Wednesday, February 3, 2021

The Push by Ashley Audrain - A Book Review

 

the push book cover



During these days when we are called to remain indoors unless necessary, I find that I spend a lot of time reading.

I love to read historical novels and spy thrillers, murder mysteries and some autobiographies if the person is someone I admire.  In 2020, I made myself a promise that I would expand my reading genres.

So far I think I have accomplished that task and will continue to expand into other genres just for my own interests.

The Push by Ashley Audrain was a book that I really wasn't sure I would like. It was made available to me through #Netgalley, as a  pre-published book.  The only requirement to being able to access this book, was that I provide a review when I was finished reading it.  

Personally, I'm a very sensitive person, and I don't like things that upset my sense of balance.  Psychological Thrillers are among the types of books that tend to really upset my life, but I was willing to give this one a try. Suffice it to say that it turned me upside down and inside out, yet I could not put the book down.

boy reading a book


My husband would chuckle when I would be getting ready to sleep for the night and be repeating the mantra "It's only a Story!" , over and over again.

This book is a must read for those who like this genre of deeply disturbing mentally challenging type of books. It is haunting but at the same time very understandable and possible.  This book has been read and acclaimed by many authors and found it's way to the New York Times Best New Books List.  It already has over 1500 reviews and is highly recommended  by many different authors.

Author Claudia Dey puts her thoughts on this book as follows:  

“A meteoric debut. Ashley Audrain’s The Push is a force of nature, an unforgettable arrival that will linger in your heart—shimmer, darken and then haunt you. Every sentence is just so achingly alive. Audrain descends with near pointillistic precision into the gore of motherhood and love. Perhaps if Stephen King had experienced motherhood—the singular exaltation and morbid terror of that state—he might have been able to dream up this book. Wise, monstrous, and tender, The Push operates at a different frequency. It seemed to pulse in my hands. I could not put it down. I could not look away.”
—Claudia Dey, author of Heartbreaker and Stunt

That is the draw of this book, even if you don't like mentally jarring books, you cannot put this one down.  

This book has just been published and it is #6 on Amazon Best Sellers this week.  It is a book that book clubs and mothers will be talking about for a long time.

All of the thoughts on motherhood, marriage, child raising and everything we think we know is in question.  Haunting is a great adjective for this book.  

woman pushing a stroller


I haven't really told you any of the story and I don't think I will.  It is one of those books that you just have to get a copy of and read it for yourself.  Trust me, you won't be able to put it down. 

Should you decide to get this book, I'd love to know how you reacted and what you thought. 

**I am a member of NetGalley and as such have access to many books that have not yet been published.  These books are given to members electronically, and the only requirement from members is an honest review!  


Netgallry logo button


Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


12 comments:

  1. I have read psychological thrillers in the past and some are so scary you have to check the author's name to make sure it really ISN'T Stephan King. Ashley Audrain sounds like just that kind of author. A story that 'haunts' you even after you turn the last page is a compelling draw to read this book. Thanks for this excellent book review of 'The Push', Olivia. Remember "It's Only a Story". :)

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    Replies
    1. If you enjoy this genre, I know you will enjoy this one. Truly a page turner and disturbing in it's content. Yes, It's only a story still runs through my mind.

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  2. I've read a few books in my lifetime where I need to remind myself that it is only a story. I've seen some movies like that too. While they are not my first choice, I do enjoy an occasional psychological thriller movie, but I rarely select a book from that genre. Most likely, that is because books last longer than movies.

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    Replies
    1. Yes indeed, just writing this Review, the story came back to me! It really is a good story for those who enjoy this genre. I'm trying to widen my reading material and was thus drawn to try this one. It does not disappoint.

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  3. This has made me want to know more about this book! As you know I love a good psychological thriller so I will add this to my ever growing must read list - thank you.

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome Lou, I hope you enjoy it and find it fits your likes in that department.

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  4. Olivia, you're a braver woman than I! Even if I were to push myself outside my literary comfort zone, reading a psychological thriller would never make it onto my "something I need to try at least once" list, lol. But for someone (like Lou) who loves loves this genre, this one sounds like a doozy (or a Dusey)! :)

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    1. It certainly is and I'm sure Lou will love it. Funny enough my next book was also another genre that I don't usually read. Monsters.....I won't say anymore!

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  5. Thank for the intro to this book. I think mom would enjoy it too, as long as it's not too scary. The book sounds like a true page turner.

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    1. It's not too scary, just disturbing in a way that most people would be able to cope. I just find that it has stayed with me just a little too long....

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  6. This sounds a very compelling book if you did not want to put it down. I can imagine it's a must for people who love reading this genre of book. Although this may be a step too far for me personally, I know people who would enjoy such a good psychological haunting thriller! Thank you for a great review!

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  7. Glad you know some people that would enjoy this one. For a first book I think this author has done a great job and it is receiving accolades from all kinds of different reviewers. This genre is not one that I gravitate towards, but like I said, I could not put it down.

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