Betty: The International Bestseller

I don’t really know where to start with this review … but here goes!Betty is such a creative and courageous child, growing into a brave and confident woman. The difficulties she overcomes and the horrors she witnessed and experienced are heartbreaking, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had to put the book down a few times to recover after certain parts. I cried. I felt physically sick. I couldn’t stop thinking about certain parts, seeing them play over in my mind again and again. This, in my opinion, is evidence of incredible writing. McDaniel made me FEEL. Every emotion, including the worst. And the worst felt like blow after physical blow.But, there was light in all that horror. Betty’s relationship with her father was something beautiful to behold. Landon Carpenter was a doting father to all of his children and the tales he spun to make their world make sense to them were utterly heartwarming. He was devoted to each of his children, ensuring they knew their worth, their history and their heritage. He taught his daughters that they were powerful, and never let them forget that. He loved his wife, never stopping for a second through her struggles with her mental health and anger.I have so many feelings about this book. I loved it, and it broke me for it. This was not an easy read, but it was an incredible read.I totally recommend reading Betty, but be warned; it’s gonna hurt.

The magical realism that runs through this book is channelled through Cherokee understanding, and that alone is a good enough reason to read this book. But the devastatingly accurate depiction of the long-lasting effects of sexual trauma - the wild, disruptive fury that suddenly erupts, years and years later - makes the book hard to read at times, because you can feel the truth of it. And the horror. I put the book down at times, once for a couple of weeks, because I didn't think I could read on, but also knowing that I would come back. Because this is also a story grounded in a way that holds us safe even as it throws our emotions to the wall. Betty herself is someone you'll want to stay with - from the five-year-old child to the adult, this is quite someone to walk alongside.

At first I didn't feel like I was getting into the story but I really enjoyed it. There were some hard topics but the author has written them with care and consideration and I have learnt a lot.

I absolutely adore this book. It’s tragic and full of sorrow but so beautifully told. This story will stay with me for a long time.

This book touched my heart and made me wish I'd had a better relationship with my own father. I enjoyed the journey through life that Betty took.

enjoyed the book - very different to my usual read very thought provoking

This book was incredible. The writing was imaginative and thoughtful. I got totally lost in the story and would definitely recommend it.

This book swept me up. It's dark and at times difficult but so beautifully written I couldn't put it down.