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Pulling Me Under #0.5
Precise
~ Pulling Me Under series #0.5, a prequel ~
Katie is a wife, a caring best friend, and the one person her mother, Rochelle, hates more than anyone. No one sees the darkness lurking just under the surface of their mother-daughter relationship, instead viewing Rochelle as misunderstood. That she has so much love for her daughter that she may seem harsh.
Wrong. So wrong.
Katie grew up taught that she was the cause of Rochelle’s miscarriages. She grew up with the belief she shouldn’t be happy knowing she’d caused her mom so much pain and suffering. Now Katie is pregnant and Rochelle is out to stop Katie from ruining her baby’s life—just like Katie ruined her own.
Still, Katie can’t imagine killing the life growing inside her. Hell hath no fury like Rochelle with a vengeance to make Katie pay for ruining her life.
In Rochelle’s quest for power, Katie’s baby is the pawn.
Katie is a wife, a caring best friend, and the one person her mother, Rochelle, hates more than anyone. No one sees the darkness lurking just under the surface of their mother-daughter relationship, instead viewing Rochelle as misunderstood. That she has so much love for her daughter that she may seem harsh.
Wrong. So wrong.
Katie grew up taught that she was the cause of Rochelle’s miscarriages. She grew up with the belief she shouldn’t be happy knowing she’d caused her mom so much pain and suffering. Now Katie is pregnant and Rochelle is out to stop Katie from ruining her baby’s life—just like Katie ruined her own.
Still, Katie can’t imagine killing the life growing inside her. Hell hath no fury like Rochelle with a vengeance to make Katie pay for ruining her life.
In Rochelle’s quest for power, Katie’s baby is the pawn.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Berto
13 books1,019 followersgraphic designer, hobby photographer, crazy cat (and dog) lady, tea snob.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 27, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Fiction
Whoa.. This was a head trip.
Three words
MOTHER FROM HELL
One Word
EVIL
SERIOUSLY she was a real BITCH. And she kinda reminded me of HER
Well, I have two words for her. Oh and I wrapped them in PINK!!
This may be a quick read but DAMN it packed a punch...
“You are still that worthless little girl.”
“Please, Mom,” I begin, but stop. I’m speaking out of turn again. Mom’s done when she tells you she’s done.
~Rochelle and Katie
Katie has had to endure a lot of pain over the years. All from her own mother. Rochelle. Rochelle blamed Katie for miscarriages she had when Katie was just a child; and she is sure to remind Katie it's all her fault every chance she gets. The verbal abuse Rochelle dishes out is harsh and down right cruel. No one is aware of it except for Katie's husband Paul. Her mother is good at keeping up appearances... If you know what I mean..
It's clear the mother has some mental health issues early on as you read. And it's doubly clear this is the true root of the abuse and anger.
Katie is in love with Paul, her high school sweetheart and is SHOCKED when she discovers she is pregnant. Katie is scared but determined to have her baby.
When Katie has baby Ella, Rochelle becomes obsessive and it scares the crap out of Katie. Especially because she knows how her mother is... She is uncomfortable with Rochelle babysitting Ella. And with good reason.
Katie and Paul tried to avoid her but it doesn't work.
'When Mom takes Ella and Dad isn’t home, I spend the day with a
twisted stomach, smiling at the world and wondering if anyone sees
the fear inside me, or if my façade is a good enough act. She has to
have some love there in a twisted way. Sure it skipped me, but she
hasn’t harmed Ella yet.' ~Inner monologue of Katie
“How did she find us this time?” Paul says under his breath through clenched teeth.
“She’s Satan with all inherent powers.” ~Paul and Katie
Rochelle uses baby Ella as a pawn for control much to the dismay of Katie. Eventually everything comes to a head at Ella's birthday party.
My Thoughts
This novella is a departure from my usual reads. Mental health is a clear issue that needs to be dealt with properly. Some issues that bothered me in the book was the father and his lack of involvement with keeping his wife in check/order. How could he not be aware of the fact his daughter was scared of his wife. Another issue I had was the fact they allowed Rochelle to watch Ella with out a second person around. I felt like it was child endangerment. They knew she was a loose canon. Yeah.. I just don't get that...
Yeah, I know I was pretty pissed and I needed to get it off my chest at the beginning of this review about my dislike for Rochelle. But mental health is a real issue. And should not be taken lightly.
Dear Readers
The plot for this story was not my main cup of tea, however sometimes you need to stray from the norm and check out new things. Great job to Rebecca for pulling out those intense emotions in order to write this. And I applaud her for writing about an issue most shy away from.
My Ratings
Characters- Likeable
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- Mental health, Abuse and Pregnancy issues
Steam Factor- Low
Overall- I liked it. The plot just was not my cup of tea.
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by author for an honest review*
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Fiction
Whoa.. This was a head trip.
Three words
MOTHER FROM HELL
One Word
EVIL
SERIOUSLY she was a real BITCH. And she kinda reminded me of HER
Well, I have two words for her. Oh and I wrapped them in PINK!!
This may be a quick read but DAMN it packed a punch...
“You are still that worthless little girl.”
“Please, Mom,” I begin, but stop. I’m speaking out of turn again. Mom’s done when she tells you she’s done.
~Rochelle and Katie
Katie has had to endure a lot of pain over the years. All from her own mother. Rochelle. Rochelle blamed Katie for miscarriages she had when Katie was just a child; and she is sure to remind Katie it's all her fault every chance she gets. The verbal abuse Rochelle dishes out is harsh and down right cruel. No one is aware of it except for Katie's husband Paul. Her mother is good at keeping up appearances... If you know what I mean..
It's clear the mother has some mental health issues early on as you read. And it's doubly clear this is the true root of the abuse and anger.
Katie is in love with Paul, her high school sweetheart and is SHOCKED when she discovers she is pregnant. Katie is scared but determined to have her baby.
When Katie has baby Ella, Rochelle becomes obsessive and it scares the crap out of Katie. Especially because she knows how her mother is... She is uncomfortable with Rochelle babysitting Ella. And with good reason.
Katie and Paul tried to avoid her but it doesn't work.
'When Mom takes Ella and Dad isn’t home, I spend the day with a
twisted stomach, smiling at the world and wondering if anyone sees
the fear inside me, or if my façade is a good enough act. She has to
have some love there in a twisted way. Sure it skipped me, but she
hasn’t harmed Ella yet.' ~Inner monologue of Katie
“How did she find us this time?” Paul says under his breath through clenched teeth.
“She’s Satan with all inherent powers.” ~Paul and Katie
Rochelle uses baby Ella as a pawn for control much to the dismay of Katie. Eventually everything comes to a head at Ella's birthday party.
My Thoughts
This novella is a departure from my usual reads. Mental health is a clear issue that needs to be dealt with properly. Some issues that bothered me in the book was the father and his lack of involvement with keeping his wife in check/order. How could he not be aware of the fact his daughter was scared of his wife. Another issue I had was the fact they allowed Rochelle to watch Ella with out a second person around. I felt like it was child endangerment. They knew she was a loose canon. Yeah.. I just don't get that...
Yeah, I know I was pretty pissed and I needed to get it off my chest at the beginning of this review about my dislike for Rochelle. But mental health is a real issue. And should not be taken lightly.
Dear Readers
The plot for this story was not my main cup of tea, however sometimes you need to stray from the norm and check out new things. Great job to Rebecca for pulling out those intense emotions in order to write this. And I applaud her for writing about an issue most shy away from.
My Ratings
Characters- Likeable
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- Mental health, Abuse and Pregnancy issues
Steam Factor- Low
Overall- I liked it. The plot just was not my cup of tea.
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by author for an honest review*
November 23, 2015
3.5 stars, but rounding up.
This isn't normally the type of book I'd pick up and read. It's what I'd call "chick-lit", for lack of a better term (but not what I'd classify as "romance"). That is, it's fiction that women read. No bullets. No zombies. No swords spilling entrails. No, definitely not a "guy book".
That said, I was drawn to try it out.
1. It was a free d/l on B&N.
2. I have the author as a GR friend.
3. She's never spammed me.
4. She promotes her work in a way that makes it seem interesting, even to a guy (me) that doesn't usually read that type of book.
5. She seems to truly appreciate when people read her stuff.
6. She just seems so nice all the time.
That said, the book itself was pretty good. It was too short to be a novel, but too long to be a short story (hence defining 'novella'). But in this in-between amount of space I found myself caring about the characters. I cared what happened to them and I cared about the resolution the story led to. I probably wanted one particular character to be hit by a bus (or zombies, bullets, swords) but that's a form of caring, right?
I'm rounding up to 4-stars because the ending was well done and I felt the emotional impact of it for Kates.
No zombies, but it was only a novella, after all. Maybe they'll be some in her full length novel that just released this week, Pulling Me Under. Sounds like a great zombie title, eh?
This isn't normally the type of book I'd pick up and read. It's what I'd call "chick-lit", for lack of a better term (but not what I'd classify as "romance"). That is, it's fiction that women read. No bullets. No zombies. No swords spilling entrails. No, definitely not a "guy book".
That said, I was drawn to try it out.
1. It was a free d/l on B&N.
2. I have the author as a GR friend.
3. She's never spammed me.
4. She promotes her work in a way that makes it seem interesting, even to a guy (me) that doesn't usually read that type of book.
5. She seems to truly appreciate when people read her stuff.
6. She just seems so nice all the time.
That said, the book itself was pretty good. It was too short to be a novel, but too long to be a short story (hence defining 'novella'). But in this in-between amount of space I found myself caring about the characters. I cared what happened to them and I cared about the resolution the story led to. I probably wanted one particular character to be hit by a bus (or zombies, bullets, swords) but that's a form of caring, right?
I'm rounding up to 4-stars because the ending was well done and I felt the emotional impact of it for Kates.
No zombies, but it was only a novella, after all. Maybe they'll be some in her full length novel that just released this week, Pulling Me Under. Sounds like a great zombie title, eh?
November 30, 2012
Katie Anselin is affectionately known by those who love her as Kates. Ironically, Kates rhymes with hates, and that's just what she is, hated.... by her own MOTHER!!
Being brought up an only child of the insanely unstable Rochelle, Kates is blamed for everything wrong in her mother's life, namely ravaging her mother's womb and ultimately for the death of her unborn and stillborn siblings.
Paul, her husband and saviour, knows her family history well and is her only saving grace from the life of misery she has endured under her mother.
"...me and him, we fit so well..."
Stomping all over Kates' dreams to be a toy designer and ridiculing her efforts along the way, Kates is abused by her mother, even as a married woman,
"Still speaking over me," she says, meeting my eyes and scoffing. "You are still that worthless little girl."
Her mother's scathing comments and often violent attacks leave Kates "worn" and no longer able to cry. The constant barrage of taunts and vitriol from Rochelle weigh her down "threatening to unstitch my seams and expose me to the world."
But when Kates learns she is pregnant she starts to find herself, "Finally, I had a purpose", but soon her unborn baby becomes a pawn in Rochelle's evil, twisted game. "Do this baby a favor and don't let yourself ruin another person's life as you have mine."
When Ella is born, Rochelle tries to instigate her way into her granddaughter's life, taking to nearly stalking the young family on their 'stroll Saturdays' and sabotaging her first birthday party.
Preciseness is Rochelle's downfall and despite preciseness, her life is not what she wanted and she is "more broken" than Kates ever has been. After confronting Rochelle, Kates realises that her Mom is the one missing out-living a life controlled by regret".
Precise, a novelette, offers a rare glimpse into the world of a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. Rochelle is a dark character, a 'house devil, street angel' type, who's choice of put-downs and taunts to Kates made me wince at times reading them. Unnatural for a mother to speak so ill of her daughter, she never lets an opportunity go by to stick the knife in and grind her down. This abusive relationship is born out of grief, regret, misplaced blame and mental instability, where the daughter, repressed by the weight of being the 'evil child' finds it in herself to let go of the past and through the birth of her own daughter vows not to let her past affect the future.
Being brought up an only child of the insanely unstable Rochelle, Kates is blamed for everything wrong in her mother's life, namely ravaging her mother's womb and ultimately for the death of her unborn and stillborn siblings.
Paul, her husband and saviour, knows her family history well and is her only saving grace from the life of misery she has endured under her mother.
"...me and him, we fit so well..."
Stomping all over Kates' dreams to be a toy designer and ridiculing her efforts along the way, Kates is abused by her mother, even as a married woman,
"Still speaking over me," she says, meeting my eyes and scoffing. "You are still that worthless little girl."
Her mother's scathing comments and often violent attacks leave Kates "worn" and no longer able to cry. The constant barrage of taunts and vitriol from Rochelle weigh her down "threatening to unstitch my seams and expose me to the world."
But when Kates learns she is pregnant she starts to find herself, "Finally, I had a purpose", but soon her unborn baby becomes a pawn in Rochelle's evil, twisted game. "Do this baby a favor and don't let yourself ruin another person's life as you have mine."
When Ella is born, Rochelle tries to instigate her way into her granddaughter's life, taking to nearly stalking the young family on their 'stroll Saturdays' and sabotaging her first birthday party.
Preciseness is Rochelle's downfall and despite preciseness, her life is not what she wanted and she is "more broken" than Kates ever has been. After confronting Rochelle, Kates realises that her Mom is the one missing out-living a life controlled by regret".
Precise, a novelette, offers a rare glimpse into the world of a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. Rochelle is a dark character, a 'house devil, street angel' type, who's choice of put-downs and taunts to Kates made me wince at times reading them. Unnatural for a mother to speak so ill of her daughter, she never lets an opportunity go by to stick the knife in and grind her down. This abusive relationship is born out of grief, regret, misplaced blame and mental instability, where the daughter, repressed by the weight of being the 'evil child' finds it in herself to let go of the past and through the birth of her own daughter vows not to let her past affect the future.
January 16, 2013
When I began reading Precise, the first thing I wanted to do was find a way to protect this young woman known to her friends as Kates. I wanted to hug her and tell her it wasn’t her fault. The further I read, the more I had to know what happened, and I couldn’t wait to get to the end. I needed to see Kates happy. I did on occasion.
This is a wonderfully written book, and a touching story about a young lady living with psychological abuse from a mother who dislikes and blames her...for anything. This novelette is packed with emotion, will, and determination. It forced me to give in to my own emotions. I cheered for Kates and thought of her when I wasn’t reading. The characters are real. Ms. Berto’s writing style is clear and tight, precise, emotional.
Even though this novelette will tear at your heart, it will show you what makes Kates the happiest… In Precise, you’ll also find giggles, love, and strength. Outside of her mother Rochelle, there are people who love Katie. Liam is her best friend, and has been there for her since childhood. Paul—thank God for Paul her husband. He understands and he’s her rock—always there to comfort with a hug or the right words.
“…Paul smells like a fresh breeze, a hint of fragrance in a stale room.”
I definitely recommend this book.
After reading an excerpt from Pulling Me Under, the second book in the series, I am in fear of what will come next. I hope this gentle heroine finds her happily ever after in book two.
This is a wonderfully written book, and a touching story about a young lady living with psychological abuse from a mother who dislikes and blames her...for anything. This novelette is packed with emotion, will, and determination. It forced me to give in to my own emotions. I cheered for Kates and thought of her when I wasn’t reading. The characters are real. Ms. Berto’s writing style is clear and tight, precise, emotional.
Even though this novelette will tear at your heart, it will show you what makes Kates the happiest… In Precise, you’ll also find giggles, love, and strength. Outside of her mother Rochelle, there are people who love Katie. Liam is her best friend, and has been there for her since childhood. Paul—thank God for Paul her husband. He understands and he’s her rock—always there to comfort with a hug or the right words.
“…Paul smells like a fresh breeze, a hint of fragrance in a stale room.”
I definitely recommend this book.
After reading an excerpt from Pulling Me Under, the second book in the series, I am in fear of what will come next. I hope this gentle heroine finds her happily ever after in book two.
December 2, 2012
Wow. Talk about a strong debut. I was pulled in from the first page and found myself deeply engrossed in the story. Kates is a fascinating character. She lets the reader know in such a matter-of-fact way about her mother despising her, and yet she doesn't come off as a victim - simply a realist. This is the only reality she's ever known. The tension in the scenes where Kates and her mother interact was off the charts, and her mother's cold cruelty was almost palpable. The cover is PERFECT, by the way.
Despite the heavy subject matter, this short read is not all doom and gloom. Kates is fortunate to have found unconditional love in her husband and her daughter, and there are some very sweet moments with them, even if many of these scenes are rather bittersweet. In particular, the scene where they're dressing up in costume was as sad as it was sweet. For me, it was incredibly poignant.
The writing was beautiful - both stylistically and grammatically. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Despite the heavy subject matter, this short read is not all doom and gloom. Kates is fortunate to have found unconditional love in her husband and her daughter, and there are some very sweet moments with them, even if many of these scenes are rather bittersweet. In particular, the scene where they're dressing up in costume was as sad as it was sweet. For me, it was incredibly poignant.
The writing was beautiful - both stylistically and grammatically. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 21, 2013
Rating 3.5
First, I want to state if abuse is a trigger for you or bothers you on any level than this is not the book for you. Emotional and mental abuse is very prevalent in this story.
"Someone as defiant as you are would surely raise a bratty child; I'd have to step in to prevent you ruining your poor child's life."
When we become parents, we must base our decisions and our actions on the best interest of our child. Those decisions and actions are made even harder when you have been mentally and emotionally abused every day of your life. When you are lead to believe that you are worthless and nothing better than the dirt on the ground, you begin to believe that you are not worthy of being a decent mother and you second-guess everything you do or say. I just pretty much summed up the description of this book. The basis of this story revolves around a mother who mentally and emotionally abuses her daughter by controlling her with words. She blames Kates for the loss of all of her babies and is not ecstatic when she learns her 22-year-old daughter is having her own baby. Throughout the story, we see her try to control Kates' every action by using her love of her daughter, Ellie and her feelings of worthlessness against her.
Kates' mother was a piece of work. She was vile, and she was abusive. Although her abuse usually only occurred when there was never anyone else around. In public, she tried to keep up appearances. Then again, that is how it is for most abusers. Appearance is everything while they deal out their blows. No one else saw, her mother's abuse of her. No one believed her when she tried to tell him or her about it, except for her husband, Paul. She was alone in the dark with no one for support. Even her father turned a blind eye to all that goes on in that house.
"Because appearances matter, not me. Never me."
The atmosphere Rebecca creates in this world is intense. There is a major trigger of emotional and mental abuse. I also felt like it leads you to believe that there was physical abuse at one point. As I said, the mother is vile with the slaying of her words. She blames Kates for the loss of her other children. After she had Kathryn she miscarried six or seven times. Rochelle made sure to control her daughter's life by telling her she was worthless, that she would ruin her own child, and that she was responsible for the deaths of her brothers and sisters. The list goes on. Kates doubted her worth, felt as though she would fail at parenting. My heart broke over and over again for her. The more I read the story the more I wanted to reach in my Nook and rip her mother's voice cords out.
"You need to wait until you are worthy of having a child of your own."
I felt the power of the story. I felt the abuse and the emotions that came from it, but what I did not get was a lot of development and detail. I sometimes felt lost due to this. I needed the characters to have a little more background; I wanted Rebecca to dive into building them up and a more detailed time line. The meat of the story is there, I just needed a bit more filled in the cracks to round out the read. Sometimes the characters acted out of character and no explanation was given. For example, Pauly would say and ask some of the strangest things. The whole time I would think why did he asked that. Why would he doubt that his wife loved him and wanted to be with him? She gave no indication otherwise.
I adored the fact that this was a darker tale, and the author nailed it in that sense. Coming from an abusive home with abusive parents, I can say that she was spot on. No over dramatizing it just for the shock value. Sadly, the things that were said in this book happen more often than not. The emotions the characters felt and the actions that stemmed from these behaviors were also spot on. I really liked that towards the end Kates realized that her daughter had to come first. That she had to push past her fears and what she has known all her life and break the cycle of control that her mother had over her.
I will definitely read book 2 in this series, as I want to continue to see Kates grow in her confidence of herself while breaking the viscous cycle.
Thank you Rebecca Berto for allowing me the opportunity to read your book for an honest review.
First, I want to state if abuse is a trigger for you or bothers you on any level than this is not the book for you. Emotional and mental abuse is very prevalent in this story.
"Someone as defiant as you are would surely raise a bratty child; I'd have to step in to prevent you ruining your poor child's life."
When we become parents, we must base our decisions and our actions on the best interest of our child. Those decisions and actions are made even harder when you have been mentally and emotionally abused every day of your life. When you are lead to believe that you are worthless and nothing better than the dirt on the ground, you begin to believe that you are not worthy of being a decent mother and you second-guess everything you do or say. I just pretty much summed up the description of this book. The basis of this story revolves around a mother who mentally and emotionally abuses her daughter by controlling her with words. She blames Kates for the loss of all of her babies and is not ecstatic when she learns her 22-year-old daughter is having her own baby. Throughout the story, we see her try to control Kates' every action by using her love of her daughter, Ellie and her feelings of worthlessness against her.
Kates' mother was a piece of work. She was vile, and she was abusive. Although her abuse usually only occurred when there was never anyone else around. In public, she tried to keep up appearances. Then again, that is how it is for most abusers. Appearance is everything while they deal out their blows. No one else saw, her mother's abuse of her. No one believed her when she tried to tell him or her about it, except for her husband, Paul. She was alone in the dark with no one for support. Even her father turned a blind eye to all that goes on in that house.
"Because appearances matter, not me. Never me."
The atmosphere Rebecca creates in this world is intense. There is a major trigger of emotional and mental abuse. I also felt like it leads you to believe that there was physical abuse at one point. As I said, the mother is vile with the slaying of her words. She blames Kates for the loss of her other children. After she had Kathryn she miscarried six or seven times. Rochelle made sure to control her daughter's life by telling her she was worthless, that she would ruin her own child, and that she was responsible for the deaths of her brothers and sisters. The list goes on. Kates doubted her worth, felt as though she would fail at parenting. My heart broke over and over again for her. The more I read the story the more I wanted to reach in my Nook and rip her mother's voice cords out.
"You need to wait until you are worthy of having a child of your own."
I felt the power of the story. I felt the abuse and the emotions that came from it, but what I did not get was a lot of development and detail. I sometimes felt lost due to this. I needed the characters to have a little more background; I wanted Rebecca to dive into building them up and a more detailed time line. The meat of the story is there, I just needed a bit more filled in the cracks to round out the read. Sometimes the characters acted out of character and no explanation was given. For example, Pauly would say and ask some of the strangest things. The whole time I would think why did he asked that. Why would he doubt that his wife loved him and wanted to be with him? She gave no indication otherwise.
I adored the fact that this was a darker tale, and the author nailed it in that sense. Coming from an abusive home with abusive parents, I can say that she was spot on. No over dramatizing it just for the shock value. Sadly, the things that were said in this book happen more often than not. The emotions the characters felt and the actions that stemmed from these behaviors were also spot on. I really liked that towards the end Kates realized that her daughter had to come first. That she had to push past her fears and what she has known all her life and break the cycle of control that her mother had over her.
I will definitely read book 2 in this series, as I want to continue to see Kates grow in her confidence of herself while breaking the viscous cycle.
Thank you Rebecca Berto for allowing me the opportunity to read your book for an honest review.
January 7, 2013
My first reaction: Intervention! I want to take Kate away from her mother and help her recreate herself and understand that she is a person, not an object of hate.
My second reaction: Medication or no, that woman is the spawn of satan. No really, she is. No child should ever be treated the way Kate’s mother treats her. No twenty-two year old should have to put up with such degradation. I wanted to be mad at Kate, tell her she’s an adult and that her mother should no longer have any control over her, but that’s impossible when the woman stalks her own daughter/daughter’s family. And then I wonder what’s wrong with her father? Why isn’t he stepping in? But such is life that we cannot always know the answers or secrets to ones heart.
The one foundation Kate has is Paul, her childhood sweetheart who she marries. It’s unimaginable what or where Kate would be without him. He’s definitely a remarkable hero.
This paragraph melted my heart: (When Kate confronts her mother and her mother can't even tell her she loves her!)
As I’m about to suggest we leave, there’s a tug on my overalls. A cute kid in a soccer shirt and a mushroom cut lump of hair, says, “Don’t worry. I love you, Miss.”
Berto, Rebecca (2012-11-27). Precise (Pulling Me Under) (Kindle Locations 873-875). . Kindle Edition.
As I finished the novella and continued to read the excerpt to the second part “Pulling Me Under” which appears to be a novel and not a novella, my heart is already in turmoil for Kate. I see her foundation crumbling and I’m truly afraid for her and Ella. To the point that I MUST know where the rest of her story goes and hope there is a rainbow shining for Kate and Ella.
This is a story where you want to hug all of the Kate’s in the world and let them know not everything is evil, to give positive reinforcement and encouragement.
I’ll ponder Kate’s outcome until “Pulling Me Under” is available.
Do I recommend Precise? An author who can create such emotions and tug at your heartstrings, as Ms. Berto has, absolutely has my recommendation.
My second reaction: Medication or no, that woman is the spawn of satan. No really, she is. No child should ever be treated the way Kate’s mother treats her. No twenty-two year old should have to put up with such degradation. I wanted to be mad at Kate, tell her she’s an adult and that her mother should no longer have any control over her, but that’s impossible when the woman stalks her own daughter/daughter’s family. And then I wonder what’s wrong with her father? Why isn’t he stepping in? But such is life that we cannot always know the answers or secrets to ones heart.
The one foundation Kate has is Paul, her childhood sweetheart who she marries. It’s unimaginable what or where Kate would be without him. He’s definitely a remarkable hero.
This paragraph melted my heart: (When Kate confronts her mother and her mother can't even tell her she loves her!)
As I’m about to suggest we leave, there’s a tug on my overalls. A cute kid in a soccer shirt and a mushroom cut lump of hair, says, “Don’t worry. I love you, Miss.”
Berto, Rebecca (2012-11-27). Precise (Pulling Me Under) (Kindle Locations 873-875). . Kindle Edition.
As I finished the novella and continued to read the excerpt to the second part “Pulling Me Under” which appears to be a novel and not a novella, my heart is already in turmoil for Kate. I see her foundation crumbling and I’m truly afraid for her and Ella. To the point that I MUST know where the rest of her story goes and hope there is a rainbow shining for Kate and Ella.
This is a story where you want to hug all of the Kate’s in the world and let them know not everything is evil, to give positive reinforcement and encouragement.
I’ll ponder Kate’s outcome until “Pulling Me Under” is available.
Do I recommend Precise? An author who can create such emotions and tug at your heartstrings, as Ms. Berto has, absolutely has my recommendation.
January 18, 2013
This is a 3.5/4 stars read for me. Is an angsty, psychological almost literay read. writing the review tomorrow
Update - originally posted on my blog:
http://me-my-books-and-i.blogspot.ro/...
“I am kind and beautiful. I have a soul. It’s better to be known for what I am not. Isn’t that how the saying goes?”
I present you a heavy subject - mental illness - and an angsty, psychological drama - PRECISE, written by a young and talented writter. Rebecca Berto is a new voice in contemporary drama. Her story feels real. Makes you wonder if the issues from the book are a real experience of this author, because her writing make you see the depth of the emotional disturbance of her characters.
The story is about an insanely mother, Rochelle, who constantly terrorized and punish her daughter for being born. Kates, a young woman, is blamed for THE WRONG in her mother's life, especially for the death of her unborn children. “"Still speaking over me," she says, meeting my eyes and scoffing. "You are still that worthless little girl."” Rochelle
PRECISE is the story of their dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. The author's writing is almost literary and the character development is really great. Not a dark read, in classical sense, but the story tear your heart out as Rebecca says.
You'll think that the constant verbal abuse is shattering Kates. But no... when she find out she's pregnant became stronger and rebuilds her walls to keep her insane mother away from her child.
Precise - is an angsty, psychological, literay read and a wonderful debut!!!
3.5/4 stars
Update - originally posted on my blog:
http://me-my-books-and-i.blogspot.ro/...
“I am kind and beautiful. I have a soul. It’s better to be known for what I am not. Isn’t that how the saying goes?”
I present you a heavy subject - mental illness - and an angsty, psychological drama - PRECISE, written by a young and talented writter. Rebecca Berto is a new voice in contemporary drama. Her story feels real. Makes you wonder if the issues from the book are a real experience of this author, because her writing make you see the depth of the emotional disturbance of her characters.
The story is about an insanely mother, Rochelle, who constantly terrorized and punish her daughter for being born. Kates, a young woman, is blamed for THE WRONG in her mother's life, especially for the death of her unborn children. “"Still speaking over me," she says, meeting my eyes and scoffing. "You are still that worthless little girl."” Rochelle
PRECISE is the story of their dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. The author's writing is almost literary and the character development is really great. Not a dark read, in classical sense, but the story tear your heart out as Rebecca says.
You'll think that the constant verbal abuse is shattering Kates. But no... when she find out she's pregnant became stronger and rebuilds her walls to keep her insane mother away from her child.
Precise - is an angsty, psychological, literay read and a wonderful debut!!!
3.5/4 stars
December 1, 2012
Mental illness is never pretty, and Precise does not gloss over it. The story moves along slowly as it draws out scenes that depict the toxic attitude that a mother has on her only child.
The author skillfully makes the reader feel disjointed by the stream of consciousness style and the episodic nature of the chapters. She takes common scenarios, a Scrabble game, a trip to the park, and imbues horror elements into it with the stalking mother.
Kate tries to resolve her issues, but as in parental abuse cases, the parent's power is too strong. The father is ineffective in reining in his wife, and everyone else is perplexed because her mother seems so calm on the surface. Yet she undermines Kate's spirit so much I'm not sure Kate can ever break free. I don't expect her problems to be solved in such a short novella. That would have been a cheap way out.
This story was not meant to be enjoyed, but meant to make you think. Kudos to Rebecca Berto on a successful debut.
The author skillfully makes the reader feel disjointed by the stream of consciousness style and the episodic nature of the chapters. She takes common scenarios, a Scrabble game, a trip to the park, and imbues horror elements into it with the stalking mother.
Kate tries to resolve her issues, but as in parental abuse cases, the parent's power is too strong. The father is ineffective in reining in his wife, and everyone else is perplexed because her mother seems so calm on the surface. Yet she undermines Kate's spirit so much I'm not sure Kate can ever break free. I don't expect her problems to be solved in such a short novella. That would have been a cheap way out.
This story was not meant to be enjoyed, but meant to make you think. Kudos to Rebecca Berto on a successful debut.
November 30, 2012
Precise is a psychological portrait of a vulnerable girl, deeply scarred by her mother’s hatred of her since birth. Mom Rochelle blames our MC “Kates” for her subsequent miscarriages and has pretty much made her life a living hell since then, with all the self-doubt, insecurity and anxiety you’d expect that would engender. Now that Kates finds herself pregnant, the impetus to escape the dark gravitational pull of her mother’s crazy is even stronger. Can she find the strength to do it?
This short novelette is a hard book for me to review, because it’s not really my usual genre – it’s more literary, and I don’t think it’s too spoilerly to let you know that there’s precious little of what would be considered “romance.” It’s beautifully written, imagistic and intense, with Kates’ thoughts cascading in a stream of conscious style that perfectly captures her confusion and fears. It reminds me a little of those gritty English films from the early sixties, like The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Room at the Top or The Girl With The Green Eyes. There’s lyricism in the bleakness, there’s truth in the telling, but the story is not for the faint of heart. My rating reflects that this is a quality book, but a bit out of my reading "comfort zone."
Kudos to the charming Rebecca Berto for pulling this off. Rebecca’s cool blog, Novel Girl, www.rebeccaberto.com is an awesome destination, and I applaud the industry, artistry and all around go-getterism of this promising young (21 yo!) author. And the awesome cover of this one is icing on the cake, btw!
I received an advance copy of Precise in exchange for an honest review and this is it!
This short novelette is a hard book for me to review, because it’s not really my usual genre – it’s more literary, and I don’t think it’s too spoilerly to let you know that there’s precious little of what would be considered “romance.” It’s beautifully written, imagistic and intense, with Kates’ thoughts cascading in a stream of conscious style that perfectly captures her confusion and fears. It reminds me a little of those gritty English films from the early sixties, like The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Room at the Top or The Girl With The Green Eyes. There’s lyricism in the bleakness, there’s truth in the telling, but the story is not for the faint of heart. My rating reflects that this is a quality book, but a bit out of my reading "comfort zone."
Kudos to the charming Rebecca Berto for pulling this off. Rebecca’s cool blog, Novel Girl, www.rebeccaberto.com is an awesome destination, and I applaud the industry, artistry and all around go-getterism of this promising young (21 yo!) author. And the awesome cover of this one is icing on the cake, btw!
I received an advance copy of Precise in exchange for an honest review and this is it!
November 29, 2012
From the first page of this novelette, I was hooked. Rebecca Berto is a master storyteller that is able to weave her plot and characters into your mind in such a way that they leave a lasting impression.
We are introduced to Katie Anselin in this novelette (affectionately called Kates by her nearest and dearest) and immediately the reader wants to follow her journey with her husband Paul, their daughter Ella and her mother who suffers badly from mental health problems.
The reader finds themselves exclaiming at Kates, who continally listens to her mother, who makes Kates feel like she is to blame for the death of her siblings, who were either stillborn or miscarried. We follow the family through the ups and downs of family life, with scenarios that will tug on your heart strings. I can't put into words how much you need to read this book!
This novelette includes a small extract from 'Pulling Me Under', the next book in the series, where again from the first page, the reader is left aching to read more. I can't wait for 'Pulling Me Under' to come out, so I can continue to follow Kate's journey. I read so many books and have come across so many writers, and it's not very often that an author can make me become so invested in a character, and Rebecca Berto has done this, and then some. She definitely has a bright future ahead for her books, and I will be first in line to read 'Pulling Me Under'. I would give this more stars if I could.
We are introduced to Katie Anselin in this novelette (affectionately called Kates by her nearest and dearest) and immediately the reader wants to follow her journey with her husband Paul, their daughter Ella and her mother who suffers badly from mental health problems.
The reader finds themselves exclaiming at Kates, who continally listens to her mother, who makes Kates feel like she is to blame for the death of her siblings, who were either stillborn or miscarried. We follow the family through the ups and downs of family life, with scenarios that will tug on your heart strings. I can't put into words how much you need to read this book!
This novelette includes a small extract from 'Pulling Me Under', the next book in the series, where again from the first page, the reader is left aching to read more. I can't wait for 'Pulling Me Under' to come out, so I can continue to follow Kate's journey. I read so many books and have come across so many writers, and it's not very often that an author can make me become so invested in a character, and Rebecca Berto has done this, and then some. She definitely has a bright future ahead for her books, and I will be first in line to read 'Pulling Me Under'. I would give this more stars if I could.
December 10, 2012
There are books you read for escapism. There are books you read for entertainment. Then there are the rare books that make you cringe with their raw power and their unflinching truth. Precise is the last type of book. Rebecca Berto strips your emotions down to the bare soul. She does not promise "pretty" with this story. Rebecca Berto will grip you with this story. Her characters are not cut from cookie-cutter fiction. Her characters are carved out of the raw truth of survival. The story deals with a taboo topic but one only too common in every walk of life: Family Abuse. But Rebecca's characters are gritty and true to life. These are not Hollywood characters with perfect lives. These are people anyone, you or I, can relate to. What I loved about this story was that Rebecca refused to pull any punches or sugar-coat the ugly truth of abusive behaviour. But above all this story is a tale of survival and hope. Read this story with a ready heart and an open mind. Let Rebecca and her main character, Katie, tell you a story that will leave you thinking.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Katie's life and cannot wait to see where Rebecca takes her.
Looking forward to the next chapter in Katie's life and cannot wait to see where Rebecca takes her.
December 5, 2012
I should preface this review by saying one thing: I am not a fan of a poorly done prequel. I absolutely hate it when a book feels unresolved, when you're all 'Okay, now I need the next one as I have no sense of completeness.' (Fifty Shades, anyone?)
PRECISE does not do this. It is very much a complete story in it's own right, delving into the world of mental illness. This novelette gives a no holds barred look at three people suffering from mental and emotional disturbance as Kates, her mother and husband, Paul, all battle with their family dynamic.
The pace of the book feels quick, but well suited to the novelette format. The character development and emotional pull is strong, sucking you in from the first word to the last, and the dialogue is gripping and believable. Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy read that I would recommend to those who like drama and contemporary pieces.
PRECISE is a great debut from Rebecca Berto and I can't wait for PULLING ME UNDER, the 'main event.' Just as a prequel should be.
PRECISE does not do this. It is very much a complete story in it's own right, delving into the world of mental illness. This novelette gives a no holds barred look at three people suffering from mental and emotional disturbance as Kates, her mother and husband, Paul, all battle with their family dynamic.
The pace of the book feels quick, but well suited to the novelette format. The character development and emotional pull is strong, sucking you in from the first word to the last, and the dialogue is gripping and believable. Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy read that I would recommend to those who like drama and contemporary pieces.
PRECISE is a great debut from Rebecca Berto and I can't wait for PULLING ME UNDER, the 'main event.' Just as a prequel should be.
January 21, 2013
Precise is definitely one of a kind and beautifully written. It touches upon subjects that aren't as common in stories, especially mental illness. It was a bit difficult to read at times because of the hardships that this character experiences, but I feel it was very realistic. Berto has a very poetic and literary way of writing, and I enjoyed it. I also liked how this was a quick read (although that bites you in the rear end later because you don't want it to end!)
The story is also captivating, the characters are unforgettable, and it is a sad story. However, not all stories can be happy, right? I loved the last scenes in the story and how the main character was determined to make her life the way she wanted it instead of always being mistreated by her mother. Be sure to read the excerpt of the next part of the story! I loved it even more than Precise, and I can't wait to read it!
The story is also captivating, the characters are unforgettable, and it is a sad story. However, not all stories can be happy, right? I loved the last scenes in the story and how the main character was determined to make her life the way she wanted it instead of always being mistreated by her mother. Be sure to read the excerpt of the next part of the story! I loved it even more than Precise, and I can't wait to read it!
January 31, 2013
After mulling it over for a while, I have to give the book a 4 out of 5 stars. This book `goes there' and discusses a topic that I haven't seen approached in a rather long time. Yes, we have a young love story, a young pregnancy story, but we don't have that ideal relationship between mother and daughter. Yes, I'm sure many people will disagree with me on this, but I see this as a topic that is considered unapproachable. What I mean is that this topic is almost considered taboo. Rebecca, I give you credit for taking the path less traveled!
The emotions that are presented are often a little confusing at times, but that only helps to put the reader in the character's situation. Should Katie feel guilty for her mother's condition? And in the end when she figures it out, we feel the sense of empowerment that she feels! Or at least I know I did! The emotions are raw and very much real. I'm sure there are many girls that feel like they have either been in or currently are in the shoes of the main character.
This book is relatable to a variety of audiences. As mentioned previously, there are girls everywhere in the same position as Katie. There are also boys in the same position as Paul and Liam (the husband and the best friend). We see people like this all the time and don't even realize it. Who knows, this book could be a tool in the future empowerment of young men and women alike; much like the book "It's Kind of a Funny Story" and many of its kind that, again, that aren't afraid to `go there' with the taboo and touchy subjects of our day and age.
The only real down side I found to this book is that I felt it was a little too rushed in the beginning. We are introduced to a character with a problem and then BAM! The big pregnancy comes along. Now I now this story was the backstory to Rebecca's book, "Pulling Me Under," but I still think there is a little room for improvement in the beginning!
But other then that, I have to say, I'm very glad that this author crossed my path and I am very excited about reading her next novel! If you want to learn more about the author and or how to get your hands on a copy of the book, please give her pages a visit!
The emotions that are presented are often a little confusing at times, but that only helps to put the reader in the character's situation. Should Katie feel guilty for her mother's condition? And in the end when she figures it out, we feel the sense of empowerment that she feels! Or at least I know I did! The emotions are raw and very much real. I'm sure there are many girls that feel like they have either been in or currently are in the shoes of the main character.
This book is relatable to a variety of audiences. As mentioned previously, there are girls everywhere in the same position as Katie. There are also boys in the same position as Paul and Liam (the husband and the best friend). We see people like this all the time and don't even realize it. Who knows, this book could be a tool in the future empowerment of young men and women alike; much like the book "It's Kind of a Funny Story" and many of its kind that, again, that aren't afraid to `go there' with the taboo and touchy subjects of our day and age.
The only real down side I found to this book is that I felt it was a little too rushed in the beginning. We are introduced to a character with a problem and then BAM! The big pregnancy comes along. Now I now this story was the backstory to Rebecca's book, "Pulling Me Under," but I still think there is a little room for improvement in the beginning!
But other then that, I have to say, I'm very glad that this author crossed my path and I am very excited about reading her next novel! If you want to learn more about the author and or how to get your hands on a copy of the book, please give her pages a visit!
December 15, 2012
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this novelette. It’s not the type of story I’m immediately drawn to and I wouldn’t label this book as "romance" but it certainly holds your attention as cringe-worthy as it may be. This is the story of a gal who is scarred in every sense of the word by her mother and I just wanted to scream the famous line, “NO WIRE HANGERS” from the movie Mommy Dearest. This is that book. It’s so intense that it makes you absolutely uncomfortable.
Rebecca Berto does not gloss over mental illness one bit and she shows the ugly side of someone suffering from a disease that cannot be touched. There is not one redeeming quality that I found in Kate’s mother and this was a character I despised the moment she was introduced. This novelette takes a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship to a whole different level and to witness it is absolutely exhausting!
The first few pages were a bit confusing for me to follow and I found myself going back a page or two to make sure I understood correctly. Once the story got going that confusion stopped and the plot started to progress quickly but almost too quickly. There is a certain poetic flow to the story that I absolutely enjoyed and I think that speaks volumes about the author’s ability to write something painfully beautiful.
My final two cents: I’m glad I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experience the debut novelette by Rebecca Berto! ;)
Rebecca Berto does not gloss over mental illness one bit and she shows the ugly side of someone suffering from a disease that cannot be touched. There is not one redeeming quality that I found in Kate’s mother and this was a character I despised the moment she was introduced. This novelette takes a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship to a whole different level and to witness it is absolutely exhausting!
The first few pages were a bit confusing for me to follow and I found myself going back a page or two to make sure I understood correctly. Once the story got going that confusion stopped and the plot started to progress quickly but almost too quickly. There is a certain poetic flow to the story that I absolutely enjoyed and I think that speaks volumes about the author’s ability to write something painfully beautiful.
My final two cents: I’m glad I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experience the debut novelette by Rebecca Berto! ;)
August 24, 2013
You know that awesome feeling you get when you read something and the author's talent shines through and you finally see it?
That just happened to me with Precise, so please excuse me for a moment while I become a raging fangirl, an unexpected but very welcome place for me to be at this moment.
Precise is a quick read, one that ensnared me and held me captive for about an hour and a half (I'm a fast reader). Right away I noticed the fresh structure and take for this work, which falls somewhere in the "women's fiction" category.
Katie (or Kates), the main character, has a really strong voice through the whole thing, and I always think that's one of the most important aspects of a book. The whole plot is a mind job, especially the mother/ daughter relationship. I'm not a huge fan of spoilers in reviews, so just trust me about that. It's Mommy Dearest with a couple of twists, and a great set up for Pulling Me Under, the expected full length novel. I've always kind of had a thing for psycho mind jobs.
Right now, this novella is free. If you haven't grabbed one, what are you waiting for? Download it right now! Don't you want to read something good?
That just happened to me with Precise, so please excuse me for a moment while I become a raging fangirl, an unexpected but very welcome place for me to be at this moment.
Precise is a quick read, one that ensnared me and held me captive for about an hour and a half (I'm a fast reader). Right away I noticed the fresh structure and take for this work, which falls somewhere in the "women's fiction" category.
Katie (or Kates), the main character, has a really strong voice through the whole thing, and I always think that's one of the most important aspects of a book. The whole plot is a mind job, especially the mother/ daughter relationship. I'm not a huge fan of spoilers in reviews, so just trust me about that. It's Mommy Dearest with a couple of twists, and a great set up for Pulling Me Under, the expected full length novel. I've always kind of had a thing for psycho mind jobs.
Right now, this novella is free. If you haven't grabbed one, what are you waiting for? Download it right now! Don't you want to read something good?
April 30, 2013
Precise is one of those books that you can't stop yourself from finishing. You don't only read it, you devour it. It is a story that holds your attention from start to finish.
The best way to describe Precise? It is the story of Katie Anselin, who has carried fear and grief inside her for her entire life. Why? Because her mentally ill mother, Rochelle, blames her for the death of her siblings. In a horrible way, Rochelle makes Katie the scapegoat and punching bag for all of the things she can't deal with. When Katie gets pregnant all hell breaks loose, and she must finally try to find the strength that she has never had before. Before it is too late...
Precise is a short, powerful, fast-paced read that you will not forget.
The best way to describe Precise? It is the story of Katie Anselin, who has carried fear and grief inside her for her entire life. Why? Because her mentally ill mother, Rochelle, blames her for the death of her siblings. In a horrible way, Rochelle makes Katie the scapegoat and punching bag for all of the things she can't deal with. When Katie gets pregnant all hell breaks loose, and she must finally try to find the strength that she has never had before. Before it is too late...
Precise is a short, powerful, fast-paced read that you will not forget.
September 8, 2014
I found this a remarkable powerful read. Everyone has the right of a mothers love. I felt sad for her, she spent so much time repeatedly being told the same things over and over from her mother.
When she became a mom herself she was bound to have doubts but positive thinking that she never wanted t raise a child with the hang ups and lack of love she had experienced.
The ending was quite surprising.
I'm now looking forward to the next book in this series.
When she became a mom herself she was bound to have doubts but positive thinking that she never wanted t raise a child with the hang ups and lack of love she had experienced.
The ending was quite surprising.
I'm now looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 4, 2013
Katie's mother is psychotic. I kept turning the pages just to see how long it would take for Katie to tell her where to go. I did find it difficult to understand how Katie put up with her mom's abuse for so many years. That woman should have been barred from coming within a hundred yards of Katie and her family.
Precise is a compelling read. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down.
Precise is a compelling read. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down.
June 4, 2013
I recently had the opportunity to read this book. If you are interested in reading my thoughts and a Q and A with the author check out my guest blog here: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/wa...
August 18, 2013
Wow! What an incredible story! I adored the psychological undertones running though this book and I was gripped from the start to the end. 5 stars!
September 24, 2013
Couldn't get through the first 10 pages. Writing is erratic, maybe the author meant it to be that way. It made me feel crazy and illiterate at the same time. Can't finish it.
November 6, 2013
Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Precise” è una novella che anticipa “Pulling me under” di Rebecca Berto e che mi sono procurata, in occasione della sua uscita, gratuitamente, su Smashwords. Ho ricevuto un eARC del libro e per entrare nella storia ho subito iniziato a leggere la novella che fa da prequel e vi posso dire che è diverso da qualsiasi cosa abbia mai letto e ne sono rimasta affascinata e anche un po’ spaventata, sia per la bravura della scrittrice, sia per l’argomento, di certo non comune.
Katie è una moglie, una migliore amica amorevole e la sola persona che sua madre, Rochelle, odia più di tutti. Nessuno vede l’oscurità che la minaccia appena sotto la superficie del loro rapporto madre-figlia, invece vedono Rochelle come una donna non capita. Che ha solo tanto amore per sua miglia che può sembrare dura.
Sbagliato. Totalmente sbagliato.
Katie è cresciuta imparando che è stata la causa degli aborti di Rochelle. È cresciuta con la convinzione che non dovrebbe essere felice sapendo che ha causato a sua madre così tanta pena e sofferenza. Ora Katie è incinta e Rochelle vuole fermare Katie dal rovinare la vita del bambino – come Katie ha rovinato la sua.
Ma Katie non può immaginare di uccidere la vita che cresce dentro di sé. Ma l’inferno non ha tanta furia come Rochelle con il suo sentimento di vendetta per far pagare Katie per averle rovinato la vita. Nella ricerca del potere di Rochelle, il bambino di Katie è il sacrificio.
C’è qualcosa di profondamente sbagliato in questo libro, nella trama che risucchia il lettore e non lo lascia respirare mostrandogli tutto il dolore e la disperazione di una ragazza, con in mano brillanti possibilità, devastate dalla madre, che ne mina, coscientemente e ripetutamente l‘autostima e la crescita. Katie che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, anche se ormai adulta e cosciente delle proprie possibilità, rimane ancora quella bambina spaventata, che cerca l’affetto della madre, negatogli in tutte le occasioni e che resta in qualche modo, a guardarsi sempre le spalle. Anche se la novella è piuttosto breve, pure la Berto riesce a caratterizzare Katie in maniera perfetta. In ogni pagina emerge la sua paura, la sua solitudine, nonostante accanto a lei ci siano persone che la amano, ma incapaci di vedere fino in fondo la brutalità della madre. Sempre quella presenza opprimente e pericolosa che mina le fondamenta della sua vita, del suo matrimonio, della sua bambina. In un tentativo disperato di rendere la sua esistenza più tranquilla, Katie si piega a tutto, alle angherie e ai vituperi che la madre le lancia nelle sue sfuriate apocalittiche, sempre tenute nascoste e al padre e al suo migliore amico, che non capisce fino in fondo i livelli di crudeltà di Rochelle, finché non gli sono posti davanti in maniera definitiva e cristallina. Katie cambia atteggiamento solo quando in braccio ha la sua bambina, bambina che racchiude in sé le sue gioie e i suoi dolori, e in definitiva un pezzettino della sua anima. Coscientemente presente a sé stessa la donna deve tirare fuori le unghie e lottare, per lei, la piccola e Paul il marito, che tutto è fuorché un personaggio di passato, ma uno dei pochi ad amarla e incoraggiarla sempre. Un uomo che non si arrende, che si presta ad esserci, anche quando tutto il peso della situazione diventa troppo, troppo per chiunque, ma per Katie più di tutti.
E poi abbiamo Liam, il migliore amico d’infanzia di Katie, che ha un vero ruolo di sostegno per la ragazza, anche solo quando giocano a Scarabeo, ma che in qualche modo ha una presenza costante e coraggiosa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un orsacchiotto di peluche…
Una novella di una veridicità rara e feroce, che non lascia tregua al lettore, che lo lascia in balia degli eventi, impotente di fronte alla crudeltà di Rochelle e assolutamente incredulo di fronte agli eventi che si dipanano. Una storia che potrebbe succedere vicino a noi. Una novella che da un assaggio e della bravura narrativa della Berto, potente ed evocativa, e della storia che andremo a leggere in “Pulling me under”, una delle mie prossime letture.
Buona lettura guys!
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Precise” è una novella che anticipa “Pulling me under” di Rebecca Berto e che mi sono procurata, in occasione della sua uscita, gratuitamente, su Smashwords. Ho ricevuto un eARC del libro e per entrare nella storia ho subito iniziato a leggere la novella che fa da prequel e vi posso dire che è diverso da qualsiasi cosa abbia mai letto e ne sono rimasta affascinata e anche un po’ spaventata, sia per la bravura della scrittrice, sia per l’argomento, di certo non comune.
Katie è una moglie, una migliore amica amorevole e la sola persona che sua madre, Rochelle, odia più di tutti. Nessuno vede l’oscurità che la minaccia appena sotto la superficie del loro rapporto madre-figlia, invece vedono Rochelle come una donna non capita. Che ha solo tanto amore per sua miglia che può sembrare dura.
Sbagliato. Totalmente sbagliato.
Katie è cresciuta imparando che è stata la causa degli aborti di Rochelle. È cresciuta con la convinzione che non dovrebbe essere felice sapendo che ha causato a sua madre così tanta pena e sofferenza. Ora Katie è incinta e Rochelle vuole fermare Katie dal rovinare la vita del bambino – come Katie ha rovinato la sua.
Ma Katie non può immaginare di uccidere la vita che cresce dentro di sé. Ma l’inferno non ha tanta furia come Rochelle con il suo sentimento di vendetta per far pagare Katie per averle rovinato la vita. Nella ricerca del potere di Rochelle, il bambino di Katie è il sacrificio.
C’è qualcosa di profondamente sbagliato in questo libro, nella trama che risucchia il lettore e non lo lascia respirare mostrandogli tutto il dolore e la disperazione di una ragazza, con in mano brillanti possibilità, devastate dalla madre, che ne mina, coscientemente e ripetutamente l‘autostima e la crescita. Katie che racconta la sua storia in prima persona, anche se ormai adulta e cosciente delle proprie possibilità, rimane ancora quella bambina spaventata, che cerca l’affetto della madre, negatogli in tutte le occasioni e che resta in qualche modo, a guardarsi sempre le spalle. Anche se la novella è piuttosto breve, pure la Berto riesce a caratterizzare Katie in maniera perfetta. In ogni pagina emerge la sua paura, la sua solitudine, nonostante accanto a lei ci siano persone che la amano, ma incapaci di vedere fino in fondo la brutalità della madre. Sempre quella presenza opprimente e pericolosa che mina le fondamenta della sua vita, del suo matrimonio, della sua bambina. In un tentativo disperato di rendere la sua esistenza più tranquilla, Katie si piega a tutto, alle angherie e ai vituperi che la madre le lancia nelle sue sfuriate apocalittiche, sempre tenute nascoste e al padre e al suo migliore amico, che non capisce fino in fondo i livelli di crudeltà di Rochelle, finché non gli sono posti davanti in maniera definitiva e cristallina. Katie cambia atteggiamento solo quando in braccio ha la sua bambina, bambina che racchiude in sé le sue gioie e i suoi dolori, e in definitiva un pezzettino della sua anima. Coscientemente presente a sé stessa la donna deve tirare fuori le unghie e lottare, per lei, la piccola e Paul il marito, che tutto è fuorché un personaggio di passato, ma uno dei pochi ad amarla e incoraggiarla sempre. Un uomo che non si arrende, che si presta ad esserci, anche quando tutto il peso della situazione diventa troppo, troppo per chiunque, ma per Katie più di tutti.
E poi abbiamo Liam, il migliore amico d’infanzia di Katie, che ha un vero ruolo di sostegno per la ragazza, anche solo quando giocano a Scarabeo, ma che in qualche modo ha una presenza costante e coraggiosa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un orsacchiotto di peluche…
Una novella di una veridicità rara e feroce, che non lascia tregua al lettore, che lo lascia in balia degli eventi, impotente di fronte alla crudeltà di Rochelle e assolutamente incredulo di fronte agli eventi che si dipanano. Una storia che potrebbe succedere vicino a noi. Una novella che da un assaggio e della bravura narrativa della Berto, potente ed evocativa, e della storia che andremo a leggere in “Pulling me under”, una delle mie prossime letture.
Buona lettura guys!
September 18, 2014
Katie is a girl trying to come into her own even though she is already married with a daughter of her own. She finds out she's pregnant early in the story and the news changes everything for her. Her mother's cruelty is sprinkled like salt through this sometimes rough but beautifully written novella, and each time we see how far her mother Rochelle will go to tear Katie down and try to take over her grandchild's life, that salty flavor leaves a bitter taste in our mouths.
This is very much a character driven story, written with a beautiful style that leans toward literary.
Two of my favorite passages:
"The essence of the sadness and loneliness has stayed with me, even if I know her words are shit. Like a bloodstain: scrub it out but the root of the stain isn't going. Not unless you bleach it and then you lose the rest of the color."
"Looking at my dad, the tension climbing up my chest releases and tears pool in my eyes, one, two, three, dribbling down my nose. His reaction is similar, though watered down. His eyes are red and he has a smile only a kid seems to have before they learn this black and white world has every awful imaginable shade of color."
I'll admit that I'm a commercial fiction type of girl. I love plot heavy novels with steamy romance scenes offset with suspense, but Precise has some of that too, so the story held my attention. I especially loved the interaction with Katie and her mother, was angered by it, and my jaw dropped more than once at the things that monster of a mother would say:
"It's too easy to overlook problems during pregnancy when you're stupid like you are."
Rochelle was a real piece of work, but thankfully Katie's relationship with her husband Paul and her daughter Ella gave her hope to see that she wasn't worthless. They came across as real people and the dialogue was especially well done. I also enjoyed Liam's character, and having already read the blurb for Pulling Me Under, I'm really looking forward to the dynamics of Katie and Liam's relationship in light of what happens in the sequel. Their friendship was also written well, just a hint they could be more if the circumstances were right, but never crossing the line. Katie loved Paul wholly; there was never any doubt of that.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, and I expect more jaw-dropping moments from Mother Dearest, but for me, I think those were the best parts. I'm also hoping for more romance in the sequel.
This is very much a character driven story, written with a beautiful style that leans toward literary.
Two of my favorite passages:
"The essence of the sadness and loneliness has stayed with me, even if I know her words are shit. Like a bloodstain: scrub it out but the root of the stain isn't going. Not unless you bleach it and then you lose the rest of the color."
"Looking at my dad, the tension climbing up my chest releases and tears pool in my eyes, one, two, three, dribbling down my nose. His reaction is similar, though watered down. His eyes are red and he has a smile only a kid seems to have before they learn this black and white world has every awful imaginable shade of color."
I'll admit that I'm a commercial fiction type of girl. I love plot heavy novels with steamy romance scenes offset with suspense, but Precise has some of that too, so the story held my attention. I especially loved the interaction with Katie and her mother, was angered by it, and my jaw dropped more than once at the things that monster of a mother would say:
"It's too easy to overlook problems during pregnancy when you're stupid like you are."
Rochelle was a real piece of work, but thankfully Katie's relationship with her husband Paul and her daughter Ella gave her hope to see that she wasn't worthless. They came across as real people and the dialogue was especially well done. I also enjoyed Liam's character, and having already read the blurb for Pulling Me Under, I'm really looking forward to the dynamics of Katie and Liam's relationship in light of what happens in the sequel. Their friendship was also written well, just a hint they could be more if the circumstances were right, but never crossing the line. Katie loved Paul wholly; there was never any doubt of that.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, and I expect more jaw-dropping moments from Mother Dearest, but for me, I think those were the best parts. I'm also hoping for more romance in the sequel.
April 16, 2013
I would give PRECISE three stars.
The story is about a young woman named Kates, who (at the beginning of the book) lives with her husband Paul and her abusive mother. The book confronts this abuse head on through the eyes of Kates, who struggles both with her own feelings of intense confusion and her desire to create a better life for her new daughter.
Kates was a very strong character throughout the story. Her need to build a new existence with Paul and baby Ella pushes her outside of the realm of her comfort, and as a reader, I was drawn into Kates’ story. Throughout the narrative, the existent tension kept me reading as Kates tries to break free of a mother who has her fingers so tightly clenched around her life. Paul and Ella are the sole bright spots in Kates’ world, and she defends them in the best way she knows how.
Her mother, Rochelle, is terrifying. Even without being able to empathize with the experience of growing up in a home with a parent who wished you harm, it’s easy to put yourself in Kates’ shoes and imagine the trapped feeling.
The first couple chapters were a bit confusing to me, and they had a few turns of phrase that took me out of the narrative a little, but the story found its grip and held on tight after that.
While PRECISE took a little bit to find its footing, the sample pages from PULLING ME UNDER at the end of the book showed that the momentum gained throughout the rest of PRECISE was nothing if not amplified in the writing of its follow-up. PRECISE was a solid debut, and Rebecca shows an excellent talent for character development that makes the next installment in this series exceedingly promising.
The story is about a young woman named Kates, who (at the beginning of the book) lives with her husband Paul and her abusive mother. The book confronts this abuse head on through the eyes of Kates, who struggles both with her own feelings of intense confusion and her desire to create a better life for her new daughter.
Kates was a very strong character throughout the story. Her need to build a new existence with Paul and baby Ella pushes her outside of the realm of her comfort, and as a reader, I was drawn into Kates’ story. Throughout the narrative, the existent tension kept me reading as Kates tries to break free of a mother who has her fingers so tightly clenched around her life. Paul and Ella are the sole bright spots in Kates’ world, and she defends them in the best way she knows how.
Her mother, Rochelle, is terrifying. Even without being able to empathize with the experience of growing up in a home with a parent who wished you harm, it’s easy to put yourself in Kates’ shoes and imagine the trapped feeling.
The first couple chapters were a bit confusing to me, and they had a few turns of phrase that took me out of the narrative a little, but the story found its grip and held on tight after that.
While PRECISE took a little bit to find its footing, the sample pages from PULLING ME UNDER at the end of the book showed that the momentum gained throughout the rest of PRECISE was nothing if not amplified in the writing of its follow-up. PRECISE was a solid debut, and Rebecca shows an excellent talent for character development that makes the next installment in this series exceedingly promising.
January 23, 2015
Full review @ https://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2015...
“The moment weighs down on me, threatening to unstitch my seams and expose me to the world.”
Holy smokes… Precise is a novella that floored me. It is the prequel novel to Pulling Me Under, by Rebecca Berto.
Warning, Contains Spoilers.
Katie is having a baby with the love of her life, and she should be happy, except her family is anything but supportive. -Specifically her Mother, a woman who I’m guessing suffers from histrionic personality disorder, as well as a slew of other mental health conditions…
Rochelle doesn’t want her daughter to have a baby, because she feels Katie doesn’t deserve happiness. In her twisted mind, Katie’s birth prevented Rochelle’s subsequent pregnancies from coming to full term. She is very bitter and accuses her daughter of murdering her siblings who never came to term.
Despite her mother’s seething anger, and violence toward her, Katie continues to be a good daughter, but with her own daughter’s safety at stake, she turns the table on her Mother, packs up, and runs…
Precise, by Rebecca Berto is a dark read that is balanced with some lighter aspects of romance, and the birth of a baby. I absolutely want to read the next installment of this series! I would recommend this novella to anyone who likes dark, dramatic fiction.
“The moment weighs down on me, threatening to unstitch my seams and expose me to the world.”
Holy smokes… Precise is a novella that floored me. It is the prequel novel to Pulling Me Under, by Rebecca Berto.
Warning, Contains Spoilers.
Katie is having a baby with the love of her life, and she should be happy, except her family is anything but supportive. -Specifically her Mother, a woman who I’m guessing suffers from histrionic personality disorder, as well as a slew of other mental health conditions…
Rochelle doesn’t want her daughter to have a baby, because she feels Katie doesn’t deserve happiness. In her twisted mind, Katie’s birth prevented Rochelle’s subsequent pregnancies from coming to full term. She is very bitter and accuses her daughter of murdering her siblings who never came to term.
Despite her mother’s seething anger, and violence toward her, Katie continues to be a good daughter, but with her own daughter’s safety at stake, she turns the table on her Mother, packs up, and runs…
Precise, by Rebecca Berto is a dark read that is balanced with some lighter aspects of romance, and the birth of a baby. I absolutely want to read the next installment of this series! I would recommend this novella to anyone who likes dark, dramatic fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2013
I struggled to get into this book, not because it was a bad read but i felt like screaming the whole way through it.
The story go into detail about a women who could be perfectly happy if it wasn't for her mother blaming her daily for the miscarriages she has after her, as though it's one babies fault she couldn't go full term with others....I got really angry when i read the things this women was saying to her daughter, the abuse she'd put her through.
The best friend doesn't realize how bad the mother is, the husband doesn't say anything for his wifes sake and the father is in it for a quiet life so all in all she's learnt to put up with her mothers abusive streak, the husband has seen the mother become violent and steps in but it's not as often as the pure hatred that comes from this womens mouth, i hate this women and that's a very strong women, the author gets a good reaction and i'm sure this is what she was going for, that we as readers feel something for the characters.
It's a novella so i won't go into so much details but after the mother tries to take everything from the MC she takes steps to preventing it and eventually see's this for what it is.
Story: 5
Characters: 4.5
Cover: 5
TJ x
The story go into detail about a women who could be perfectly happy if it wasn't for her mother blaming her daily for the miscarriages she has after her, as though it's one babies fault she couldn't go full term with others....I got really angry when i read the things this women was saying to her daughter, the abuse she'd put her through.
The best friend doesn't realize how bad the mother is, the husband doesn't say anything for his wifes sake and the father is in it for a quiet life so all in all she's learnt to put up with her mothers abusive streak, the husband has seen the mother become violent and steps in but it's not as often as the pure hatred that comes from this womens mouth, i hate this women and that's a very strong women, the author gets a good reaction and i'm sure this is what she was going for, that we as readers feel something for the characters.
It's a novella so i won't go into so much details but after the mother tries to take everything from the MC she takes steps to preventing it and eventually see's this for what it is.
Story: 5
Characters: 4.5
Cover: 5
TJ x
April 29, 2016
How can you possibly rate something like Precise? It's a story of a young woman's life under the thumb of an abusive mother. Her reactions and feelings felt pretty accurate, but there's nothing to be enjoyed or liked about the story. If anything it will make you cringe over and over again.
There are some fairly minor linguistic issues, much like in Masquerade. Noticeable, but not enough to be really off-putting, especially in a self-published novel(la). I was, however, impressed that Berto managed to portray 20+ years of abuse in novella format without massive info-dumping. It's rare for shorter books to read well when written as more than a scene or two in a character's life, so props for that.
I still can't get past my original point though - the writing is decent, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to read it. Misery porn devotees maybe. Either that or people like me with no money who will read anything if it's free. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention...
There are some fairly minor linguistic issues, much like in Masquerade. Noticeable, but not enough to be really off-putting, especially in a self-published novel(la). I was, however, impressed that Berto managed to portray 20+ years of abuse in novella format without massive info-dumping. It's rare for shorter books to read well when written as more than a scene or two in a character's life, so props for that.
I still can't get past my original point though - the writing is decent, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to read it. Misery porn devotees maybe. Either that or people like me with no money who will read anything if it's free. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention...
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