First off, I will say that I loved the imagery and writing of this book. They were beautiful. That being said I have one big issue.

Every synopsis talks about this insanely difficult decision that Clyde has to make. I do not understand what is so incredibly difficult about what he has to do. He merely has a choice to keep his son alive or not. He in the end chooses to take the life of one son in order for his other son to be successful. I found it incredibly upsetting and I did not feel any empathy for Clyde whatsoever. I felt like he made a horrible mistake that unfortunately his wife and son had to live with.

Really curious about everyone else's thoughts. I know my review is harsh but I had some really strong emotions by the end of this novel. Which is what is so great about reading! :)

I cannot seem to grasp the concept of this story line. To me it feels like he does not explain the reality the book is based on very well. It feels like I’m coming into a book series and I’m starting out on book 3 instead of book 1. It’s a good book I have continued ready however the reality has me puzzled very frequently. Does anyone else have this problem?

I found Maid to be an interesting read. I work representing poor mothers so this topic is right up my alley. Perhaps because I am surrounding by these issues on a daily basis, this book didn’t get move me as much as others on this topic have. The author did a great job conveying the frustration that accompanies poverty and the fultility of navigating all of the government programs that are supposed to assist but in reality only confound. I also appreciated how the author was hyper aware of the constant judgment that was heaped upon her for the most minuscule of details and for needing help from others. This felt and is a very real phenomenon.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what was missing for me. Perhaps, although I know it’s not fair, after reading Evicted, no book on poverty will ever move me in quite the same way. That book changed my entire perspective on so many things. It’s probably foolish to hold any book to that standard.

Golden Child is beautiful. The writing subtly swept me in, and within 24 hours, I was already 100 pages in. (On a NYC work week at that.)

The beauty and richness of Golden Child take time to sink in, but page by page, the themes at play (family, masculinity, sacrifice, crime, poverty, fatherhood, brotherhood, etc) begin to paint a beautiful but tragic reality for our characters, and for ourselves.

Though an emotional ending, it was nonetheless a beautiful one. I cried quietly while the book ended. I laid in bed starring at the ceiling, crying for Paul, Peter, Clyde, and Joy.

This book has me totally mesmerized. I could devour it in one sitting, but am purposely taking my time to read it and enjoy it all that it has to offer. I love the writing, the characters, the setting and it is so mysterious in the best way. I think I have to put this in my top 5 and I am not even done reading.

Great start to the year. I have some small gripes with the reveal as well as aspects of Theo's character but damn if this isn't one incredibly entertaining book. Hooked from page 1.

This book would have been awesome for me.. except I just read "No Exit" and "Nine Perfect Strangers" so I was expecting a plot twist. The book kept me intrigued and I read it within one day. I loved everything about the setting and the characters emotional tragedies.. but because the way the narration was written I felt like the plot twist could have been explained better. Overall it was a really good book, I think I just need a break from thrillers and books with psycho main characters. I would recommend this to a friend though!

Anyone else still waiting for their book to arrive? Tracker has mine at the same place for five days now. Should I reach out to someone or am I just too excited for the book to arrive? Lol

I really have nothing bad to say about this book. I haven't been a fiction reader for long and have really only been into nonfiction. I have only been a member since December. However, I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days. I was really shocked with the twist at the end and it was far off from what my personal theory was. I thought it was really great! I really can't find a reason to not give it 5/5.

I found this to be a fast, entertaining read. The flow is great and I sped through it. However I had one big issue (spoilers ahead): the twist. I didn't expect it, which was good. But the reason I didn't expect it is because we're inside Theo's head the whole time. There's a pretty standard rule of first person narration where you can't keep secrets from your reader when you're inside a character's head; it doesn't make sense. Obviously he'd be thinking "oh yeah I'm here cus I'm her stalker". By simply changing the narration to third, this issue could have been avoided & I'd have liked it more

I wanted to love this based on all the rave reviews and buzz about this book, but it just... fell flat for me. This was my first BOTM pick that I didn't at least somewhat enjoy. Did anyone else have the same experience? Am I somehow missing the brilliance of this book?

Between the Silent Patient or the The Night Tiger. I still haven't chosen a book and I only have until tomorrow ro choose! Help!!

For my January month I picked the Maid over The Silent Patient. I should of picked both. Did anyone else puck the Maid? Is it worth the read?

I'm torn between Golden State and The Silent Patient! The Golden state seems really unique and exciting but I love a good thriller! Opinions?

The January book selection is released and I’m having fun debating with myself which one I should pick. The Silent Patient is a definite contender for me, but I keep wondering about The Night Tiger, too. Which one is your pick?