I wanted to like this more than I actually did. Not a first purchase, but definitely a 3rd purchase if the budget allows

What happens when your rich, white, priviledged brother is accused of rape? Is it because of lynch-mob mentality, or did he really do it in a fit of rage? When We Were Bright and Beautfiul was a disturbing read to say the least. Not only did it give commentary on white privilege in America, but there were also themes of mental and sexual abuse. This was not a light read, but the storyline was good. Recommended.

I could not put this book down! And WOW the twist toward the end!

This is the perfect summer read. It's light in the sense of being accessible, but is complex emotionally. This book has it all -- it's a courtroom drama; featuring misbehavior by the ultra-wealthy in NYC; filled with family relationship problems; and societal issues around class/race/gender. To top it all off, it's written splendidly. There's weird behavior from the siblings and the mom right from the beginning, so you know that all is not well in this family. The author unwinds what is really going on here in a masterful way. I have been attracted to the plots of Jillian Medoff's books before, but this is the first I've read. Now I will go back and read more.

I will be able to recommend this one to pretty much any patron because there's something for everyone. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this excellent book.

Dark, surprising, and impossible to put down. This is a hard book to review, as I wouldn't say I *liked* this at all... the characters are all fairly detestable (or should I say... revolting. Ha.) and there are plot points I found questionable. But all in all, a good page turner.

This book was adequately enjoyable until about two thirds or so of the way through...then it took a wild turn, and I couldn't put it down! The Quinn family dynamic was so fascinating and unique. And the protagonist Cassie was, at first, a character I did not like or respect, but she eventually became one of the most interesting, complex characters I have ever met. But don't get me wrong, this story is also so heavy. It's about rape, adultery, abuse, manipulation, and plenty of other hard topics. I am a big fan of this book because it's so powerful, but I would recommend it with caution.

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. It is beautifully written, and the author keeps you guessing, slowly revealing the truth about the family at the center. It's certainly not a happy story, but it is a compelling one.
TW: Sexual abuse, rape, drug use

The writing was very well done as the storyline sucked me in and I couldn't put it down until I found out what truly happened with this family. A lot of plot twists to keep you guessing what is coming next until the very end.

This is a stunning novel of a rape trial, unlike anything I have ever read before. The story of the ultra wealthy Quinn family is narrated by “daughter” Cassie, as the saga.of her brother’s rape accusation and trial unfold. Despite the appearance of being a perfect family, the stress of the trial makes it clear that there are deep, deep fissures beneath the surface.

I was so involved in the story that I didn’t want it to end. This is probably one of the best novels of the year. I was totally engaged from the first page to the last. It is so timely in the topics that surround this trial that reading groups will have hours of exciting discussions. The issues are complex, and the author gave me lots of questions to think about.

In its complexity, this is a well-written nuanced story about having everything and nothing. What is truth? Who is responsible for things that go on in a family? What is the price of truth and secrets? Who is the villain? I urge everyone to put this on their summer lists!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. I truly enjoyed reading and reviewing this spellbinding novel.