Taylor
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
The Things We Do to Our Friends
By: Heather Darwent
4.25
Without giving away too much but this story takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. One of my favorite places in the world. Clare, the main character, went through many ups and downs. From her parents, college, friendships, relationships, and life. She studied Art History which was one of my majors at college ironically.
Meanwhile, she had an “episode” and tried to reinvent her life. Moving on from her past. While moving on, many things happened. Multiple occurrences throughout the novel as Clare transforms into a different person.
The novel in general is dark and has some toxic tones. But well written and descriptive. Dark academia and relatable vibes. Slow at first but it picks up. I would watch this if it becomes an adapted film or show.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC and The Things We Do To Our Friends will be released on January 10, 2023!
I was very ecstatic to read this novel since its related to my culture, Deaf Culture. Written by a Deaf Author which is exciting. There were many parts, one-liners, scenes, and sentences I can relate to 100%.
I was born Deaf and was implanted at the age of 3. Got a replacement in 2016. Found my Deaf identity in 2012 at RIT and regret not finding it earlier. Currently fluent in ASL and 2 decades of speech therapy just to communicate with my hearing peers and family. Years being in both worlds, made me realize I am on a bridge between the Hearing and Deaf worlds. I'm happy where I am and still love my Deaf identity no matter what.
Here are a couple of sentences hit differently.
“...But it's my head, not an oil field. You can't just drill around in there until you hit Eureka”. (Page 315)
snapping *“...If these walls could talk, would it matter? Who would hear the secrets we bear?”- (Last sentence) o000o0000OOO00oOo0 Great line.
There are over 10+ pages of ASL tutorials and Deaf history. The novel included the typical Deaf Bings, different types of Deaf people, CODA, and Hearing parents who don't sign with their deaf kids like mine (But I love them). History such as DPN (Deaf President Now), the infamous Milan Conference, and he shall not be named lol (his last name rhymes with tell).
Fun fact: I was reading this book while getting a tattoo of a Skelton ASL hand of ILY
3.75
This was my 2nd attempt to read it and I finished this time. It was slow at first until I hit around page 150s. It picked up the pace and many more lives to experience. Trigger warnings: suicide, cancer, death, drugs, alcohol, and depression.
I always had the thought for many years of “What Ifs”. This book was basically full of “What Ifs”. My favorite quote is cheesy but it hits different; “You don't have to understand life. You just have to live it”.
slow burn, the last 2/3 chapters were basically Endgame with characters disappearing. good writing but the pacing was not my forte.
A reviewer named Laura McGaha mentioned this article and it cleared up some confusion.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/how-the-memory-police-makes-you-see
Plus Lavka's answer in one of the FAQs made sense as well.
Finished Jan 18
Review Jan 26
4.5
I loved it. I can relate since I have a small risk of the similar cancer June has. Erupt ending though. I want to know more and what happens. Maybe that's on a purpose? It does have trigger warnings. It didn't bother me but be mindful if you want to read this. I would recommend this book
A reviewer mentioned “Promising Young Woman + Dexter with a little Killing Eve vibes” and I 100% agree! I love the twists and full-circle moments. I think the main character is the Cancer zodiac as one of her big three. She cares tremendously but it can come with consequences. A new favorite for sure.
*throws book at film/shows producers and hope for a proper adaption.
My new favorite book. Top 10 easily. The feels I had while reading, oh my days. This may sound cheesy but Evelyn taught me there is true love out there and it's no rush. No pressure at all and trust the process. The twist at the end was unexpected and still shocked by it. I don't know why I didn't read this book earlier but I'm glad I did. I hope there will be a film adapted from this novel. fingers crossed
On the honest note, I felt the secondhand overthinking and anxiety from Piransi when they was working for the Other. Loved the inspiration from other books' characters, realms, etc. it was fascinating to imagine the Halls would be like. The notes were interesting and observations. The halls or labyrinth was a “prison”
The negative was the writing and pacing. Maybe it was the library's ebook format? I lost track of the plot a couple of times. Many things were happening as well.
The last sentence explains well of the book's realm, “The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.”
I would re-read and annotate to understand the story better.
