actualspine • read

5⭐️ FIRST READ OF 2026 AND IT'S A GROVEL BOOK. BITCHES I AM LIVING!!!! Lots of stuff I love about this book, I don't even hate the dual 1st person pov with present tense because the book is fast-paced for me and the vibe is (((almost))) psychological thriller, but damn what I love the most about it is the fantastic depiction of dissociation, C-PTSD, mood explosions when triggered by stressful events, black and white thinking, and abandonment issues. REAL fear of hurting others. REAL fear of people believing you'll hurt others. REAL depiction of self-destruction. REAL fear of not being able to control yourself. and REAL shame that comes in the aftermath. Yes, this book is dramatic and it's super fun, but the psychological episodes were so so good to me I guess because it reminded me a bit of my past self back when I was still unmedicated? Anyway, I liked it. And to be frank I read this book shedding a tear or two in EACH CHAPTERS. it's sad but not HEARTBREAKING sad. it's just--it's painful? but a good pain. I love it. and I gotta say I even love the cheating bastard. however I do believe this fictitious man specifically would not cheat on Cora so that's good. would absolutely re-read in the future.