Bright Burning Things: A Read with Jenna Pick

I wad hoping for a good ending after reading the story of Sonia and her additions . loved her caring loving ways for her son. animals in general and her new kitten.Great book and won't reveal the ending.

and writer. Although I enjoyed this book, only because of Tommy, "Hewbie" and Marmie it was hard to read. Made me quite angry most of the time but still a page turner. It's very usual for me to read such a book, very out of my usual genre of what entertains me. But this year 2024 I told myself I needed to open myself up and explore other authors and subject matters. When I purchased this book I was in the middle on another out of my genre book and for whatever reason I hardly could finish it because I was so eager to start this one. Sonya I am NOT a fan of. In the beginning I thought it was her addiction that made her so mean-spirited, hateful inside and out and self centered, selfish, irresponsible. But not so, even sober she remains just as hateful and arrogant, thinking she's entitled, above everyone else. Still pushy and really mean judgmental thoughts about everyone else. Even at times wishing ugly things about harming her son. She never once acknowledges what she's put her son through, how badly she feels, guilt, shame. She claims to love animals so much she can't bare to eat them yet mistreats a poor dog already abused by others, then brings an innocent kitten into her home of neglect. Even sober she can't seem to understand how to feed her son and animals healthy, clean meals. She doesn't drink milk but eats cheese on pizza lol. She is just a vile person. Her acting jobs didn't end because of Tommy. I suspect it ended because she was highly disruptive and difficult. No one wanted to hire her. She wasn't good enough at her skill for anyone to bother putting up with all her entitled "I'm better than you" BS. Yes it was hard to read because the main charter is so unlikable. I feel for Tommy, Herbie and Marmie because her insanity won't stop. Glad this wasn't based on a real people even though I know there are real people right now everyday in this situation. Children and animals put in dangerous situations by weak, self centered irresponsible parents. Always putting themselves first. I'm amazed at how many commenters felt sorry for Sonya. Maybe that's the problem with society. The child, the animals, no choices, they are the only ones deserving of pity and empathy. But sadly no one listens and returns them right back to their abusers. Lisa Harding did an awesome job. My first time reading her work but certainly not my last.

My friend reported back that this book was great it helped her in all of her endeavors I thank you and Xfinity for getting this book to me thank you so much

Even the book was chosen by my bookclub, I doubt I will finish it. The main character is so immature and selfish that I am not going to waste my time reading it when there are far better books to read. There is nothing I can recommend about it.

This book made me very uncomfortable and I think k it’s because I couldn’t predict what Sonya was going to do. The writing was superb.

I had to read this novel for a class assignment; I read this book is less than a week!

This book is a story of chaos. It probably pretty accurately depicts the chaotic life of an alcoholic.

I really enjoyed this book and the main character’s journey. However, I felt the ending left too many unanswered questions. What happened with her dad? What about the crazy stalker "boyfriend"? Were relationships healed? Lots more questions…too many to go on about.

If you are looking for a story that is a chaotic roller coaster ride of a person in recovery's emotions, then this is the book for you. The author some how, not just with words, but with her writing style manages to capture the chaos that is Sonya's brain. This is a story that is definitely not always easy to follow, but worth the read.

The overall story/plot was great; however the last 1/4 was full of new plot twists and relationship drama that was never solved.I wouldn’t read it again and I wouldn’t recommend to a friend.

Nonsensical writing. No explanation as to what was wrong with her - real or imagined characters, was she seeing things occurring in reality or not?

brutal alcohol dependency. But Ms Harding never really ended the story. Left everything dangling, especially whether the main character would remain sober. Never clarified the strange relationship with her father and deceased mother. A really good read until the end (well there was no end). Kinda like watching a good TV show and have the power cut off before it ended.

I don’t even know how to summarize. Nothing happens. All these different story lines and they all go nowhere. Maybe something is lost on me but this is not a good book.

This novel, set in Ireland, is a debut for the author. It is raw and honest and hits all the high and low points of alcohol addiction and motherhood. Having lived with an alcoholic while trying to raise two babies, I relate to so much of it. I have never pulled as hard for two characters to win as I did for Sonya and Tommy!

I really loved the way the author described her trouble with addiction. Her sharp contrast between the love she has for her son and the pull to drink and numb out. It was well written and raw and honest. However as the book got closer to the end there were so many mysterious loose ends that I kept thinking would get tied up. And then they didn’t. From her strange relationship to what happened with her father and mother it just kind of ended and left you wondering.

I enjoyed parts of the story, but did not enjoy the writing style at all. I was most disappointed in the ending which really wasn’t an ending at all!

Hard topic, hard to read.

into a woman struggling with addiction but more importantly wants to be a good mother to her child. the author gives an empathetic portrait of what many would consider a woman not worthy of keeping her boy. Despite all the obstacles she struggles on.

Having invested decades working in helping those struggling with substance use disorders, I get it - the fight for sanity, for the bottle, for love, for personal sanction over self. My heart breaks for Sonya, her son, her dog, her cat. I cheer and I don't trust their future. This well of pain and depth of needed healing is not shallow. Good read for those who hold the fantasy of "just say no". For those who believe the solutions are simple and short term. Personally I needed something uplifting in between the ongoing fight for resources and respect for those suffering substance use disorders. I chose poorly for my needs; that's on me.

I found this book a bit hard to read at times. But, then I loved the relationship she had with her son. It did give me insight into how many of us struggle with what we keep inside. Gave me some thoughts on what people with addictions struggle with every day.