This was a f**ked up story. There were so many things happening that are horrifically wrong. I get that this is fiction, it still felt wrong reading some of these scenes. ( )

I feel like this is a book that will stay with me. I could hardly stand to put it down. I just felt compelled to keep reading even as I was repelled and disturbed by the story. It's unsettling but there is a beauty in Abbott's words that's undeniable too.

I read some of Abbott's books some years ago - the Neo-pulp stories - and had put off reading her newer work, not sure if I'd be as drawn in by the modern settings. But the way she weaves words together is spellbinding: her stories are so intense they crawl right inside of you. It's definitely more that I love her work than just the time setting of the earlier books. Will definitely catch up on her other novels now. ( )

An interesting read, but the subject matter meant it was on occasions an uncomfortable read. ( )

Megan Abbott really captures the innocence and vulnerability of childhood in this literary coming of age/mystery/crime novel. Abbott builds tension and atmosphere continually, building to a climax. By the time I finished it I was burning with anger at the adults who failed to get their heads out of their asses long enough to protect their children.

My only complaint is with the depiction of the Midwest in the 80s. Modern slang abounds with phrases like "epic fail", "she gifted me", etc, that we just didn't say back then. Maybe it will be a relief to some readers who came of age in the '80s that no one says things like "Dude", or "bogus". But I was disappointed that Abbott didn't take the setting all the way.

In spite of that, this story is so good that it transcends when or where it's set. ( )

The End of Everything is an extremely well done coming-of-age story by Megan Abbott. Her main characters are thirteen year old friends, Lizzie and Evie, and she perfectly captures the discomfort and awkwardness that the first year of becoming a teen brings. The story is wrapped around a mystery as Evie suddenly goes missing and Lizzie comes to realize that even though the two girls were inseparable for most of their lives, she didn’t really know the inner Evie at all.

I found this to be a gripping and disturbing story as the author delves into adolescent sexuality, family jealousies and parental ignorance. First and foremost, that intimate relationship with one’s best friend is well captured as well as the confusing feeling of everything suddenly changing and relationships shifting. I was discomforted by the story but also could not stop reading on to find out what was going to happen.

The End of Everything exposes dark secrets and shines a light on family connections as Lizzie learns about the flaws in Evie’s family, the family she has always wished was her own. Megan Abbott has delivered a book that is both haunting and provocative. ( )