Book of the Day

Our Review:

"If You Tell" by Gregg Olsen is a true crime story that readers will never forget because of how horrifying and emotionally impactful it is. A horrifying look at the depths of human brutality, this riveting story of three sisters enduring unfathomable torture at the hands of their mother, Shelly Knotek, is also a tribute to human strength.

Without resorting to sensationalism, Olsen skillfully portrays the trauma of the sisters' ordeal through her clear language style. The novel comes to life because of the author's extensive research and careful attention to detail, which paints a vivid—and even unsettling—picture of life at the Knotek home. Readers are able to grasp the growing severity of the abuse and its lasting effects because of the narrative's chronological format.

Despite the book's incredibly heavy subject matter, many readers find solace and strength in the sisters' tale of perseverance and freedom. Despite the bleakness of their situation, Olsen finds a glimmer of light in their sisterly bond.

At times, the book moves at a snail's pace, and the abuse details are repeated, which can be difficult for certain readers. Furthermore, the book pays more attention to the victims' stories than to Shelly Knotek's own mental state, so it may not satisfy readers who are looking for a comprehensive psychiatric analysis of her crimes.

Notwithstanding these small gripes, "If You Tell" remains an effective tale of human perseverance and a true crime story. It is a clear indication that we need to be more vigilant and step in when we suspect abuse is happening.

Not everyone will be able to read this book, but for those who can, it is an intriguing (albeit unsettling) look into a shadowy part of our nature. The perseverance of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable hardship is celebrated throughout Olsen's work.