are looking for a meaningful, summer read this is a beautiful option to immerse yourself in!
Bria is on the cusp of 16 and she is living her life to the best of her ability. Her father was recently arrested, and her father’s girlfriend suffered an overdose. Bria is between places as she hangs out with her older boyfriend, she calls Someboy, and spending time with her cousin Ains. As summer hits, so do the problems. Fentanyl use is on the rise, and there are some creepy guys hanging around. This eye-opening novel explores the challenges of being a teen in a town that’s a little rough around the edges.
A lot of this novel struck a chord with me. I’ve lost people to drugs in my life and grew up in a bit of a tough town. I think this story is much more common than people may realize, and the author guides Bria through it with such grace. A lot of the people in Bria’s life, especially the male relationships, really let her down. And it’s hard for the reader to watch Bria as these things impact her and she begins to sink.
It's a great summer read, but it is heavy. The ending is filled with so much tension and anxiety, that I literally couldn’t put it down and had to extend my lunch break to finish it! I was waiting for something bad to happen and what does occur will be sticking with me for quite some time. It left a tightness in my chest. If you are looking for a meaningful, summer read this is a beautiful option to immerse yourself in!
June 16, 2025
2.75/5
"It never works the way you want it to. Once you've got someone. I don't want the actual him. I want the him that existed before I knew him. Before we speak, that him."
This didn't work for me, unfortunately. It was definitely interesting to read about a place, Beauchamp, that I know virtually nothing about. It was also really surreal whenever the characters would bring up wildfire smoke, considering it's happening again now.
Aside from those two aspects though, this was a bit of a nothing burger. The characters are extremely dull and boring, including the main character, and the plot is practically none-existent. I just didn't find myself caring about anything that was happening and as soon as I finished this, I forgot I had read it.
"It never works the way you want it to. Once you've got someone. I don't want the actual him. I want the him that existed before I knew him. Before we speak, that him."
This didn't work for me, unfortunately. It was definitely interesting to read about a place, Beauchamp, that I know virtually nothing about. It was also really surreal whenever the characters would bring up wildfire smoke, considering it's happening again now.
Aside from those two aspects though, this was a bit of a nothing burger. The characters are extremely dull and boring, including the main character, and the plot is practically none-existent. I just didn't find myself caring about anything that was happening and as soon as I finished this, I forgot I had read it.
April 21, 2024
I had a hard time believing the FMC was only 15. All of the drinking, smoking, pill popping, and sexual encounters she experienced felt like too much for someone so young, but perhaps that’s exactly the point: addiction can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age.
Regardless, I have to admit the FMC was so unlikeable and selfish (a typical trait of an addict), but I really did feel for her and hate that her youth was stolen from her so early in life. It really makes you think about the real-world opioid epidemic and how many are silently suffering. It’s depressing, and I hate it here.
(Thank you, ECW Press Audio and NetGalley, for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
Regardless, I have to admit the FMC was so unlikeable and selfish (a typical trait of an addict), but I really did feel for her and hate that her youth was stolen from her so early in life. It really makes you think about the real-world opioid epidemic and how many are silently suffering. It’s depressing, and I hate it here.
(Thank you, ECW Press Audio and NetGalley, for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
I was instantly captured by this haunting story of drug addiction mixed with a coming of age story. It broke my heart and it hurt so good while it broke because we’ve all been Bria at some point in our teenage lives. I highly recommend this one, do be warned though it gets dark and gritty and will hurt you in all the right ways.
March 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I sped through this story in a few days coming back to read it every chance I got. The characters felt like people I have known, in situations I can imagine. Good coming of age story, would definitely recommend.
December 31, 2023
4.5 Stars. I was so moved and impressed a few years ago by How Far We Go And How Fast, and this new novel didn’t disappoint either. If you want realistic contemporary YA, on the grittier side, this is absolutely an author to try.
Fifteen year old Bria spends most of a summer struggling emotionally and reaching out for trouble instead of help. Her heroine addict mom isn’t in the picture, as the book begins her dad is out of her life after drug dealing lands him in some kind of hot water, the exact details of which are kept from Bria so she doesn’t know much regarding his whereabouts or when or if he’ll be back for her. Bria’s staying with an aunt and cousins, working at a fast food place, having sex with a cruel controlling guy who is too old and too toxic, receiving unwanted explicit photos from an unknown source and falling deeper and deeper into a drug habit.
There are aspects of Bria I could identify with to some degree like feeling overwhelmed sometimes and wanting to squelch or push away upsetting thoughts rather than investigate them, however, the way Bria escapes those feelings, through drugs and entanglement with a dangerous guy, those kind of coping mechanisms are scary to me. But I think that’s a sign of quality writing, quality characterization, that I can be so different from Bria, yet over the course of the story feel like I had an understanding of actions and choices that I wouldn’t be at all compelled to make myself and ultimately feel so much more concern for this girl than judgment.
There is a lot of darkness in this story, the kind of stuff you should maybe be sure you’re in the right frame of mind for reading about, there is warmth here, too, though, in Bria’s relationship with her cousins (I loved Ains, wouldn’t mind a book focused on her), and an Aunt who never stops trying. As for the ending, I won’t say too much, just that I thought it concluded in a believably satisfying place.
I received this ARC via the publisher.
Fifteen year old Bria spends most of a summer struggling emotionally and reaching out for trouble instead of help. Her heroine addict mom isn’t in the picture, as the book begins her dad is out of her life after drug dealing lands him in some kind of hot water, the exact details of which are kept from Bria so she doesn’t know much regarding his whereabouts or when or if he’ll be back for her. Bria’s staying with an aunt and cousins, working at a fast food place, having sex with a cruel controlling guy who is too old and too toxic, receiving unwanted explicit photos from an unknown source and falling deeper and deeper into a drug habit.
There are aspects of Bria I could identify with to some degree like feeling overwhelmed sometimes and wanting to squelch or push away upsetting thoughts rather than investigate them, however, the way Bria escapes those feelings, through drugs and entanglement with a dangerous guy, those kind of coping mechanisms are scary to me. But I think that’s a sign of quality writing, quality characterization, that I can be so different from Bria, yet over the course of the story feel like I had an understanding of actions and choices that I wouldn’t be at all compelled to make myself and ultimately feel so much more concern for this girl than judgment.
There is a lot of darkness in this story, the kind of stuff you should maybe be sure you’re in the right frame of mind for reading about, there is warmth here, too, though, in Bria’s relationship with her cousins (I loved Ains, wouldn’t mind a book focused on her), and an Aunt who never stops trying. As for the ending, I won’t say too much, just that I thought it concluded in a believably satisfying place.
I received this ARC via the publisher.
May 1, 2024
This book had some pretty ugly topics and I get that’s what it was about but I still feel like the main character was just too young to be inflicted with so much. I just hate to think there are so many kids out there going through this same thing. It was good but not upbeat enough for my taste.
🌀Synopsis
Bria’s life is chaotic. After her drug dealing father leaves, she’s staying with her aunt but nothing feels right. Bria ends up loving some sort of double life at her young age. She’s lying to her aunt and sneaking out at night to see an older guy. Her sneaking out just leads her down her fathers path too. She sneaks back to their old house and finds drugs he left there. Once she starts taking them, she can’t stop.
🌀Synopsis
Bria’s life is chaotic. After her drug dealing father leaves, she’s staying with her aunt but nothing feels right. Bria ends up loving some sort of double life at her young age. She’s lying to her aunt and sneaking out at night to see an older guy. Her sneaking out just leads her down her fathers path too. She sneaks back to their old house and finds drugs he left there. Once she starts taking them, she can’t stop.
July 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - A bold, gritty read that shines a light on grief, addiction, and how hard it is to ask for help when you need it most.
In this story, Bria is angry, grieving, and spiraling after her mom disappears following a breakdown. She’s forced to move in with her dad, who she barely knows, and suddenly she’s navigating a new home, a new school, and a whole lot of pain she has no idea how to process.
One of the most powerful parts of this story is how it tackles the opioid epidemic through Bria’s growing reliance on pills, not as a dramatic plot twist, but as something disturbingly ordinary. Her slide into dependency is handled with so much nuance and honesty.
Bria’s voice is raw and often unlikable, but that’s what makes her feel so real. The story doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions, and I appreciated that. It’s messy, emotional, and incredibly timely.
Thank you @ecwpress for my gifted copy! 💛
In this story, Bria is angry, grieving, and spiraling after her mom disappears following a breakdown. She’s forced to move in with her dad, who she barely knows, and suddenly she’s navigating a new home, a new school, and a whole lot of pain she has no idea how to process.
One of the most powerful parts of this story is how it tackles the opioid epidemic through Bria’s growing reliance on pills, not as a dramatic plot twist, but as something disturbingly ordinary. Her slide into dependency is handled with so much nuance and honesty.
Bria’s voice is raw and often unlikable, but that’s what makes her feel so real. The story doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions, and I appreciated that. It’s messy, emotional, and incredibly timely.
Thank you @ecwpress for my gifted copy! 💛
March 18, 2024
This book was a heartbreaking story of growing up, addiction and survival.Bria is just turning 16, when her drug dealer father disappears. She in turn goes to live with her Aunt Tash and her best friend Ains. The story involves her trying to navigate a less than caring “boyfriend “, a creep who is dating her aunt, all the while fighting temptation to not fall victim to addiction.
I felt so deeply for Bria, and the lack of support that she got from her dad. Not an easy life when you are not getting that support. I did enjoy seeing how there were more people on her side than she had anticipated. Although it wasn’t a book full of twist and turns, the emotion was real and this book will stay with me.
*ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review *
I felt so deeply for Bria, and the lack of support that she got from her dad. Not an easy life when you are not getting that support. I did enjoy seeing how there were more people on her side than she had anticipated. Although it wasn’t a book full of twist and turns, the emotion was real and this book will stay with me.
*ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review *
March 18, 2024
4 stars
A really interesting novel, almost like a journal, about the summer of Bria. Bria is a teen in crisis. Her mother tripped off ages ago leaving Bria with her dad. Now her dad has gone missing and her stand-in stepmom has OD’d. Bria has been sent to live with her aunt Tash and her cousins Ainsley, Emily & Doug. Ainsley and Bria have always been close, as they are fairly close in age. Tash has enlisted the girls to watch the two younger ones for the summer. Bria and Ains care for the kids during the day and work at the Burger Shack at night.
Ainsley and Bria are both looking for a way out of their small town, Beauchamp. The work is important to that goal. Every night when they leave their jobs, they head back home to Tash’s apartment. Ainsley sleeps, but Bria head out to the local bar that her dad’s best friend runs. He tries to keep Bria from drinking, but Bria ingratiates herself to a man, she calls Someboy, and he provides her with drinks. As the summer goes on, Bria is finding more ways to distance herself mentally from the situations in her life. Mostly where is her dad? Who is sending her these anonymous explicit pictures? What is she going to do with her life?
This book reminded me a lot of Go Ask Alice. Bria is going through a rough time and doesn’t really know who or what she is, or what is expected of her. She has a pretty decent work ethic, but the rest of her life is in shambles. She’s struggling, but doesn’t know how to ask for help. Can Bria get the help she needs before it’s too late? Or will she be another casualty of her family?
I enjoyed it. Written in a diary-like format, we only get Bria’s side of the story, and not the whole story at that. As the novel unfolds we learn more and more about what is really happening in her life and what she’s doing. I found the writing style intriguing. It really captured Bria’s inability to completely face her actions or the consequences. You could really feel Bria’s detachment from reality at times. Other times, you just want to hug her and tell her it’s going to be okay, or smack her back into reality.
A very compelling and interesting read.
A really interesting novel, almost like a journal, about the summer of Bria. Bria is a teen in crisis. Her mother tripped off ages ago leaving Bria with her dad. Now her dad has gone missing and her stand-in stepmom has OD’d. Bria has been sent to live with her aunt Tash and her cousins Ainsley, Emily & Doug. Ainsley and Bria have always been close, as they are fairly close in age. Tash has enlisted the girls to watch the two younger ones for the summer. Bria and Ains care for the kids during the day and work at the Burger Shack at night.
Ainsley and Bria are both looking for a way out of their small town, Beauchamp. The work is important to that goal. Every night when they leave their jobs, they head back home to Tash’s apartment. Ainsley sleeps, but Bria head out to the local bar that her dad’s best friend runs. He tries to keep Bria from drinking, but Bria ingratiates herself to a man, she calls Someboy, and he provides her with drinks. As the summer goes on, Bria is finding more ways to distance herself mentally from the situations in her life. Mostly where is her dad? Who is sending her these anonymous explicit pictures? What is she going to do with her life?
This book reminded me a lot of Go Ask Alice. Bria is going through a rough time and doesn’t really know who or what she is, or what is expected of her. She has a pretty decent work ethic, but the rest of her life is in shambles. She’s struggling, but doesn’t know how to ask for help. Can Bria get the help she needs before it’s too late? Or will she be another casualty of her family?
I enjoyed it. Written in a diary-like format, we only get Bria’s side of the story, and not the whole story at that. As the novel unfolds we learn more and more about what is really happening in her life and what she’s doing. I found the writing style intriguing. It really captured Bria’s inability to completely face her actions or the consequences. You could really feel Bria’s detachment from reality at times. Other times, you just want to hug her and tell her it’s going to be okay, or smack her back into reality.
A very compelling and interesting read.
March 18, 2024
"What's Not Mine" by Nora Decter is the Canadian author's second book and my first introduction to her writing. Bria Powers is a soon-to-be-sixteen year old girl living in Manitoba and seemingly stuck in a cycle of addiction, broken relationships, and troubled role models. The audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Billie Baird, was captivating and heartbreaking, and I could do nothing but cheer this young character on. She is growing up (or at least older and, eventually, wiser) by making the only choices that feel comfortable: the unhealthy, painful, and isolating ones.
Bria's father is in jail, her mother has been absent since Bria was very young, and her "stepmother" (her father's girlfriend) suffers a near-fatal overdose while technically acting as Bria's guardian. None of these are spoiler alerts as they are in the description of the novel, but with true gravity Bria's (and her cousin, Ainsley's) lives are pervaded with drugs, chaos, and seeming dead-ends. The narrative is infused with expletives and feels so authentic--true to the life of a nearly 16-year-old girl in the circumstances described. The richest and most compelling aspect of the book is how deeply entrenched I became in Bria's experience-- her thoughts, hopes, and heartbreaks. How often she hitches her self-esteem to unsteady people and circumstances as we watch her self-worth decline.
But underneath everything is an absolutely sharp, funny, and resilient woman waiting to emerge and break out of the dysfunction. Nora Decter's writing is strong and engaging and I cannot wait to read more from her. So good!!! The book is titled after a song by Cate Le Bon, a Welsh performer, I also had fun researching and exploring. This could be classified, I suppose, as "young adult" (like Decter's first book apparently is) but the universal themes of addiction, broken families, codependent relationships, and personal growth apply to everyone.
I loved it (and I haven't been a young adult in quite awhile). Thanks to #NetGalley and ECW books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Book Release event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbHu5...
Bria's father is in jail, her mother has been absent since Bria was very young, and her "stepmother" (her father's girlfriend) suffers a near-fatal overdose while technically acting as Bria's guardian. None of these are spoiler alerts as they are in the description of the novel, but with true gravity Bria's (and her cousin, Ainsley's) lives are pervaded with drugs, chaos, and seeming dead-ends. The narrative is infused with expletives and feels so authentic--true to the life of a nearly 16-year-old girl in the circumstances described. The richest and most compelling aspect of the book is how deeply entrenched I became in Bria's experience-- her thoughts, hopes, and heartbreaks. How often she hitches her self-esteem to unsteady people and circumstances as we watch her self-worth decline.
But underneath everything is an absolutely sharp, funny, and resilient woman waiting to emerge and break out of the dysfunction. Nora Decter's writing is strong and engaging and I cannot wait to read more from her. So good!!! The book is titled after a song by Cate Le Bon, a Welsh performer, I also had fun researching and exploring. This could be classified, I suppose, as "young adult" (like Decter's first book apparently is) but the universal themes of addiction, broken families, codependent relationships, and personal growth apply to everyone.
I loved it (and I haven't been a young adult in quite awhile). Thanks to #NetGalley and ECW books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Book Release event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbHu5...
March 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review.
Unfortunately, this book was not my cup of tea. To me, a good book has to either be enjoyable to read or convey some sort of knowledge or insight or emotion into something in a unique way and this book was neither for me.
The whole book I was asking myself a) what is this book trying to tell me and b) how realistic is this representation?
Regarding a) I am sure most people have heard of the fentanyl crisis before and I fear that the book does not tell us more about it apart from that it exists and that the younger population also suffers from it. This was not news to me and I don't think this would be news to anyone that picks this book up.
Regarding b) obviously I don't know the realities of a fentanyl addict, not being or knowing one myself, so I won't comment on this. But what is more concerning to me is that this book is marketed as a young adult novel and narrated from the perspective of a 15/16-year-old. Having been a teenager before, I feel like I can comment on this. The narration felt a bit off for me. The MC deals with a lot of adult topics but does so very numbly and coldly. I understand that if you have been in certain situations before the novelty will wear off and emotions won't be so high, but there is no self-reflection happening on the MC's part regarding her actions her emotions and the emotions of others. As a result, the narration did not move me. Of course I was hoping for some sort of resolution for the MC, but the emotional depth of the story was just missing. This is not a coming-of-age story, because nothing was overcome or learned.
To conclude, this YA story dealt with a lot of adult themes without allowing their emotional depth, there was very little to no self-reflection happening on the MC's side which puts a lot of responsibility on a (teenage) reader to come to their own conclusions. This along with the inconsequential ending made the story feel very surface-level.
There were no problems with the audiobook adaptation.
Unfortunately, this book was not my cup of tea. To me, a good book has to either be enjoyable to read or convey some sort of knowledge or insight or emotion into something in a unique way and this book was neither for me.
The whole book I was asking myself a) what is this book trying to tell me and b) how realistic is this representation?
Regarding a) I am sure most people have heard of the fentanyl crisis before and I fear that the book does not tell us more about it apart from that it exists and that the younger population also suffers from it. This was not news to me and I don't think this would be news to anyone that picks this book up.
Regarding b) obviously I don't know the realities of a fentanyl addict, not being or knowing one myself, so I won't comment on this. But what is more concerning to me is that this book is marketed as a young adult novel and narrated from the perspective of a 15/16-year-old. Having been a teenager before, I feel like I can comment on this. The narration felt a bit off for me. The MC deals with a lot of adult topics but does so very numbly and coldly. I understand that if you have been in certain situations before the novelty will wear off and emotions won't be so high, but there is no self-reflection happening on the MC's part regarding her actions her emotions and the emotions of others. As a result, the narration did not move me. Of course I was hoping for some sort of resolution for the MC, but the emotional depth of the story was just missing. This is not a coming-of-age story, because nothing was overcome or learned.
To conclude, this YA story dealt with a lot of adult themes without allowing their emotional depth, there was very little to no self-reflection happening on the MC's side which puts a lot of responsibility on a (teenage) reader to come to their own conclusions. This along with the inconsequential ending made the story feel very surface-level.
There were no problems with the audiobook adaptation.
May 2, 2024
|| WHATS NOT MINE ||
#gifted @ecwpress
What was the last Coming of Age book you read?
•
"Tonight's effort is a strange head-on shot, like up the barrel of a gun. Judging by the state of the floors, the clandestine photo shoot was staged in a gas station bathroom, so it seems carefully cropped to highlight the matter at hand. For months now, as long as I've been seeing Someboy, I've been getting these texts. Dick pics sent from an unknown number, probably someone left over from last year when I was messing around on apps."
•
"Maybe addict is the kind of word I should wince at, like I winced at Steph's laugh. But I don't. I don't feel anything when I hear it. Maybe it's like how Someboy says the word love gets emptied of meaning if you say it all the time."
•
"I slept one more pill between my lips and make a silent vow to be better tomorrow, to put my foot on the brake, and swallow."
✍🏻
What's not mine was another anticipated canlit release. I quite enjoyed it. It reminded me of a blending of lullabies for little criminals and sharp edges. About 16 year old Bria who lives with her aunt and best friend/cousin, works at a fast food joint, and at night sneaks out to see an older guy. The opioid crisis has infiltrated her town and forest fire smoke hovers in the air. Coming of age is one of my favorite genres, it always has been. I don't read it as often as I used to but there's always something comforting about returning to it. My favorite coming of age stories are the ones that have teenagers trying to navigate the adult world. In WHATS NOT MINE I found Bria's voice to be quite authentic in this regard. She is dealing with heavy things like addiction, parental failure, misogyny, chaotic homelife. The point of view of the opioid crisis through a teens perspective fely refreshing. I read this quickly as Deckter's writing is calculated and witty.
.
.
.
.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
#gifted @ecwpress
What was the last Coming of Age book you read?
•
"Tonight's effort is a strange head-on shot, like up the barrel of a gun. Judging by the state of the floors, the clandestine photo shoot was staged in a gas station bathroom, so it seems carefully cropped to highlight the matter at hand. For months now, as long as I've been seeing Someboy, I've been getting these texts. Dick pics sent from an unknown number, probably someone left over from last year when I was messing around on apps."
•
"Maybe addict is the kind of word I should wince at, like I winced at Steph's laugh. But I don't. I don't feel anything when I hear it. Maybe it's like how Someboy says the word love gets emptied of meaning if you say it all the time."
•
"I slept one more pill between my lips and make a silent vow to be better tomorrow, to put my foot on the brake, and swallow."
✍🏻
What's not mine was another anticipated canlit release. I quite enjoyed it. It reminded me of a blending of lullabies for little criminals and sharp edges. About 16 year old Bria who lives with her aunt and best friend/cousin, works at a fast food joint, and at night sneaks out to see an older guy. The opioid crisis has infiltrated her town and forest fire smoke hovers in the air. Coming of age is one of my favorite genres, it always has been. I don't read it as often as I used to but there's always something comforting about returning to it. My favorite coming of age stories are the ones that have teenagers trying to navigate the adult world. In WHATS NOT MINE I found Bria's voice to be quite authentic in this regard. She is dealing with heavy things like addiction, parental failure, misogyny, chaotic homelife. The point of view of the opioid crisis through a teens perspective fely refreshing. I read this quickly as Deckter's writing is calculated and witty.
.
.
.
.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
November 28, 2024
The summer Bria Powers turns 16 is marked by darkness. Her hometown of Beauchamp is plagued by waves of insects, wildfires that muddy the skies and fill the air with the constant smell of smoke, and the infiltration of fentanyl into the community's drug stream. It's also the summer Bria goes from saving a life to ruining her own.
At just 15 years old, at the start of the story, Bria is already navigating a harsh reality: her father is in prison for selling drugs, and her mother, an addict, is absent from her life. What's Not Mine is not a light read—it's a raw and, at times, heavy exploration of addiction and the ripple effects it has on families, especially the children left behind.
The novel poses difficult questions: Can anyone escape a cycle of addiction when surrounded by others struggling with the same battles? At what point does such dysfunction become normalized for the children growing up in these circumstances? As a coming-of-age story set against the stark backdrop of addiction, it's both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. Bria's journey will have you swinging between feeling deep sympathy for her struggles and wanting to shake her into making better choices. It's a sobering reminder of what many teens endure, both today and in the past, as they try to survive amidst chaos.
Billie Baird's narration captures Bria's voice well for the most part, though at times, it felt like the story's emotional weight wasn't fully conveyed. While the audiobook is well-produced, I think this might be a book I would have connected with more in e-book format. That, however, is more a matter of personal preference than a critique of the production.
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for providing me with an audio ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
At just 15 years old, at the start of the story, Bria is already navigating a harsh reality: her father is in prison for selling drugs, and her mother, an addict, is absent from her life. What's Not Mine is not a light read—it's a raw and, at times, heavy exploration of addiction and the ripple effects it has on families, especially the children left behind.
The novel poses difficult questions: Can anyone escape a cycle of addiction when surrounded by others struggling with the same battles? At what point does such dysfunction become normalized for the children growing up in these circumstances? As a coming-of-age story set against the stark backdrop of addiction, it's both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. Bria's journey will have you swinging between feeling deep sympathy for her struggles and wanting to shake her into making better choices. It's a sobering reminder of what many teens endure, both today and in the past, as they try to survive amidst chaos.
Billie Baird's narration captures Bria's voice well for the most part, though at times, it felt like the story's emotional weight wasn't fully conveyed. While the audiobook is well-produced, I think this might be a book I would have connected with more in e-book format. That, however, is more a matter of personal preference than a critique of the production.
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for providing me with an audio ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2024
What's Not Mine by Nora Decter is a recommended coming-of-age novel.
The summer Bria Powers turns 16 she is living with her aunt Tash and bestfriend/cousin Ains because her mother is long gone, her father is in jail for drug-dealing, and his girlfriend she was living with died from an overdose. During the day Bria and Ains babysit Ains’s younger siblings. Then they both go to work at the Burger Shack. After work Bria is personally struggling with drugs, alcohol, a bad relationship with a man she calls Someboy, and trying to find her place in the world. As if that isn't enough, some male is texting her pornographic images.
Bria is not a likable or trustworthy narrator. She will, however, elicit your sympathy because she is such a mixed-up broken teen who needs more support than she is receiving from those around her. She is in a rough situation that would leave many teens struggling. The hot, dry summer and the plethora of insects invading the area help set the desperate tone.
The pace is steady, but slow. There is some dark humor, but I was left mostly feeling depressed by the novel. (It feels like a YA novel, although it is not presented as one.) The novel does succeed in capturing the sad social realites of fentanyl infiltrating the community and the descriptive passages concerning the natural events of the summer are quite well-written. It does have a satisfying ending. Thanks to ECW Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
The summer Bria Powers turns 16 she is living with her aunt Tash and bestfriend/cousin Ains because her mother is long gone, her father is in jail for drug-dealing, and his girlfriend she was living with died from an overdose. During the day Bria and Ains babysit Ains’s younger siblings. Then they both go to work at the Burger Shack. After work Bria is personally struggling with drugs, alcohol, a bad relationship with a man she calls Someboy, and trying to find her place in the world. As if that isn't enough, some male is texting her pornographic images.
Bria is not a likable or trustworthy narrator. She will, however, elicit your sympathy because she is such a mixed-up broken teen who needs more support than she is receiving from those around her. She is in a rough situation that would leave many teens struggling. The hot, dry summer and the plethora of insects invading the area help set the desperate tone.
The pace is steady, but slow. There is some dark humor, but I was left mostly feeling depressed by the novel. (It feels like a YA novel, although it is not presented as one.) The novel does succeed in capturing the sad social realites of fentanyl infiltrating the community and the descriptive passages concerning the natural events of the summer are quite well-written. It does have a satisfying ending. Thanks to ECW Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
December 27, 2023
Wow. This is a dark, atmospheric, moving book. Bria, at the tender and challenging age of 15, leads a difficult life. The people she should be able to count on most in her life (her parents) have failed her in a myriad of ways. She has witnessed and experienced things no child should experience.
While she is fortunate to still have some people she can depend on, she is understandably confused and struggling. She leads a somewhat typical teenage existence during the day, but at night, she lives a whole separate existence. As time goes on, however, her struggles during the night start to bleed into her daily life, affecting not only herself but the people she loves.
This book is written so well that even if you cannot personally relate to Bria’s life experiences, you will feel like you are witnessing it firsthand. I felt sick, anxious, worried, scared, heartbroken, empathetic, sympathetic, relieved, triumphant, and hopeful during the course of reading this book. It truly made me feel so many different emotions, and I think that speaks to the quality of the writing as well as the plotline and character development.
I was totally immersed and engrossed in this story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
What’s Not Mine was a phenomenal read, and Bria and her story will stick with me for a long time.
Thank you to ECW Press for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While she is fortunate to still have some people she can depend on, she is understandably confused and struggling. She leads a somewhat typical teenage existence during the day, but at night, she lives a whole separate existence. As time goes on, however, her struggles during the night start to bleed into her daily life, affecting not only herself but the people she loves.
This book is written so well that even if you cannot personally relate to Bria’s life experiences, you will feel like you are witnessing it firsthand. I felt sick, anxious, worried, scared, heartbroken, empathetic, sympathetic, relieved, triumphant, and hopeful during the course of reading this book. It truly made me feel so many different emotions, and I think that speaks to the quality of the writing as well as the plotline and character development.
I was totally immersed and engrossed in this story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
What’s Not Mine was a phenomenal read, and Bria and her story will stick with me for a long time.
Thank you to ECW Press for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2024
Name of Book: What’s Not Mine
Author: Nora Dector
Narrator: Billie Baird
Publisher: ECW Press Audio
Genre: YA/Teen
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
My Rating: 2 Stars
Pages: 248
The blurb got my attention
For fans of Miriam Toews, an absorbing, darkly funny story of family, addiction, and
survival
However, I should have read the following review before deciding on this
The summer Bria turns 16 is a rough one for her. Her mother is out of the picture, her
drug-dealing father has disappeared, her stepmom has OD’d (with Bria saving her), her
boyfriend is borderline abusive and someone keeps sending Bria dick pics.
Although I am not the target audience for this story however as a High School Guidance Counselor I love to read YA stories. It pleases me when I can recommend a book as well just talk about books and encouraging reading for fun other than text books.
Unfortunately this did not work for me. I hung in there hoping it would ‘get it’. Sorry but, it never got to the point of enjoyment. 😥
Want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for this early audio.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 2, 2024.
Author: Nora Dector
Narrator: Billie Baird
Publisher: ECW Press Audio
Genre: YA/Teen
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
My Rating: 2 Stars
Pages: 248
The blurb got my attention
For fans of Miriam Toews, an absorbing, darkly funny story of family, addiction, and
survival
However, I should have read the following review before deciding on this
The summer Bria turns 16 is a rough one for her. Her mother is out of the picture, her
drug-dealing father has disappeared, her stepmom has OD’d (with Bria saving her), her
boyfriend is borderline abusive and someone keeps sending Bria dick pics.
Although I am not the target audience for this story however as a High School Guidance Counselor I love to read YA stories. It pleases me when I can recommend a book as well just talk about books and encouraging reading for fun other than text books.
Unfortunately this did not work for me. I hung in there hoping it would ‘get it’. Sorry but, it never got to the point of enjoyment. 😥
Want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for this early audio.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 2, 2024.
March 15, 2024
What’s Not Mine by Nora Decter really brought many emotions and feelings out of me while listening to this arc audiobook.
I finished this book last night, and have been thinking about it, and how I feel since. I spent all day debating on my rating, and what I would say in this review.
Many realistic topics many teens, and young adults go through are discussed in this book. Some parts were raw and hard to think about. The narrator brought the main character, Bria to life for me. Some of the language would seem odd to me. Then I would remember that she is a 15/16 year old teen and this is a YA book. Once I reminded myself that, the writing fit and flowed better for me.
My issue with the book was that it seemed to be heavy and I was flying through. Then about 80% in it kinda took a turn and slowed. It didn’t click for me and a small part of the end just felt off. If the book kept the pace the 1st 80% had I would have easily given this a higher rating than 3.25⭐️ I still recommend this book. Like I said many important topics are in this book and helps you really think. I’m a mom of 2 teens, almost 3, and this book has made me really think and pay attention so my kids won’t struggle like Bria did.
I finished this book last night, and have been thinking about it, and how I feel since. I spent all day debating on my rating, and what I would say in this review.
Many realistic topics many teens, and young adults go through are discussed in this book. Some parts were raw and hard to think about. The narrator brought the main character, Bria to life for me. Some of the language would seem odd to me. Then I would remember that she is a 15/16 year old teen and this is a YA book. Once I reminded myself that, the writing fit and flowed better for me.
My issue with the book was that it seemed to be heavy and I was flying through. Then about 80% in it kinda took a turn and slowed. It didn’t click for me and a small part of the end just felt off. If the book kept the pace the 1st 80% had I would have easily given this a higher rating than 3.25⭐️ I still recommend this book. Like I said many important topics are in this book and helps you really think. I’m a mom of 2 teens, almost 3, and this book has made me really think and pay attention so my kids won’t struggle like Bria did.
March 15, 2024
What’s Not Mine by Nora Decter and narrated by Billie Baird is a "coming of age" novel about a girl who grew up far too young.
The narration by Billie Baird is fantastic and captures Bria perfectly, the sassiness coupled with vulnerability is on point as is the wide range of characters within the story
Nora Decter writes a story that is deeply authentic, heart wrenching and tragic, that story that goes on behind the most confident of teens that is trying to behave like an adult because life has forced them into it. This book describes the effects the actions of parents have on the children (and families and friends) who are left behind and it is told with intense clarity and integrity.
Bria started out life on the back foot and her Aunt was trying everything to keep her on track after tragedy struck and Bria lost her best friend, but Bria is determined to take over the control of a life that has veered way out of control at the behest of others and in the summer she turned 16 in the embattled town of Beauchamp, this, is her story
Stunning, an essential listen and/ or read
Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press Audio, the author Nora Decter and narrator Billie Baird for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The narration by Billie Baird is fantastic and captures Bria perfectly, the sassiness coupled with vulnerability is on point as is the wide range of characters within the story
Nora Decter writes a story that is deeply authentic, heart wrenching and tragic, that story that goes on behind the most confident of teens that is trying to behave like an adult because life has forced them into it. This book describes the effects the actions of parents have on the children (and families and friends) who are left behind and it is told with intense clarity and integrity.
Bria started out life on the back foot and her Aunt was trying everything to keep her on track after tragedy struck and Bria lost her best friend, but Bria is determined to take over the control of a life that has veered way out of control at the behest of others and in the summer she turned 16 in the embattled town of Beauchamp, this, is her story
Stunning, an essential listen and/ or read
Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press Audio, the author Nora Decter and narrator Billie Baird for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 26, 2024
Bria Powers is 15, living in Beauchamp with her family. She is spending the summer with her aunt and cousins, as earlier in the year she got caught in a situation where she saved the life of her father's girlfriend after overdosing on fentanyl. Bria is struggling with how to deal with the trauma following the overdose, and continues to put herself at risk, from the company she keeps, to the alcohol and drug choices she makes herself, and not spending time with the good choices. To top it off, she keeps receiving "dick pics" from a random number, she's not allowed back to her house, and her dad has once again disappeared without a trace. As she struggles through the summer, she continues to fall more and more into her hole of her own making. When she discovers who sent her the mysterious "dick pics" she feels like she has reached rock bottom.
The story is heartbreaking and troublesome, while being somewhat relatable all at once. Bria is in a terrible situation and her options seem limited, causing her to face the difficulties herself.
The audiobook was well produced, and enjoyable to listen. The narrator was very engaging, and fitting for the story.
I will be recommending this to anyone interested in the premise. It was very good.
The story is heartbreaking and troublesome, while being somewhat relatable all at once. Bria is in a terrible situation and her options seem limited, causing her to face the difficulties herself.
The audiobook was well produced, and enjoyable to listen. The narrator was very engaging, and fitting for the story.
I will be recommending this to anyone interested in the premise. It was very good.
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