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Somebody's Daughter
From USA Today bestselling author Rochelle B. Weinstein comes an emotional novel for mothers, daughters, and anyone who has ever felt imperfect. Emma and Bobby Ross enjoy a charmed life on the shores of Miami Beach. They are a model family with a successful business, an uncomplicated marriage, and two blessedly typical twin daughters, Zoe and Lily. They are established members of a tight-knit community. Then, on the night of the girls’ fifteenth birthday party, they learn of Zoe’s heartbreaking mistake―a private and humiliating indiscretion that goes viral and thrusts her and her family into the center of a shocking public scandal. As the family’s core is shattered by disgrace, judgment, and retribution, the fallout takes its toll. But for Emma, the shame runs deeper. Her daughter’s reckless behavior has stirred memories of her own secrets that could break a marriage and family forever.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2018
4500 people are currently reading
3758 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle B. Weinstein
8 books1,866 followersRochelle B. Weinstein is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple contemporary fiction novels, most recently We Are Made of Stars. Her work has been featured in People, Deadline, Entertainment Weekly, Country Living, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World, First for Women, Kveller, Totally Booked with Zibby, BookBub, and more. Rochelle is the book columnist for AQUA Magazine and a frequent speaker and workshop instructor. A former entertainment industry executive and NBC-6 Miami book correspondent, Rochelle splits her time between South Florida and the mountains of North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
May 1, 2018
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
4.5 Stars!!
I knew from reading the blurb that this was a story that was going to hit close to home. However, I didn’t realize just how long I would be thinking about it after I finished reading.
Emma and Bobby Ross are enjoying life. They have two wonderful daughters, Zoe and Lily who are about to turn fifteen. They live in the hotel they run and have the beach in their backyard. The hotel employees are their friends and the guests are like family. Life is great.
But on the evening of their daughter’s fifteenth birthday party, an explicit video of a very private moment is sent to everyone they know and within days it has gone viral.
The family doesn’t understand who would do this to them….and why? Everyone deals with what happened in very different ways. Bobby is angry and wants someone to pay. Lily and Zoe are horrified and embarrassed and Emma is trying to make sure that everyone else is okay while also dealing with memories that this situation has triggered in her.
“Shame is a dirty, dark secret that knees you in the stomach again and again and again”
Will the Ross family fall apart completely or will they be able to come together and support each other through this very emotional ordeal?
This was an excellent read!
This novel is very relevant. Things like this are happening every day. I could understand a lot of what the mother was feeling. I am now the mother of an eighteen-year-old. Technically my daughter is an adult, but I can see how much she still needs me (though she may not always think so). It’s scary. Have I done a good job? Have I prepared her enough? Unfortunately, no matter how much we prepare them, they will make mistakes. How we react to those mistakes is also extremely important.
We talk to our kids about the dangers of drugs, drinking etc. However, now we must add the dangers of technology to that list. Their brains are still growing and many won't yet have a firm grasp on impulse control.
In my opinion, the author did a fantastic job of shining a light on important issues while still telling a good story. I enjoyed getting to know the Ross family. I was engrossed in their lives and anxious to see how things would work out. I felt the writing was realistic and not sensationalized. She handled the issues with respect and sensitivity while still getting some important messages across.
Overall, this was an honest, relevant and noteworthy read that I think many readers will relate to. I look forward to reading more from Rochelle Weinstein.
I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars!!
I knew from reading the blurb that this was a story that was going to hit close to home. However, I didn’t realize just how long I would be thinking about it after I finished reading.
Emma and Bobby Ross are enjoying life. They have two wonderful daughters, Zoe and Lily who are about to turn fifteen. They live in the hotel they run and have the beach in their backyard. The hotel employees are their friends and the guests are like family. Life is great.
But on the evening of their daughter’s fifteenth birthday party, an explicit video of a very private moment is sent to everyone they know and within days it has gone viral.
The family doesn’t understand who would do this to them….and why? Everyone deals with what happened in very different ways. Bobby is angry and wants someone to pay. Lily and Zoe are horrified and embarrassed and Emma is trying to make sure that everyone else is okay while also dealing with memories that this situation has triggered in her.
“Shame is a dirty, dark secret that knees you in the stomach again and again and again”
Will the Ross family fall apart completely or will they be able to come together and support each other through this very emotional ordeal?
This was an excellent read!
This novel is very relevant. Things like this are happening every day. I could understand a lot of what the mother was feeling. I am now the mother of an eighteen-year-old. Technically my daughter is an adult, but I can see how much she still needs me (though she may not always think so). It’s scary. Have I done a good job? Have I prepared her enough? Unfortunately, no matter how much we prepare them, they will make mistakes. How we react to those mistakes is also extremely important.
We talk to our kids about the dangers of drugs, drinking etc. However, now we must add the dangers of technology to that list. Their brains are still growing and many won't yet have a firm grasp on impulse control.
In my opinion, the author did a fantastic job of shining a light on important issues while still telling a good story. I enjoyed getting to know the Ross family. I was engrossed in their lives and anxious to see how things would work out. I felt the writing was realistic and not sensationalized. She handled the issues with respect and sensitivity while still getting some important messages across.
Overall, this was an honest, relevant and noteworthy read that I think many readers will relate to. I look forward to reading more from Rochelle Weinstein.
I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2018
5+++++ STARS! .....but geeeee I’m an emotional wreck! I’m filled with so much love it hurts —. I literally had to go outside and just sit and think for awhile before I could be productive in any shape or form — This novel stimulated a full range of ’thoughts’ and equally a full range of ‘emotions’— we got the full rainbow.
I literally wanted to reach out to Rochelle or a close-friend and begin ‘book-discussion’ every 5 or 6 pages. There are THAT MANY WORTHY ISSUES to discuss.
I’ve enjoyed all of Rochelle Weinstein’s novels - but honestly— she raised the bar higher for herself with “Somebody’s Daughter”. Congrats - big time to Rochelle. I’ll be recommending this novel to everyone: men and women.
If you are married - still raising kids - reading this novel won’t be a waste of time for you at ‘all’.
The blurb itself -( or even the pretty book cover - or title) - don’t represent the INCREDIBLE POWER to be discovered inside these pages. This is not a simple story about an ordinary family —AND DON’T be fooled into thinking that this model family has an uncomplicated marriage.
“The problem with perfection is when you can’t live up to it, exposure is much more painful”.
Lily and Zoe are twins. They’re 15 years old, in the 9th grade. Lily plays Lacrosse. Zoe is on the debate team.
Parents Emma and Bobby Ross first met each other when they were teenagers. Emma’s Family was from Chicago. During the summers they would vacation in Florida at the Ross hotel. Bobby and his brother Johnny grew up in The Ross hotel in Miami- on the beach - that their parents owned. A relationship developed - ( definitely a strong love was growing) — but Emma and Bobby spent many years being in a long distant relationship... which can be challenging to keep going for ‘years’. Emma was in College in Vermont. Bobby in College in Florida.
However —Emma & Bobby marry got married - on the beach in Miami - and later Bobby became developer and owner of the ROSS HOTEL - sharing responsibilities with his brother Johnny.
The ROSS HOTEL was their ‘home’ for Bobby, Emma, Zoe, and Lily.
I found it really sweet too - learning how this family tried to stay very down to earth - the girls cleaned their own rooms - even though there was a full hotel staff that cleaned rooms. The cooked cooked their own meals and ate together -instead of the hotel crew serving ‘them’.....and they thought of their hotel crew as family and treated them with great respect.
.......The story *begins* on the night of Lily and Zoe’s 15th birthday party at their hotel. Everything is going groovy as teenage parties go ( mom is sentimental about watching her daughters growing up and Dad is proud).
During the evening it’s discovered that Zoe was caught on film when at a party the weekend before - videotaped- with Price Hudson ( another boy from her school)
I literally wanted to reach out to Rochelle or a close-friend and begin ‘book-discussion’ every 5 or 6 pages. There are THAT MANY WORTHY ISSUES to discuss.
I’ve enjoyed all of Rochelle Weinstein’s novels - but honestly— she raised the bar higher for herself with “Somebody’s Daughter”. Congrats - big time to Rochelle. I’ll be recommending this novel to everyone: men and women.
If you are married - still raising kids - reading this novel won’t be a waste of time for you at ‘all’.
The blurb itself -( or even the pretty book cover - or title) - don’t represent the INCREDIBLE POWER to be discovered inside these pages. This is not a simple story about an ordinary family —AND DON’T be fooled into thinking that this model family has an uncomplicated marriage.
“The problem with perfection is when you can’t live up to it, exposure is much more painful”.
Lily and Zoe are twins. They’re 15 years old, in the 9th grade. Lily plays Lacrosse. Zoe is on the debate team.
Parents Emma and Bobby Ross first met each other when they were teenagers. Emma’s Family was from Chicago. During the summers they would vacation in Florida at the Ross hotel. Bobby and his brother Johnny grew up in The Ross hotel in Miami- on the beach - that their parents owned. A relationship developed - ( definitely a strong love was growing) — but Emma and Bobby spent many years being in a long distant relationship... which can be challenging to keep going for ‘years’. Emma was in College in Vermont. Bobby in College in Florida.
However —Emma & Bobby marry got married - on the beach in Miami - and later Bobby became developer and owner of the ROSS HOTEL - sharing responsibilities with his brother Johnny.
The ROSS HOTEL was their ‘home’ for Bobby, Emma, Zoe, and Lily.
I found it really sweet too - learning how this family tried to stay very down to earth - the girls cleaned their own rooms - even though there was a full hotel staff that cleaned rooms. The cooked cooked their own meals and ate together -instead of the hotel crew serving ‘them’.....and they thought of their hotel crew as family and treated them with great respect.
.......The story *begins* on the night of Lily and Zoe’s 15th birthday party at their hotel. Everything is going groovy as teenage parties go ( mom is sentimental about watching her daughters growing up and Dad is proud).
During the evening it’s discovered that Zoe was caught on film when at a party the weekend before - videotaped- with Price Hudson ( another boy from her school)
October 8, 2018
Relevant, Raw, and Controversial
But overall, a little dry
Being a teen today is not easy. Especially with peer pressure constantly making it's way through cell phones and computer screens. Lily and Zoe are twins, best friends. Lily is the quiet and studious one, while Zoe is the loud and rambunctious teen. Having said that, Lily makes a mistake that will send shockwaves reverberating through the community. This is the "ripped from the headlines" story of a teen girl, Lily, whom makes a really, really bad judgement call that will go on to affect her life in permanent and unimaginable ways.
I've always been interested in reading a book that highlights the dangers of social media. There are so many hot-button issues floating around in society that focus on the internet and teenagers. Whether it is sexting or cyberbullying, there is plenty of it. I feel extremely lucky that I was never faced with the temptations of social media, as a teen. It’s hard enough being an adolescent as is!
There were a few issues I had with this book, however. There was too much conjecture of Lily's "crime" from multiple points of view. Lily, herself, didn't discuss, in depth, her feelings surrounding the controversial act that occurs. Secondly, on par with the former issue, the character development wasn't strong. The characters weren't fleshed out enough. I really would have appreciated Lily's character being fuller. Finally, there wasn't enough plot development. Usually, if a book has really excellent character development or really great plot development, it doesn't matter if one or the other comes up lacking. However in this case, both of these areas were inadequate, which makes the book unfortunately, a tad on the bland side.
Thank you to Lake Union publishing for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
But overall, a little dry
Being a teen today is not easy. Especially with peer pressure constantly making it's way through cell phones and computer screens. Lily and Zoe are twins, best friends. Lily is the quiet and studious one, while Zoe is the loud and rambunctious teen. Having said that, Lily makes a mistake that will send shockwaves reverberating through the community. This is the "ripped from the headlines" story of a teen girl, Lily, whom makes a really, really bad judgement call that will go on to affect her life in permanent and unimaginable ways.
I've always been interested in reading a book that highlights the dangers of social media. There are so many hot-button issues floating around in society that focus on the internet and teenagers. Whether it is sexting or cyberbullying, there is plenty of it. I feel extremely lucky that I was never faced with the temptations of social media, as a teen. It’s hard enough being an adolescent as is!
There were a few issues I had with this book, however. There was too much conjecture of Lily's "crime" from multiple points of view. Lily, herself, didn't discuss, in depth, her feelings surrounding the controversial act that occurs. Secondly, on par with the former issue, the character development wasn't strong. The characters weren't fleshed out enough. I really would have appreciated Lily's character being fuller. Finally, there wasn't enough plot development. Usually, if a book has really excellent character development or really great plot development, it doesn't matter if one or the other comes up lacking. However in this case, both of these areas were inadequate, which makes the book unfortunately, a tad on the bland side.
Thank you to Lake Union publishing for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2018
4 timely stars to Somebody’s Daughter! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Ross family has it all; loving parents, almost-15-year-old twin daughters, Zoe and Lily, a strong community, and a home in Miami Beach.
On the night of the girls’ 15th birthday party, a cyber scandal involving Zoe is revealed. What ensues is a family left judged, humiliated, and heartbroken by something that could happen to anyone’s daughter. Adding another layer, Emma, the mom, is affected by her own secrets brought out by what happens to her daughter.
The Rosses are a lovely family, and I enjoyed getting to know them and their community. I found both daughters likable and really admired their individual strength. I kept thinking, how does a family heal from something like this? How do you start over living in the same community? Overall, Somebody’s Daughter made me feel deeply, and it made me think.
Thank you to Rochelle Weinstein, Lake Union Publishing, and Netgalley, for the ARC. Somebody’s Daughter is available now!
The Ross family has it all; loving parents, almost-15-year-old twin daughters, Zoe and Lily, a strong community, and a home in Miami Beach.
On the night of the girls’ 15th birthday party, a cyber scandal involving Zoe is revealed. What ensues is a family left judged, humiliated, and heartbroken by something that could happen to anyone’s daughter. Adding another layer, Emma, the mom, is affected by her own secrets brought out by what happens to her daughter.
The Rosses are a lovely family, and I enjoyed getting to know them and their community. I found both daughters likable and really admired their individual strength. I kept thinking, how does a family heal from something like this? How do you start over living in the same community? Overall, Somebody’s Daughter made me feel deeply, and it made me think.
Thank you to Rochelle Weinstein, Lake Union Publishing, and Netgalley, for the ARC. Somebody’s Daughter is available now!
April 12, 2018
Somebody's Daughter by Rochelle Weinstein is a powerful story about the love, loss, growth, and family. I think I may be in the minority on this one but I felt like I was watching a Lifetime movie. And... I love lifetime movies! But, this one fell pretty flat for me.
I did enjoy the impact and the lesson that Rochelle leaves her readers with on this one. The danger of social media and the internet. I've always been afraid of posting things online and know it can follow you for the rest of your life. Example Catfish.... yikes! Now.. that's another story but I've been catfished once or twice in the dating world. EEEEK.
Anywho... I felt like the story was repeating itself a little bit and I got the message about the loss and heart-ache from the families involved. But, I just feel like it was a little bit of a record going round and round. I caught myself rolling my eyes multiple times and sadly... I saw the story play out in my mind before I read it. It felt just a tad bit too cheesy for my taste.
Overall, I was expecting an awesome story based on the high 4 and 5 reviews but it just wasn't there for me.
3 stars
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the arc.
Published to GR: 4/12/18
Publication date: 4/17/18.
April 30, 2018
"One simple mistake and my life is ruined!"
The Ross family might be picture perfect on the outside, but on the inside this family is dealing with some serious issues. On the evening of her twin daughters (Zoe and Lily) fifteenth birthday party, Emma Ross overhears her daughter's friends having a conversation about a shocking video featuring one of her children. Concerned and alarmed, she later informs her husband, Bobby, about the conversation she overheard. They do some investigating and discover the video. They are left shocked, devastated, concerned and with so many questions. Their daughter has been filmed during a private act and the video is going viral. What should they do?
Confronted with the video their daughter admits the embarrassing truth. She is humiliated, embarrassed, and never wants to show her face in public. Emma also finds that her daughter's plight has brought up an old issue/secret the she had buried. One that occurred when she was younger. Luckily for her, social media and texting were not around so her "secret" was not shared with the world. The fallout begins to take its toll on this family and other families involved. In this book we see the negative aspect of social media and what is shared with the world. With the internet comes cyber-stalking, cyber bullying, cyber-sexual harassment, sexting, child pornography, etc. What happens when one act is put out there for the community/world to see? How does someone move on after public embarrassment, bullying, judgement, blame and the impact this has on her self-esteem?
"I never fully realized what being a mom meant. I knew you felt what your child felt, deeply, but I never ever thought it would hurt this much...to be unable to protect them...to take away their pain."
This book deals with a family who had it all - happiness, love, stability, community until it was torn apart. This book deals with serious issues and shows us how this family in crisis copes with their situation. Parents want to protect their children from harm. They want to believe that their child will not have a lapse of judgement or make a mistake. But what happens when they do. We are only human. What happens when one "thing" is made public? What happens when one mistake might follow them and haunt them for the rest of their lives? Does one mistake define you?
I found this book to be a fast read and perfectly paced. I felt for the characters and their situation.
I received a copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing and Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
The Ross family might be picture perfect on the outside, but on the inside this family is dealing with some serious issues. On the evening of her twin daughters (Zoe and Lily) fifteenth birthday party, Emma Ross overhears her daughter's friends having a conversation about a shocking video featuring one of her children. Concerned and alarmed, she later informs her husband, Bobby, about the conversation she overheard. They do some investigating and discover the video. They are left shocked, devastated, concerned and with so many questions. Their daughter has been filmed during a private act and the video is going viral. What should they do?
Confronted with the video their daughter admits the embarrassing truth. She is humiliated, embarrassed, and never wants to show her face in public. Emma also finds that her daughter's plight has brought up an old issue/secret the she had buried. One that occurred when she was younger. Luckily for her, social media and texting were not around so her "secret" was not shared with the world. The fallout begins to take its toll on this family and other families involved. In this book we see the negative aspect of social media and what is shared with the world. With the internet comes cyber-stalking, cyber bullying, cyber-sexual harassment, sexting, child pornography, etc. What happens when one act is put out there for the community/world to see? How does someone move on after public embarrassment, bullying, judgement, blame and the impact this has on her self-esteem?
"I never fully realized what being a mom meant. I knew you felt what your child felt, deeply, but I never ever thought it would hurt this much...to be unable to protect them...to take away their pain."
This book deals with a family who had it all - happiness, love, stability, community until it was torn apart. This book deals with serious issues and shows us how this family in crisis copes with their situation. Parents want to protect their children from harm. They want to believe that their child will not have a lapse of judgement or make a mistake. But what happens when they do. We are only human. What happens when one "thing" is made public? What happens when one mistake might follow them and haunt them for the rest of their lives? Does one mistake define you?
I found this book to be a fast read and perfectly paced. I felt for the characters and their situation.
I received a copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing and Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
April 24, 2018
I know it's strange for an author to rate her own book, but considering the amount of blood, sweat, and tears I put into this story, I think I'm entitled to offer my opinion. Besides, if I don't believe in this story, who will?
I wrote this book for several reasons. First, to educate parents and teens on the dangers of sharing sexually explicit content. It can happen to anyone, even the best and most loving families. That said, I think it's time we all become better at compassion. Reason two. Because this could hope to any one of us, despite our best intentions, it behooves us to be kinder. Less judging. More understanding. How would we want the world to react to our one mishap? Would any one of you want to grow up in this era being watched under the evil eye of a camera? Makes you think. Reason three.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on the book. I'm grateful for every single word.
I wrote this book for several reasons. First, to educate parents and teens on the dangers of sharing sexually explicit content. It can happen to anyone, even the best and most loving families. That said, I think it's time we all become better at compassion. Reason two. Because this could hope to any one of us, despite our best intentions, it behooves us to be kinder. Less judging. More understanding. How would we want the world to react to our one mishap? Would any one of you want to grow up in this era being watched under the evil eye of a camera? Makes you think. Reason three.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts on the book. I'm grateful for every single word.
June 30, 2018
Emma and Bobby Ross have the perfect loving family with twin daughters, Lily and Zoe. They all live in a ritzy hotel in Miami that is owned by their family. This idyllic life is shattered after Zoe attends a party with her high school friends. A week later while celebrating the twins fifteenth birthday Emma learns of a shocking video that has gone viral of Zoe. The aftermath stresses the entire Ross family with embarrassing scandalous attention and unknown ramifications.
Each family member has a different reaction to the scandal. Bobby seeks revenge against the person who posted the video. He is angry and unable to provide emotional support to his family in the midst of the investigation. Emma is concerned for her daughters’ emotional state and how she will cope at school. This event also becomes the catalyst to address problems that she has kept buried for years. This instability wreaks havoc on the family dynamics and they need to make major changes to move forward.
Somebody’s Daughter highlights an important topic which explores the growing use of technology by teens. The use of computers, phones, and social media can be greatly beneficial but when used improperly there is the potential for abuse. This was the first book that I read by Rochelle B. Weinstein and I look forward to more novels by this author.
Each family member has a different reaction to the scandal. Bobby seeks revenge against the person who posted the video. He is angry and unable to provide emotional support to his family in the midst of the investigation. Emma is concerned for her daughters’ emotional state and how she will cope at school. This event also becomes the catalyst to address problems that she has kept buried for years. This instability wreaks havoc on the family dynamics and they need to make major changes to move forward.
Somebody’s Daughter highlights an important topic which explores the growing use of technology by teens. The use of computers, phones, and social media can be greatly beneficial but when used improperly there is the potential for abuse. This was the first book that I read by Rochelle B. Weinstein and I look forward to more novels by this author.
April 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Having a daughter myself really made me feel for this story.
I’ve imagined the convo w my girl. About respecting herself, loving herself first. I could NOT imagine this happening to us but... it’s always Somebody’s Daughter.
This is a story of a family going through something pretty awful. Imagine being 14, doing something with a boy that is extremely private and you get recorded. RECORDED!! Oh god, please send help when my 5yr old becomes a teenager with access to the internet.
This story is so important. I loved it. High school can be so cruel. Especially girls. I cared about this family and what they went through. The ups and downs will make your heart hurt. I definitely recommend!! 4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
I’ve imagined the convo w my girl. About respecting herself, loving herself first. I could NOT imagine this happening to us but... it’s always Somebody’s Daughter.
This is a story of a family going through something pretty awful. Imagine being 14, doing something with a boy that is extremely private and you get recorded. RECORDED!! Oh god, please send help when my 5yr old becomes a teenager with access to the internet.
This story is so important. I loved it. High school can be so cruel. Especially girls. I cared about this family and what they went through. The ups and downs will make your heart hurt. I definitely recommend!! 4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2017
I'm writing this through tears. I wouldn't have thought a book that addresses such difficult subjects could also be so beautiful.
Touching and challenging, SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER is a close-up look at a family that is magazine-cover-perfect on the outside but struggling with the fallout of one mistake that threatens to dismantle everything they've worked to build. With trust, love, and support hanging in the balance, they must each make a difficult choice. And the consequences will either break them apart or make them stronger than ever.
An excellent storyteller, Rochelle Weinstein is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Touching and challenging, SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER is a close-up look at a family that is magazine-cover-perfect on the outside but struggling with the fallout of one mistake that threatens to dismantle everything they've worked to build. With trust, love, and support hanging in the balance, they must each make a difficult choice. And the consequences will either break them apart or make them stronger than ever.
An excellent storyteller, Rochelle Weinstein is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
February 28, 2019
Emma Ross has a pretty great life. Beautiful twin daughters, Zoe and Lily, who have just turned fifteen. A handsome husband, Bobby, whom she's loved since they were kids. Emma and Bobby live in the hotel they own and manage, the Ross, which sits ocean-side in Miami. But everything changes when an inappropriate video surfaces of Zoe and a boy--and quickly goes viral. The video not only humiliates Zoe, but it forces Emma to confront some hidden memories from her own past. As Bobby turns on Zoe, Emma feels as if he's turning on her, too. Can she save her daughter's reputation--and her family?
So this is a very timely book--as it seems like sexting and its repercussions is everywhere right now--and its horrifying to see how quickly one bad decision can affect the course of so many kids' lives. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. I actually really liked Zoe--and even her twin, though she wasn't as prominently featured--but the book was told from Emma's perspective, and she drove me crazy.
It's made clear from the beginning that Zoe's incident parallels something Emma herself did as a teen or young woman. But, of course, we can't just be told what that is. Heaven forbid. Instead, there are constant allusions to whatever happened, or Emma mentioning it (to herself, since it's a secret) and agonizing whether she should tell Zoe or her husband, or blah blah blah. We go over half the book before finding out what really happened and by then I was way too annoyed to care.
Not to mention, Emma's husband, Bobby, is a total jerk. The guy turns on his teenage daughter when she needs him and then spends the majority of the book being a total a** to his wife and kids. I had zero sympathy for him and honestly wished either Emma or the kids would just kick him to the curb. Most of the book is Bobby sniping at Emma (or his fifteen-year-old daughter, who has just been through a huge trauma!), or Emma endlessly worrying about Bobby and the state of things. Ugh. Rinse and repeat. I found myself sort of skimming waiting to see if more was going to happen. (It really didn't.)
It's a shame, because there was real potential with Zoe's character, and the message of the book--about the dangers of sexting--is a good one, I think.
“There’s a monster out there,” she says. “It can be anyone pushing a button and ruining my life. I can’t see them, but they’re out there, and I’m terrified.”
Alas, the book was just too melodramatic and repetitive for me. I couldn't handle how long it took to reveal Emma's past, especially after all the build-up to said revelation. The rehashed bickering between Emma and Bobby is just way too much (and I couldn't stand Bobby whatsoever). I felt so bad for those poor kids. And, of course, to end it all, we have a predictable ending that you could see coming a mile away. I should have abandoned this one, but I kept holding out hope it would surprise me. It did not. 2 stars.
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So this is a very timely book--as it seems like sexting and its repercussions is everywhere right now--and its horrifying to see how quickly one bad decision can affect the course of so many kids' lives. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. I actually really liked Zoe--and even her twin, though she wasn't as prominently featured--but the book was told from Emma's perspective, and she drove me crazy.
It's made clear from the beginning that Zoe's incident parallels something Emma herself did as a teen or young woman. But, of course, we can't just be told what that is. Heaven forbid. Instead, there are constant allusions to whatever happened, or Emma mentioning it (to herself, since it's a secret) and agonizing whether she should tell Zoe or her husband, or blah blah blah. We go over half the book before finding out what really happened and by then I was way too annoyed to care.
Not to mention, Emma's husband, Bobby, is a total jerk. The guy turns on his teenage daughter when she needs him and then spends the majority of the book being a total a** to his wife and kids. I had zero sympathy for him and honestly wished either Emma or the kids would just kick him to the curb. Most of the book is Bobby sniping at Emma (or his fifteen-year-old daughter, who has just been through a huge trauma!), or Emma endlessly worrying about Bobby and the state of things. Ugh. Rinse and repeat. I found myself sort of skimming waiting to see if more was going to happen. (It really didn't.)
It's a shame, because there was real potential with Zoe's character, and the message of the book--about the dangers of sexting--is a good one, I think.
“There’s a monster out there,” she says. “It can be anyone pushing a button and ruining my life. I can’t see them, but they’re out there, and I’m terrified.”
Alas, the book was just too melodramatic and repetitive for me. I couldn't handle how long it took to reveal Emma's past, especially after all the build-up to said revelation. The rehashed bickering between Emma and Bobby is just way too much (and I couldn't stand Bobby whatsoever). I felt so bad for those poor kids. And, of course, to end it all, we have a predictable ending that you could see coming a mile away. I should have abandoned this one, but I kept holding out hope it would surprise me. It did not. 2 stars.
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May 28, 2018
The writing is beautiful, crisp and clear, and she conveys her message well. But for me, I wasn't very worried or engaged in their lives and what happened. The father is such a simpleton, a typical type A idiot trying to force everything into his tiny little box. What I found refreshing is that Zoe, the 15 year old daughter who fooled around, was so honest and open about what happened. Were all of the events and reactions plausible and well described? Absolutely. But it didn't make it a very compelling story for me. Three stars means I liked it. I'd also recommend it to some of my female friends more than to my male buddies.
I look forward to Rochelle's next book. I hope it has more punch to it.
I look forward to Rochelle's next book. I hope it has more punch to it.
April 17, 2018
Oh, how I loved this so much!
Well written, relatable and all too poignant. An extremely important story in the social media age without ever feeling preachy. Being a millenial in the age of the cell phone, facetime, snapchat (but right on the cusp on being Gen-Y), I found Emma's feelings as a mother and Zoe's experiences as a teen to be true to real life. This story broke my heart for everyone involved (which is a good thing, as I really cared about these characters enough to feel effected), and I loved following their journey from destruction to rebuilding. I can't get to the rest of Weinstein's books fast enough!
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Well written, relatable and all too poignant. An extremely important story in the social media age without ever feeling preachy. Being a millenial in the age of the cell phone, facetime, snapchat (but right on the cusp on being Gen-Y), I found Emma's feelings as a mother and Zoe's experiences as a teen to be true to real life. This story broke my heart for everyone involved (which is a good thing, as I really cared about these characters enough to feel effected), and I loved following their journey from destruction to rebuilding. I can't get to the rest of Weinstein's books fast enough!
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2018
The entire plot of Somebody’s Daughter focuses on the Ross family and how a risqué scandal involving the daughter, Zoe impacts their family. The effects are devastating and have serious repercussions, Zoe’s sister, Lily has to deal with gossip and rumors at school and online and her parents marriage begins to find itself on shaky ground as well as Zoe’s actions stir up old memories for Emma. The characterization is fantastic and felt so true to life, many times while I was reading this I felt like I was witnessing private family moments not meant for public consumption, that’s how accurate Weinstein’s portrayal was. I felt their emotions right alongside them, their pain, confusion, anger and disappointment among many others, this was a highly emotional read.
This book totally wrecked me, it took some of my worst fears as a parent to girls and magnified them in a wholly realistic and believable manner. As much as this was an emotional read, I think it’s such a timely one and covers an important subject that impacts not only parents, but the youth of today. Social media is here to stay, every single day new apps are hitting the market that appeal to young men and women and as teenagers, they’re not capable of always making good choices which makes the fact that they literally have thousands of apps available at their fingertips so, so scary. Forget apps and just think about the phones themselves, everyone has one and that isn’t changing either, but do kids today really know the power technology has? How one mistake, one wrong decision, can seriously impact their life, possibly forever? One picture, one video can have huge implications. This book explores these questions and many more, I could go on and on, its times like this that I wish I had read this one with a book club!
Highly recommended for parents of both girls and boys, it was written in such a smooth way and ended up being a super quick read for me because I just had to know what would happen to each member of the Ross family, I was totally invested and cared for these people.
Somebody’s Daughter in three words: Timely, Touching and Fluid.
This book totally wrecked me, it took some of my worst fears as a parent to girls and magnified them in a wholly realistic and believable manner. As much as this was an emotional read, I think it’s such a timely one and covers an important subject that impacts not only parents, but the youth of today. Social media is here to stay, every single day new apps are hitting the market that appeal to young men and women and as teenagers, they’re not capable of always making good choices which makes the fact that they literally have thousands of apps available at their fingertips so, so scary. Forget apps and just think about the phones themselves, everyone has one and that isn’t changing either, but do kids today really know the power technology has? How one mistake, one wrong decision, can seriously impact their life, possibly forever? One picture, one video can have huge implications. This book explores these questions and many more, I could go on and on, its times like this that I wish I had read this one with a book club!
Highly recommended for parents of both girls and boys, it was written in such a smooth way and ended up being a super quick read for me because I just had to know what would happen to each member of the Ross family, I was totally invested and cared for these people.
Somebody’s Daughter in three words: Timely, Touching and Fluid.
March 19, 2018
I was so excited to get approved for this book because it had so many great reviews on it. I think I’m in the minority with this one since I’m only giving it 3 stars. I liked it ok, didn’t love it. The internet is a scary place and I can’t imagine what those people went through.
Thank you for this complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you for this complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 10, 2018
Internet - a technology which joins the world together, today has a devil sitting on the shoulder tempting all if us — the social media. And people forget that once on the net, always on the net. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube all help if used judiciously, but with one mistake it can destroy lives.
This is brought home by Rochelle B. Weinstein in this book, where a seemingly perfect family, owning and living in their hotel The Ross, suddenly find themselves looking at the darker side of technology. Emma and Bobby Ross, the parents and their twin daughters, Zoe and Lilly, live a blissful life till the night of the twins' 15th birthday, where an act of indiscretion by one of the twins at a previous party, goes viral first in the school and then in the world.
This book deals with the repercussions of such an act, and how the Ross family deals with it. This book is an eye-opener, for sure. This book is every parent's nightmare and Rochelle describes the way the family is thrown into the abyss with no lifeline and how they manage to find their strength to come out of it. The author has shown beautifully that every day is an act of survival as the after-effects never stop. She has described the twins' feelings with a reality brush as one goes through the humiliation and takes the brunt of the comments of an unforgiving teenage world and the other supports her sister beautifully. The twins' growing maturity also added a facet to this story, which was refreshing to see. The outcome of such a scandal can either cause another act of desperation or cause the inner strength to come through. And I was happy to see the twins coming out of it stronger with an understanding of the realities of life.
Life of a teenager is so difficult with peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, experimentation with sex, that it becomes difficult to find a balance and to find one's self-esteem and self-respect. Rochelle has shown a teenage mind in this book, how they feel, how they act, and this was a revelation to me. This book has made me cautious about the social media.
I didn't like the parents Emma and Bobby Ross, or their parenting ways. But to each their own. There is a parallelism drawn in the story between the twin's life and the mother Emma's past, which helps her in advising her child and facing her own mistakes.
But this book is not about parenting. It is about how one act can destroy lives and how difficult it is to come out of the scandal, because the world does not allow you to forget, even if you want to.
This book is for parents of teenagers, read it and then give it to your teenage kids, so that they realize the significance of social media, and going viral may not always be a good thing.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Lake Union Publishing, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This is brought home by Rochelle B. Weinstein in this book, where a seemingly perfect family, owning and living in their hotel The Ross, suddenly find themselves looking at the darker side of technology. Emma and Bobby Ross, the parents and their twin daughters, Zoe and Lilly, live a blissful life till the night of the twins' 15th birthday, where an act of indiscretion by one of the twins at a previous party, goes viral first in the school and then in the world.
This book deals with the repercussions of such an act, and how the Ross family deals with it. This book is an eye-opener, for sure. This book is every parent's nightmare and Rochelle describes the way the family is thrown into the abyss with no lifeline and how they manage to find their strength to come out of it. The author has shown beautifully that every day is an act of survival as the after-effects never stop. She has described the twins' feelings with a reality brush as one goes through the humiliation and takes the brunt of the comments of an unforgiving teenage world and the other supports her sister beautifully. The twins' growing maturity also added a facet to this story, which was refreshing to see. The outcome of such a scandal can either cause another act of desperation or cause the inner strength to come through. And I was happy to see the twins coming out of it stronger with an understanding of the realities of life.
Life of a teenager is so difficult with peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, experimentation with sex, that it becomes difficult to find a balance and to find one's self-esteem and self-respect. Rochelle has shown a teenage mind in this book, how they feel, how they act, and this was a revelation to me. This book has made me cautious about the social media.
I didn't like the parents Emma and Bobby Ross, or their parenting ways. But to each their own. There is a parallelism drawn in the story between the twin's life and the mother Emma's past, which helps her in advising her child and facing her own mistakes.
But this book is not about parenting. It is about how one act can destroy lives and how difficult it is to come out of the scandal, because the world does not allow you to forget, even if you want to.
This book is for parents of teenagers, read it and then give it to your teenage kids, so that they realize the significance of social media, and going viral may not always be a good thing.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Lake Union Publishing, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 6, 2018
4.5 stars
This book is so relevant to our world that we live in today. I am not sure even as adults we fully understand the repercussions of the digital footprint we leave. Tweens and teens cannot comprehend the possibly life long impact that some choices can make.
While I did not agree with some of the parenting/advice that Emma and Bobby gave their twins, I could understand their panic as a mother of a tween and teen.
I did find it hard to relate to Bobby & Emma's lifestyle. I cannot imagine living in a boutique hotel in Miami beach. Their lifestyle is so foreign to me but the author did a good job making me relate to them as parents even though I couldn't comprehend their lifestyle.
I received an advance reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is so relevant to our world that we live in today. I am not sure even as adults we fully understand the repercussions of the digital footprint we leave. Tweens and teens cannot comprehend the possibly life long impact that some choices can make.
While I did not agree with some of the parenting/advice that Emma and Bobby gave their twins, I could understand their panic as a mother of a tween and teen.
I did find it hard to relate to Bobby & Emma's lifestyle. I cannot imagine living in a boutique hotel in Miami beach. Their lifestyle is so foreign to me but the author did a good job making me relate to them as parents even though I couldn't comprehend their lifestyle.
I received an advance reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2018
I absolutely love this author, but this book, WOW!
I finished it in a few hours and could not put it down.
First, the subject matter is so important, it is something that many parents really would rather ignore. The character development is amazing, you feel as if you know each of them , and you love them for their strengths and their weaknesses. I could not wait to see how the plot unfolded, and then was so sad when the book was finished. I was so moved, I sat on a public beach with tears quietly running down my face. I so value how she touches on topics that are so pertinent in current society, she makes you question the current norm.
Definitely buy/ read this book! LOVED!
I finished it in a few hours and could not put it down.
First, the subject matter is so important, it is something that many parents really would rather ignore. The character development is amazing, you feel as if you know each of them , and you love them for their strengths and their weaknesses. I could not wait to see how the plot unfolded, and then was so sad when the book was finished. I was so moved, I sat on a public beach with tears quietly running down my face. I so value how she touches on topics that are so pertinent in current society, she makes you question the current norm.
Definitely buy/ read this book! LOVED!
January 30, 2020
Somebody’s Daughter is an intimate, close-up look at a family; a family that could be any of us, filled with bad choices and lies that impact everyone in the family. The Ross family is a loving, close-knit family, until their lives are rocked by a scandal that torments them and threatens to tear them apart. The author pulls no punches...the family’s fear and anger leap off the pages, along with the deep love that they feel for each other...will that love be enough to heal them and save them? The characters in this story are so real, that I felt their emotions deep in my own heart. Their story is riveting and timely, and I know that it will resonate with all mothers, daughters, and fathers. It is a story of betrayal and forgiveness, bravery and resilience, and above all, love.
May 4, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review and honestly, I wasn't a huge fan. I gave up at about chapter 17 and couldn't read any further. The writing style wasn't keeping me interested and it kept revolving around the same things over and over again. This was the first book I've read by Rochelle B. Weinsten and unfortunately will probably be the only one.
May 12, 2018
I thought this book was pretty bad. The story and plot are a great idea and very relevant in today’s world. But the delivery was terrible. It was extremely repetitive, completely over dramatic and just plain annoying that the mother made everything about herself. Literally every paragraph that started to be about Zoe turned into being about Emma and comparing the 2 situations which are not at all the same.
April 10, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Get Red PR and Amazon Publishing for an honest review. This book centres around a family in Miami. Emma and Bobby are celebrating the fifteenth birthday of their twin daughters Zoe and Lily. During the birthday party Emma overhears that there is something involving Zoe being sent via text to the girls at the party. That night their world shatters when it is revealed that Zoe was in a compromising position at a party and it is now being seen by all their friends and school mates. Emma and Bobby have to try and come to terms with Zoe’s actions at the party and the fact that it was videoed and now they have no control over who sees this. Bobby especially can’t come to accept what Zoe has done and he builds up a wall between himself and his family as he seeks to exact revenge on who has sent this video. Just when they think things may be settling down the video goes up on YouTube. Bobby and Emma seek legal help to get the video taken down and to find out who is behind this. We all know in this day and age this could happen to anyone. The book does a good job discussing what happens when things are put on social media sites and what if any control and legal rights we have to stop it. I was totally immersed in this story. You could feel the anguish of this family. There are so many questions raised throughout the story such as cyber harassment, sexual consent, the need for acceptance via likes etc on social media, as well as gender bias in these situations. This is a powerful book in many ways. I was so impressed with Zoe and her ownership of this situation. Throughout this, Emma also revisits mistakes and secrets she kept as a young woman and this now comes back to affect her marriage. As this comes to light Bobby now can’t accept what either Emma or Zoe have done. It was heartbreaking to see how he continued to feel about Zoe. As I said earlier, Zoe is the character who shows amazing growth and maturity amongst this nightmare. This is an important book for anyone and in particular parents of teens. Once I started reading I couldn’t put this book down.
April 17, 2018
Thank you to @getredpr #partner for a copy of the book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
“She’s not somebody’s daughter. She’s my daughter.”
Emotional, relatable, and important.
What happens when a moment that is meant to be intimate has suddenly gone viral? Somebody’s Daughter explores this worst fear and the impact it can have on a family.
Emma and Bobby lead a picture-perfect life in Miami. They own and operate a successful hotel and have beautiful twin daughters, Zoe and Lily. On the night of the twins fifteenth birthday an intimate video emerges of Zoe. Will this scandal destroy the Ross family?
As a mother I really connected with Emma. She is not perfect. We’re not perfect. We’re flawed and that makes us human. I’m just a Mom trying her best and hoping for the best. I want my kids to be kind and thoughtful. We can only do and teach so much before we have to let them go.
“Bad things happen to good people, Zoe. It doesn’t mean you’re bad. It means the universe found a warrior in you. It chose carefully. It’s up to you how to move forward. You can choose to be a victim, or you can choose to be a warrior.”
Having twin sons and not twin daughters, I thought about how this would impact me differently. I’m absolutely terrified of teenaged years. While my twins aren’t identical they are often compared. It’s only natural to compare them but also very unfair. They couldn’t be more different from one another. I think this is one of the hardest parts about being a twin Mom. Having to make sure each is confident in themselves enough to embrace the differences.
This book is out in the world today, so Mama’s go run and grab yourself a copy. You can thank me later.
“She’s not somebody’s daughter. She’s my daughter.”
Emotional, relatable, and important.
What happens when a moment that is meant to be intimate has suddenly gone viral? Somebody’s Daughter explores this worst fear and the impact it can have on a family.
Emma and Bobby lead a picture-perfect life in Miami. They own and operate a successful hotel and have beautiful twin daughters, Zoe and Lily. On the night of the twins fifteenth birthday an intimate video emerges of Zoe. Will this scandal destroy the Ross family?
As a mother I really connected with Emma. She is not perfect. We’re not perfect. We’re flawed and that makes us human. I’m just a Mom trying her best and hoping for the best. I want my kids to be kind and thoughtful. We can only do and teach so much before we have to let them go.
“Bad things happen to good people, Zoe. It doesn’t mean you’re bad. It means the universe found a warrior in you. It chose carefully. It’s up to you how to move forward. You can choose to be a victim, or you can choose to be a warrior.”
Having twin sons and not twin daughters, I thought about how this would impact me differently. I’m absolutely terrified of teenaged years. While my twins aren’t identical they are often compared. It’s only natural to compare them but also very unfair. They couldn’t be more different from one another. I think this is one of the hardest parts about being a twin Mom. Having to make sure each is confident in themselves enough to embrace the differences.
This book is out in the world today, so Mama’s go run and grab yourself a copy. You can thank me later.
April 9, 2018
To view my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
4.5 stars
The Ross Family on the outside are poster children for a successful nuclear family. Bobby and Emma Ross fell in love as children, only loved each other and would get married and have twin girls. The night of the girls fifteenth birthday the family will be changed forever. A video of one of the twins engaging in a sexual act is sent as an anonymous text to their peers.
Besides what this does to a young daughter the “shameful” event triggers a memory of a painful mistake for Emma (and will affect how she reacts). Bobby can’t comprehend how his daughter could do such a thing and distances himself from the family when they need him the most. The facade of a perfect family is just that, fake. Will this act – along with Emma and Bobby’s actions – be the end of the Ross family?
Although I am not a parent myself (I am an aunt, a sister, a friend) I do think this was one of those books that all parents (and really anyone) should read. Throughout the story I found myself very uncomfortable at times just thinking what if this happened to my family, someone I know, or even me; and, what would I do? Uncomfortable because its was painful to watch the process play out for a young girl who never knew this was a possibility. Uncomfortable because as a married couple I don’t know what I would do.
You can think that it wouldn’t happen to you, but it could happen to anyone. Especially with how ingrained social media is in all our lives nowadays. I am so thankful that my time in high school did not include the added stress of keeping a perfect appearance for social media. With how quickly something can go viral: can one mistake be with someone forever?
Sadly, there are many lessons in this book that are relevant to the world we live in. Author Rochelle B. Weinstein did a great job of playing them out in an authentic way. It is also a story of acceptance and forgiveness. I still don’t know what I would have done.
The book was well written and you will find it very hard to put down. The chapters are short and you can’t help saying “just one more.” I highly recommend this thought provoking read…so I have someone to talk about it with!
April 21, 2018
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER by Rochelle Weinstein.***
3.5 STARS
Miami’s First Family, Emma, her husband Bobby and daughters Lily and Zoe live a charmed life on the penthouse of The Ross, the their family hotel. Then a video of the quieter twin Zoe surfaces, throwing this seemingly perfect family into turmoil, chaos they may not survive intact.
SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER pulled me into this perfectly imperfect family and their drama with a timely story of sexual cybercrime. Narrated by angsty Emma, whose desperately trying to be helpful amid her own past mistakes. At times I wanted to shake her and give her a clue. Bobby frustrated me and I honestly couldn’t see what the attraction of a jealous, controlling guy like that. He was downright verbally abusive to Zoe despite her pain and remorse I love the way Rochelle Weinstein wrote the twins’ relationship, close, protective, different but not opposites. The Ross felt like an addiction character in the story with its rich family history and with its own current plot of a possible sale.
I’m not certain why Weinstein chose to have Emma believe her secret was anything comparable to Zoe’s in the age of digital media. I remember the humiliation of having a teacher read a note passed not so clandestinely between students. Multiply that by a gazillion and have that note go viral and accessible online forever. Now imagine that note being a video of you at age fifteen engaged in a sex act. I loved how Weinstein clearly made Zoe and the boy the victims of videoing, messaging and uploading but not of the sex act as they were willing, though drunk and misguided, participants.
SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER could have packed more emotional punch by including multiple points of view. I wants more from Zoe and Bobby. Still, SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER was commercial appeal for both teens and adults.
3.5 STARS
Miami’s First Family, Emma, her husband Bobby and daughters Lily and Zoe live a charmed life on the penthouse of The Ross, the their family hotel. Then a video of the quieter twin Zoe surfaces, throwing this seemingly perfect family into turmoil, chaos they may not survive intact.
SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER pulled me into this perfectly imperfect family and their drama with a timely story of sexual cybercrime. Narrated by angsty Emma, whose desperately trying to be helpful amid her own past mistakes. At times I wanted to shake her and give her a clue. Bobby frustrated me and I honestly couldn’t see what the attraction of a jealous, controlling guy like that. He was downright verbally abusive to Zoe despite her pain and remorse I love the way Rochelle Weinstein wrote the twins’ relationship, close, protective, different but not opposites. The Ross felt like an addiction character in the story with its rich family history and with its own current plot of a possible sale.
I’m not certain why Weinstein chose to have Emma believe her secret was anything comparable to Zoe’s in the age of digital media. I remember the humiliation of having a teacher read a note passed not so clandestinely between students. Multiply that by a gazillion and have that note go viral and accessible online forever. Now imagine that note being a video of you at age fifteen engaged in a sex act. I loved how Weinstein clearly made Zoe and the boy the victims of videoing, messaging and uploading but not of the sex act as they were willing, though drunk and misguided, participants.
SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER could have packed more emotional punch by including multiple points of view. I wants more from Zoe and Bobby. Still, SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER was commercial appeal for both teens and adults.
March 18, 2018
3.5 stars and as it seem I'm bucking the trend, I'll need to word my review to justify why *sigh*
It's so much easier to just love a book. Gosh, I did love the premise and the author has a strong voice. Every line is 'descriptive' to the max. But for me, after the 35% mark, tags like my heart is breaking, I can't breath, I can't think, I am broken (not word for word) lost there impact, which, in turn, led to me feeling indifferent while reading. And that's a crying shame.
The beginning of this story is absolutely gripping, as is the last 20% or so. But prior to 'the person' being revealed, I found a good part of this story a slow-trudge.
Copy downloaded via NetGalley read now section
It's so much easier to just love a book. Gosh, I did love the premise and the author has a strong voice. Every line is 'descriptive' to the max. But for me, after the 35% mark, tags like my heart is breaking, I can't breath, I can't think, I am broken (not word for word) lost there impact, which, in turn, led to me feeling indifferent while reading. And that's a crying shame.
The beginning of this story is absolutely gripping, as is the last 20% or so. But prior to 'the person' being revealed, I found a good part of this story a slow-trudge.
Copy downloaded via NetGalley read now section
June 2, 2022
4 stars
This very current and real story demonstrates the power of a strong loving family, especially when weathering a storm. It reminds us that people make mistakes and deserve forgiveness.
This very current and real story demonstrates the power of a strong loving family, especially when weathering a storm. It reminds us that people make mistakes and deserve forgiveness.
August 15, 2018
I couldn't stomach the writing...I actually thought it was satire because of the AWFUL conversations being used by the characters. I even googled the book to be sure. There is literally no person I know or encountered in real life that would talk like the mother, father, daughters (even the friends), in this book...and I only made it to chapter 4.
I see why it gets high reviews because of the subject matter; sexting, cyberbullying, social media as a weapon of mass destruction, etc...but damn, I can definitely read a better book with remotely believable characters who talk like real people.
Run from the book - find a better story with the same message.
I see why it gets high reviews because of the subject matter; sexting, cyberbullying, social media as a weapon of mass destruction, etc...but damn, I can definitely read a better book with remotely believable characters who talk like real people.
Run from the book - find a better story with the same message.
March 8, 2018
MY REVIEW OF “SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER” BY Rochelle B. Weinstein
Kudos to Rochelle B. Weinstein, Author of “Somebody’s Daughter” for writing about significant issues in today’s society, in an emotional, intriguing, captivating, and descriptive story. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction, and at times reads as a nonfiction novel concerning legal agenda.
Rochelle B. Weinstein describes her colorful cast of characters of mostly family and friends as flawed individuals, who strive to be perfect. Some are complicated and complex. There is jealousy, lies, betrayal, support, love, and hope.
Emma and Bobby Ross own and live at a prosperous hotel with their two teenaged twin daughters, in Miami. They are described as a Picture Perfect family in everyday. This is also a coming of age novel. Both Zoe and her twin Lily will be turning 15 years old, and are very different. One is an athlete, and the other is on the debate team in school. At their 15-year-old party, it is made public that Zoe made a heartbreaking mistake, “a private and humiliating indiscretion” that has now gone viral and thrusts her and her family in the center of a public scandal. This tears at the community, the neighborhood, the school, friendships, and their family. There are feelings of disgrace, judgment calls, and revenge. This brings up past memories for Emma years ago, when she was younger.
I appreciate that the author discusses how media, I-Phones, cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, Snapshot, Instagram and You Tube can be a very dangerous format, and ruin someone’s life. Although the same media at times gives important information, it can also provide information that is not easily erased. Teenagers and young adults should be made aware of that fact.
I don’t think any parent truly wants to believe their son or daughter that can do or be caught doing something that can have consequences. At the same time, it is important to realize that no one is perfect. Another problem in society that the author mentions is alcohol at parties. Drinking in excess is a big problem for many people, especially teenagers and young adults. Communication is very important between parents and children. Is may be difficult to forget, but is it possible to learn to forgive?
I think that Rachelle B. Weinstein has written an important book about significant challenges in today’s society. I would highly recommend this book for everyone, as a must read. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Kudos to Rochelle B. Weinstein, Author of “Somebody’s Daughter” for writing about significant issues in today’s society, in an emotional, intriguing, captivating, and descriptive story. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction, and at times reads as a nonfiction novel concerning legal agenda.
Rochelle B. Weinstein describes her colorful cast of characters of mostly family and friends as flawed individuals, who strive to be perfect. Some are complicated and complex. There is jealousy, lies, betrayal, support, love, and hope.
Emma and Bobby Ross own and live at a prosperous hotel with their two teenaged twin daughters, in Miami. They are described as a Picture Perfect family in everyday. This is also a coming of age novel. Both Zoe and her twin Lily will be turning 15 years old, and are very different. One is an athlete, and the other is on the debate team in school. At their 15-year-old party, it is made public that Zoe made a heartbreaking mistake, “a private and humiliating indiscretion” that has now gone viral and thrusts her and her family in the center of a public scandal. This tears at the community, the neighborhood, the school, friendships, and their family. There are feelings of disgrace, judgment calls, and revenge. This brings up past memories for Emma years ago, when she was younger.
I appreciate that the author discusses how media, I-Phones, cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, Snapshot, Instagram and You Tube can be a very dangerous format, and ruin someone’s life. Although the same media at times gives important information, it can also provide information that is not easily erased. Teenagers and young adults should be made aware of that fact.
I don’t think any parent truly wants to believe their son or daughter that can do or be caught doing something that can have consequences. At the same time, it is important to realize that no one is perfect. Another problem in society that the author mentions is alcohol at parties. Drinking in excess is a big problem for many people, especially teenagers and young adults. Communication is very important between parents and children. Is may be difficult to forget, but is it possible to learn to forgive?
I think that Rachelle B. Weinstein has written an important book about significant challenges in today’s society. I would highly recommend this book for everyone, as a must read. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
November 9, 2023
The Ross family—father Bobby, mother Emma, and 15 year old twins, Lily and Zoe—was living a picture perfect life as owners of the prominent Ross hotel and were even dubbed "Miami's First Family" by a local magazine. That perfect life, however, was torn asunder after Zoe's private indiscretion with her boyfriend, Price, was videotaped and shared on YouTube for the whole world to see.
Further complicating matters, Zoe's indiscretion causes a secret from Emma's past to come barreling back into the forefront of her thoughts. Can both she and Zoe forgive themselves for their transgressions and learn to move on? Will facing this public scandal help the family heal? Or, will they be forever scarred by their mistakes?
"She's not that one single mistake. There's so much more to her than a single mistake." - Emma to Bobby about Zoe
This was a story about consequences, secrets, trust, love (parental and marital), forgiveness, and moving on after hardship.
The dedication of this book was absolutely spot on: "For anyone who has ever made a mistake. And for those who have judged and been judged." I was pleasantly surprised by the intense emotion at the end of this book and since this was my first book by this author, it definitely won't be my last. Lastly, with technology so present in today's society, this is a must read, cautionary tale for all parents and teenagers!
If you enjoyed this one as much as I did, then I would highly recommend Young Jane Young (4 stars) by Gabrielle Zevin!
Thank you to the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
Location: Miami, Florida
Further complicating matters, Zoe's indiscretion causes a secret from Emma's past to come barreling back into the forefront of her thoughts. Can both she and Zoe forgive themselves for their transgressions and learn to move on? Will facing this public scandal help the family heal? Or, will they be forever scarred by their mistakes?
"She's not that one single mistake. There's so much more to her than a single mistake." - Emma to Bobby about Zoe
This was a story about consequences, secrets, trust, love (parental and marital), forgiveness, and moving on after hardship.
The dedication of this book was absolutely spot on: "For anyone who has ever made a mistake. And for those who have judged and been judged." I was pleasantly surprised by the intense emotion at the end of this book and since this was my first book by this author, it definitely won't be my last. Lastly, with technology so present in today's society, this is a must read, cautionary tale for all parents and teenagers!
If you enjoyed this one as much as I did, then I would highly recommend Young Jane Young (4 stars) by Gabrielle Zevin!
Thank you to the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
Location: Miami, Florida
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