Nina (ninjasbooks)'s Reviews > The Teacher

The Teacher by Freida McFadden
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it was ok

Just wait a moment. I have to go and be sick before I’m able to write. Back again, still nauseous but maybe I’ll feel better after processing what I’ve just read.

Several times I wanted to quit reading and throw the book away, but I soldiered on, curious about what crazy twist McFadden would magically produce from her disintegrating hat. To get there however, I had to torture myself with juvenile behavior, ‘don’t go into the cellar where the serial-killer is’ moments and despicable behavior. I know many fans out there are will feel enraged and profess their undying adoration for this amazing book, but so be it. I couldn’t stomach it at all.

And by the way, the twist was not worth it. Especially if you don’t like far-fetched ones that give you a headache.
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Reading Progress

February 8, 2024 – Started Reading
February 10, 2024 – Shelved
February 10, 2024 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-50 of 102 (102 new)


message 1: by Tina (new) - added it

Tina I haven’t read much McFadden but from what I’ve read I know she is very far fetched. I’m not usually a fan of that. I’m still undecided if I’ll read this one but I appreciate your honest review.


Natilie ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡🪐༘⋆ oh no i just saw a positive review - i haven't read a freida mcfadden before, i see so many mixed opinions she seems so inconsistent


message 3: by Esta (new)

Esta Yikes, so sorry this missed the mark considerably for you Nina, that does sound torturous 😬 I have had hits and misses with this author too. Fair review, appreciate the honesty!


message 4: by Anuragini (new)

Anuragini Oh no! This sounds terrible. I am giving this one a miss. Not worth ruining the impression I have of McFadden


message 5: by Karine (new)

Karine I understand Nina, there seems to be a complete avalanche of books with whiny characters and unbelievable plots with lots of twists for twist’s sake.


Nina (ninjasbooks) Thank you all! I’ve liked some of her books but lately her characters have lost some iq-points, become obsessed by things like shoes (in this book) and in this one writes about grooming in a way that put me off.


message 7: by Jennifer (new)

Jennifer Only read one book by this author that was so poorly written apart from a stupid plot - will never attempt another


message 8: by Ceecee (new)

Ceecee Thank you for your honesty. I’ll never read her books again! Such bad writing!


message 9: by Emma.catherine (new)

Emma.catherine Oh gosh 🤢 thanks for the review Nina!


Nina (ninjasbooks) Yes, her writing is terrible! We must part away before it’s too late 🫣


Kahlia Her writing is so bad in this one….Still, I’ll be finishing it this weekend 😭💀


message 12: by Lit with Leigh (new)

Lit with Leigh Seems like the books where she doesn't (allegedly) rip off someone else's plot are more insufferable.........


message 13: by CarolG (new)

CarolG Great review Nina. I've never read anything of hers but was wavering about this one. Thanks for setting me straight!


Cherlynn | cherreading Oh no!! Sounds dreadful. I hope your next read is better!


Nina (ninjasbooks) I shall suffer no more! Waiting for some thrillers that will make me happy this year 🥳


Karen Excellent warning. Thx. 😉


Nina (ninjasbooks) You’re welcome 😇


Izabela Something needs to be said about Freida's increasingly aggressive fan base. Makes you want to quit reading her books altogether. She is a (mostly) good writer, although I fully agree with your review. The teacher was a fail from my perspective. But reading her books feels more and more like high school- say the wrong thing and you get bullied


Nina (ninjasbooks) Yes, have been scared by her warriors as well, but it hasn’t stopped me from speaking my mind yet. I agree, her earlier work had more mature and fleshed out characters, now it’s just black or white and narrow-minded thinking


message 20: by Cindy (new)

Cindy Sheppard Gidge You be you girlfriend! Can't pretend to have enjoyed if you didn't as you are entitled to your own feelings :)


message 22: by Ellie (new)

Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus) Oh no, I am so sorry that this one was such a miss for you Nina! I don't think it's for me! Thank you for your great and honest review! 🧡


Nina (ninjasbooks) Some enjoy it, others don’t. That’s all right 😉


message 24: by Taina (new)

Taina Garcia You bravely wrote a terrific, honest review. 😬🤣 I listened to one of her books a year ago but have decided …. One & Done! 🤷🏼‍♀️


Nina (ninjasbooks) I should have known better, and I love your one & done philosophy. Can I adopt it?


Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] I'm also a "One & Done" listener as far as Freida McFadden is concerned!
Well said, Taina! 😄


Nina (ninjasbooks) I’m late to the party as always, but not TOO late to learn!


Cynthia Johnson I actually love when we all don’t agree on a book. It leads to great discussions! I also had many moments where I wanted to give up due to the sickening behavior of the characters! I gave it four stars because I do love how she twists the story together but I’m very torn about the book. Definitely going to need time to process this one.


message 29: by Cindy (new)

Cindy Sheppard Gidge Taina wrote: "You bravely wrote a terrific, honest review. 😬🤣 I listened to one of her books a year ago but have decided …. One & Done! 🤷🏼‍♀️"

I like that one and done!! I say a similar version....one chance, if not gung ho at all, then most likely not ever bother with a second by that author.


Nina (ninjasbooks) Very wise Cindy!


message 31: by Joan (new) - rated it 5 stars

Joan This book was a little different than most Freida McFadden books but I loved it...not that I loved the characters...you are not supposed to love the characters. They are supposed to make you angry and possibly toss the book across the room a few times in the process of getting through the book. That said, I felt the book was important in getting the points across about this issue and I felt it was very well written.


Nina (ninjasbooks) Glad you enjoyed it Joan :)


message 33: by Lisa (new)

Lisa Honest review pass this one by hope your next is a better fit for you Nina! 💞


♥️Annete♥️loves❤️books♥️ I couldn't wait for this book, now i'm dissapointed


message 35: by Nikki (new)

Nikki Lee They ARE ALWAYS FAR FETCHED! She’s an automatic no for me. Just can’t do it. Sorry


message 36: by Amanda (new) - added it

Amanda Kristina I just started this. I don’t know why. I loath every book of hers but I continue to torture myself. Her books are always farfetched because she gaslights the readers throughout the book tiptoeing on lies to make the big twist “unbelievable” and it is usually unbelievable because it’s literally not believable.


message 37: by Cindy (new)

Cindy Sheppard Gidge Nina (ninjasbooks) wrote: "Very wise Cindy!"

Thanks:) not sure which comment you were referring to but appreciate it!


Valerie I’m about half through the audio version of this book and the narrator’s voice alone makes me want to gag. The story is going to push me over the edge. This book made me feel very uncomfortable. I’m getting more and more nauseated the longer I listen. There is not one honorable character in this narrative. And the plot is as unrealistic as me becoming the queen of England. But I do understand McFadden writes ridiculously unbelievable plot lines.


Nina (ninjasbooks) I’m impressed your keep going after those uncomfortable feelings!


message 40: by Susan (new) - added it

Susan Based on your review and the comments I think I’ll pass on this one! 😂


Tara (I’m back and trying to get caught up!!!) Based on your honest comments, Tina, this is a hard pass for me. I’m sorry this one didn’t work for you. I hope you’re enjoying your current read! 🩷


Nina (ninjasbooks) Thank you Tara :)


Emese thanks a lot Nina for the review. I am starting today. I am curious whether I will have the same opinion :)


Nina (ninjasbooks) I am as well! Will look for your review :)


message 45: by Amy (new) - added it

Amy I’m a few chapters into this one and I’ve been thinking of giving up on it. I knew nothing about the author- I don’t read contemporary fiction very often and this is cringe-worthy to me. I also have to wonder if I’m the target demographic for this writer. At age 63, I don’t enjoy the dialogue between the teenagers and all their drama.
Like @Valerie, above, I’m listening to the audiobook and the way the reader speaks in ‘whispery’ tones feels uncomfortable to me.
I think I’m going to give Barbara Kingsolver another chance- this time with Demon Copperhead. I appreciate you all sharing your opinions. Thanks so much!


message 46: by Joan (new) - rated it 5 stars

Joan Amy wrote: "I’m a few chapters into this one and I’ve been thinking of giving up on it. I knew nothing about the author- I don’t read contemporary fiction very often and this is cringe-worthy to me. I also hav..."

I'm older than you are and loved The Teacher. But I am not sure The Teacher is a good Freida McFadden book to start off with her or to judge her by. It is a bit different than her other books. You might prefer The Housemaid.

I'll also say I enjoyed Demon Copperhead.


Nina (ninjasbooks) You’re welcome Amy! And very understandable that you were frustrated by the teenage drama, as was I. I have to read demon cupperhead as well, am sure it will be more enjoyable than the teacher!


♥️Annete♥️loves❤️books♥️ I usually love Freida's books. I've been looking forward to this but after your review not so much


Nina (ninjasbooks) You might still like it :) I’m just overly critical maybe 😅


message 50: by Heidi (new)

Heidi Books are worth some brain twists, but definitely not headaches!! Appreciated your review— have not yet read this author but her books inspire differing reviews.


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