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The Queen’s Gambit meets The Hunger Games in this “brisk and brutal…harrowing and intriguing” ( Kirkus Reviews ) novel about a teen girl whose abusive father teaches her the finer points of chess and hunting, all for his own sinister ends…drawn from the author’s own experiences.
For forever, Didi has had to be the best at anything her father demanded of her—the fastest runner, the master at chess, able to take down a deer with a bow and arrow at a dead sprint. If she fails, he denies her food. Clothes. Kindness. Yet he claims he loves her—he says he does—it’s why he pushes her. To be ready. Prepared. For anything. Ready to fight. Ready to…
…Didi is terrified of what he may one day ask.
But she might be more prepared than her father ever expected.
For forever, Didi has had to be the best at anything her father demanded of her—the fastest runner, the master at chess, able to take down a deer with a bow and arrow at a dead sprint. If she fails, he denies her food. Clothes. Kindness. Yet he claims he loves her—he says he does—it’s why he pushes her. To be ready. Prepared. For anything. Ready to fight. Ready to…
…Didi is terrified of what he may one day ask.
But she might be more prepared than her father ever expected.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2022
19 people are currently reading
3822 people want to read
About the author
N. Griffin
14 books44 followersN. Griffin is the the author of the young adult novel THE WHOLE STUPID WAY WE ARE, for which she was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Flying Start Authors of 2013. Her other works for young adults include JUST WRECK IT ALL and TRIGGER, which is coming out on March 29, 2022.
Ms. Griffin also writes a series of cheerful mysteries for younger readers called SMASHIE MCPERTER INVESTIGATES. Titles in that series include SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE MYSTERY OF ROOM 11, SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING GOOP, and SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE SHOCKING ROCKET ROBBERY, which is coming out in March 2022.
Ms. Griffin also writes a series of cheerful mysteries for younger readers called SMASHIE MCPERTER INVESTIGATES. Titles in that series include SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE MYSTERY OF ROOM 11, SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING GOOP, and SMASHIE MCPERTER AND THE SHOCKING ROCKET ROBBERY, which is coming out in March 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 2, 2023
4 stars!
This was an incredibly vivid read. I have lots of thoughts, so review to come here and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
This was an incredibly vivid read. I have lots of thoughts, so review to come here and on my blog https://sunnysidereviews.wordpress.com/
April 10, 2022
This one left me breathless. It's one of those books that transports one utterly. It unfolds at a heart-quickening pace, and digs into all the tender spots that the loose affiliation of broken children share. A brave and brilliant testament to survival against the odds, and thriving as revenge served cold and glittering.
March 24, 2025
This was a hard, sad and disturbing story. It's hard to believe that anyone could be this cruel, especially to their own child. Short and well written.
March 31, 2022
An intense and difficult book to put down, written in a stark way that at times made me shudder and at times distressed me.
When you finish it you are completely bitter.
It's an interesting read because I don't know if I enjoyed it, not because it was bad but because it's a terrible story.
When you finish it you are completely bitter.
It's an interesting read because I don't know if I enjoyed it, not because it was bad but because it's a terrible story.
February 18, 2022
If you're looking for a gentle read, this is not it. There aren't any triggers mentioned with the blurb, but there should be. This one is all about child abuse on a constant level, which hits full throttle on the psychological end as well as a bit on the physical. It includes murder of a loved one at a child's hands. There is nothing fuzzy about this read.
And, most importantly, it is well done.
Didi has no memory of her mother, only the books she left behind. Didi's not allowed to mention her, or her father gets very upset. But that's fine because her father takes care of her. He allows her to eat and even buys her favorite foods, when he's in a really good mood. She fears the boxes he brings sometimes, since they hold new hobbies he expects her to master. Like chess. Like hunting. But she's always the best, which is good because he demands it. She needs to be the best, although he hasn't told her why.
The author uses various devices to make this an amazing, grabbing read. It digs to the heart without diving overly deep into thought. It brings across scenes without plunging into heavy descriptions. It centers on Didi, using her thoughts as a child and, later, as a teen, to drive it forward as she experiences various situations. She isn't isolated. She's the best at school, rides the bus, and goes to events sometimes with him and his friends. She even has a loving grandfather. Still, she never asks for help for various reasons...and these hit reality as well as make sense.
The twists and turns in these pages carry impact. They come unexpected and are gut wrenching. The author knows how to play the emotions and scenes just right. There's nothing overly graphic on the violence end or anything else, but there doesn't have to be. Actually, it almost makes it harsher. That's why this one is definitely not a read for sensitive readers, and even troubled young adults may be worse for wear after reading this.
I read this one in a single sitting and really am impressed at how well it's woven and written. Still, I was surprised that no one reached out to change things. There were several people in the book, who noticed something wasn't right but remained silent. While this does mirror reality, unfortunately, I was surprised that nothing happened at the school, especially since she went there all the way through until she was fifteen. I've seen social services contacted over much less in various schools in various towns, cities and states, and have a hard time believing that her 'visual' state wouldn't have drawn some questions. But I guess anything is possible.
This is definitely an impactful read and well done. It is worth picking up and diving into. I received an ARC had found it as grabbing as I'd hoped it be.
And, most importantly, it is well done.
Didi has no memory of her mother, only the books she left behind. Didi's not allowed to mention her, or her father gets very upset. But that's fine because her father takes care of her. He allows her to eat and even buys her favorite foods, when he's in a really good mood. She fears the boxes he brings sometimes, since they hold new hobbies he expects her to master. Like chess. Like hunting. But she's always the best, which is good because he demands it. She needs to be the best, although he hasn't told her why.
The author uses various devices to make this an amazing, grabbing read. It digs to the heart without diving overly deep into thought. It brings across scenes without plunging into heavy descriptions. It centers on Didi, using her thoughts as a child and, later, as a teen, to drive it forward as she experiences various situations. She isn't isolated. She's the best at school, rides the bus, and goes to events sometimes with him and his friends. She even has a loving grandfather. Still, she never asks for help for various reasons...and these hit reality as well as make sense.
The twists and turns in these pages carry impact. They come unexpected and are gut wrenching. The author knows how to play the emotions and scenes just right. There's nothing overly graphic on the violence end or anything else, but there doesn't have to be. Actually, it almost makes it harsher. That's why this one is definitely not a read for sensitive readers, and even troubled young adults may be worse for wear after reading this.
I read this one in a single sitting and really am impressed at how well it's woven and written. Still, I was surprised that no one reached out to change things. There were several people in the book, who noticed something wasn't right but remained silent. While this does mirror reality, unfortunately, I was surprised that nothing happened at the school, especially since she went there all the way through until she was fifteen. I've seen social services contacted over much less in various schools in various towns, cities and states, and have a hard time believing that her 'visual' state wouldn't have drawn some questions. But I guess anything is possible.
This is definitely an impactful read and well done. It is worth picking up and diving into. I received an ARC had found it as grabbing as I'd hoped it be.
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April 4, 2022The blurb on the back of the advanced reader copy calls this Educated meets The Hunger Games meets Speak and that is spot on. This is a survival story but Didi, our main character, does not necessarily know that. She's being trained as a skeet shooter, a speed runner, a chess prodigy. All of this from her father, who tells her it's imperative she be the best. An A isn't good enough--she needs an A+ in everything. They live in isolation, and Didi in her younger years finds comfort in her grandpa, which is a tree on the property. Then she has to shoot the tree.
Didi says nothing at school, keeps her head down, and avoids any and all places where she might need to speak at all. That's what her dad taught her to do, and her fear of her father keeps her in line.
This is a hard to read book, but it's superbly paced and written in a manner that sucks you in and keeps you going. I've seen a number of folks complain that there aren't trigger warnings, but let me just note the title of the book is TRIGGER. That and the blurb tell you this is going to have every trigger you can imagine.
It was an interesting set up, seeing Didi move through her childhood to age 15. You know something is going to give, and though Didi doesn't tell you much, you as a reader know what's going on in her mind and how she's processing her world. So when it comes, you're there, heart-in-throat, waiting and hoping.
Didi says nothing at school, keeps her head down, and avoids any and all places where she might need to speak at all. That's what her dad taught her to do, and her fear of her father keeps her in line.
This is a hard to read book, but it's superbly paced and written in a manner that sucks you in and keeps you going. I've seen a number of folks complain that there aren't trigger warnings, but let me just note the title of the book is TRIGGER. That and the blurb tell you this is going to have every trigger you can imagine.
It was an interesting set up, seeing Didi move through her childhood to age 15. You know something is going to give, and though Didi doesn't tell you much, you as a reader know what's going on in her mind and how she's processing her world. So when it comes, you're there, heart-in-throat, waiting and hoping.
July 11, 2022
3.5 stars
October 29, 2021
This was an odd one. Didi and her father live alone on the outskirts of town where from a very early age he starts training her. For what exactly we never know, but he teaches her how to shoot, hunt, and play chess as a master. Throughout the book it feels like he's trying to prepare her for something big, like running from the FBI or bad guys or anything, but the only bad guy is Didi's father. He's abusive throughout the story until their relationship comes to a head and he
I think the most disappointing thing about this book was the feeling that there should be something more. Like Didi should use her skills to accomplish something other than just getting by. The tag line for this novel is "The Queen's Gambit meets The Hunger Games" and with those two stories in mind you would think something big and exciting would happen. And then it doesn't. It's the same old same old: her dad berates her for something and so Didi becomes faster, stronger, smarter to get his approval. It feels like there should be a sequel or something, but as far as I know this is a standalone novel.
The only real good thing I can say about this is that the writing was fast paced and it was a very quick read. You could maybe recommend it to teens looking for a quick action story but that's about it.
I think the most disappointing thing about this book was the feeling that there should be something more. Like Didi should use her skills to accomplish something other than just getting by. The tag line for this novel is "The Queen's Gambit meets The Hunger Games" and with those two stories in mind you would think something big and exciting would happen. And then it doesn't. It's the same old same old: her dad berates her for something and so Didi becomes faster, stronger, smarter to get his approval. It feels like there should be a sequel or something, but as far as I know this is a standalone novel.
The only real good thing I can say about this is that the writing was fast paced and it was a very quick read. You could maybe recommend it to teens looking for a quick action story but that's about it.
April 10, 2022
I bought this book at Walmart, the cover grabbed my attention, when I got home I started to read it, and before I knew it I was finished, this book had my heart racing, and worried for Didi, especially when it came to her abusive Father, and for the people saying there isnt a "trigger" warning the book is literally called Trigger, so of course it will be about abuse, also the sypnosis should give it away that it would contain abuse, but overall I really loved this book!
February 23, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher.
Didi has been training her whole life. Her father pushes her to excel in running, in chess, in shooting, to the point where Didi can barely think. She doesn't know when he'll wake her up for sprints, or what he'll do if she doesn't win her chess matches. When things go from bad to worse, Didi will have to use all of her skills to survive.
I flew through this book! Didi's story was so gripping and I was worried for her the whole time, especially as you see how she's treated as a 5-year-old. The format, with quotes and bits from her books, fit into how her thinking becomes more anxious and disordered the older she gets, worrying what her father will do to her and slowly learning that he isn't always right. It was truly gripping!
Content advisory: Strong language, child abuse, guns.
Didi has been training her whole life. Her father pushes her to excel in running, in chess, in shooting, to the point where Didi can barely think. She doesn't know when he'll wake her up for sprints, or what he'll do if she doesn't win her chess matches. When things go from bad to worse, Didi will have to use all of her skills to survive.
I flew through this book! Didi's story was so gripping and I was worried for her the whole time, especially as you see how she's treated as a 5-year-old. The format, with quotes and bits from her books, fit into how her thinking becomes more anxious and disordered the older she gets, worrying what her father will do to her and slowly learning that he isn't always right. It was truly gripping!
Content advisory: Strong language, child abuse, guns.
August 7, 2022
An unputdownable and chilling read that follows Didi growing up with an abusive father. I couldn't help hugging my daughter a little harder after I finished this. The book's structure and time jumps are just right, with my worry, concern, and love for Didi growing with each section. Highly recommended for the teens who need to know that this really exists and for the teens who are living this. I hope they find the hope.
November 18, 2024
Visceral and heart wrenching - the atmosphere and the story seep to your bones like the cold.
April 9, 2022
This , indeed, is an odd one. Didi, the main character, is required by her father to be superior in everything - brain power, athletics, and especially chess. As Didi ages from 5 to 15, she wonders where her missing mother is but is too afraid to ask. (It would not surprise me if her missing mother has joined the dearly departed.) Her father is one of the most despicable characters about whom I have read. His fate was richly deserved.
July 7, 2022
I received this book for free via Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
CW: Yes. All of it. Mostly child abuse, physical/emotional abuse, withholding food, and bullying.
The back of the ARC says this story would be unbelievable if it wasn't "drawn from the author's own experiences" and I am very concerned.
CW: Yes. All of it. Mostly child abuse, physical/emotional abuse, withholding food, and bullying.
The back of the ARC says this story would be unbelievable if it wasn't "drawn from the author's own experiences" and I am very concerned.
February 6, 2023
This book was super depressing, but I must say it was also pretty good! The storyline is a little jumbly at times, but I feel that was on purpose to give the reader glimpses of what our main character had to go with throughout her childhood. I won't give any spoilers away, but there are instances of psychological, verbal, and hints of physical abuse throughout this story.
January 5, 2022
From a young age, Didi's abusive father trains her to be a "worthy opponent." From forcing her to play in chess tournaments, to running laps around their property and learning to shoot a rifle, Didi doesn't know exactly what she's training for. As it turns out, her father has something sinister in mind.
Dark and tense, the author's unique writing style combined with frequent onomatopoeia add up to a feeling of anxiety that sits with you through the whole book as you wonder, on the edge of your seat, what will happen next.
A quick read that's a little bit The Queen's Gambit, a little bit Speak and a little bit Hunger Games, this haunting story is great for those who love psychological thrillers.
Dark and tense, the author's unique writing style combined with frequent onomatopoeia add up to a feeling of anxiety that sits with you through the whole book as you wonder, on the edge of your seat, what will happen next.
A quick read that's a little bit The Queen's Gambit, a little bit Speak and a little bit Hunger Games, this haunting story is great for those who love psychological thrillers.
November 28, 2022
The author is my friend, and I was so sad reading this book because I know from what she has said in interviews that at least some of it is based on her own childhood. But it is beautifully written and avoids wrapping things up neatly and positively (I don’t think this is a spoiler - it’s just an acknowledgment of the book’s realism). I also recognized in this book some of my own experience having an overbearing parent with unrealistic expectations, who believes the world is out to get them - not anywhere near what is described here, but enough to reinforce what I already have processed about that dynamic and how it affected me as a kid and has continued to shape me as an adult. Thank you, N.
April 29, 2022
I started this book last night and finished it ten minutes ago, so it's nice and fresh in my mind. I've made some tea and now I'm sitting down writing this and I still can't find the right words to type because this book was just so...heartbreaking.
Didi grows up with her abusive father, isolated, and confused about her mother's whereabouts. Her father forces her to run laps every morning to build stamina and then forces her into chess and hunting where she excels. But as expected, he keeps the money to himself, making Didi that much more reliable to him. This poor girl even rejects help from a caring mother she befriends near her bus stop and that just about broke my heart. The psychological and physical abuse Didi endures is harrowing and may be triggering for those who have been in these situations.
I think, all in all, Didi was the queen and her father was certainly the pawn and not the other way around.
Ignore all the comps in the synopsis and you will go into this without those expectations.
Didi grows up with her abusive father, isolated, and confused about her mother's whereabouts. Her father forces her to run laps every morning to build stamina and then forces her into chess and hunting where she excels. But as expected, he keeps the money to himself, making Didi that much more reliable to him. This poor girl even rejects help from a caring mother she befriends near her bus stop and that just about broke my heart. The psychological and physical abuse Didi endures is harrowing and may be triggering for those who have been in these situations.
I think, all in all, Didi was the queen and her father was certainly the pawn and not the other way around.
Ignore all the comps in the synopsis and you will go into this without those expectations.
March 25, 2022
I received an ARC of this one through a Goodreads Giveaway. While I normally shy away from YA these days because I'm tired of the rehash of the same tropes over and over again, I thought the tagline looked interesting, so against my better judgment I entered the contest and ended up winning a copy. First, the tagline is wholly misleading. There's nothing close to Collin's level of work with Hunger Games in this. The only thing "Queen's Gambit" about this is the main character being on the chess team. Second, no one is good at anything. The whole purpose of this seems to have everyone just barely getting by, which may be accurate to real life, but that's not a fiction arc worth pursuing, especially when the whole thing feels cheap and unfinished. Yeah, Dickens could get away with it, but he was *good*. This was not.
September 5, 2022
For a book i picked up at the library on a whim, not even looking up reviews on it, it was pretty good. Fast paced and tense, it’s insane how this is based on Griffin’s story.
April 13, 2022
This is a powerful and moving book. A stream of love and strength carries us through the fear and pain. I don't like depressing books, yet like Beloved by Toni Morrison, Trigger somehow makes it possible to face the reality of unpardonable cruelty.
April 22, 2022
This book was amazing I could not put it down!
April 10, 2022
This is a quick read, starting when Didi is eleven and then jumping back to her at five. Even at that age her father is clearly an angry, abusive man. Weirdly, the horror is both blunted and sharpened by the fact that Didi doesn't understand how wrong it is, but we, the readers, do. It's a sad proof of the fact that whatever children are exposed to becomes their normal.
As Didi gets older her thoughts grow more disordered, which leads to some trippy sequences where her narration is confused and mixed up - including one in school which I was sure was leading somewhere, but just sort of stopped and let us imagine what would happen next. There are some time jumps, but they're well labelled, so there's no confusion on that side.
I genuinely felt my stomach drop several times while reading this. I recommend it to older kids. Although the blurb seems to imply that Didi's father thinks the apocalypse is coming, and that's not mentioned anywhere in the text, so don't be confused! I'd love to read more about how Didi adapts to her new life, but I'd say this is probably where it will end.
Definitely worth the read, if tough in spots.
As Didi gets older her thoughts grow more disordered, which leads to some trippy sequences where her narration is confused and mixed up - including one in school which I was sure was leading somewhere, but just sort of stopped and let us imagine what would happen next. There are some time jumps, but they're well labelled, so there's no confusion on that side.
I genuinely felt my stomach drop several times while reading this. I recommend it to older kids. Although the blurb seems to imply that Didi's father thinks the apocalypse is coming, and that's not mentioned anywhere in the text, so don't be confused! I'd love to read more about how Didi adapts to her new life, but I'd say this is probably where it will end.
Definitely worth the read, if tough in spots.
April 5, 2022
I heart-wrenching book about the traumas a parent can impose on children as adults look on and do nothing. A father, abusive and manipulative, convinces his daughter only though being the best can she earn his love and the love of others. While many adults pass in and out of their lives witnessing her father's concerning behavior, all remain unresolved in rescuing her as her situation becomes increasingly desperate. Careful not to seem like a bad parent to the outside world, alone he torments his daughter. In spite of this, she does well in school and extracurricular activities. I've never read a book that more honestly addresses the hidden trials a parent can lay on a child's shoulders, the inevitable distancing of parent-child relationships as kids grow and the jealousy that can occur when people thrive even after another tries to create insurmountable obstacles. A tough read emotionally, but a book bound to become one of the most philosophically dissected in literature because of its' display of both the evil and resilience of the human condition.
April 7, 2022
Powerful, disturbing book. It builds quietly to a somewhat expected climax. A good read.
March 29, 2022
This is such a fantastic, compelling book and I read a lot of it in one sitting. It's amazing to me that this is based on the author's own experiences. It makes me wonder how much of it was true; it's a painful read.
The writing is so well done that it's easy to get sucked in and to really feel like you're in the scene with Didi and fearing for her. Seeing her over the different ages too was really interesting too and a good way to show how the way her dad raised her was affecting her mind and behavior. There's also the other characters in the book who seem to have an idea that something is wrong but don't do anything.
Such a highly recommended book but it is a very harrowing read so be careful if you have triggers.
The writing is so well done that it's easy to get sucked in and to really feel like you're in the scene with Didi and fearing for her. Seeing her over the different ages too was really interesting too and a good way to show how the way her dad raised her was affecting her mind and behavior. There's also the other characters in the book who seem to have an idea that something is wrong but don't do anything.
Such a highly recommended book but it is a very harrowing read so be careful if you have triggers.
February 28, 2025
A Girl. A Gun. A Choice.
N. Griffin’s Trigger novel is a captivating and gripping story about trauma, survival, and the weight of fear that will have you telling yourself “Just one more chapter” late at night. The novel follows the main character, Didi, from her childhood to young adulthood, all in a thrilling 244 pages. Didi has spent her life training to be amazing at everything under the brutal guidance of her abusive father. When she finally escapes, she must navigate and adapt to a world she never knew when she was under her father’s wing. With intense emotions and a powerful plot, Trigger forces readers to face the lasting effects of abuse and the difficult journey towards healing head on. I would absolutely recommend this to readers because it offers a powerful and emotional exploration of many things such as trauma, resilience, and healing. The novel looks at the impact abuse can have on people while also shining a spotlight on the strength it takes to finally be free and reconstruct one’s life. Didi’s journey is raw and emotional, yet there’s always hope making a captivating read for readers who look for deep, emotion-rooted stories. Trigger doesn’t just tell a story; it makes readers truly feel the emotion written within.
Trigger follows a young girl named Didi, a teenager trying to find her way through the aftermath of an abusive childhood. She has one main goal: to be tougher than everyone through intense physical activity, thinking that if she can be the best at everything she sets her mind to, she will be able to handle anything thrown at her and as a bonus, make her dad happy. As she states, “Shut up jerk. Just run fast, then. In honor of today. Get home before he’s gone and make him happy.” This shows just how deeply the will to make her dad happy is set in her mind and how much he influences her. The book is set mainly at her house and school, so I got to experience her life when she’s with her dad, when she’s without him, and the impact he has on her daily life. Through her perspective, I got to witness the internal battle her mind has every day and her need for control all the time. The wounds left by her past are clearly seen throughout the entire novel. Griffin creates a story that is gripping, self-analyzing and explores the lasting effects abuse can have on its victims. As Didi starts on her journey she must face hard emotional truths that are within her and physical limits.
One of Trigger’s greatest strengths is its raw and unfiltered showcasing of trauma and resilience. Griffin does not shy away from hard topics, instead she faces them head on and gives us as readers a deep look at the mental wounds Didi carries around with her constantly. The development that we see in Didi is slow but realistic which allows us to sympathize and experience her feelings as she goes through her life. The writing style that Griffin writes with is sharp and abrupt, drawing readers into Didi’s thoughts with brutal, yet truthful honesty. The novel also explores themes that aren’t explored in your usual chapter book. Self-worth, survival, and healing are the key main points that make up this story making it a valuable read for readers who maybe look for books that address mental health without sugarcoating it. The author’s ability to show internal conflict is something that also stood out to me as seen in the quote, “Be quick! Be quick! Be quick, be fast, be strong.” This quote captures Didi’s internal conflict and her belief that experiencing physical pain equals strength.
Despite the emotional depth in Trigger, it does have a few areas where it could have been stronger. The pacing of the book especially in the middle is a bit slow at times because it feels a bit repetitive in the way that the scenes are very similar. While these moments do emphasize her obsessive mindset, they can feel repetitive to readers as the author uses lots of the same words. As Didi says “Fibonacci, Fibonacci!” This, however, does support the almost robotic way of thinking she has since this phrase is repeated so much throughout the story. Another thing is I feel that supporting characters, such as the ones who attempt to lend help to Didi, could have been a little bit more developed to add to the storyline such as Lynn and Devin. If we got some chapters from their perspective, it would’ve added deeper contrast to her story and helped understand a little more how other people saw her, not just herself. Some readers could also find the themes that this book explores overwhelming as the writing is very blunt and straightforward. There aren’t very many easy solutions or happy moments to balance it out, the whole book is intense. However, the book does do a good job of staying true to what Didi is going through.
Trigger can be grouped into a growing category of young adult literature that faces trauma and mental health with straightforwardness, much like Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow and A List of Cages by Robin Roe. These books similarly explore the effects of abuse and the road to healing. However, what sets Trigger apart from the others is how intense of a focus it has on physical activity as a coping mechanism rather than something else. This offers a unique perspective on different responses to trauma. For me I think that this is a valuable learning lesson because everyone copes with trauma differently. Throughout the novel we also notice multiple references to kings and queens along with the fact that Didi’s dad is obsessed with the idea that Didi needs to be the best at chess. Personally, I think that this is one of the most powerful symbols in the novel. Didi’s father’s obsession with being a queen and seeing Didi as his queen reflects his need for constant control and dominance over her where he tries to situate himself as this all-powerful ruler and Didi as his subject who will always be loyal. For Didi, she’s suffering and this type of relationship with her father is almost suffocating. She is expected to essentially always serve him while giving up a social life and friendships with others. The idea of royalty, which should symbolize strength and protection is instead twisted into a bad representation of manipulation and control. As she experiences this belief, she creates her own version of the mindset. The contrast between her father’s view and her view is something that the author showed well and solidly develops this book, adding plenty of depth. This tension is shown at the end of the novel in a powerful moment where Didi reveals “’every chess game you ever won I threw.’” This shows us a rare moment of defiance and highlights that deep down Didi always wanted to rebel, proving that her dad never had as much control over her as he initially thought.
N. Griffins Trigger is a powerful and emotionally intense that dives deep into trauma, resilience, and ways in which people protect themselves. Through her relentless endurance and her father’s constant obsession of being in control, the novel explores how control and strength are both bad and good at times. Griffins raw writing combined with strong symbolism makes Trigger a great read for those who appreciate unfiltered ideas and experiences with mental health. While the story does have some heavy themes that can be overwhelming its overall message really shines through and makes an impact. It's not just a story of survival but proof on how hard Didi fought to break free of her dad and finally accept herself as her own person. The message resonates with us as readers even after you finish the last page.
N. Griffin’s Trigger novel is a captivating and gripping story about trauma, survival, and the weight of fear that will have you telling yourself “Just one more chapter” late at night. The novel follows the main character, Didi, from her childhood to young adulthood, all in a thrilling 244 pages. Didi has spent her life training to be amazing at everything under the brutal guidance of her abusive father. When she finally escapes, she must navigate and adapt to a world she never knew when she was under her father’s wing. With intense emotions and a powerful plot, Trigger forces readers to face the lasting effects of abuse and the difficult journey towards healing head on. I would absolutely recommend this to readers because it offers a powerful and emotional exploration of many things such as trauma, resilience, and healing. The novel looks at the impact abuse can have on people while also shining a spotlight on the strength it takes to finally be free and reconstruct one’s life. Didi’s journey is raw and emotional, yet there’s always hope making a captivating read for readers who look for deep, emotion-rooted stories. Trigger doesn’t just tell a story; it makes readers truly feel the emotion written within.
Trigger follows a young girl named Didi, a teenager trying to find her way through the aftermath of an abusive childhood. She has one main goal: to be tougher than everyone through intense physical activity, thinking that if she can be the best at everything she sets her mind to, she will be able to handle anything thrown at her and as a bonus, make her dad happy. As she states, “Shut up jerk. Just run fast, then. In honor of today. Get home before he’s gone and make him happy.” This shows just how deeply the will to make her dad happy is set in her mind and how much he influences her. The book is set mainly at her house and school, so I got to experience her life when she’s with her dad, when she’s without him, and the impact he has on her daily life. Through her perspective, I got to witness the internal battle her mind has every day and her need for control all the time. The wounds left by her past are clearly seen throughout the entire novel. Griffin creates a story that is gripping, self-analyzing and explores the lasting effects abuse can have on its victims. As Didi starts on her journey she must face hard emotional truths that are within her and physical limits.
One of Trigger’s greatest strengths is its raw and unfiltered showcasing of trauma and resilience. Griffin does not shy away from hard topics, instead she faces them head on and gives us as readers a deep look at the mental wounds Didi carries around with her constantly. The development that we see in Didi is slow but realistic which allows us to sympathize and experience her feelings as she goes through her life. The writing style that Griffin writes with is sharp and abrupt, drawing readers into Didi’s thoughts with brutal, yet truthful honesty. The novel also explores themes that aren’t explored in your usual chapter book. Self-worth, survival, and healing are the key main points that make up this story making it a valuable read for readers who maybe look for books that address mental health without sugarcoating it. The author’s ability to show internal conflict is something that also stood out to me as seen in the quote, “Be quick! Be quick! Be quick, be fast, be strong.” This quote captures Didi’s internal conflict and her belief that experiencing physical pain equals strength.
Despite the emotional depth in Trigger, it does have a few areas where it could have been stronger. The pacing of the book especially in the middle is a bit slow at times because it feels a bit repetitive in the way that the scenes are very similar. While these moments do emphasize her obsessive mindset, they can feel repetitive to readers as the author uses lots of the same words. As Didi says “Fibonacci, Fibonacci!” This, however, does support the almost robotic way of thinking she has since this phrase is repeated so much throughout the story. Another thing is I feel that supporting characters, such as the ones who attempt to lend help to Didi, could have been a little bit more developed to add to the storyline such as Lynn and Devin. If we got some chapters from their perspective, it would’ve added deeper contrast to her story and helped understand a little more how other people saw her, not just herself. Some readers could also find the themes that this book explores overwhelming as the writing is very blunt and straightforward. There aren’t very many easy solutions or happy moments to balance it out, the whole book is intense. However, the book does do a good job of staying true to what Didi is going through.
Trigger can be grouped into a growing category of young adult literature that faces trauma and mental health with straightforwardness, much like Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow and A List of Cages by Robin Roe. These books similarly explore the effects of abuse and the road to healing. However, what sets Trigger apart from the others is how intense of a focus it has on physical activity as a coping mechanism rather than something else. This offers a unique perspective on different responses to trauma. For me I think that this is a valuable learning lesson because everyone copes with trauma differently. Throughout the novel we also notice multiple references to kings and queens along with the fact that Didi’s dad is obsessed with the idea that Didi needs to be the best at chess. Personally, I think that this is one of the most powerful symbols in the novel. Didi’s father’s obsession with being a queen and seeing Didi as his queen reflects his need for constant control and dominance over her where he tries to situate himself as this all-powerful ruler and Didi as his subject who will always be loyal. For Didi, she’s suffering and this type of relationship with her father is almost suffocating. She is expected to essentially always serve him while giving up a social life and friendships with others. The idea of royalty, which should symbolize strength and protection is instead twisted into a bad representation of manipulation and control. As she experiences this belief, she creates her own version of the mindset. The contrast between her father’s view and her view is something that the author showed well and solidly develops this book, adding plenty of depth. This tension is shown at the end of the novel in a powerful moment where Didi reveals “’every chess game you ever won I threw.’” This shows us a rare moment of defiance and highlights that deep down Didi always wanted to rebel, proving that her dad never had as much control over her as he initially thought.
N. Griffins Trigger is a powerful and emotionally intense that dives deep into trauma, resilience, and ways in which people protect themselves. Through her relentless endurance and her father’s constant obsession of being in control, the novel explores how control and strength are both bad and good at times. Griffins raw writing combined with strong symbolism makes Trigger a great read for those who appreciate unfiltered ideas and experiences with mental health. While the story does have some heavy themes that can be overwhelming its overall message really shines through and makes an impact. It's not just a story of survival but proof on how hard Didi fought to break free of her dad and finally accept herself as her own person. The message resonates with us as readers even after you finish the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2022
The people marketing this book do it a gross disservice by trying to give it buzz with the bogus comparisons to Hunger Games and the Queens Gambjt. This book is really just about abuse, and reminded me more of a more slow paced Vjild Called It than anything else. The ending is edge of your teeth, but most of the book actually drug for me. The pacing was just off and after awhile you kept expecting more to happen because there was all this build up and then, just, nothing really happened except the same old thing — chess, running, missing her mom, being afraid, dad having unrealistic expectations, being hungry- repeat, remix; repeat— until the dramatic hunt at the end. I don’t want to sound like a ghoul, but there needed to be more happening leading up to that climax. And a lot of questions were just simply not answered. I read that this was inspired by the authors own experiences; if that is true, that’s so horrible, but I wondered if it wasn’t just the publisher trying to get more clicks, given the grossly inaccurate comparisons to HG and the Queen’s Gambit. I found it weird that the author didn’t actually say anything in her bio or at the end of the book. I can’t imagine the sort of trauma she has been through or how difficult that must be… maybe the book felt some incomplete because certain things were still just to painful. For example, it’s implied that there might have been something off with her going “hunting” with her father’s friends and doing it for pay…? Lots of hinting but no real answers or development. At the very least, at the end, I would have expected a page of resources for what to do if you are being abused or what to do if you suspect someone you love is the victim of abuse. Eh. This was ok.
January 3, 2022
This was a good, addicting, quick read. There was a lot of action. Something seemed to be happening all the time. I really enjoyed the way Griffin wrote the story and the subject was handled very well. It is a very delicate topic. That being said, there were several things I didn't like. There were a lot of loose ends that I felt should be wrapped up. Questions left unanswered at the end of various sections. I know part of it is the style of writing but some of it just made it confusing. It also made me wonder why no one from child services ever came to investigate. There were so many red flags with this family.
But, if you can look past these issues, it is a good story dealing with physical and emotional abuse. Just make sure the reader is aware of it before they pick it up.
But, if you can look past these issues, it is a good story dealing with physical and emotional abuse. Just make sure the reader is aware of it before they pick it up.
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