Member Reviews

Girl, Uncoded by Brandi Dredge is a delightful read that combines the thrill of tech with a heartwarming coming-of-age story. The protagonist's journey into the world of coding is both inspiring and relatable, filled with moments of humor, discovery, and personal growth. Dredge's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to get pulled into the story. It's a perfect blend of geeky fun and real-life challenges, making you root for the characters while learning a thing or two about tech along the way.






You said:
Completely Rewrite this and make it simple: This was a very raw powerful read, and I was pulled in within the first chapter. Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings follows Caroline from age 16 to her mid-twenties and let me tell you, it's quite a ride. The story kicks off with Caroline's infatuation with Gary Richard, an older man with a questionable past. What unfolds over nine years is a tale of shattered illusions and harsh realities.

The author doesn't shy away from tough topics - teen pregnancy, legal troubles, you name it. It's a raw look at how easily young love can turn into a nightmare. Girl, Uncoded is Girl, Uncoded is a gripping and emotional story that hooked me from the first chapter. It follows Caroline from her teenage years through her twenties, as she navigates the ups and downs of life. The story begins with her obsession with Gary Richard, an older man with a shady past, and unfolds into a tale of broken dreams and tough realities.

The author tackles difficult subjects like teen pregnancy and legal troubles, showing how quickly young love can go wrong. Despite the darkness, the book is a powerful reminder of resilience and finding hope in hard times.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was a good book and was a good insight into how smooth predators can be to the actual point of the victim not even thinking or believing that they are a victim.

The book seemed very honest and raw and I'm glad the author didn't try to sugar coat anything. It made me take a step back and take a look at myself.
I was a young teen mum once (many years ago) and I recognised myself in some of the struggles and self doubts the author went through.

Thankyou to netgalley for an arc to read and review

Was this review helpful?

Have you ever been wondering why somebody stays with their partner, although the partner is obviously a liar, adulterer or even a criminal? In this memoir you might find some answers how obsessive love mixed with fear of the unknown, insecurity and the need to feel loved might lead somebody to endure circumstances that from the outside look insufferable.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very raw powerful read, and I was pulled in within the first chapter. Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings follows Caroline from age 16 to her mid-twenties and let me tell you, it's quite a ride. The story kicks off with Caroline's infatuation with Gary Richard, an older man with a questionable past. What unfolds over nine years is a tale of shattered illusions and harsh realities.

The author doesn't shy away from tough topics - teen pregnancy, legal troubles, you name it. It's a raw look at how easily young love can turn into a nightmare. Girl, Uncoded is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was not an easy read but I'm glad i read it, and i think you will be too when you read the honest truth throughout the pages of what she went through. Definitely a book that will stay with me for years to come.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and did not have to write a review. All opinions are solely mine.

Was this review helpful?

Delicate themes and such bravery, however not what I expected in its storytelling. In other words, not my cup of tea, although the blurb appealed to me a lot.

Was this review helpful?

This is a personal story and I applaud the author for her bravery in writing it. Teen pregnancy with a common criminal husband and statutory rape, not realized until some years later. However, as a reader I wasn’t engaged too much in the sparing writing style and the story never really grabbed my attention enough for me to want to read on.

Was this review helpful?

This was a drag to read. It wasn't written well. Whilst the lived experience was truly awful it didn't come across well on paper.

Was this review helpful?

Not what I was expecting. I felt like there were details missing. Whilst I'm sure the real life experience was awful it just didn't come across in the written form.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author & NetGalley.com for this Advanced Readers Copy.

I’d like to firstly acknowledge the bravery the author had in sharing her story with us. It is heart-wrenching, eye opening and allows you to understand the traumatic things that have shaped her into who she is today. There were MANY times in which I truly wanted to reach into the book and shake the author, before reminding myself of the gaslighting and grooming she went thru to influence her decisions throughout this journey.

The writing style felt like a rough draft. Despite the beautiful way with words woven throughout the story disguised as internal monologue, it felt like it lacked in descriptive detail, and story-telling nature. My average read time for any book is 2-4 days, this took me 10 because so many other things became priority over finishing this.

As someone who is not religious, I found myself skimming the whole last 20% of the book, only looking for any hints of closure. I understand the authors beliefs are different than mine and respect fully the need to involve this information but it was an immediate turn off for me.

There will be someone out there who needs this story. I was not that person and that is okay ♥️

Was this review helpful?

Wow! This book was SO POWERFUL! Hesrt-wretching and raw whule inspirational and uplifting at the same time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This woman's journey and resilience is a beacon of hope to many

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of, Girl, Uncoded, by Brandi Dredge, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When she was sixteen, Caroline fell in love with Gary Richard, a man she thought was her prince charming, her knight in shining armor. Gary Richard she found out, is neither of those things. What a read, such a wild ride., a very interesting story, about young love, or lust.

Was this review helpful?

Girl Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings is a captivating and inspiring read. The author’s journey through passion, heartbreak, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption is both raw and honest, drawing you in with its real and intense narrative from the very first page.

The memoir offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs faced by the author, who grows and gains strength throughout her story. Her vulnerability is shown through the writing, making her resilience and strength in the face of betrayal deeply moving.

This book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times

Thank you to the publisher She Writes Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

A true story that's a very powerful read. Hard to think why did she keep going back, who knows what you would do in that situation?

Raw and honest memoire that shows you have to believe in yourself every step of the way

Was this review helpful?

How do I rate a memoir?! 4/5 but again - how do I rate it! An incredible redemptive tale of profound personal growth.

What a wild and raw journey - one that I think brought unique perspectives and considerations into the mix.

From the beginning I was rooting for the author, and from the beginning her ex-husband read like an episode of Dateline or 20/20 (seriously). It’s an intense memoir but one that is quite redemptive when all is said and done. It’s lovely seeing the author grow in her power and prowess as she grows.

There are some content warnings, including SA & gr00ming. The latter is a significant component of the memoir. It’s a tough read because it’s heartbreaking to read about, but again: the author is able to process through it in her writing in ways that are admirable and reflect her growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishes for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

After meeting the man of her dreams at age 16, Caroline sets out to make him her own. But she didn’t bargain for all that came with him as she struggled to accept his troubling reality. She shares her teen pregnancy struggle and eventual marriage to him as they build a life. There are bigger problems coming that help her turn to God to get through.

Was this review helpful?

This book is compelling, but that is despite the often annoying writing style. Too many details at times and certain life experiences are too dragged out.

However, the central premise of this book is "how can you find your true self" despite the abuse from a male (or more males). At times, I felt horrible for Caroline, but then you see that at times, she is her own worst enemy. Thankfully, she found a way through hope, to religion and it is obvious that this is what helped her survived..

Ultimately, this book is scary, but must read.

Was this review helpful?

What an amazing read! You get absorbed by the characters and their journey and can’t wait to see what happens next.

The development of relationships between them is beautifully written.
The emotional journey Tina takes throughout the book gives hope to anyone struggling in their life

Was this review helpful?

The first thing that comes to my mind is "Wow"
Girl, Uncoded by Brandi Dredge is a powerful memoir that chronicles the author’s journey through profound challenges and eventual triumphs. Dredge recounts her experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability, addressing themes of passion, betrayal, and personal growth. The memoir explores the complexities of relationships and the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected twists. Dredge’s narrative is compelling and heartfelt, offering readers a glimpse into her transformative journey towards self-discovery and healing. Overall, Girl, Uncoded is a poignant and inspiring read that resonates long after the final page.

Was this review helpful?

A true story of a teen in love wth an adult male stripper. After a time she discovers she is pregnant, as she is getting caught up in his lies. A story that may hit close to home for many. Good book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?