'Still Beating': Emotional Trauma and Romance Explored

The Plot With A Twist

Emotionally Charged Review: Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman

In this episode of The Plot With A Twist, hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye dive into an intense discussion of Jennifer Hartman's Still Beating. The story follows Cora and Dean, who are abducted and held captive for 20 days, enduring severe trauma. The hosts explore themes of emotional recovery, the complexity of relationships formed under duress, and the impacts on their personal lives. While engaging with the profound subject matter, they offer differing perspectives on the character developments and narrative choices. The episode includes detailed analysis, warnings on potentially triggering topics, and a signature cocktail recipe to tie in with the book's intense emotional journey.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:29 Book Overview: Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman

01:03 Content Warnings and Listener Discretion

01:44 Initial Impressions and Ratings

02:01 Plot Summary and Key Characters

03:28 Detailed Book Discussion: Emotional Impact and Character Growth

11:45 Part One: Captivity and Escape

13:43 Part Two: Struggling to Reintegrate

15:00 Part Three: Hitting Rock Bottom and Recovery

17:08 Relationship Dynamics: Dean and Cora

23:48 Mandy's Perspective and Family Dynamics

26:24 Analyzing Mandy's Insensitivity

27:10 Dean's Trauma and Relationship Struggles

31:28 The Larger Theme of Trauma

33:23 Side Characters and Their Impact

36:37 Jennifer Hartman's Writing Style

43:10 Future Reads and Series Continuation

52:34 Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks