My entire thoughts can be summed up quite eloquently with: “WELL WOW FREAKING WOW.” This book was amazing. I had this gargantuan feeling that I would like this book because a) boxing (!!) and b) psychopaths. Brain thingies and mental thingies (I’m an eloquent grape today, peoples) are intensely fascinating. AND MY PREDICTION OF LOVE WAS NOT WRONG.
My Sister Rosa is basically about a boy whose little sister is an undiagnosed psychopath. He spends his days either boxing or trying to keep her out of trouble (since their parents are oblivious). They just moved to America when the book begins and TROUBLE ENUSES, DUDES. Also there’s tons of food because: teenage boy narrates.
And let’s have lists yes? Because lists are good.
WHY I LOVED THIS BOOK AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT:
- It really explored the diagnosis of psychopathy. Although at times I felt it laid it on a liiiiittle too thick? But then not being a psychopath or knowing one, um, I can’t really pass judgement. SO YEAH. It talked about it in such detail and I found it fascinating.
- Che was a perfectly adorably creature. I LOVED CHE. He was complex and interesting and emotional and a little dorky. He always seemed brushed over by his parents, his friends, everyone. So HECK YES I go for the underdog. Also he ate all the time and had bad acne and was awkward…woah, is this like a REAL teenage boy here?! APPLAUSE.
- Talk about ADDICTIVE WRITING. Although weirdly it took me ages to read? (Normally I speed through books…) But, pfft, I didn’t even mind because I loved it all.
- I LOVED ALL THE BOXING! I, of course, do not box. I am a delicate flower and can think of better things to do than hit people. (Like ride dragons.) BUT I STILL LIKED READING ABOUT IT.
- Basically ALL the characters were amazingly written. Dimensional. Complex. Interesting. ALL THE GOOD DESCRIPTORS, THROW ‘EM ON THERE. It was a rather massive cast, too…and usually that’d leave me going “and who are you, may I inquire?” BUT NOT HERE. Plus I’d like to point out that all the main characters (apart from Che) were women. Thank you to the author. Thank you. And just a quick glimpse at them?
- Leilani: definitely my favourite. I ADORE HER. She was a fashion designer and super snarky…but venerable and nice too. She was American-Korean. Her + Che = BFF (in a well-ordered universe, anyway).
- Seimone and Maya: Leilani’s little 11-year-old sisters and Rosa’s victims of torment. Maya was more developed but I think that was the point, since Rosa had Seimone under her thumb the whole time.
- Sojourner: the love interest…she was pretty awesome. A boxer and church-goer and also African-American.
- Sally and David: Che’s parents. They were seriously not interested in their kids’ lives. Just their business. Boo.
- Rosa: of COURSE we must talk about Rosa, since she even gets the title. She’s the 10-year-old psychopath who is an absolutely adorably gorgeous charmer, and only Che recognises what a monster she is. I don’t think she acted like a 10-year-old? But then. Again. I think that’s the point.
- I was pleasantly surprised with the fair and nice representation of Christianity too! This ain’t christian-fiction, folks, don’t get me wrong. But Sojourner is a Christian and talks about God and gets Che to come to her church once. And it presents Christians as nice people who care for others…not the whole “uptight cheesy snob” that they usually are in books.
- Also…SO MUCH DIVERSITY. Che’s family came to America to work for this Korean-American family and Che’s Australian (!!) and there are African American characters and — just, gosh, A++ FOR DIVERSITY REPRESENTATION.
- Also, the plot twist?! Like…THAT PLOT TWIST?!?!? UM…AHHHHHH!H!H!HH!H. I’m reeling! It got a little slow/tedious towards the middle but that ending — KABOOM — I’m flattened. It was emotional and intense and freakishly disturbing and clever and seriously feels destroying.
BUT A FEW THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
- I actually thought it would be MORE disturbing than it was. DOES THAT MAKE ME DISTURBING??? #mybad I honestly think the tension could’ve been higher throughout the whole novel. And while Rosa was disturbing, it did feel like Che was overreacting a lot of the time.
- And it did drag slightly. It’s a hefty sized book and not THAT much happens. But when the writing is GOOD, I’m not complaining too cantankerously. But it could’ve been more concise.
- I also ended the book rather furious at one character’s shallowness. Of which I’ll put in spoilers but I GOTTA SAY IT, PEOPLES.
- ALSO I HAVE LIKE 900000 QUESTIONS AND I WANT ANSWERS. Sequel???? Please? Okay this isn’t even a bad thing. It is a good thing. It’s on the bad list for no reason except I’m pouting that this GLORIOUS BOOK IS OVER.
This is DEFINITELY one of my favourite books of the year. It only misses the 5-star rating by a smidge because I’m a hard-to-please grapefruit apparently. SO, JUST WOW. I will be here flailing about my love for this disturbing psychologically twisting novel FOREVER. Che was beyond perfect as a narrator and the combination of boxing and new homes and psychopathy and new friendships and family was amazing. THIS BOOK IS A GIFT-WRAPPED-PRESENT-OF-AWESOME TO ME, BASICALLY.
THANK YOU TO ALLEN & UNWIN FOR THE REVIEW-COPY. My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier was published January, 2016.
Che Taylor has four items on his list: 1. He wants to spar, not just train in the boxing gym. 2. He wants a girlfriend. 3. He wants to go home. 4. He wants to keep Rosa under control.
Che’s little sister Rosa is smart, talented, pretty, and so good at deception that Che’s convinced she must be a psychopath. She hasn’t hurt anyone yet, but he’s certain it’s just a matter of time. And when their parents move them to New York City, Che longs to return to Sydney and his three best friends. But his first duty is to his sister Rosa, who is playing increasingly complex and disturbing games. Can he protect Rosa from the world – and the world from Rosa?
My Sister Rosa will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the last.
// click to read my reviews //
Ohhh! The book sounds good! I haven’t read any YA books with boxing OR psychopaths (unless the Pretty Little Liars novels maybe?)
I wish there is a sequel for Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. I need more Simon and Blue (And of course, Oreos)
Great review!
THIS CALLS TO YOU THEN, ALEX. GO FOR IT. And omg I wish there was a Simon Vs sequel…although I heard hints that there might be?!?? I don’t know if that was fan-wishful-thinking though.😂
This book messed with my mind so bloody much that is fustrated me – but in a good way. Like I loved this book, it was so well thought out and presented.
The parents though – like come on! Just I could not deal with them at all – they made me so upset and angry.
The fucken ending – holy shit. Too damn good.
Thanks for the review. P.S The photos are perf.
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I KNOOOW RIGHT?!?! THAT ENDING. I am still flailing. It was beyond wonderful. :’) And by “wonderful” I mean I’m sufficiently traumatised. 😂
I will keep an eye out for this book, you made it sound really interesting! Also seriously cool photos with the roses and petals they fit perfectly, and of course the mostly BKW shots.
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EEEEP. THANK YOU. I stole the dying family Valentine’s flowers. 😂 My mum said it’d make the shots rather macabre and I’m like “Mum. Trust me. This book = dead roses will be fine.”😂😂
I’ve never read a book about phsycopaths! So maybe I would like this? I really liked madness and Magic (was that the title???) by larbalestier, and Team Human is just a fabulous piece of novel, but Liar wasn’t really for me. Still, I’d like to give this and Razorhurst a try. Thanks for the awesome review! Oh, I just finished Cloudwish and now I want to read all of Fiona Wood’s books.
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YES MAYBE YOU SHOULD. (Aka = Definitely.) I didn’t like Razorhurst, sadly??? But I think I’m a minority there and that’s the only one of her other books I’ve read so far. I need to try some more now!! BECAUSE OMG THIS ONE IS MY EVERYTHING. (Ahhh!! I have Cloudwish on reserve at the library! Have you read Six Impossible Things? I read it like 3 years ago but LOVED IT. 😂)
I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVED IT.
ALSO. I TOLD YOU SO.
And yeah I thought that too about it not being disturbing for a lot of it – half could have just been straight contemporary. BUT OMG I LOVED LEILANI. She was fabulous. And Maya. *sobs*
Also, your photos = A+++. I had so much trouble taking pictures of this book lol.
OF COURSE YOU TOLD ME SO. YOU GENIUS. I TRUST YOU ALWAYS.
I actually shelved it as contemporary mostly??? Because it DID feel mostly contemporary…but that ENDING OMG. And I want a best friend like Leilani omg she was just everything.
(I stole my mum’s dying Valentine’s Day roses. BOOKSTAGRAM COMES FIRST. *nods*)
I was actually thinking about passing this one up, but I don’t think I can now. I didn’t love the author’s last book terribly, but it looks like this one is really good… Have you read “Liar” by the same author? That was an excellent read. It was basically an unreliable narrator AND SERIOUSLY THERE WERE LIKE TEN MILLION TWISTS.
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OMG DO NOT PASS THIS BEAUTIFUL BEAST UP!!! I promise it’s worth it!😂 (I didn’t love Razorhurst like, at all, unfortunately? But this book was so wildly different…I haven’t read Liar yet, but clearly I want to now. ;D)
The photos you took are amazing! This book does look kind of disturbing to me, but I might try read it.
AHHH THANK YOU. The roses were dying a bit and my mum was off to throw them out and I’m like “WAIT I NEED TO REVIEW A BOOK WITH ROSE IN THE TITLE, PLEASE I NEED THOSE.” Omg. The things my parents put up with.
This is my favourite book of the year so far. I absolutely loved it. Personally, I felt the reaction of the person in the spoiler was justified, but can’t say why without more spoilers, so a discussion for another time. 🙂
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Hehe, it’s SO HARD discussing spoilers right?!?? I wish there were spoiler tags on blogs like there is on goodreads. *sighs*
I can’t wait to read My Sister Rosa! It’s on my TBR so I’ll pick it up soon! I love the psychopath concept and how it narrates from a realistic teenage boy’s point of view, and that diversity sounds amazing! Also YOUR PHOTOS ARE SO GORGEOUS. CAIT YOU ARE AMAZING. <3
Yessss, I can’t wait to know what you think, Jeann!! And the realistic teenage boy was really awesome. :’) Like, not that I’m complaining about the unrealistically gallant awesome ones in fantasy?! But it’s nice to see some down-to-earth YA boys too.😂
OH MY GOD THAT SOUNDS AMAZING. Also, positive representation of Christians! Yay!
Also, those photos are #winning.
AND ALSO I LOVE FOOD BOOKS IN THE HUNGER GAMES MY FAVORITE PART WAS THE AMAZING DESCRIPTIONS OF FOOD GOD HELP ME I HAVE A PROBLEM.
Excellent review!
Ikr?!? This book is just winning in ALL THE CATEGORIES. I should’ve just given it 5-stars, tbh.😂
You have a problem?? I HAVE A PROBLEM. I LITERALLY SCORE MY BOOKS ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY’RE FOODY ON MY PERSONAL SPREADSHEET OMG.
Great review aside (this book sounds very intirguying), I LOVE your pictures in this post, Cait. So pretty!
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*squeaks* THANK YOU, LUCIA! It was a really fun photoshoot. 😀
OKAY I FEEL LIKE A STALKER SAYING THIS BUT: didn’t you post/tweet/something-ed about how your mom attempted to toss flowers and you shrieked NO THINK OF ALL THE PHOTOS. Are these said photos? If so, you were right, THEY LOOK SO COOL. Ahem. Anyway, I have NEVER read a book about psychopaths and boxing. I have a thing for psychopath stories (ex: my addiction to Criminal Minds and Bones). SO IMMA GO CHECK THIS ONE OUT NOW BYE ❤
BAHHAHAH YESSSSSS. (You stalker.) 😂😂 I’m laughing so much right now, hehhe. These are exactly the photos. *nods* And even with them dying, it still fit the theme perfectly I cannot even. <3 Ahem.
*groans* ANOTHER BOOK ON TBR. Well, I guess life would be boring without worrying about whether or not I’m going to drown in my TBR.
My Sister Rosa sounds so awesome ASDFGHJKL.
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Your photos in this post are stunning, Cait! This sounds really good but I think I’ll give it a miss because psychological thrillers (I think that’s the genre of this book??) aren’t my cup of tea. I’m glad you enjoyed it and fabulous review! <3
I totally understand!! *gives you cake instead* And the photos were really fun for this one.😂
OH MY GOSH! YES! AND YES! Well, Vicious by V.E. Schawb isn’t technically YA, but I need to talk about it. I just finished it last night, and that has psychopaths. I need a sequel to that yesterday! This was my first V.E. Schwab book too, and now I need more.
YES YES VICIOUS IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE, OMG. Although I’m not sure if they’re actually sociopaths?? Like…gah. I don’t know. I think sociopaths have more ability to understand what they’ve done wrong, while the psychopath absolutely doesn’t care. SO IDEK. I LOVE VICTOR. <3 And by "love" I mean, "I'm terrified".😂 YOU MUST READ A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC NOW!!! I just read it a few weeks back and omgggg it's GOOD.
I’ll get right on that!
This sounds awesome, the other day my family and I were taking Psychopath quizzes, I scored a one point eight, My cousin was somewhere in the seventy’s, but one of my sisters was like 94% O.O
I get to bug her about it now, but I’m slightly sad, I’m not a bit more fiendish.
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BAHHAH. I wonder how true the quizzes were?!?? I think you might need to watch your sister…also read this book for research. (Apparently psychopathy runs in families too…*backs away slowly from you*)
I’ve heard so many good things about this book! I need to get it now. 😀
YOU DO. IT CALLS TO YOU.
I love these photos, Cait!
I think I already told you that this doesn’t come out until late fall, but hopefully my library will be nice. I’ve added it to Goodreads so I don’t forget.
I’m really trying to think of other YA books with psychopaths. I guess a lot of the “mean girl” themed books could count? Like Dangerous Girls? I can’t think of any that actually use the word “psychopath,” though, and I have to admit it makes me really want to read it. Although I’m disappointed to hear it’s not as disturbing as you expected. xD
I wish When We Collided had a sequel coming, told from Jonah’s point of view, about him and Ellie. 😛
Eeeeep! THANK YOU. These were the dying Valentine Roses that I rushed to save before my mum threw them out. 😂 She’s like “Aren’t the photos going to turn out quite macabre?” And I was just like “IT’S PERFECT FOR THE BOOK, MOTHER. TRUST ME.” 😂
I don’t think most books use the word psychopath….they just imply it? I guess? IDEK. Dangerous Girls = heck yes. Also Damage Done! Which I just read and was awesome. Ahem. I feel vaguely awful about saying “awesome” and “psychopath” in the same sentence…*whispers* I swear I’m normal.
(You and me both for Jonah’s sequel.)
Dying roses are beautiful! I don’t know what she’s talking about, haha.
Lol, nope, you shouldn’t feel bad about that sentence. Just because we like reading about dragons doesn’t mean we’d ever want to be one, right? Wait…something is wrong with that statement. 😂
*whispers* Well….maybe I might want to be a dragon occasionally. Do dragons lead stress-free lives? Because in that case: sign me up.😂
Oh, I definitely want to be a dragon! We can have neighboring caves. 😂
I’ve never heard of this book, which is rather shocking, because it sounds like my kind of book. I like books that deal with stuff like this. So my TBR list grows. Which (she says sarcastically) it totally needs too. And I’ve never read a book about a psychopath before…I’ve always kind of wondered what a psychopath would actually be like, because, y’know, people say “that guy’s a psychopath” but often they’re not in the truest sense of the word.
Should be interesting, anyways.
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Probably because it’s Australian! We tend to hide all our books…*shakes fist at Australian publishers* Which is like a CRYING shame because aussie authors do write epic stuff and it never seems to get out of the country. *pouts* ANYWAY. Your TBR loves me, you know it does.
(I think most people’s off-handed use of the word “psychopath” is wrong, actually? So I really liked how this book actually got into the legit true definition. Also I feel like people off-handedly say “psychopath” when they mean “sociopath”. I looked up the differences and it’s really interesting.)
I MUST read a book about a psychopath. Saying that feels disturbing. But yes in its own creepy way, it is the truth. I have NEVER read one before *gasp* how could this be?? I have read so many books, yet not one of them about a crazy person??? the concept seems really interesting but it is a difficult topic to write about. Those silly authors with too much exaggeration are not for me. I wanna devour a good and accurate book. which is why this one seems pretty fabuuuloouussss!!! Not to meantion Maya is just a pretty damn perfect name for a character…
Saying I loved how disturbing this book is…IS DEFINITELY DISTURBING. 😂 Ahem. omg but never??!?!? DUDE. You must put Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas on your TBR immediately as well then. Because it is freaking AWESOME. *flails*
Maya does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? *nods sagely*
I LOVE LISTS. Adding this to my TBR! It sounds pretty awesome – especially the a REAL teenage boy, representation of diversity, and female characters. I probably wouldn’t have picked this up or been too interested if I saw it in a bookshop so thank you for bringing it to my attention!
I haven’t read anything about psychopaths actually… this should fill in a gap quite nicely 😉
EEEP. I LOVE LISTS TOO. *listly hi five* And omg, it’s weird but kind of odd that mostly I don’t read a lot of realistic teenage boys?? Not that I’m particularly complaining. But this was refreshingly wonderful.😂 (The cover is a bit underwhelming tho, right? *sighs* Can’t have everything I suppose…)
I’ve been thinking of picking up this book! My birthday is coming up, so it may be going on my wishlist….
– Ellie
http://ontheothersideofrealitynew.blogspot.com
DUDE. YES. Excellent life decision. I will be here if you need to shriek.
Sometimes going into a book knowing it has a huge plot twist makes me anxious, lol. This one does sound fantastic!
Oooh, OOOPS. *covers your ears* PRETEND YOU DIDN’T HEAR THAT THEN. THINK OF BUTTERFLIES AND CUPCAKES.
This sounds amazinggg. Seriously. And no, you’re not disturbing because I would have THOUGHT this would be more disturbing. Oh well, still sounds great. Love that it has a lot of diversity too!
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IT IS! IT IS! And we’ll just ignore me being disturbing by wanting it to be more disturbing. 😂
OMG this looks sooooo amazing! I always love books with psychological themes and whatnot. I can’t wait to read it, especially since there’s a plot twist! Thanks for sharing!
IT IS SO SO GLORIOUS. And that plot twist packs a punch. *dies laughing at incredible boxer pun right there*
So I tend to avoid books with characters who are ‘psychopaths’ but Cait, if it’s one of your favourite books of the year so far then I might just add it to my TBR. Plus diverse well developed characters, and addictive writing?! It’s a yes from me.
Ooh, BE CAREFUL THEN.😂 I mean, if it’s not your thing, skip it. 😉 Buuuut…addictive and perfectly written and dimensional characters? I MEAN. IT IS JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.
Lovely review as usual, Cait! This sounds super super excellent and I want to read it. I guess I’ll have to wait for my library to get it. WHY CAN I NOT READ THIS RIGHT NOW *sobs quietly* It also sounds rather messed up, but mainly in a good way. And YAY DIVERSITY.
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I understand the pain. *pats your shoulder* *feeds you cake* And it is entirely like 100% messed up by the end, but so perfectly written. Gahhhh. <3 (I feel weird for saying I love the psychopath book .... but...I do.😂)
Ok, it’s determined… I really need to acquire a copy of this book! Seriously though, this is like the third glowing review I’ve read and I deeply enjoy psychological books. So I NEEED it!
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DO IT, MADILYN. IT CALLS TO YOU.
*flail*
I checked the library, but they don’t have a copy 🙁 I have a book buying ban, dang it! Maybe I can request them to get it..
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This sounds just crazy enough to be interesting. I can’t really recall a book I’ve read where you’re worrying about whether or not the little sister is a psychopath rather than the adult you can clearly tell is on.
I think I will probably read it, as the plot sounds interesting as well as the diversity you mentioned.
I know right?!? I haven’t read ANYTHING like this!! Which is so exciting for me, because I read a lot and I’m always after books that stand out of the crowd. 😂
So, that book sounds kind of, weird, I’ll admit it, but just the way you’re describing it makes me want to read it, though. I’m SO curious now. WHY do you have to make me want to add books to my TBR?! Haha, I love it. And those pictures are GORGEOUS.
YOUR TBR LOVES ME, PFFT. OF COURSE IT DOES.
Okay, firstttt, I must take a moment to just freak out over those pictures?!!! Omg they are absolutely perfect and I love them so so much. I shall forever be in awe of your photography skills!
Secondly, this book seems so deliciously unlike anything I’ve read before! And it sounds incredibly interesting. Eh, psychopaths and boxing.. in one book? Talk about uncommon.. in a good way, of course. Definitely adding this to TBR. Great review, Cait! <3
*flails happily* I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKE THEM. EEEEEP.
And it is a bit of a different combination I guess, but SO PERFECTLY PULLED OFF. <3
OOO! This sounds really cool. I love psychopaths and have a weird fascination with the ID channel and all their true crime episodes. Also I’m glad that Christian religion is portrayed nicely; I’m not much a fan of when Christians are depicted as cruel-hearted humans. Besides everything Gillian Flynn has written some good sociopaths are in the first novella in Stephen King’s Full Dark, No Stars anthology. The story centers a father who coerced his son to kill his mother because she wanted to leave the farm. It’s twisted and dark and sick and I loved it. If you are looking for a subtle sociopath in a classic I recommend East of Eden- it’s a huge book, but the allegorical texts and Crazy Ass Cathy are the reason I love that novel so much. I also recommend anything George R.R. Martin or Shakespeare has written (tragedy-wise) because those people can lose their marbles all over the floor once they’ve been pushed too much. I recommend In Cold Blood if you are actually interested in a real group of sociopaths because it’s a true crime story about a small town family brutally massacred.
I AGREE. I mean, almost every book I read (that’s not Christian-fic, that is…and I don’t read those anymore. Ever.😂) always portray Christians as stuck-up, judgemental jerks. And I mean, sure, they can be. But it’s a bit of a stereotype, so it was refreshing to see these ones written as just nice NORMAL humans. *nods*
Omg, I watched the Gone Girl movie and am SEVERELY disturbed.😂
*goes to look all these up* OH. I love GRRM’s Game of Thrones, but I haven’t read anything else by him yet.
Great review, Cait! I’d not heard of this book and judging by the cover, I wouldn’t think there’d have been so much goodness inside. But it’s going on my tbr because I love a twisty, disturbing psychological thriller and this one sounds too good to pass up. 🙂 I think I’m particularly excited about the characters! I can’t think of any YA books I’ve read with psychopaths but Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is an impressive read. It’s historical fiction based on true events. 😀
It is a bit of a more boring cover, right?!? BUT YES IT’S GLORIOUS. IGNORE THE COVER AND EAT THIS ONE UP. The more disturbing the better in YA thrillers I say.😂
Ooh, I’ll look that one up…
First of all, I love what you did with the image at the top. Love. It.
Second of all, I haven’t read this book, but tbh it does look like my kind of thing. Maybe I’ll get on it?
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
*squeaks with happiness* THANK YOU AMY. (Also *waves* Long time no see! :D)
Um, I’m sorry but what are these glorious pictures? Don’t tell me you picmonkey’d all of these? (That is a lot of work and dedication and time and *.*).
I think this book sounds cool, psychopaths are awesome! (And highly creepy). I think I’ve heard of another psychopath book which you may have reviewed – the one with the purple butterfly on the cover. That one sounded pretty interesting.
YES I DID PICMONKEY ALL OF THEM.😂 I actually edit all the photos I take and I really enjoy it. Hehehe. ;D But omg I was particularly pleased with how these turned out SO THANK YOU. <3
Breaking Butterflies? I have read that one. *nods* I didn't like it as much? Like the sociopath in it was pretty textbook, but it's not a bad one if you're interested in the disorder!
Oo, this book sounds really fantastic! I think I’d definitely want to read it.
Also, lovely photos, especially the first one!
YOU PROBABLY DEFINITELY DO. *nods* And I’m glad you like the photos.😂 I had a lot of fun with this shoot!
THIS LOOKS AMAZING. excuse me while i go get this book and read it all, because I LOVE BOOKS that are real. not like “here’s a character who’s going to conquer everything” but like “oh yes they have acne and love to box”. PLUS LISTS. 😀 also, Cait, THE PICTURES AND THE ROSE PETALS. YASSSS. <3 <3
YESSSSS. Same! And honestly I love the ones that stretch reality a bit, but the real and relatable ones are the kind that stick wtih me longer. :’)
HOW HAVE I NOT HEARD OF THIS BOOK BEFORE??! It sounds amazing. I mean, psychopaths, boxing, diversity, and Christians being represented nicely (because we are definitely not snobs and I get so tired of seeing that representation in books — I mean, there are snobs who say they’re Christian but, like, if you’re truly Christian I don’t really think you’d be like that)? Anyway, SIGN ME UP. *hurries to add to TBR*
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Probably because it’s Australian!😂 We tend to hide our books, unfortunately. GAh. But it’s soooo good so I hope you do find a copy someday. 😀
And omg I agree about the Christians. I mean, there ARE awful Christians out there. But there are awful EVERYBODY’S out there, and I always feel Christians get represented badly all the time. >_>
*raises eyebrow* Cait, are you comparing this to Dangerous Girls and Damage Done? Do you know how hard it is going to be for this book to reach my expectations after seeing these comparisons?!? But OMG. THIS SOUNDS AMAZING. I love the psychological angle it has going and how it discusses the diagnosis of psychopathy. That’s something I’ve never seen discussed in YA before, and it seems so disturbing and intriguing at the same time. Anyhow, off to see if this is available in the US! *crosses fingers* Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
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SOOOOO, ZOE. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? GO READ THIS.😂 And YES. It is mildly disturbing and very….real. Like I mean, Dangerous Girls and Damage Done felt real too…but this feels a different sort of real?! ANYWAY. I HOPE YOU READ IT. Apparently it’s coming out in the US at the end of the year? *crosses fingers that you might get to read it*
I’d never even heard of this book before and probably wouldn’t have given it a second look if I had, but now I NEED to read it. I used to love psychology classes when I was younger – it’s fascinating stuff.
The cover is wildly underwhelming, right?! BUT YES OMG IT IS BEYOND BRILLIANT. And fascinating. And disturbing. All the good stuff. :’)
OH MY GOODNESS I NEED THIS BOOK SO BADLY LIKE I CAN’T EVEN TELL YOU MUCH I NEED IT I JUST DO.
*takes deep breath* *composes self*
I spent a good deal of my childhood learning everything I could about psychopaths, so this book definitely sounds like it would be right up my alley. I’ve read a few books featuring adults with psychopathy, but aside from Peter in Ender’s Game, I don’t think I’ve come across any books featuring young psychopaths. So I need this book a whole ton and a half. *nods*
Liz Brooks recently posted…Q&A with Liz
YOU DO, LIZ. I GET THE DISTINCT FEELING THIS IS VERY MUCH A LIZ BOOK. And when am I ever wrong? NEVER. (Well, maybe I was wrong to one or two people but they’re not around to tell the tale. *cackles* Ahem. What were we saying?)
If you want young psychopaths read Game of Thrones too.😂 OKAY WAIT. DON’T. Ahem. But omggg, have you read Dangerous Girls?! LIZ. YOU NEED DANGEROUS GIRLS IN YOUR LIFE ASAP. Also How to Lead a Life of Crime. I cannot love that book enough, tbh.
Ooooh, this sounds really intriguing Cait! I hope we end up publishing it – Or A&W’s UK branch does. Eeee! Have you read Dan Well’s I Am Not A Serial Killer? PSYCHOPATH! It’s so so good! I really need to carry on with the series, I am behind! Oooh, Cait, I want a sequel for The Girl From Everywhere RIGHTNOWPLEASE! That book was incredible, and I really, really need more. I know there will be a sequel, but technically, it’s not even out over here yet, so that’s a lot of waiting for book 2 🙁 I am, as you might say, a sad pineapple.
OOH, I DO HOPE THE UK GETS IT TOO! Or you’ll just have to pop over to Australia and kidnap a copy.😂 AND YES. I have read the first of Dan Well’s one, but not he rest? I need to get onto that too, heh. Omg, but I’ll join you in screeching for TGFE’s sequel. *grabby hands* It’s hard reading ARCs sometimes because of the need-for-the-sequel-but-having-to-wait-even-longer thing, right?!
I don’t think I’ve read any YA about psychopaths. Bipolars and scizophreniacs were usually my choices. So, obviously I will have to read this one now…(I swear there is another dimension somewhere in this universe or another, where this way of thinking actually makes sense!)
PFFT. IT MAKES SENSE. 😂 We readers like to collect knowledge on aaaaall the interesting (scary?) brain things. 😂😂 I hope you like it if you do try it!
OMG!!! Just finished this book and i loved it so much!!! I have to agree, a special someone mentioned in the spolier annoyed me too, especially at the end for mentioned reasons. But I also found the character slightly inconstant… I wont say any more in fear i spoil the book for someone else.. maybe it was just me though?
Any other recommendations for YA psychological thrillers???? I have recently read ‘Black’ by Fluer Ferris (another great Australian author!!) and loved it!! It is definitely a great read for anyone who loved ‘My Sister Rosa’. It is slightly less about psychopaths, more about cults, curses and finding the truth.
YAYYY I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT TOO!! Did you find Che the inconsistent one? Or the dad? I thought it was interesting with Che and the plot twist because he didn’t act like it enough, I didn’t think?? But I don’t know.😂 I still loved the story so much!!
Ooh, have you read The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly? IT IS ACTUALLY SO EXCELLENT. And I also loved the Every Breath series by Ellie Marney (which is an Australian Sherlock retelling and it’s absolutely perfection).
I borrow this book from my school library yesterday and finished it that afternoon. I loved it!
I agree with you about that twist at the end. It was stunning. It was amazing. It was unexpected.
From about half-way through the book, I had strong suspicions about David being a psychopath, because of the many little clues about how similar his smile was to Rosa, how charming he was and how amazing his polka face was, but I was surprised and disturbed after he ran away and Rosa revealed that she only confessed to drive him away as she did. It reminded me of just how clever and manipulative Rosa is, and how she can treat real life people like pawns in her little chess match.
I also agree with you about the slow beginning of the book. The pacing is a bit weird, and I was slightly irritated that Che was overreacting so much about Rosa, but I also feel that the author may have been doing this to hint at his own issues. He seems to have an obsession with Rosa and keeping her in check. To be fair, I would be terrified too, but I think that his over-dramatic obsession with keeping her controlled may be a hint at his underlying brain-issues.
Overall I loved this book and wish she would write a sequel! I have so many questions! Do Che and Leilani remain friends? Do Seimone and Rosa stay friends!? What havoc will Rosa wreak next?
Oh I totally get that now that you point it out with Che’s obsession with Rosa! That is totally an indication he has the psychopathic genes too. I was just gobsmacked when that twist came in because I thought he was the “normal” one. But yet…no.😂
I loved it so much too though, eeep. I wish there was a sequel, but at the same time I really am scared to know what kind of person Rosa grew up to. 🙈🙊