Roxanne Reviews "Carrie Carolyn Coco"
- Bookstore1Sarasota
- Jul 22, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
Roxanne reviews Carrie Carolyn Coco: My Friend, Her Murder, and an Obsession with the Unthinkable by Sarah Gerard.
I used to be a wimp when it came to true crime books. Reason being, with the news bombarding us with so much tragedy, why do I need to read more? But I’ve changed my tune after reading former New College of Florida Writer in Residence Sarah Gerard’s Carrie Carolyn Coco: My Friend, Her Murder, and an Obsession with the Unthinkable.
I loved reading Sarah’s previous fiction (Binary Star to name one) which usually focuses on messy dysfunctional relationships, and also liked Sunshine State, her book of nonfiction essays that weave her growing up in Florida with eccentric Floridian characters.
Carrie Carolyn Coco is far different in most aspects. True, she still does a deep dive into Carolyn’s teen years growing up in St. Petersburg and presents a beautiful tribute to a friend who she was just getting to know. But what I found most thrilling was the brilliance of Sarah’s organization and display of compelling facts about Bard college that both the victim and her roommate/assailant attended. Revelations come slowly, but the reading in between is fascinating as she generates biographies of both sides.
Sarah’s book is informative and moving. The court case in search of justice is well told and again braided with Bard history and New York City anecdotes, where Carolyn lived and was murdered. Much like David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon, I was shocked and sincerely moved by what people with connections and finances can get away with in regards to the judicial system.
I really enjoyed reading Roxanne’s review of Carrie Carolyn Coco! Her insights into the book’s emotional depth and relatable characters made me want to pick it up right away. I love how she highlights the balance between vulnerability and strength—something so many of us can relate to in our everyday lives. It reminded me of how challenging it can be to juggle multiple responsibilities, both personal and professional, especially for students trying to stay on top of everything. That’s why I often rely on a trusted Assignment Writing Service to save time and reduce stress when deadlines pile up. It’s nice to know that support exists in different forms—whether through good literature or reliable academic help. Great review, Roxanne! I’m…
This was such a thoughtful and engaging piece of writing. I really appreciated how the author captured everyday experiences and presented them with meaningful insight. It reminds readers that reflection is an important part of learning and personal development. The ideas shared here connect well with the Schon Reflective Model, which emphasizes learning through reflection in real-life situations. Applying such models can help individuals improve their thinking and decision-making skills. Content like this is not only enjoyable to read but also encourages a deeper and more thoughtful approach to learning.
Roxanne, I totally relate to your initial hesitation about true crime — it can feel like adding more weight to an already heavy news cycle. What won me over with Carrie Carolyn Coco was exactly what you described: Sarah Gerard doesn't just present facts, she weaves them together with such intention. The Structural Techniques she uses — braiding personal biography, institutional history, and courtroom drama — reminded me of the best literary nonfiction, where you forget you're reading an investigation because it reads like a deeply felt story. The comparison to Killers of the Flower Moon really landed for me too, especially that gut-punch realization about power and justice. It's rare for a true crime book to leave you mourning…
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