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My Dark Vanessa
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
226 posts | 215 read | 3 reading | 99 to read
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BarkingMadRead
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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38 likes2 stack adds
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janeycanuck
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Mehso-so

I probably should have known better than to pick this up. I definitely preferred the second half with more of the fallout/impact of the relationship than the time at Browick but I can‘t say I enjoyed this (if one can even say they enjoyed a book about statutory rape…)

Roll 83 for #Roll100
2/2 #BookSpin or #Roll100 books for #JoyousJanuary and 5/6 overall

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 2mo
47 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Erin.Elizabeth10
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

This book has been described as a modern retelling of Lolita. It‘s about a girl‘s relationship with her teacher, flashing back and forth from her teenage years while it‘s unfolding to her adult years, trying to make sense of what happened. Her adult years are set amidst the Me Too movement, which provides context for her to ask the questions: Was it love? Was it abuse? Am I a victim? Is that all I am? I loved the nuance & complexity in this book.

Erin.Elizabeth10 Just be warned there are a LOT of trigger warnings in this book. It is so well written and made me very emotional, but it‘s not for everyone if you are sensitive to these topics. 2mo
14 likes1 comment
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Lenamarcela339
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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jenniferw88
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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#bookreport
Started all 4
Finished My Dark Vanessa

#weeklyforecast
Continue Memoirs of Cleopatra
Finish Ultra-Processed People and Persuasion

JenniferEgnor That was a disturbing but good book. 2mo
63 likes1 stack add1 comment
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dariazeoli
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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No other #fiction I‘ve read since February managed to knock the tagged book from its top spot this year. I still find myself thinking of Vanessa. #readingbracket2023

rachelk I loved that book too. 3mo
jenniferw88 I've only managed one #auldlangspine book so far, but it was this one - and I'm still thinking about it a couple of weeks after finishing. It's definitely going to be a tough one to beat! 2mo
39 likes1 stack add2 comments
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jenniferw88
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Following @dariazeoli 's advice, this is my updated plan for #auldlangspine2024 #alspine24 @monalyisha

Have removed the Stephen King as I don't like eye gore!

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ChaoticMissAdventures
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

This is a book I am going to be thinking deeply about for ages. It is not a book for everyone. TW for pedophilia, rape, a host of other topics. Some people find this story of a woman looking back on her abusive teacher too disturbing to read, I went in with a lot of caution.
This would be an excellent bookclub read if you could get the right group together. There are so many issues to discuss. From the actions of all of the characters to 👇

ChaoticMissAdventures The deep psychological implications. The theme around blame and transference could be looked at for hours. I found the novel both disturbing (I had physical revision more than a few times) and fascinating. I think it walked a fine line on trauma porn but in a delicate way that I was able to keep reading. A lot of that boils down to the intelligent but simple writing style used which is often my favorite type. 7mo
5feet.of.fury I just pulled this today for my October TBR, I‘m looking forward to it. Cautiously. Haha 7mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @5feet.of.fury yes! Cautiously. One of those books you can not say you enjoyed but... 7mo
40 likes3 comments
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Cortg
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

An extremely disturbing book that I could not put down! Fifteen year old Vanessa‘s relationship with her teacher is today‘s Lolita on steroids. Russell did an amazing job of putting me in Vanessa‘s head as a 15 year old and continuing into adulthood.
#Pop23 ~a book about forbidden romance

squirrelbrain This one was so good! 7mo
rachelk I couldn‘t put it down either. 7mo
Ruthiella I thought this book did an excellent job at showing how the damage and denial last into adulthood. 7mo
Cortg @Ruthiella Yes! I‘m really impressed with the writing. I have such a book hangover now. 7mo
38 likes4 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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August #bookspin with @thearomaofbooks

#bookspin - My Dark Vanessa
#doublespin - The Blade Itself

This feels a bit fortuitous since I just got a notice yesterday that The Blade Itself had just came in and is ready for me to pick it up! I have MDV on my TBR bookcase.

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Looks fantastic!! 8mo
24 likes1 comment
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TheSpineView
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🖤🤍 9mo
Eggs 🎶👏🏻🖤 9mo
56 likes1 stack add3 comments
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hanah.wiebe
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Jumping between two timelines, My Dark Vanessa follows a seemingly average woman who is forced to relive her years in boarding school as a 15-year-old romantically involved with one of her teachers. As multiple sexual assault allegations are filed against this teacher, Vanessa considers her past relationship with him and questions how it could possibly be considered grooming. We follow Vanessa's thought process both as a 30-year-old grappling with

hanah.wiebe pressure from the press, and as a 15-year-old seemingly in love with her 42-year-old teacher. As the novel progresses, Vanessa is forced to reflect on her past and how the one man who showed her affection may not be as innocent as she has continued to believe for the past 15 years. If you like psychological books that conflict with self, mind, and external pressure, you will enjoy My Dark Vanessa. 12mo
hanah.wiebe This novel is written in the first-person point of view with two timelines. Words like “I“ and “me“ are used, and we are able to know Vanessa's thoughts and actions as she is telling her story. 12mo
MissYaremcio Nicely done Hanah! Mrs. Hartman read this - you should talk to her about it. 6/6 12mo
5 likes3 comments
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jamield1911
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

I have a major book hangover.

This was disturbing, I felt physically sick at parts. It made Lolita look like a Disney film. My Dark Vanessa portrays the vulnerability of young girls and shows how easy it is for them to be taken advantage of by someone in a position of power.
It raises the question - is someone a victim if they don't feel like a victim? In my opinion, yes, they are.
I feel raw.

Trigger warning- child sexual abuse, grooming, PTSD

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jamield1911
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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I did not need a reason to despise this man more than I already did. Then this happens. 😡

dabbe #boohiss 😤 Agreed! 12mo
10 likes1 comment
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jdiehr
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

I was uncomfortable every step of the way with this one.

Vanessa is a 15 year old who is in love with her English teacher. She feels seen and adored.

Mr Strane is a pedophile who sees an opportunity to groom a lonely girl with a darker personality.

This unsettling book brings up lots of questions. Is a person a victim if they don't feel that they are? How does childhood trauma affect a person in adulthood?

Well done but truly disturbing.

35 likes3 stack adds
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dariazeoli
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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#readingbracket2023 #fiction

Still thinking about this book after finishing it earlier this month. It was an easy choice for winner this round.

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dariazeoli
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
This post contains spoilers
show me

I‘ve been listening to this one on my walks for coffee this weekend, wondering if anyone notices the disgust on my face as I scoff at Strane‘s abhorrent behavior. Today especially infuriated me as he threatened Vanessa with foster care if anyone found out what “they” were guilty of.

This novel is gripping. I hate that the plot is reminiscent of so many lived experiences.

EKonrad Did kind of a deep dive into the author after I read this. Seems like it might have been based on some of her own experiences (but she potentially fictionalized a bit). Very powerful book imo. 13mo
11 likes1 comment
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Kristy_K
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

This book made me uncomfortable, angry, sad, and a gamut of other emotions. It was such a a heavy topic delving into something traumatic yet horribly believable. I thought the author did a great job fleshing out the story and ultimately ending on a note of hope.

#botm
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

tpixie Great review. The sandwich looks Devine! (edited) 14mo
Bklover Is that grilled cheese? Now I want grilled cheese. With sweet pickles. Yummmmm 14mo
Kristy_K @tpixie Thank you! 12mo
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Kristy_K @Bklover It is! I love it with pickles too. 🙂 12mo
tpixie @Kristy_K yum! I‘ll have to try pickles. I like it with tomatoes. My husband adds ham! @Bklover (edited) 12mo
Bklover @tpixie The pickles must be sweet and cold and you follow a bite of sandwich with a bite of sweet pickle. Oh yum. 12mo
tpixie @Bklover thanks for the tips! 12mo
49 likes1 stack add7 comments
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SpookyDonut
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Listening to this one on audio. Halfway through. To say that it unsettles me puts it mildly. #mydarkvanessa #audiobooks #libby #library

12 likes1 stack add
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acp
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
Pickpick

absolutely loved this book

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rather_be_reading
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Book 16

marleed I promise, when you get to the part about my hometown, Butte MT - it really is a great town and not as bad as this book paints it! I did love this book though! 2y
Booksarelifeaddict @rather_be_reading this book was a hard one for me I listened to it on audio and it has stuck with me! 2y
Flaneurette @marleed Butte! Johns pork chop is the best 2y
marleed @Flaneurette Absolutely - uptown location is the best! 2y
54 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Emilymdxn
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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I‘m really looking forward to get started on my first book of the very exciting #nywd2022 list I got from @LapReader 🥰 this is the first one I‘m going to try as I already owned it but I‘m going to try to do more from the list throughout the year when I can get my hands on them!

I‘m going to make a start on this as soon as I finish Night Film - though as that‘s 600 pages long I‘m not sure exactly when I‘ll be done!

55 likes2 stack adds
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Leftcoastzen
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Dark indeed .A novel about a teacher & his young student,in an inappropriate relationship. It could be one of the best fiction examples of how trauma can continue to influence someone long after an event . Lots of TWs

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bookaholic1
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

#99
WOW...

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Noveldrama
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

My Dark Vanessa is a very dark book as in the title. This book put me in a lot of disturbing thoughts. The book is written in the 2-time span 1st when she was 15 and 2nd when she was 32 .while getting to know about Vanessa life sometimes you will feel pity and next time you will hate her. I was really mad at the character. There comes a time when this book destroys your mind and you can't think straight. Overall a very hard book to digest.

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TheNeverendingTBR
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Mehso-so

The author tells a story that also provides an important social commentary on this key issue.

It shows the complexities surrounding abuse and the relationship between the victims and abusers.

I was disappointed in this book though after all the hype. It takes inspiration from Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov but it's certainly not a masterpiece.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3927886790?type=review#...

Check out my full review⤴️

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SomedayAlmost
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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It‘s creepy & intense, and I am hooked, so I suppose I see why this book is considered a thriller. But it‘s also a complicated reimagining of the classic Lolita. Fascinating & uncomfortable. Listening in the car & while doing housework. #audiobook #thriller #metoo #TeamSlaughter

Clwojick SOO good! Hope you enjoy it! 2y
14 likes1 comment
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plemmdog
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

While this was a little on the long side, I thought this was a solid and engaging debut, and an excellent portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma. I had no idea about the Twitter feud and controversy until I read Roxanne Gay‘s review on Goodreads.

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Eggs ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 3y
80 likes1 stack add1 comment
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ekreads
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Finishing up My Dark Vanessa, have a few other good reads! #mbcreadathon #mbcbookfrogsreadathon

1 like1 comment
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OneCent76
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Trigger warnings of sexual abuse and suicide. This is a difficult book to read. Vanessa is abused by her teacher and she has to deal with the emotions that go with that. It is a good book dealing with a very difficult and hurtful subject. However, the sex scenes were far too graphic and not necessary to get the point across.

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Gissy
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Wow! This book describes so well the Pedophilic Disorder, how the mental schema operates against the victims. Also, it deals with PTSD in sexual abuse survivors. How difficult could be sometimes to speak out, a person in the trauma could see the relationship as “normal” b/c many factors working in that type of relation. I read the book using also the audio and at the end the author explains that this novel was part of her Ph.D. dissertation 4.5⭐️

Gissy #BookSpinBingo @ TheAroma Of Books
#RomanceAThon (YouTube) promotor-out of comfort zone pedophilia is a hard topic to me. I understand some of the psychological dynamic behind this type behavior but still is hard to deal with them. How much damage they can do to their victims, how long the healing process can take if the person has any contact with the service. It is good that a novel is dealing with this topic.
#20in4 Readathon @Andrew65
3y
Alfoster OMG—l loved this book! It was so dark but compelling!❤️ 3y
56 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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aperfectmjk Love this one! Not sure what that says about me. 🤷‍♀️ 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @aperfectmjk I‘ve read some and thought the same thing😂😂 I‘m not finished with it, but love it so far!! 3y
Eggs 👏🏻👏🏻Sounds similar to Tiffany Jackson‘s 3y
81 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Alfoster Absolutely loved this one (though it‘s sometimes painful to read)!❤️ 3y
Eggs Beautiful photo ❤️⚪️☑️🔘❤️ 3y
77 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Wildly_Bookish
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Trying to whip through this one before my book club meets at 6:30 tonight! Wish me speedy reading!

27 likes1 stack add
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IuliaC
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

This one has left me with bitter sadness... an unhealthy relationship ruined the life of a young girl. In a society where relationships between older man and much younger women have always been looked upon as normal and the age boundary beyond which a girl can be considered a woman is blurry, it is hard to decide whether it was the system or her teacher who caused the greatest abuse, damage and trauma to this teenager and to others like her.

62 likes1 stack add
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Pearrr
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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ReadingEnvy
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

CW: rape, grooming, sexual abuse

Okay so usually I would hesitate to read a book on these themes, in fact I did hesitate as in it was on the Tournament of Books longlist and I'm only reading it now. It is the story of a girl who is groomed by her teacher and eventually raped, told by going back and forth between those years and later on in her adult years when others have publicly charged him with similar behaviors.↘️

ReadingEnvy What the author does SO very well is maintain multiple threads in that early timeline. From the perspective of an adult reader who knows better, you can see his intentional behavior that moves toward his abuse (and you can assume he's done this before, he knows what works,) but you can also see how she feels special, secret, how much she believes the narrative he's spinning. Ugh.↘️ 3y
ReadingEnvy As an adult she has a lot to come to terms with. Some of it is a spoiler, but I think it's safe to say the author explores the emotional toil on someone who doesn't report, in a world where reporting is encouraged. What she has to tell herself, and the pain others have experienced. It's much more nuanced than pointing fingers of blame.↘️ 3y
ReadingEnvy .
I listened to the audio in Hoopla and Grace Gummer did a fantastic job. I listened to an interview where she talked about how she accessed her performance, and some practical things like recording the sections linearly when in the book they go back and forth.
3y
52 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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StaceGhost
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

@Amiable thank you for this one 🖤my reads this week have me contemplating whether or not we can ever truly protect our children 🌊at least we have each other (& books) 🌏

Amiable I‘m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 3y
28 likes1 comment
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yvo_about_books
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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I'm finally starting My Dark Vanessa, which means that it's time to draw a new TBR jar pick! So many books... 😱

22 likes1 stack add
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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I am posting one book per day from my to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it. Some will be old, some will be new - don't judge me, I have SO MANY books 📚

#MMMTbr

I‘m really feeling a tug to read this one... 🖤

ju.ca.no Oh I have the same mug😁 3y
CoverToCoverGirl Very good well written story. 3y
aperfectmjk You should... one of my favorite reads from last year. 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @ju.ca.no 🖤🖤🖤 3y
70 likes5 comments
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Coleen
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Wow. This one‘s amazing. So many layers and really well written. So many thoughts buzzing through my head as I read. I wish I‘d taken notes and highlighted quotes (which I couldn‘t really do on audio). I really cannot wait to discuss this one at book club!

30 likes1 stack add
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twinkletoes74
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

At times this is difficult to read but I also think it's a very important book to read. It shows how very easily somebody can be manipulated by another person.

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AudiobookingWithLeah
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Pickpick

Overall Rating 4¼⭐ | Narration 😍 = Amazing

This story will piss you off...but I think it‘s supposed to piss you off.

Did the manipulation come off as authentic? Yes, most of the time it did. I literally said out loud more than once while listening...he's manipulating you, girl...why can't you see it?

Did I want to reach inside the book and shake Vanessa...oh, hell yes, constantly! Both her younger & older self. ⬇

AudiobookingWithLeah While I had some issues with this story overall it is a profoundly affecting story, one that I keep thinking about it. I believe this is one of those books that will stick with me for life. 3y
28 likes1 comment
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OrangeMooseReads
My Dark Vanessa | Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Found these at Goodwill!
#thrifted

Tamra Big score! 3y
britt_brooke Great finds!! 3y
Crazeedi Makes me wish I had a goodwill close! 3y
CoverToCoverGirl Big score! Now reading/listening (edited) 3y
OrangeMooseReads @Crazeedi I wish you did too it‘s a great place for second (or 3rd) hand books. 3y
46 likes5 comments