Tags
Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Social Issues, Supernatural, YA Fiction
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 7th, 2020
352 Pages
Synopsis: A rumor is like fire. You might think you’ve extinguished it, but one creeping, red tendril, one single wisp of smoke is enough to let it leap back to life again. Especially if someone is watching, waiting to fan the flames.
New school. Check.
New town. Check.
New last name. Check.
Social media profiles? Deleted.
Anna and her mother have moved hundreds of miles to put the past behind them. Anna hopes to make a fresh start and escape the harassment she’s been subjected to. But then rumors and whispers start, and Anna tries to ignore what is happening by immersing herself in a history project about Maggie, a local woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century.
In her newfound friendships with Alisha, Cat, and Robin, as well as her connection with Maggie, Anna finds a voice to face her tormentors.
“We are the voices of the witches you could not burn. And we’re not putting up with it any more.”
From Laura Bates, internationally renowned feminist and founder of The Everyday Sexism Project, comes a debut novel that is a harrowing look at misogyny through the centuries. It’s a powerful call to action, reminding all readers of the implications of sexism and the role we can each play in ending it.
The Burning earnestly attempts to tackle a plethora of social issues including: depression, sexual assault, teen pregnancy, abortion, homophobia, child abuse, bullying, cyber-bullying, body-shaming, and slut-shaming. Then it throws in some light romance, a historical mystery, and a pinch of the supernatural. And, therein lies the problem. While well-meaning, there are so many ingredients it can’t figure out what it wants to be, and instead becomes a bit of a mess. Adding to this is some awkward dialogue which made the characters unbelievable at times. The reason I’m giving this 3 stars is because the pacing was consistent, and there are some touching moments that made me connect to some of the characters, especially Anna.
The Burning is Laura Bates’ debut, and I sincerely hope to see more from her in the future, because I think her writing shows promise. This however, comes across more as a mishmash of after school specials that adds little to any of the issues it touches upon.
fragglerocking said:
I can live without this one then 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I don’t think this is for you Fraggle.
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fragglerocking said:
Can’t believe it!! First Quentin and now Hopper!!! Bawled me eyes out at the end. I may never forgive you 🤣
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Bwahaha! You watched Stranger Things? Woot! But there’s hope for Hopper yet. Who’s the mystery prisoner in the Russian Prison?🤔
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fragglerocking said:
I did wonder but thought it was prbably the bearded guy who spoke Russian as he wasn’t in the explosion room.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m 99.99% positive he’s still alive. Unfortunately, I think it’s going to be about a year before we find out because they just started filming season 4. So spill! Did you love it, or are you thinking that you’re never listening to me again?
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fragglerocking said:
I loved it! SInce Phil gave up the News (which we always used to watch at dinner time) we have been watching Stranger Things instead. Now we will watch Locke & Key as you endorsed it, if anyone dies at the end I then will divorce you 🤣🤣
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😱😱😱😱
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carhicks said:
Sounds like she has some promise. Glad it wasn’t a total write off. Nice, honest review Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carla. This is one where I’m left wondering where her editor was.
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beetleypete said:
Too many issues for one book, by the sound of it.
Best wishes, Pete. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If she had just picked 2 or three Pete, I think it would have been a much tighter, organized story.
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Margie said:
I always appreciate your reviews, Kim. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you my friend!🤗
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TheLiteraryWife said:
I just started this one, and I agree there is a lot going on! Great review, I can’t wait to finish it now!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I can’t wait to hear what you think.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Wish it was more enjoyable for you, Book Sister.❤ I do like that cover though. Great review, as always!🌟❤📚😘
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dani. Can’t win them all.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yes ma’am. You’re exactly right!
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