Status Updates From A Portrait of Dawn

Finished on 06.10.22

Captivating! Definitely take it in stride you feel the struggle and the heartbreak and all the emotion that the characters experience in this book.

It’s very religious too. As a devout Catholic it gave me peace and help center me.

The beginning of this novel is HEAVY! Whew, taking a break 5 chapters into it

Finished. Pages different than listed on Goodread. Date: 07/12

Finished. Pages different than listed on Goodread. Date: 07/12

Finished. Pages different than listed on Goodread. Date: 07/12

Goodreads lists 314, my 1st edition contains 303: story 294, except of the next novel - 8

I feel unsettled that David left without a word. Someone that controlling and powerful, I feel, would not go away quietly.

I also thought the beginning of the novel was a good balance of religious aspect to the story; now, however, it's a bit much. I am a devote Catholic so I appreciate the sayings, advice, practicing and connections within this novel. However, I worry about non-religious folks who might be turned off or away from this novel due to the amount of religion poured into this novel.

I wanted to read about Beth graduating high school, her decision process in picking a college, how she decided to stay in touch with her dad then dive into college graduation - job acceptance - David and Alex - etc. With these piece missing, I feel disconnected to the story.

Part 4 finished. I did not like how this part/section began. I would have rather gone into the present of Beth waking up with Alex, letter still in her hand (how part 5 begins) and stop with a "cliff hanger" again. Doesn't need to be a long section but I had that flow in my head established.

I know I have a pre-released, 1st edition proof copy. Some of the punctuation and grammar are incorrect. When Beth refers to her father, "dad" sometimes has a capital d but usually does not. When she talks about Abby with her dark hair then she says its blonde is confusing. Just little things here and there but it's not difficult to follow along

Part 3 finished. Again, young's story telling flow is amazing. It's clean, simple and easy to understand. I also almost feel like I'm reading a diary from Beth's point of view though other point of views are narrated as well such as Beth's dad.

The writing is phenomenal! It easy to understand, simple to read, and pulls at all the emotions

The writing is phenomenal! It easy to understand, simple to read, and pulls at all the emotions

Finished part 2... Glad Young divides the past and present Beth in parts / sections. The transition between part 1 and 2 really makes the reader think "oh! She kept the baby - wow!" The baby's name was never revealed. I sincerely applaud Young on this writing structure. She had me so deep in the story that when the truth was revealed I was shocked.

Finished part one. Young does an amazing job of painting a story that pulls at every emotion possible. No matter if your 16, 36, or 56 years old you feel as though you are relating - even connecting - with Beth. My heart ached for her, anxiety surfaced for her, my heart broke for her and felt hopeful for her too

Must. Go. To. Sleep.

Reads like a memoir.