What do readers think of Bad Animals by Sarah Braunstein? Write your own review.

You don't read this book, you devour it, and like an Ourobourus, it devours you in turn. The many layers of the book (accentuated by deceptions, lies, and betrayals) are like 'bad animals' that sink their claws into you until the very last page. A book almost impossible to put down.

Bad Animals is a unique novel. As an educator for many years, the accusation of impropriety by a librarian who led children's programs felt shocking. The developments that seemed to implicate the librarian in many ways made it difficult to see her as a sympathetic character. There were a few minor characters that I felt had redeeming characteristics but most characters were flawed, The character flaws seemed to be what drove the novel. The author's style made you question what was really happening, her foreshadowing about events that were to happen after the novel ended often sounded more interesting than what actually took place during the novel.
I admired the author's use of language to paint very vivid scenes, but this was not a novel I will be recommending to my reading friends or book clubs.

The first few pages of Bad Animals led me to believe that the book would be a lighter, more comedic parody of sorts. But, boy did that quickly change! Braunstein's novel honestly portrays the human animal in all its dysfunctional glory; however, the story also has a strong permeating theme of love-in all its at times twisted forms. She takes on a lot in this story but it never comes across as crowded or cluttered. The ending is very thought provoking and a bit open ended yet fits with the story. I am a librarian so perhaps this book particularly appeals to me. I think it would be a good book club choice but might not be uniformly liked.

Bad Animals is an interesting book. The main character Mauve has an obsessive personality. As a librarian she has been writing to an author for years, wanting him to come to her library. Many letters sent even though he does not respond. But then she does meet him. There is an incident with a teenager accusing her of a wrongdoing. Mauve is proved innocent but then is let go due to budget cuts. She becomes obsessed thinking about this girl, trying to find her, actually to help her. She also wants to help a young refugee from Sudan. It is a fast moving book. A lot is going on. The reader immediately realizes Mauve has an odd personality. An emotional book about a woman trying to figure out her life and trying to do too much. It does have a surprising ending!

Mauve, the main character, appears to be a semi-psychotic woman perhaps going through a mid-life crisis. Working as a librarian, Mauve is drawn into a sexual situation regarding teens actions in the library. Her life centers on her co-workers and establishing programs for the teens. With the loss of her job and apparently her sense of self, the author leads through Mauve's marriage, her dependency with her friend's partner, her relationship with a famous author and his wife, relationships with her daughter, her brother and several therapy providers.
Unfortunately, Mauve doesn't seem too likable. She might not be too forthcoming and she appears a bit flighty. The story is well written but this is not a book which would develop a lot of discussion or merit rereading in my opinion.

The plot promises more intrigue than this book delivered for me. Braunstein does a good job conveying Maeve's inner life, but I was looking for more reflections from her external world. Maine, libraries, troubled teens, and an elusive author provide interesting vehicles for this novel. Sometimes I wish an editor had done more editing—I wonder if too much was edited out of this story. When I finished reading, I did not have the satisfying feeling I appreciate when a good story teller ends the tale.

I have given BAD ANIMALS a couple days to "sit with me" before writing this review. I'm still not sure how I feel about the book. It was well written, the story was mostly engaging; but I didn't like any of the main characters. I can't decide if Maeve was just a total innocent caught up in circumstances beyond her control or she was a jaded and cynical psychopath who attempted to destroy a child. Or maybe the child was the psychopath who attempted to destroy the adult Maeve. I am certain Harrison was a cynical "user" of people for his own enjoyment and financial gain. Poor Jack was caught in the middle of Harrison and Maeve's shenanigan's and the ultimate loser. The other librarians were simply there for the author's ability to tell the story.
So, would I recommend this book to another reader? Maybe? Maybe not? Would I have finished the book if I wasn't writing a review? NO, I would have given it maybe 100 pages instead of my usual 50 before dropping it, but I wouldn't have finished it. But maybe would I have, if only to find out what ultimately happened to Libby, the only character I cared about.
So, 4 stars for writing. 2 stars for story.
3 stars for the total book.

After reading a brief description, I really wanted to love Bad Animals. It sounded so interesting and fun. But I didn't love it. It was good, but not great for me. I didn't really like any of the characters (well maybe Willie) and all of it just seemed so unbelievable. I did like the writing style, but just not really the story itself.