Hey everyone! I'm very excited because this is the first time I've ever done a review for a book from NetGalley! We've had the account for a while, but we kept putting off writing up a profile and requesting books for some reason. But now we've done it, and it's really cool, and, I might add, I am extremely happy that we did get around to it, or I might never have gotten to read this book!
Before I jump into the book review, I just wanted to relate this Weird Dad Quote. That's a thing now. So, awhile ago, my family was just sitting in our living room, talking about farts (that's normal right? All families must do this, it's not just mine?) and then, at the end of the conversation, my Dad said (and I quote) "It's like the whole world is going to flatulence!". I'm not kidding you. I wrote this down, so you can rest assured that that is exactly what he said.
I really enjoyed this book. I've never read a story about someone growing up in a cult before, and it was really interesting to see Eva's mindset growing and changing throughout the book. Whenever I've ever thought of people in cults before, it's generally been about the older people who've joined. I always thought 'surely they can see that this is wrong, why don't they leave?', but this book has opened my eyes to the fact that it wouldn't be quite that easy. I really liked Eva's character, she was very relatable, as well as easily likable. I liked this author's writing style, and although I sometimes wished she would go into more details (such as in the library scenes, I wish I could have been present for more time in the library. But that may just be my inner book addict coming through!). I liked the incorporation of Narnia, and how the author used it to bring about change in Eva's way of thinking. There were a few minor editing issues (small spelling errors, nothing big), which I am sure will be caught before this book goes to print. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone, teens upwards. There are a few things that wouldn't be good for kids, so if you're looking for your next reading project with your son or daughter, this probably isn't the book you're looking for. Other than that, it's definitely worth looking at once it comes out.
Stay Addicted!
-Elizabeth