An instant all-time favorite book, Mona Awad knows how to write the stories of my dreams. She writes about beautiful yet dark themes with her surreal,An instant all-time favorite book, Mona Awad knows how to write the stories of my dreams. She writes about beautiful yet dark themes with her surreal, poetic prose. My love for Rouge is right up there with my love for her novel Bunny, my favorite book. Rouge reveals the horror in beauty and the beauty in horror, taking you on a journey that asks the questions: What happens if you chase beauty at all costs? What would you be willing to trade for that perfect glow?
The story begins with Belle, who returns to California after her mother passes away under mysterious circumstances. We see that Belle has an obsessive, intricate skin-care routine and a deeply rooted desire to be more beautiful. She has memories from a young age of her mother's own obsession with looks. It all started when her mother told her bedtime stories, including a fairytale about the most beautiful maiden. That's when Belle's obsession with her mother's mirrors, shoes, perfume, and lipstick began.
Mona Awad explores the subject of beauty as only she can: In a fever dream that explores gorgeously dangerous territory. This twisted fairytale is remarkably creative and profound, with dress shops, a spa with dark and alternative methods, mysterious red jellyfish, and everything Rouge... Mona Awad explores the pressure to be perfect and what truly matters in life, all while taking you on a strange journey unlike any other. I was also impressed by the depth of the exploration into the dynamics of a complex mother-daughter relationship. Get ready for your journey to becoming your Most Magnificent Self – it's time to go "the way of roses."...more
This book is just so much fun! It's spooky, funny, and heartwarming. Cackle is a story about friendship, heartbreak, and discovering the power that yoThis book is just so much fun! It's spooky, funny, and heartwarming. Cackle is a story about friendship, heartbreak, and discovering the power that you have over your own future. One of my new favorites. ...more
This book was mind-blowing. To sum it up, it’s: violent, tragic, heart-wrenching, sick and incredibly dark. The first half, I wasn’t that into the stoThis book was mind-blowing. To sum it up, it’s: violent, tragic, heart-wrenching, sick and incredibly dark. The first half, I wasn’t that into the story. I recognized that it was a good story but I just didn’t think it was for me. But the second half, I was completely immersed.
This is a book about an incredibly disturbed family, the Morrows, and the relationship between two brothers, Michael and Rebel. Michael has to listen to Rebel’s commands and their relationship is complex. He has to do what he says, including some incredibly horrific things to keep their blood thirsty mother happy. They supply her with the victims and she does unspeakable things to them. Their lives are built on violence. But Michael was forced into this life. Michael does all this because he was taken at a young age by the Morrows and made to do these things. It’s all he knows, and he knows it isn’t right. But his brother Rebel has more horrific things in store for Michael. And more violence than ever is in store for the Morrow’s farmhouse.
The second half of the book completely shook me. This may be the darkest book I’ve ever read and it’s going to be etched in my mind forever. The ending killed me...more
