Review: The Book Of Essie, by Meghan MacLean Weir

The Book Of Essie, by Meghan MacLean Weir

Random House Audio - 2018
General Fiction
Audiobook

Narrated by, Robbie Daymond, Tara Sands, and Erin Spencer

11 Hours, 4 Minutes

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

A poignant story of strength and resilience. 

Essie Hicks is seventeen The daughter of a dominant mother and a charismatic pastor who chose to thrust his family under the spotlight as the cast for a  reality T.V. show called Six For Hicks. Even the most mundane daily tasks are done while cameras are rolling. Every outfit, every outing, every day is planned with the thought of cameras and audience and "likeability" ratings.

Essie's older sister left without looking back and Essie has missed her ever since, wondering about the circumstances around her sister's estrangement from the family. Why would she leave to never be heard from again?

When Essie's mother Celia finds out that Essie is pregnant, a hasty meeting with the show's producers and staff is arranged to plan how to manipulate the situation. Should they secretly arrange for her to have an abortion - is it worth the risk of someone finding out that the daughter of Pastor Hicks not only got pregnant but had an abortion?  Should they try and pass off the baby as Celia's?  Should they arrange a hasty wedding, saying baby arrived early to capitalize on the publicity? Essie is not consulted about her wishes, but Essie is clever, and she does some manipulating of her own. 

While Essie is making contact and forming a relationship with a school-mate - Rourke Richards, who also has some secrets he would like to keep, she is also enlisting the help of a reporter with a past of her own, with the promise of exclusive interview rights.  

Essie is determined to use this situation as a bid for her own freedom. But freedom from the public eye does not come easily or without cost.  Sacrifices need to be made to be free.

I loved the character of Essie.  She was strong, smart, and had a moral fortitude beyond that of her Pastor father and "proper" mother. There is an inherent gentleness and goodness to the character - not that she never does wrong, just that she is capable of taking a personal moral inventory and has a desire to do what is truly right, not just playing the part for the cameras.  She is pretty bad*ss if you ask me.  

This book tackles some issues with religion, faith, spirituality and the hypocrisy that sometimes surrounds those who wish to pass judgment on others. Never sounding "preachy", but over-all promoting themes of acceptance, bravery, loyalty, hope and truth. This story was moving and important, and written with style.

Having a cast of narrators added to the overall success of this story in audiobook format. All members of the cast performed wonderfully, making listening and being engaged in the story very easy. 

The Book Of Essie is well worth the read if you have not read it yet.

Happy Reading,

Christine