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There are currently 31 member reviews
for Delicate Condition
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Terri K
Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine
What a page turner! This book captured by imagination and I was unable to put it down. The cover says that it is a "The feminist update to Rosemary's Baby we all needed." Indeed, this book follows in this tradition but adds a layer of unexpected tension that draws you in.
The story follows Anna Alcott and her attempts to become pregnant by IVF. Her husband is supportive, but definitely challenges her along the way. Everyone is suspect as Anna's pregnancy progresses adding to the tension. Ms Valentine is particularly adept at presenting Anna's paranoia and fear.
I would select this book as a worthy summer read, particularly if you seek drama and thrills. I also encourage readers who haven't explored this genre to use this book as a entry into the world of thrillers.
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Vicky S. (Salinas, CA)
It kept me reading
Like many others, I read this book quickly. It kept me engaged and interested. Some parts were a bit over the top but overall I enjoyed it and I appreciated the ending - it surprised me and creeped me out a little. Book clubs would definitely have a lot to talk about from the situations to the different characters and if they were problematic or not.
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Melissa U. (Jackson, NJ)
Delightfully creepy!
Crazy, but beautifully written! Kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what American Horror Story does with this
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Nanette S. (San Pierre, IN)
Intriguing storyline
Delicate Condition is the perfect title for this book.
Unsettling? at times.
Hysteria? possibly.
Gaslighting? maybe.
A hint of the "supernatural" sprinkled throughout? read this and decide for yourself.
This one has it all, desperation, suspense, lies, and even the myriad of emotions while being pregnant. Yes, there are some darker passages, one may need to hurry beyond those, but beyond that, this one I believe is worth the read.
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Laura J. (Kent, WA)
A New Twist
DELICATE CONDITION was one of those books you can not put down. I found myself reading all through the night because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The synopsis of the book and comparing it to "Rosemary's Baby" had me completely intrigued in the story. It is compelling and kept me surprised. It is a chronicle of the IVF process, pregnancy, infertility, marital strife, and our flawed medical system. The research into the medical background and history encouraged me to research more and caused my stomach to turn at what I read and discussed with others. There were for sure unsettling and creepy moments in the book. I found myself often confused and feeling crazy along with the main character BUT this is only because I was so engrossed in the words and storyline. If you are a fan of thriller/horror novels, this is for sure the book for you.
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Sherrie Y. (Aurora, CO)
Creepy but too long
Thanks to Book Browse and Sourcebooks for the ARC copy of this book.
I was really excited to read this book and I think it had a decent premise. There were some creepy suspenseful scenes, and most of the time I was left wondering what the heck was going on and who was the real culprit.
Unfortunately for me, it just dragged on too long and I felt like it was very repetitive and over the top in the writing. Some of this could have changed in the final copy, but I clocked quite a few repetitive phrases such as "the hair stood up on the back of my neck", "I couldn't breathe", etc. I will admit though that I had no clue that it was going to end the way it did, and it did wrap up the story quite neatly.
The author's views on the medical establishment are obvious throughout the book, and I can't say I don't disagree with much of it. Overall, I think the melodramatic writing style just wasn't for me, but I'm sure a lot of people will really enjoy this book and relate to all the pregnancy realities that it tries to highlight.
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Dianne A. (Littleton, CO)
delicate condition
The idea for the book was intriguing, but the book was too lengthy. Too many painful incidents caused them to lose their intended impact. I saw no reason for references to women from previous years...only added to the length and didn't add anything. I thought the final gathering was hokey, but I did like the way the book ended.
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