Step into the mind of Georgi, a 40-year-old woman with a combination of debilitating medical conditions that are killing her.
But today, she takes back control...
Escaping her isolated existence with her abusive husband to board the luxurious ship of a controversial offshore organization, D-LAD. Their mission, to give people suffering from deadly illnesses one last taste of living, before ending their suffering, humanely. An option not legally available to her back home.
But imagine her surprise to discover Bryant, her long-lost high school love is one of her doctors on the ship. She’s even more shocked when he reveals that they have to pretend they don’t know each other, because D-LAD has more sinister motives than she could ever have imagined.
As time runs out, follow her struggle to uncover the truth, all while coming to care about her diverse group of fellow passengers on their own journeys to death with dignity.
Is D-LAD really evil? Or is Bryant just not ready to lose her again?
I read this because the “warning chapter” piqued my curiosity, but I’m left completely perplexed. I have no clue how to rate this because I have no clue how I feel about it. I didn’t love it or hate it. I didn’t like it or dislike it. You see my dilemma?
There were so many things that were mentioned then hardly spoken on again which I felt were pretty significant topics. There were past traumas that were mentioned with hardly any context which left me more confused. It was a bit slow at times. Why did I need to know what song was playing every third page?
I will say that I obviously preferred the ending before the final chapter and the final chapter did have me question what I just read. It made me rethink everything I felt about this book, but again I have no idea how to rate it so I’m leaving it unrated.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought it was mostly good. Both the characters and the plot were interesting for the most part. But it was quite slow at times. I felt like it took forever to read. (I'm usually a rather fast reader). And sometimes it seemed like the book couldn't decide which genre it was supposed to be in. It also seemed to focus too much on things that weren't relevant and not enough on things that were. The characters would also bring up things from the past with no context or explanation like we're just supposed to already know about it. Made things a little confusing at time. However, the book did make me feel an array of emotions which rarely happens so overall I did like it.
I decided to read this after seeing quite a few recommendations on the PTR FB group. Unfortunately, it's not for me. The story is quite dull, long-winded, and I struggled to warm to any of the characters. The topic of the book could've been so interesting too. The final "psychologically disturbing" chapter had me eye rolling and I had guessed the real ending ages before reaching it. It's the first book I strongly considered DNFing but I kept going with the lure of the last chapter. There are also a lot of silly mistakes in the writing, such as the use of "are" instead of "our", "your" instead of "you're" and "gentleman" instead of "gentlemen". Which I just thought it was a bit sloppy!
I picked this npvel up during a stuff your Kindle event ( it's on KU as well).
After reading the reviews and getting about 15 percent into the book , I decided that I'm probably not the right audience for this book is more of a physiological thriller with a second chance romance theme weaved into it. The romance is not the main theme of the book. I'd prefer a book where the romance is the primary theme.
A woman getting a second chance with love after escaping her abusive husband to go on a shop, to die on her terms intrigued me.
The book was well written and if you love physiological thrillers, this may be up you alley, being a mostly rom- com or angsty romance girl, I decided to DNF the book and not rate it.
This is one of those *holy shit* books. Immense psychological thriller with such a unique premise; a terminally ill woman goes on a life-ending medical cruise where things just aren’t what they seem.
The “real ending” was not as “psychologically damaging” as I imagined. Also if you read enough psych thrillers it is easy to guess. Still enjoyed the book- kept me hooked the whole time
Like most of the reviewers, I read this because of the warning page before the final chapter. You’re given the option to end at chapter 43, to read chapter 43, then skip to the last page for a recap of 44, or, to read chapter 44. Chapter 44 was such a let down. A more psychologically disturbing ending would have been reading her inner monologue as she became a medical experiment. Honestly, the recap to 44 was “just the same” as reading the chapter, but with less filler and animal abuse.
I posited many times while reading that this was a dream. I hoped I was wrong, as I feel 99% of readers, of any book, are left unsatisfied with what is somewhat of a lazy end. It just feels like there were so many layers and details that the reader was expecting to be fleshed out and closed, but there was really no closure.
I understand that there is a prequel coming out of Georgi’s journals; honestly I half expected an excerpt from them to be the trigger chapter 44, but alas… it was not. It seems to me, without having read the prequel (is it out yet?) that it should have been released first. There were so many things mentioned in this book that left me thinking “wait, what? Did I miss something? What is she talking about?”
And what the hell does D-LAD stand for. “I mean, everyone knows D-LAD. People stand around office water coolers and talk about it daily. Most just don’t know it by its initials.” Everyone? You mean medical professionals and anatomy students? And that’s only under the assumption they mean “distal left anterior descending artery,” which I assume is where “Mrs. Michaels ‘cuts’ Georgie. But, I would argue MOST people DON’T know that. And we don’t know that’s what it is. Unless I missed that in the book?
Overall, I did enjoy the story. But I didn’t LOVE it. A little more (relevant) detail, a little more closure, a less predictable ending - any of those would have changed my rating.
I’d be curious to hear what scholars and professional book reviewers think. Was there a hidden message in the playlist? Is that why there is a YouTube page for it? Was her “bad arm/hand” in the dream a metaphor for her crippled hand and missing fingers? Were all of the other passengers/patients representations of what she had and or was missing in her life? Perry as a father figure, Angela as a maternal mentor? Emma as the free spirited child she never was? And so on….
Anyway that’s my 2 cents (which is reading more like 25 cents…. Sorry)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This semi-autobiographical fantasy is bogged down by excessive smut and drawn-out chapters that fail to propel the story forward, making it one of the most frustrating reads I’ve encountered. If thrillers can be considered trashy, this certainly fits the bill.
The author, who presents herself as neurodivergent, suffering from an autoimmune condition, and severely disabled, steps into the story as the protagonist. While the opening chapters spark some intrigue, the narrative soon becomes puzzling. On one hand, she portrays herself as a victim, barely able to function; on the other, she’s interacting with a pitbull in ways that suggest a level of mobility contradictory to her own descriptions. The inconsistency makes for a bewildering reading experience.
And the frustrations don’t end there. As the book progresses, its implausible narrative becomes even more difficult to take seriously, weighed down by poor writing and frequent grammatical missteps. Rather than improving or offering clarity, the prose only amplifies the sense of confusion, making the entire experience feel more like a test of endurance than a compelling read.
The ending may offer a touch of novelty, but is it really worth slogging through hundreds of pages riddled with poor craftsmanship—something that would undoubtedly test the patience of any competent editor or publisher?
As someone with an autoimmune condition, I found no connection to the portrayal here. Instead, it read more like the author had self-published her fantasy for the sake of reinforcing a victim narrative rather than crafting a meaningful, relatable experience.
i am not rating this book. i would rate it 0 if i could. the fact i worked out the ‘plot twists’ and the ‘psychologically scarring’ last chapter from the blurb alone is absolutely horrendous. it was not scarring in the slightest, almost facepalmed irl at the obviousness of it. lots of sloppy writing and spelling mistakes which i get happen but it was constant. would not recommend, wish i could unread.
The last chapter did save this book a bit, making it more disturbing. However, the book overall wasn’t great. I couldn’t stand Bryant. He was a complete man-child throughout the book. Whenever he didn’t get his way he would play the sad victim to get sympathy.. but I guess that’s just how Georgie was imagining him. Definitely a lot of doctor/ patient sex, which was cringy to say the least. I was not a huge fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was intrigued initially from the warning and choice of ending. It was an interesting read. I did not like the top to bottom pages and no chapter breaks. I did like the characters and futuristic vibes.
This had some very slow parts, hard to continue at times, however kept me intrigued. Still wondering what happened to that one ex, how he died. Ending was very sad and a twist. I’d say 3.5 stars would be higher if it wasn’t slow in areas and some unanswered questions the author must have forgot about lol
Like many others, I wanted to read this book because of the warning before the final chapter. I won’t go into the details of what the last chapter contained, but it was not worth the excitement. If anything, it just played into an overdone trope that’s been used again and again. I did not personally feel that it contained anything more intense than what had been previously mentioned in the book.
Both the chapter before and the optional last chapter left me feeling unsatisfied. There was a lot of build up just to leave so many questions unanswered. I can see why some books might not answer every question for the reader, but it was not done in a thought provoking way in this case.
The author admits that they are not a professional writer, so I didn’t let any spelling/vocabulary/grammatical errors impact the rating. But, if you are someone who would get distracted by these mistakes, I would avoid.
Beyond basic language issues, the writing generally feels a bit juvenile. The main character is supposed to be a woman in her 40s but she speaks and thinks as if she is in her late teens or early 20s. Some of this could be attributed to the character’s backstory, but it just does not feel realistic. The author included a playlist to go along with the book, which is a nice idea, but having a new song italicized every few paragraphs felt like a bit much. I feel that it would’ve been better to mention the playlist at the beginning and just include a song for each chapter.
The pacing wasn’t bad and a lot of the characters were interesting. Some of the scenarios were a bit eye-roll worthy and had me wanting to skip ahead a few pages. The concept itself was very interesting and would’ve made for a great book if it were fleshed out a bit better.
The main reason I didn’t choose to not continue reading was to get to the final chapter, which was probably not worth it in the end.
This book was a very packed story plot, which included a psychological thriller, with the chance of romance at times. Along with the heartbreaking and heart wrenching way that Georgi went about getting away from her abusive relationship, with her husband Rob. That if she had went to D-LAD, if that even was an actual place, or perhaps it was just a fictional place? That was perhaps it was just in her dreams to be able to escape her reality and her life that she was living in. To be able to escape the horror and terror of what she had to live with and deal with, with her at home life. But that she is then “met again” with a familiar face that she has known all along, Bryant. A previous relationship and boyfriend she had in the past. Thinking that everything could be turned around for the better and good for her. But that all in all, just knowing that it was all about what everyone else wanted from her, or wanted to do for themselves. That in the end, it truly didn’t matter what happened to Georgi, or what she had truly cared about or what she was “pushing for”. Or advocating for, that all in all, in the end of it all Georgi just wanted all of this pain and agony to end, and to stop being someone’s “punching bag” in a sense. Overall, Georgi just wanted to end the suffering altogether, but she had some people that were close to her struggling to accept the fact on letting her go. By being able to let her rest in peace finally, and finally get the closure she received all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I Know You Do by Georgette Deloriad is a gripping psychological thriller that goes to the end-of-life choices.
The story follows Georgi, a 40-year-old woman battling severe medical conditions, as she escapes her abusive husband to seek death with dignity aboard a controversial ship.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when she encounters someone from high school time who is now working as a doctor for the organization.
As Georgi uncovers dark secrets and forms bonds with fellow passengers, she collides with profound questions about life, death, and autonomy.
Deloriad's obvious experiences lend authenticity to this unique thriller, challenging readers to confront ethical dilemmas while exploring themes of love and suffering.
I have no idea what this book was supposed to be, to be honest. I was really looking forward to reading something about a highly controversial topic, but it just never hit. It was like the author wanted to write something that would make people stop and think, question everything but then tried to spin so many different storylines into the book that she never gave enough attention and detail to any. In terms of the right to die storyline it was almost like she wanted to explore it but then got scared and never gave it the full story it deserved and don't even get me started on the last chapter with the warning... *spoiler below* *** *** *** It was all a fucking dream?!? SERIOUSLY?!? Surely everyone knows by now that that is the worst ending you can give anything!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was rather interesting... I was really into the beginning of the book and I liked the foreshadowing but I was not fully satisfied by the end. I was hoping for more mystery and thriller and to learn what was truly going on behind D-LADs closed doors. There was a lot of hinting and referencing to it but then the truth was revealed and it was king of a let down. I enjoyed the romance portion within the plot but I just couldn't get into the book whole heartedly. Maybe it just was not my kind of book but I was wanting to mix it up and read something different. If anything, this book left me confused and wanting to know more.
3.5 stars. Digital book. I have more questions than answers but I did enjoy myself, I think? The author came off as pick me; stating things like TWs (below) and “oh my mother abused me the worst of my life you wouldn’t believe your eyes” and does not state in any further detail what happened. Same gig with Jesus, unsure why we needed him at all. I’d like to suggest the author and their editor take an English class or two because they used the wrong spelling of words all over the place. Lots of TWs for at best mild/medium content. Events happen but not in great detail.
Definitely an interesting story that makes you question and wonder certain things. Set up to be a little psychological thriller. There are grammar errors but it states in the beginning she states “I’m no writer”
While reading this story it does dive into a person with a terminal diagnosis hitting a roadblock so the speak as any treatment available has been done and prior to losing further quality of life (feeding tube, etc) takes matters into their own hands.
A gripping tale of love, loss, and ethical dilemmas
The story of Georgi, as she escapes her abusive husband to seek dignity in death, is both heart-wrenching and captivating. The plot takes unexpected twists, especially with the reappearance of her high school love, Bryant. The author’s portrayal of complex characters and ethical dilemmas around end-of-life choices kept me hooked till the very end.
All I can say is this author had me believing every single word in this book and the twist at the end. Wow just WOW. I went into this book blind and didn't know what to expect and I was not expecting this. I was excited to explore the possibility of end of life care with help. This book did just that for me. Just sit right back and take a cruise to your death. The last chapter makes you wish you could!
A brilliantly written story that will have you questioning everything you believe to be true. It tackles some tough obstacles like domestic violence and end of life care. I love how the author has delicately written these issues into a physchological thriller that I am finding hard to stop thinking about. It's a gem of a masterpiece in my opinion.
This was a very slow read for me. It didn’t always hold me attention, but I was still curious. I read it because of the surprise choose your own adventure style ending. I thought it was going to come earlier but it was literally at the end. The actual ending was definitely a surprise I wasn’t expecting, which led to the the 4 star review, because otherwise it wasn’t that interesting of a story.
It's an ok read. Here's is what I didn't like. I hated it the place the music tittle took, it was really annoying. Some subject that where brought up needed more context or just to be left out. The ending kind of ruined it... I didn't find it triggering at all, I just thought it cancelled the rest of the book and should have been different.
Don’t read this book’s full ending if you have medical anxiety, for real. The author does a great job at recognizing the trauma of the ending and gives you an opportunity to have a better experience- I didn’t take that chance and it haunts me. It is so well written and I love how the story sucked me in. But I can’t stop thinking about this book, it seriously gave me nightmares.
I loved this book. It was so unique and I loved the story. I didn’t love the writing style, and there were some stories that were messy and didn’t get cleaned up by the end, but overall it was gripping and wild. The ending really messed with my head in the best way.
This book was… interesting. 🤨 The idea of “The Crown” Georgi uses was spectacular. Wish this was a real life thing!!!! Most parts of the story were not believable or realistic. The futuristic vibes kind of turned me off sometimes.