A Little Life

Good read but tough topics with little warning (cutting and anorexia can be trigger topics) and repeated graphic descriptions. Could have used some editing --a little goes a long way and insulting to the reader to reuse the emotion after character has long been established. Loved the look into male relationships and tremendous power of love. Had lots to talk about in book club so if you are up for long, dark read but debate of some serious topics--this selection is good.

This is one of the most beautiful but also one of the most harrowing books I've ever read. So many times I had to walk away from it because of the inexplicable horrors that were visited upon an innocent child, but I was drawn right back to it because I had to know what happened to him, how he learned to survive.

The story starts out seeming like a "coming of age" novel about a group of friends who all graduated from the same New England college and move to NYC to make their way in their respective careers. But it becomes clear that it's the "little life" of Jude that we're focusing on as we're given, little by little, the details of his horrific childhood, and it's a wonder he survived, let alone achieved such success in college, in his career, and with these very important, very special friendships. But even with all that he's accomplished, with everything he's gained, nothing can erase his nightmare past and the emotional and physical damage that was done to him. He becomes more and more broken as time goes by, even with all the people in his life who have come to love and care for him.

A sad, but at the same time hopeful, look at humanity.

Very well written, but very depressing hard to read at times. Even with the trigger warnings, this was a tough one.

Beautifully written and points out both the beauty and danger of how individuals are their worst critics. I do highly recommend that before reading this book one has an honest conversation with themselves about whether or not they are emotionally prepared to read this book. This book deals with subjects like child abuse, sexual assault, mental health, depression, and many more intense subjects that could very easily trigger individuals. These topics are not discussed in passing but in hauntingly explicit detail. The only way to truly get through this book is to read it in sections, reminding oneself to take breaks from the sheer intensity of the subject.
WILLEM AND JUDE 5EVER!

Brilliant writing is all I can say. Definitely cried. What a story