NetGalley Buddy Readers discussion

Peggy and Drew, both aspiring writers, move to an isolated canal boat with their fourteen-year-old son. Peggy is the glue that holds their family together, even as their son is bullied relentlessly for his physique and his family’s lack of money. But when Drew becomes frustrated by his wife’s sudden writing success, he moves their boat further and further from civilization.

With their increasing isolation, personal challenges become harder to ignore, even as they desperately try to break toxic generational patterns. But when Drew’s gaslighting becomes too much for Peggy to take, it sets off a catastrophic series of events.

With Will Dean’s signature “well-drawn characters and excellent prose” (Sarah Pearse, New York Times bestselling author), Adrift is gripping exploration of the ties that bind when everything spirals out of control.

Theresa and I are starting this one, to be done by Tuesday 2/3

I have this but I don't have time to read it right now so I'll be back!

YAY! I'm so excited for this one!

Thru Chapter 17 34% (view spoiler)[ Wow, Drew is a piece of work. I hate how awful he is to his wife and son. Poor Sammy being bullied at school and he is too afraid to tell his parents. I'm sure Drew had something to do with Jeff Turner's death. I'm struggling to understand why Peggy continues to put up with his abuse. I"m also wondering if he had something to do with Peggy's moms death. He's already admitted that he killed his parents. (hide spoiler)]

I have this and will join soon.

through Part 1 / 40%

OMG this one is a very very tough read

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the dad is just awful and I don't know if he's drugging the mom or if he just has her doubting herself so much. his gaslighting is just awful to read

and I feel absolutely terrible for the son - his dad is awful to him and he doesn't have anyone to protect him

and jeez, his dad is killing everyone around them! (hide spoiler)]

Part 2 / 64%

that was an equally emotionally taxing and terrible section
I really hope for something good to happen in this third part. . .

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this man - I hate him. he has taken everything from this woman and son. and he is nothing.
their dad is nothing and he can see so much happiness in them and he just can't stand it. they can survive so much better than him. he's weak.

I hope the mom gets stronger in there and I hope she gets out. I have no idea why he did this to her other than to make sure she couldn't sign the contract and actually sell her book

I hope he didn't just kill his own son with the pizza.
he clearly has killed her mom, his parents, the neighbor, the dog and god only knows who else
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and done

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wow, that was tough. I was really glad they made it out of that but I was with Peggy. I really thought her son was just like his dad. I was glad she pulled him from the brink

and that husband - what small, terrible human
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I started this one and am at 44%
I don't like it so far, which is too bad. I usually like this author a lot.
(view spoiler)[ Too dark, too depressing. A horrible person. Treating his family horrible. I feel for the kid so much. And the mom, why is she putting up with this.
Now she is in a hospital and she doesn't get to see her son. He is left with the father, who is a horrible person.
This is just horrible all the way around so far.
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Yeah, this one is a tough read and really unlike this author's other works

I'm in the Libby queue for the audiobook.

Oh no, Vicki. I almost bought this one the other day. I'm glad I didn't now. I've never read this author before.

Part 2 64%
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Getting worse and worse.
The way the students treat Sam is disgusting. I can hardly read this.

He keeps going to see his mom and they won't let him in. If they would just let him see her for 5 minutes. Their souls could align and not be alone.

The dad... I just can't.

The neighbor guy who was related to the old man did a kindness. I hope he becomes an ally.

Please let the mom get out, collect him and get away.
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I just want to read through and be done with this.

Well, now that I am looking, I have only read one other by this author The Last One and rated it 4 stars. It was an interesting one.

Agreed Vicky- this was heavy and not at all what I expected after reading few of this author’s previous books.

And done
This one was not for me. It got very good reviews from others, but I was left feeling yucky and gross.
my review

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Even the ending couldn't save the book for me. Even though the ending was more hopeful than the book itself.

What stands out to me is how a stranger or a person adjacent to your life can make a different.
The old man was so instrumental to the boy. Providing him comfort and escape from his life.
And then his relative who had cancer. He watched out of the boy as best he could and took the blame for the murder.
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