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Big Mouth Blues
A blabbermouth who no one suspects is keeping a colossal secret…. Realistic fiction that's gripping from start to finish! Will she, won't she be sucked in to the cycle of alcoholism?
Teens and adults will enjoy this powerful, compelling debut novel that creates strong emotions and makes readers think beyond the surface evidence. A refreshing take on romance in YA, and a light, humorous touch sprinkled throughout the grim subject of domestic violence will ensure that readers keep turning the pages until the uplifting conclusion.
Determined to protect her mother and little sisters, fourteen-year-old Kacey Dalton takes the brunt of her father's alcoholism and violent mood swings. He swears if she tells anyone he'll shut her big mouth forever. Her mom turns a blind eye and does nothing; she's got her own secrets to keep. Kacey's quirky sense of humor helps her deal, and she clings to the hope that someday she'll be free of his tirades.
Struggling to hold her dysfunctional family together, Kacey escapes into her best friend Maxine's happy family. She finds sanctuary in Maxine's perfect life: fancy house, loving parents, and handsome older brother Wade. Kacey's been crushing on Wade for years, and he may or may not like her back.
As her dad's explosive rages escalate, Kacey's bruises get harder to hide--especially from Wade. He wants answers. If Kacey tells him the truth, she risks losing him and her second family forever. She ends up trapped between the wall of lies she's built and the father who's intent on taking every-crappy-thing-that's-wrong-with-his-life out on her. Kacey seeks escape again, this time in the sanctuary of whiskey. The more she says she will not be like her father, the more she is like him, which has devastating effects on her sisters. Exactly what she's tried so hard to prevent.
Kacey must find courage to stop the abuse. But rescuing herself means destroying the lives of everyone she loves. And standing up to her dad might just get her killed.
Heart-wrenching, humorous, and hopeful, Big Mouth Blues weaves a story of true friendship with a resilient young girl's journey of triumph. Readers will find themselves cringing, laughing out loud, getting teary-eyed, and unable to put this riveting, intense page-turner down.
SCROLL UP AND ADD TO CART to start the journey today!
Teens and adults will enjoy this powerful, compelling debut novel that creates strong emotions and makes readers think beyond the surface evidence. A refreshing take on romance in YA, and a light, humorous touch sprinkled throughout the grim subject of domestic violence will ensure that readers keep turning the pages until the uplifting conclusion.
Determined to protect her mother and little sisters, fourteen-year-old Kacey Dalton takes the brunt of her father's alcoholism and violent mood swings. He swears if she tells anyone he'll shut her big mouth forever. Her mom turns a blind eye and does nothing; she's got her own secrets to keep. Kacey's quirky sense of humor helps her deal, and she clings to the hope that someday she'll be free of his tirades.
Struggling to hold her dysfunctional family together, Kacey escapes into her best friend Maxine's happy family. She finds sanctuary in Maxine's perfect life: fancy house, loving parents, and handsome older brother Wade. Kacey's been crushing on Wade for years, and he may or may not like her back.
As her dad's explosive rages escalate, Kacey's bruises get harder to hide--especially from Wade. He wants answers. If Kacey tells him the truth, she risks losing him and her second family forever. She ends up trapped between the wall of lies she's built and the father who's intent on taking every-crappy-thing-that's-wrong-with-his-life out on her. Kacey seeks escape again, this time in the sanctuary of whiskey. The more she says she will not be like her father, the more she is like him, which has devastating effects on her sisters. Exactly what she's tried so hard to prevent.
Kacey must find courage to stop the abuse. But rescuing herself means destroying the lives of everyone she loves. And standing up to her dad might just get her killed.
Heart-wrenching, humorous, and hopeful, Big Mouth Blues weaves a story of true friendship with a resilient young girl's journey of triumph. Readers will find themselves cringing, laughing out loud, getting teary-eyed, and unable to put this riveting, intense page-turner down.
SCROLL UP AND ADD TO CART to start the journey today!
- GenresContemporaryYoung Adult
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2017
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 14, 2021
Fourteen-year-old Kacey Dalton has been abused by her father for as long as she can remember. When she was little and the teachers started to ask questions… how many times can a little girl really walk into a door… her father got very good at making sure the bruises always stayed under her clothes. This book was extremely hard to read in places because the abuse is portrayed so hauntingly and it just doesn’t let up. You feel Kacey’s hopelessness, her sense of desperation that there is absolutely no one she can turn to—not her mother who excuses her father’s alcoholism and her own failure to protect her children, and not even her friends, though they try to help. I loved the way Kacey’s resilience was shown, some interesting plot twists with regard to her parents’ history that came later in the book, and just overall the emotional depth of the author’s writing in tackling this difficult subject of the cycle of domestic abuse.
Trigger Warnings:
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Trigger Warnings:
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
May 14, 2019
Kudos to author, Danalynn Donovan for bringing this masterful creation to life. The characterization of the main protagonist, Kacey, was well-defined. Swallowed hook, line and sinker - it was obvious from the start, there'd be no putting this book down. This debut novel stands head and shoulders above the rest. It was easy to read and comes highly recommended.
The victim of domestic abuse, fourteen-year-old, Kacey, served a lifetime sentence in the throes of hell. Her mother, Carolyn, did not fare much better. Standing at six-foot seven, her drunken father ruled the household with an iron fist. Coming from an abusive family himself, he carried on where his father and his father's father left off. As the merciless beatings began to escalate, it seemed doubtful that Kacey would see her next birthday. Only time would tell.
The victim of domestic abuse, fourteen-year-old, Kacey, served a lifetime sentence in the throes of hell. Her mother, Carolyn, did not fare much better. Standing at six-foot seven, her drunken father ruled the household with an iron fist. Coming from an abusive family himself, he carried on where his father and his father's father left off. As the merciless beatings began to escalate, it seemed doubtful that Kacey would see her next birthday. Only time would tell.
March 21, 2020
This has to be one of the best books I've ever read! Where do I start? I loved every part of it.
Kacey is a brave little woman. Even though she was abused, she always tried to justify her alcoholic father by admitting everything was her fault. She hid her bruises along with her pain, so that her twin sisters would grow up happily, without suffering the same things she did.
All the characters felt so real. I cried with them, I smiled with them and I laughed. I give this masterpiece 5 bright stars! I can't get it off my mind and I'll surely read it again!
Kacey is a brave little woman. Even though she was abused, she always tried to justify her alcoholic father by admitting everything was her fault. She hid her bruises along with her pain, so that her twin sisters would grow up happily, without suffering the same things she did.
All the characters felt so real. I cried with them, I smiled with them and I laughed. I give this masterpiece 5 bright stars! I can't get it off my mind and I'll surely read it again!
December 26, 2019
Big Mouth Blues is a real page turner. It's a powerful story that focuses on a young girls need to keep her family together, while trying desperately to make sure her private and her personal lives don't meet. Child abuse, alcoholism and domestic violence are never easy topics to cover however, this author does a brilliant job of pulling her readers into the main characters world, bringing them face to face with her very real world struggles. Emotional, heartwrenching, and touching are three words that describe this book best.
July 27, 2022
This was truly an amazing read full of hope and heartache. I love how the author wrote every character in a believable way and how each person played an essential role in the story. The author also did a wonderful job portraying an abusive household and the trauma both before and after. The editing was flawless and I didn’t notice any errors. I truly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt story full of trials featuring a heroine who always tries to look on the bright side of things even when life is dark and scary.
August 5, 2021
This had me gripped for every page turn, a true mix bag of laughs, cringes, face palm, and wow moments. Brilliantly written, constructed, and told – will read again one day for sure!
September 23, 2019
Fourteen year old, Kacey is the main subject of her alcoholic father's abuse and has lived in fear of his wrath her entire life as he constantly blames her for everything that goes wrong. In order to protect herself, as well as her mother and sisters in hope for a better life, she is forced to keep this family secret, otherwise she is to suffer the worst of consequences. While Kacey's 'big mouth' is having a hard time holding onto this family secret, amongst others, her relationships with her best friend, boy crush and other family members are put to the test.
Despite Kasey being powerless against her controlling father, readers learn that the fourteen year old is a 'fighter'. She is mentally tough and extremely switched on to her father's cues, and the very things that trigger his outrage. She has the maturity to understand why her father is the way he is and she gathers resources for professional help in an effort to turn things around.
Suspense is built up as one secret after another is slowly revealed in this story. It is definitely a page turner and readers are made to feel they are in the moment. This book is suitable for teenagers and adults that like to immerse themselves in drama that incorporates twists and turns, just beware of the violence!
Despite Kasey being powerless against her controlling father, readers learn that the fourteen year old is a 'fighter'. She is mentally tough and extremely switched on to her father's cues, and the very things that trigger his outrage. She has the maturity to understand why her father is the way he is and she gathers resources for professional help in an effort to turn things around.
Suspense is built up as one secret after another is slowly revealed in this story. It is definitely a page turner and readers are made to feel they are in the moment. This book is suitable for teenagers and adults that like to immerse themselves in drama that incorporates twists and turns, just beware of the violence!
October 8, 2021
Stories of abuse are difficult to read, because I'm always thinking, "Just tell someone who is trustworthy the truth!" But Kacey has lived with this abuser all of her life and has learned to believe his threat of what would happen if she told anyone. The story opens when Kacey is 13, after she has made a huge transgression, and then we meet her again a year later. It is revealed that she has a powerful and longstanding crush on Wade, her best friend's older brother; it is understandable, Wade is cute and sweet, and might even return her feelings. But he is 17, so the age difference presents an obstacle. This is a realistic and well-written story that held my attention to the end!
August 30, 2021
Danalynn Donovan tells a story of young Kacey. I must confess that I found the story extremely easy to read but the content was not easy on my mind. It brought back memories that were hard to relive and that is not always easy. However, the main character had a resiliency that was greatly admired and had me rooting for her throughout the novel. The pain you could feel with the unreturned love made me cry as I think we have all been there at one time in our lives. It felt so real and honest. I am a big fan of Danalynn and can't wait to see what else she has in store.
May 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book despite the fact that some of the content was hard to read about. The story centers around Kacey, a teen whose father is an angry drunk. Kacey and her mother are the targets of his rage, but Kacey bears the brunt of things. The reader learns why over the course of the book. I felt Kacey's pain and confusion acutely through the book, which is important in such a story. I empathized with her struggle even though I never faced such physical abuse. The book also has poignant and sweet moments, reminding me of the fluctuating emotions teens experience. Readers will cheer for Kacey, who is ultimately strong and heroic.
September 15, 2019
Big Mouth Blues is a powerful read. Child abuse is not an easy subject to write about and author Danalynn Donovan has handled this tricky subject with aplomb. From the very beginning you are hooked into the story of teenager Kacey, her twin sisters, mother who loves her but is seemingly blind to the abuse she suffers and her horrible alcoholic father. Kacey is identifiable and comes across as you would expect someone to be caught up in this type of situation. The characters are realistic. This is reality fiction at its best. As a survivor of an abusive childhood, I could identify, perhaps too closely, with Kacey. The story is well-written and an easy read despite the difficult content. Too much of this kind of abuse is going on behind closed doors and we need more authors brave enough to bring it out. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2020
A realistic, hard-hitting (and heart-breaking) young adult novel about 14-year-old Kacey as she lives a life of fear in a house that’s supposed to be her safe place… her home.
The blurb promises ‘realistic fiction’ and that is indeed what this is. It is a very well-written portrayal of a broken, beat-up (in more ways than one) girl as she strives to survive each day under her father’s roof. It was the realism that I found was the real strength of this book. You ache for Kacey. You feel her fear, her pain… And you admire her strength.
Although sometimes a hard read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lighter moments are woven into the storyline beautifully and I think the author has captured a 14-year-old’s mind pretty accurately!
Definitely a worthy read!
The blurb promises ‘realistic fiction’ and that is indeed what this is. It is a very well-written portrayal of a broken, beat-up (in more ways than one) girl as she strives to survive each day under her father’s roof. It was the realism that I found was the real strength of this book. You ache for Kacey. You feel her fear, her pain… And you admire her strength.
Although sometimes a hard read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lighter moments are woven into the storyline beautifully and I think the author has captured a 14-year-old’s mind pretty accurately!
Definitely a worthy read!
August 2, 2020
Wow.. this book is amazing. I'm surprised I haven't checked it out sooner. I adored this book. I love reading realistic fiction that touches on everyday life. We meet a fourteen-year-old name Kacey who's a victim of her father's alcohol abuse. Her mother turns a blind eye to her physical abuse. She's left in a world alone especially one during a critical period of time of high school. We also see first loves in the book. I highly recommend this novel. It's an important, underrated read by an indie author.
P.S the cover is stunning as well!
P.S the cover is stunning as well!
September 22, 2020
Really inspirational and entertaining.
I really felt moved by the story. It felt very real, very honest. And while reading it, I really felt a great connection to the characters. Some characters I hated. Some characters I loved. Some others I was just hoping they would mature and make better choices. But, truth is, I really recommend this one. And I gave it a 5 star rating, which is rare for me. I am very picky.
I really felt moved by the story. It felt very real, very honest. And while reading it, I really felt a great connection to the characters. Some characters I hated. Some characters I loved. Some others I was just hoping they would mature and make better choices. But, truth is, I really recommend this one. And I gave it a 5 star rating, which is rare for me. I am very picky.
April 26, 2020
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited for #IndieApril.
From the first page, I found Kacy's story gripping and thought-provoking. A very realistic, believable, and difficult story about child abuse handled with extreme sensitivity and tact. I would definitely read another novel by the author.
Highly recommended.
From the first page, I found Kacy's story gripping and thought-provoking. A very realistic, believable, and difficult story about child abuse handled with extreme sensitivity and tact. I would definitely read another novel by the author.
Highly recommended.
May 3, 2020
Big Mouth Blues by Danalynn Donovan is an awesome story of Kacey, a spunky teenager who has a big secret. She bears the brunt of her father's violent rages of frustration and is always bruised since she was a kid. After her mother once stopped Kacey's father from physically assaulting her and neighbors and others started noticing her bruises, he started hitting her only where nobody can notice the bruising and when her mother is not at home. Though her mother suspects , she fails to protect and hence Kacey has no one to back her up.
The author brings the truth of domestic violence and failure of those who can protect the children and shows the mental trauma of childhood abuse.The book is gripping and never loses steam and many times your heart breaks for Kacey. It is a beautiful story of a teenagers simple dreams and expectations and hoe the trauma that she cannot share breaks her everyday and she has to choose between breaking the vicious cycle or go the way her father and his father and his father were. A beautiful story that demands a reread.
The author brings the truth of domestic violence and failure of those who can protect the children and shows the mental trauma of childhood abuse.The book is gripping and never loses steam and many times your heart breaks for Kacey. It is a beautiful story of a teenagers simple dreams and expectations and hoe the trauma that she cannot share breaks her everyday and she has to choose between breaking the vicious cycle or go the way her father and his father and his father were. A beautiful story that demands a reread.
August 26, 2021
Laughs, love, abuse and more
This book is a great read for kids aged 14 and up too age 100 for adults. I write that because it's true. Many teenagers and kids can see themselves in the role as Kacey, and many can't as they've not experienced it. This book is rather cathartic for anyone and everyone even if their experiences differ. Both men and women benefit reading this story as they will be able to sport an abused child or adult much easier. Five gold stars!
This book is a great read for kids aged 14 and up too age 100 for adults. I write that because it's true. Many teenagers and kids can see themselves in the role as Kacey, and many can't as they've not experienced it. This book is rather cathartic for anyone and everyone even if their experiences differ. Both men and women benefit reading this story as they will be able to sport an abused child or adult much easier. Five gold stars!
April 27, 2021
An indie author worth checking out
At first I thought I may be too old & out of touch for this story. But it’s well written, fast-paced with likable characters (if not slightly predictable). Celebrate Indie April by supporting & reading Donalynn’s novel, Big Mouth Blues.
At first I thought I may be too old & out of touch for this story. But it’s well written, fast-paced with likable characters (if not slightly predictable). Celebrate Indie April by supporting & reading Donalynn’s novel, Big Mouth Blues.
May 23, 2024
It's refreshing to read a book from an author where their dedication is this, "This novel is dedicated to my wonderful parents, who blessed me with a happy, loving childhood, and where nothing like the fictional characters described herein."
Author Donovan in turn managed to write a traumatic piece of a teen that sort of sinks into the roll of being her father's object of ire, while also hiding her traumas in order to achieve acceptance with her best friend and heart of her desire. A little muted on the goals as this is quite a contemporary piece, but it was an interesting and moving read, and near the finale my heart just broke for this girl. So congratulations, Donovan. You got a reaction out of me.
Author Donovan in turn managed to write a traumatic piece of a teen that sort of sinks into the roll of being her father's object of ire, while also hiding her traumas in order to achieve acceptance with her best friend and heart of her desire. A little muted on the goals as this is quite a contemporary piece, but it was an interesting and moving read, and near the finale my heart just broke for this girl. So congratulations, Donovan. You got a reaction out of me.
March 20, 2021
Heartbreaking Story with a Hopeful Touch
This novel contains heavy subjects like alcoholism and child abuse. I wasn't sure how I would feel reading the story of Kacey who seems to be the constant target to her father's drunken rages, but the author managed to thread wisps of hope throughout the darker moments, giving the reader something to hold to. The wish Kacey would somehow break free from her father's rages and the teasing numbness that comes with drinking.
A hidden crush and a possible blooming romance provides Kacey with a possible brighter future, though it is her own inner strength and love for her mom and sisters that keeps her warrior heart going strong despite the unreasonable hate her father seems to show her on and off.
I thought the author did a good job at balancing the heartbreaking reality some children face (which will forever devastate me) with the potential budding romance. The story managed to carry moments of sweetness inside the bitter which made it a little easier to delve into such heavy subjects.
In all, I enjoyed reading this novel and I think were are many others out there who would as well.
This novel contains heavy subjects like alcoholism and child abuse. I wasn't sure how I would feel reading the story of Kacey who seems to be the constant target to her father's drunken rages, but the author managed to thread wisps of hope throughout the darker moments, giving the reader something to hold to. The wish Kacey would somehow break free from her father's rages and the teasing numbness that comes with drinking.
A hidden crush and a possible blooming romance provides Kacey with a possible brighter future, though it is her own inner strength and love for her mom and sisters that keeps her warrior heart going strong despite the unreasonable hate her father seems to show her on and off.
I thought the author did a good job at balancing the heartbreaking reality some children face (which will forever devastate me) with the potential budding romance. The story managed to carry moments of sweetness inside the bitter which made it a little easier to delve into such heavy subjects.
In all, I enjoyed reading this novel and I think were are many others out there who would as well.
November 10, 2019
This YA novel takes a sensitive look at the subject of child and domestic abuse and does a very effective job of bringing the reader into our central character Kacey's plight as she tries to draw her alcoholic father's rages away from her mother and sisters while keeping the family drama a secret from anyone outside her family. Well-written and edited, I found myself racing along in my anxiety to find out how the volatile situation was going to work out for all the characters. Some of the motivations of the characters and plot twists are a little simplistic but that is probably appropriate for the age level and also so as not to interfere with the main focus of the book. What this novel does really well is examine the dynamics behind abuse and why families might live quietly with the shame for years rather than reaching out for help. A good conversation starter for getting young teens to recognize the signs of an abuser and the perils of addiction.
March 20, 2024
TW:abuse
This was a gripping read that had me turning pages to find out how it would all end for our heroine—a fourteen year old whose alcoholic father took every opportunity to beat her or belittle her. The dynamic between her and her mother and sisters felt authentic, as well as her own reactions and self-view throughout. I absolutely loved Levi (her dog), was on-the-fence about her bff, and grew to love Wade, the older brother of said bff who our heroine has pined for since early childhood. There’s a happy ending (or at least as happy as could be), which I was grateful for. Excellent writing, well-paced.
This was a gripping read that had me turning pages to find out how it would all end for our heroine—a fourteen year old whose alcoholic father took every opportunity to beat her or belittle her. The dynamic between her and her mother and sisters felt authentic, as well as her own reactions and self-view throughout. I absolutely loved Levi (her dog), was on-the-fence about her bff, and grew to love Wade, the older brother of said bff who our heroine has pined for since early childhood. There’s a happy ending (or at least as happy as could be), which I was grateful for. Excellent writing, well-paced.
September 20, 2018
(Warning this book contents children abuse may or not trigger relapse)
We follow a young teen who been mental and physical abuse from very young age to her teen's. At the same time she keep her amazing personally during had time in her life. She also fell of the boat couple time's and someone close to her keep very important information from her. The author did a great job keeping you hooked to the very end.
We follow a young teen who been mental and physical abuse from very young age to her teen's. At the same time she keep her amazing personally during had time in her life. She also fell of the boat couple time's and someone close to her keep very important information from her. The author did a great job keeping you hooked to the very end.
January 12, 2021
Wasn’t sure I could read this, as it involves an uncomfortable storyline (dealing with a drunken, abusive father) but I’m glad I persevered as it was sensitively and insightfully written. It shows the problem from many different perspectives and was fast paced enough to keep me turning the pages. An interesting look at relationships and the “blame game”. Nicely done.
February 29, 2024
Good read for youngsters
Author Danalynn Donovan kept me hooked in "Big Mouth Blues", a captivating story about Kacey, a teenager dealing with her dad's drinking and abuse. It shows how she tries to protect her family while facing tough situations. The book mixes serious moments with funny ones, keeping readers interested.
It's a good read for both teens and adults.
Author Danalynn Donovan kept me hooked in "Big Mouth Blues", a captivating story about Kacey, a teenager dealing with her dad's drinking and abuse. It shows how she tries to protect her family while facing tough situations. The book mixes serious moments with funny ones, keeping readers interested.
It's a good read for both teens and adults.
November 28, 2023
wow
This is a tear jerker for a story, I was not able to put it down as soon as I started. I am not sure if I would be ever able to forgive the mom if I was in her shoes.
This is a tear jerker for a story, I was not able to put it down as soon as I started. I am not sure if I would be ever able to forgive the mom if I was in her shoes.
November 1, 2019
Big Mouth Blues (2017) by Danalynn Donovan is an emotionally gripping read and heartwrenching from beginning to end.
In the book we meet protagonist 14 (and a half) year old Kacey Dalton who is facing mental and physical abuse from her alcoholic father. She is trying to protect her mother and sisters from this man who has always seemed to especially hate her. In the book we get to know Kacey very well and her personality jumps off the page. She is strong, she is loving, she is young and unsure how to handle any of this but she has this inner strength and you know she is going to pull through. She also has a witty element to her personality which allows for lighter moments in a very heavy read. Throughout the book, we see Kacey being gaslighted by her father and to an extent by her mother too at certain times due her fear that Kacey’s strong personality will cause her father to become even more abusive. In Kacey there is a character who knows the situation and what her father is doing is seriously very wrong but being told that her strength of character is a flaw, makes things somehow her fault and that it makes her somewhat uncompassionate. All a load of rubbish of course but it’s great to see that she is strong enough to overcome it and it made me think of how sad it is that a lot of people in situations like this never find that belief and strength to overcome the devastatingly cruel and unfair situations they find themselves in.
Kacey finds some solace and normality when she visits and hangs out at her best friend Maxine’s house where Maxine has the dream family she has always wished she could belong to. She also is in love with Maxine’s older brother Wade.
This book is a page-turner. You just need to read on and find out whether Kacey is going to be alright and if there is a happy ending in sight for her, her mother and her two little sisters. It is an extremely powerful read about a young girl trying to keep her family together in the face of abuse and tremendous mental strain being put on her. This is certainly a very brave write by the author especially for a debut book. I like the way we get to see Kacey’s life in various different aspects. While the main theme of the book is the abuse she suffers, we also get to know about other parts of her life and get a glimpse of what she should be able to concentrate on without having to go through this fear inside her own home.
It is definitely a heavy and sad read and it is also an incredible read. Donovan tells Kacey’s story with honesty, sensitivity and paints a very human, ordinary young girl with so much potential if she can get through this and not end up like her father through conditioning or resentment.
Excellent. A must-read.
In the book we meet protagonist 14 (and a half) year old Kacey Dalton who is facing mental and physical abuse from her alcoholic father. She is trying to protect her mother and sisters from this man who has always seemed to especially hate her. In the book we get to know Kacey very well and her personality jumps off the page. She is strong, she is loving, she is young and unsure how to handle any of this but she has this inner strength and you know she is going to pull through. She also has a witty element to her personality which allows for lighter moments in a very heavy read. Throughout the book, we see Kacey being gaslighted by her father and to an extent by her mother too at certain times due her fear that Kacey’s strong personality will cause her father to become even more abusive. In Kacey there is a character who knows the situation and what her father is doing is seriously very wrong but being told that her strength of character is a flaw, makes things somehow her fault and that it makes her somewhat uncompassionate. All a load of rubbish of course but it’s great to see that she is strong enough to overcome it and it made me think of how sad it is that a lot of people in situations like this never find that belief and strength to overcome the devastatingly cruel and unfair situations they find themselves in.
Kacey finds some solace and normality when she visits and hangs out at her best friend Maxine’s house where Maxine has the dream family she has always wished she could belong to. She also is in love with Maxine’s older brother Wade.
This book is a page-turner. You just need to read on and find out whether Kacey is going to be alright and if there is a happy ending in sight for her, her mother and her two little sisters. It is an extremely powerful read about a young girl trying to keep her family together in the face of abuse and tremendous mental strain being put on her. This is certainly a very brave write by the author especially for a debut book. I like the way we get to see Kacey’s life in various different aspects. While the main theme of the book is the abuse she suffers, we also get to know about other parts of her life and get a glimpse of what she should be able to concentrate on without having to go through this fear inside her own home.
It is definitely a heavy and sad read and it is also an incredible read. Donovan tells Kacey’s story with honesty, sensitivity and paints a very human, ordinary young girl with so much potential if she can get through this and not end up like her father through conditioning or resentment.
Excellent. A must-read.
December 6, 2022
This book stirs up strong emotions and also a disbelief that such things could be. The main character is either very strong and forgiving, or without anyone to turn to that she believes can help without disturbing the way things are - that the main character presumably values.
It is strange to be a foreigner reading this book and wondering whether this is common in America or whether similar conditions can exist in the UK and I've just been fortunate to avoid them.
The first part of the book was spent wondering how would I deal with this. Murder kept coming to mind. Wondering how I would achieve this and then get away with it? I was forced to accept that I am not as nice a character as Kacey. Towards the end it all kicks off and gets quite tense.
Quite often in the book I was forced to accept that I was not the right sort of reader. This book is designed for American teenage girls and I'm sure these would enjoy the book and profit from it more than me.
It is strange to be a foreigner reading this book and wondering whether this is common in America or whether similar conditions can exist in the UK and I've just been fortunate to avoid them.
The first part of the book was spent wondering how would I deal with this. Murder kept coming to mind. Wondering how I would achieve this and then get away with it? I was forced to accept that I am not as nice a character as Kacey. Towards the end it all kicks off and gets quite tense.
Quite often in the book I was forced to accept that I was not the right sort of reader. This book is designed for American teenage girls and I'm sure these would enjoy the book and profit from it more than me.
December 31, 2019
An excellent book that pretty much anyone will enjoy!
This novel is a page-turning adventure that will warm and break your heart simultaneously.
Kacey Dalton is a 14-year-old girl living her worst nightmare: sharing a home with her drunk, abusive father. The book details her journey to escape his clutches, and her attempts to save her mother and little sisters in the process. Along the way, it explores the complexities of young love through her infatuation with her best friend’s brother, Wade, and it addresses the cycles of abuse and alcoholism through Kacey’s personal experiences.
While the language and situations portrayed may be too much for preteens or young teens, older teens and adults will find this to be an enlightening read. The short paragraphs used throughout allow for a fast pace that will completely prevent you from putting it down.
Overall, this is an excellent book that pretty much anyone will enjoy.
This novel is a page-turning adventure that will warm and break your heart simultaneously.
Kacey Dalton is a 14-year-old girl living her worst nightmare: sharing a home with her drunk, abusive father. The book details her journey to escape his clutches, and her attempts to save her mother and little sisters in the process. Along the way, it explores the complexities of young love through her infatuation with her best friend’s brother, Wade, and it addresses the cycles of abuse and alcoholism through Kacey’s personal experiences.
While the language and situations portrayed may be too much for preteens or young teens, older teens and adults will find this to be an enlightening read. The short paragraphs used throughout allow for a fast pace that will completely prevent you from putting it down.
Overall, this is an excellent book that pretty much anyone will enjoy.
October 10, 2021
While I was reading this book, my mind kept flip-flopping between, 'This book reads like a Hallmark movie' and 'this book reads like a Lifetime movie'. I don't watch much of either, but isn't Hallmark known for feel good stuff? So maybe this would be like a Lifetime movie because it does have elements of abuse. It's not super hardcore, but it's still abuse all the same.
The characters made this book, and I feel like with this kind of plot that the characters either make it or break it. It was a decent read outside of my normal reading genre
The characters made this book, and I feel like with this kind of plot that the characters either make it or break it. It was a decent read outside of my normal reading genre
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