Tag Archives: contemporary
All It Takes
All It Takes
Amazon Digital Services
June 30, 2015
Ebook
195
Nineteen-year-old Star Collins never intended to return to her hometown, Avenue. That part of her life ended when she was nine years old, and child services took her away from her hoarder mother. Her mother chose her stuff over her daughter. That part of her life was supposed to be in the past.
But her mother has just passed away and Star finds herself giving up her summer to quietly clean out her old home. She just wants to sell it and move on with her life. However, things aren't going the way she planned. With her dyed-black hair and tattoos, she's attracting almost as much attention from the small town residents as Ash Winthrope, the guy who was just released from prison.
All Ash wants is a chance to start over. He screwed up and he knows it, he's going to have to live with the guilt for the rest of his life. But he's stuck in Avenue until his parole ends, and no one, not even his own parents, wants anything to do with him. Nearly out of money and completely out of options, Ash takes the only job he can, helping Star haul stuff out of her mother's house.
Neither of them expects anything to happen between them, or for their lives to change. But sometimes meeting the right person is all it takes.
Review:
“All It Takes” is a story about a young woman named Star, who has just lost her mother, and a young man named Ash, who has recently been released from prison for manslaughter. Both outcasts in a small town, they end up working together, and the story builds from there.
The story itself is at turns tragic and cute and romantic. There are some difficult issues raised about drug use, hoarding (I need to clean out all of our closets now), the foster care system, and how people treat one another. The characters themselves are rough around the edges while also endearing, and up until the end the pacing was steady ,and the writing lends itself to a quick read.
Unfortunately, in spite of all of the opportunities to explore such deep issues, there was a real lack of depth. The characters had many qualities, but they were barely touched upon in lieu of each of them thinking how hot the other looked. Constantly. The alternating viewpoints were a bit of a problem for me, as Star was much more realistically written than Ash. I have no issue with strong language, but it was beyond excessive in Ash’s thoughts and dialogue. Finally, the pace was thrown off at the very end and felt rushed.
All of that being said, “All It Takes” is not a bad book, I just wish it had been less superficial. If you’re looking for a good romance to read at the beach, give it a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Strong Language, Sexual Situations, Talk of Drug Abuse
Damage Done
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2015-07-21
336
"Exceedingly clever and surprisingly unsettling, Damage Done is an unforgettable read." --Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You "In her incredible debut novel, Amanda Panitch leaves you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be stunned. Prepare to be torn apart." --Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist "A brilliant thriller. Gillian Flynn for the YA set." --Amy Christine Parker, author of Gated 22 minutes separate Julia Vann's before and after. Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend. After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that's what she tells the police. Now that she's Lucy Black, her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school. And someone much more dangerous. She thought her brother's crimes were behind her. But now she's being forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind. How far will Julia go to keep her slate clean? One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It's only just beginning. . . . In this deliciously twisted contemporary thriller, family can be a real killer. For fans of We Were Liars and readers who love unique multiple perspectives that leave clues like breadcrumbs until they reach the stunning conclusion. From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
“Damage Done” is a book I expected to enjoy if the description was any indication, but I had no idea just how far beyond my expectations it would go. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and to be quite honest, “messed up.”
Julia Vann is living a new life after a horrific crime committed by her twin brother, Ryan. The story is told in her voice, which is very well-written and easy to read. While her circumstances are extraordinary, she is going through many things that are relatable to anyone who has been a teenager: crushes, social cliques, distant parents, and assorted other annoying adults. She’s definitely a narrator that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
The plot is perfectly paced with small flashbacks to the past written in with what is currently happening. To add a bit of an outside view, there are a few notes from Ryan’s psychologist added between some of the chapters. It allows the reader to learn the entire story at a slow pace, or if they prefer playing detective, gives enough clues and room between them for many theories to be developed.
Be warned: The book is quite disturbing and does have graphic violence as well as animal deaths. I believe that none of it was gratuitous in terms of the story and was a necessity in establishing the pattern of a growing sociopath. I can’t say much else without spoilers, but if you’re squeamish this is not the book for you.
I definitely recommend “Damage Done” for all adults and older young adults who like twisted thrillers and mysteries with a good dose of psychology. Please take note of the older above. It isn’t a good choice at all for the younger YA readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Animal Abuse
Let Me Explain You
Let Me Explain You
Scribner
July 14, 2015
Hardcover
352
A powerful debut novel about a Greek American family and its enigmatic patriarch from a riveting new voice in contemporary literature.
Stavros Stavros Mavrakis, Greek immigrant and proud owner of the Gala Diner, believes he has just ten days to live. As he prepares for his final hours, he sends a scathing email to his ex-wife and three grown daughters, outlining his wishes for how they each might better live their lives. With varying degrees of laughter and scorn, his family and friends dismiss his behavior as nothing more than a plea for attention, but when Stavros disappears, those closest to him are forced to confront the possibility of his death.
A vibrant tour de force that races to a surprising conclusion, Let Me Explain You is told from multiple perspectives: Stavros Stavros, brimming with pride and cursing in broken English; his eldest daughter Stavroula, a talented chef in love with her boss’s daughter; her sister, the wounded but resilient Litza; and many other voices who compose a veritable Greek chorus.
By turns hilarious and deeply moving, this multigenerational novel delivers a heartfelt meditation on the power of storytelling and family, the relationship between fathers and daughters, and also the complex bond of sisterhood. Annie Liontas explores our origins and family myths, hunger and what feeds us, reinvention and forgiveness.
Review:
“Let Me Explain You” is a difficult book to review. On one hand, the writing is beautiful and tragicomic. On the other, it can be outrageously offensive. I’ve given it four stars, but please be sure to thoroughly read my review and any others you may find to see if it’s a good fit for you.
At its heart, “Let Me Explain You” is a story about the American Dream, reality, and the hot mess that makes up most families, whether we want to admit it or not. It begins with Stavros Stavros Mavrakis (actual name) writing an email to his ex-wife and daughters, announcing that he will be dying in ten days. As the reader will soon come to learn about Mavrakis himself, it is in parts tender, sad, and downright mean. That’s the tone for the entire book.
While parts had me laughing out loud, others made me want to choke Mr. Mavrakis, and some made me want to cry. To me that’s wonderful writing. The sections about the interactions between the family were my favorites, because we all have those relationships that are love/hate. Or, at times, hate/hate. It was all very realistic with excellent character development.
Unfortunately, the main character is pretty much the equivalent of your racist uncle at a holiday dinner. He has opinions, he does not care if you like them, he believes everyone needs to hear them, and at some point you realize he is in reality a bitter old man who is lonely. So, if you can have a conversation with “that uncle” and still be able to see some good in him, you will probably enjoy this book. If you avoid family dinners because of him, then avoid it.
As for myself, I found “Let Me Explain You” an excellent debut novel and look forward to reading more from the author.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
Modern Monsters
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
2015-06-02
352
Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He's the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went... And wished he hadn't. Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler's life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon. But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life...
Review:
It has taken me some time to process “Modern Monsters” and decide how best to review it, as I have very conflicting feelings on the book. I wish there were a 3 1/2 star option, but had to settle on 3 since it is not a full 4, in my opinion.
Kelley York needs to be commended on tackling such difficult subject matter and managing to do so from a seldom examined side. Without lessening the traumatic impact of the rape on the victim, she examines the side of the person accused of the rape. How does it feel going through the system? What if you are innocent? Is there a specific profile that can make it easier to identify rapists? All of those questions are tackled, while also including a subplot that shows the consequences on the family, past and present, of a rape victim. It is a crime and violation that goes much further than devastating one life, and it was handled with unflinching reality.
The main character, Vic, is thoroughly developed and has multiple layers that are slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. The various relationships in his life were also solidly established with every secondary character being more than a one-dimensional “prop”. My only issue with the characters is that at times the dialogue was stilted and not very realistic. It was jarring and pulled me out of the story quite a few times.
As far as plot, it is a difficult one to read, as it should be. All of what I wrote above is true and makes it a worthwhile read. In fact, I’m impressed that it took such difficult subjects and made them resound on a reading level that any middle grader could understand. I just wish the conclusion were not quite so predictable. That took away from the suspense, which ultimately led to there being a bit less of an emotional impact than there otherwise would have been.
Overall, in spite of the couple of things I did not enjoy, I still recommend “Modern Monsters”, especially to those with 7th-9th graders in their lives. If you read it together it will make an excellent starting point for very important, but difficult, conversations.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Mild Sexual Situations, Discussion of Rape (nothing graphic), Underage Drinking
If You’re Lucky
Juvenile Fiction
Algonquin Books
2015-10-20
288
Is Georgia's mind playing tricks on her, or is the entire town walking into the arms of a killer who has everyone but her fooled? When seventeen-year-old Georgia's brother drowns while surfing halfway around the world in Australia, she refuses to believe Lucky's death was just bad luck. Lucky was smart. He wouldn't have surfed in waters more dangerous than he could handle. Then a stranger named Fin arrives in False Bay, claiming to have been Lucky's best friend. Soon Fin is working for Lucky's father, charming Lucky's mother, dating his girlfriend. Georgia begins to wonder: did Fin murder Lucky in order to take over his whole life? Determined to clear the fog from her mind in order to uncover the truth about Lucky's death, Georgia secretly stops taking the medication that keeps away the voices in her head. Georgia is certain she's getting closer and closer to the truth about Fin, but as she does, her mental state becomes more and more precarious, and no one seems to trust what she's saying. As the chilling narrative unfolds, the reader must decide whether Georgia's descent into madness is causing her to see things that don't exist-or to see a deadly truth that no one else can. "A remarkable page-turner . . . Keep[s] readers wondering, twist by twist, if Georgia's universe will simply burst apart." --Andrew Smith, author of "Grasshopper Jungle"
Review:
In what is a rarity in young adult books, the topic of schizophrenia is tackled head-on in “If You’re Lucky”, a taut thriller that leaves the readers as confused as the narrator as to what is real and what is not.
Georgia, the main character, is a teenager with paranoid schizophrenia who is dealing with the loss of her brother Lucky, the town’s golden boy. One of his best friends shows up to the memorial and creates a whirlwind of emotions for her. Georgia is an extremely well-developed character, and her descent into a schizophrenic episode is written beautifully. It truly feels as though you are trying to navigate the world through the distortion in her mind. This adds a great deal of twists and turns to the mystery of what happened to Lucky. The rest of the characters are also well-developed and relatable, with my favorite being Fin. I won’t say anything else about him because it may ruin some of the reading experience.
I loved the plot and found it to be the perfect mix of thriller and standard mystery. At some points I literally had goosebumps from the creepiness. However, the reason for me giving three stars instead of four is because of the plot. It seemed to begin slowly, and while the entire book is well-written, I didn’t realize I was actually into it until I was about a third of the way through. This points to a slight problem with the pacing. It would have been nice to add a bit of “oomph” to the setup.
In spite of the slight pacing problem, I still wholeheartedly recommend “If You’re Lucky” to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. There is some adult content, but it is still a safe choice for middle schoolers and up as long as they’re not opposed to things that can be disturbing.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
Faking Perfect
Juvenile Fiction
K-Teen
2015-06-30
272
When Lexi Shaw seduced Oakfield High's resident bad boy Tyler Flynn at the beginning of senior year, he seemed perfectly okay with her rules: 1. Avoid her at school. 2. Keep his mouth shut about what they do together. 3. Never tease her about her friend (and unrequited crush) Ben. Because with his integrity and values and golden boy looks, Ben can never find out about what she’s been doing behind closed doors with Tyler. Or that her mom’s too busy drinking and chasing losers to pay the bills. Or that Lexi’s dad hasn’t been a part of her life for the last thirteen years. But with Tyler suddenly breaking the rules, Ben asking her out, and her dad back in the picture, how long will she be able to go on faking perfect?
Review:
It took me a bit to gather my thoughts on “Faking Perfect”, because the plot is a timely look at the struggles of family and high school, but there were some flaws. It was by no means a bad book, but the lack of character-depth took away from what could have been an otherwise great book.
Lexi Shaw is a teen who, unfortunately, has an all-too-common family life of a father who is not involved in her life and a present, but emotionally distant, mother. The ways she copes are trying to fit in with the popular crowd mixed with self-destructive behaviors. The character of Lexi is actually extremely well-developed, with clear motivations for her actions and self-awareness presented through her inner monologues that gives readers a clear insight into her thoughts and feelings. The problem comes with the secondary characters. There are cursory descriptions of them that gives some clues to the people they are, but nothing below the surface is touched upon through Lexi’s thoughts or interactions with them. This is quite sad, as many of them have the promise to be deep and interesting, but the lack of exploration into their lives left many of them relegated to the world of tropes and caricatures.
As I said in the introduction, the plot of “Faking Perfect” is a good and timely one, filled with important life-lessons. Who among us has not felt the need to act differently in order to impress our friends? How many readers know too well the feelings of being neglected by their parents? These things are addressed in a compelling way, along with other issues that occur in high school such as teen pregnancy, popularity, and the warped perceptions people often have of others based on rumors or personal bias.
Overall, if you are able to overlook the character development issues, “Faking Perfect” is a good book, especially if you are looking for a palette cleanser of sorts. The writing is well-done and the themes explored make it worthwhile.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Drug Use, Underage Drinking
Delicate Monsters
Delicate Monsters
St. Martin's Griffin
June 9, 2015
Hardcover
240
When nearly killing a classmate gets seventeen-year-old Sadie Su kicked out of her third boarding school in four years, she returns to her family's California vineyard estate. Here, she's meant to stay out of trouble. Here, she's meant to do a lot of things. But it's hard. She's bored. And when Sadie's bored, the only thing she likes is trouble.
Emerson Tate's a poor boy living in a rich town, with his widowed mother and strange, haunted little brother. All he wants his senior year is to play basketball and make something happen with the girl of his dreams. That's why Emerson's not happy Sadie's back. An old childhood friend, she knows his worst secrets. The things he longs to forget. The things she won't ever let him.
Haunted is a good word for fifteen-year-old Miles Tate. Miles can see the future, after all. And he knows his vision of tragic violence at his school will come true, because his visions always do. That's what he tells the new girl in town. The one who listens to him. The one who recognizes the darkness in his past.
But can Miles stop the violence? Or has the future already been written? Maybe tragedy is his destiny. Maybe it's all of theirs.
Delicate Monsters is Stephanie Kuehn at her finest.
Review:
Let me begin by saying that I have absolutely no problem with reading dark and twisted things, nor do I condone censorship. Please keep that in mind as you read my review of “Delicate Monsters”.
I would have given “Delicate Monsters” one star, as opposed to two, had it not been a story with potential. It didn’t live up to it, but I reserve the ones that are a mess from the start.
The book’s downfall is the misleading description. Yes, everything in the description is accurate, but considering the graphic content that involves everything from animal abuse to necrophilia, it does seem like there should be a bit more warning in the summary. It’s like if you bought a ticket to see the old “Poltergeist” and ended up seeing a marathon of all of the “Saw” films.
Additionally, it seems grossly miscategorized as young adult, and I can already imagine the shock of librarians working with a limited budget ordering “Delicate Monster” based on the description, publisher, and author popularity only to end up with some severely traumatized readers. With the rampant underfunding of libraries these days, librarians have to make difficult decisions that often lead to ordering books that appeal to the widest audience possible, and I do not think they will find it here.
In terms of the book itself, the characters are not meant to be likable, but the way they are written leaves them flat. While what is going on and how it will end is evident early in the book, the plot could have delivered a much more exciting journey than it did. Somehow a book about a sociopath and a psychopath was boring. Those subjects are typically fascinating. It was unsettling that their actions didn’t resonate within the story (only in the disgust of the reader), because it almost felt like the author had no opinion one way or the other as to the morality of their actions. I’m going to assume that is not the case, as Stephanie Kuehn seems like a lovely person.
I cannot recommend “Delicate Monsters” to anyone, regardless of age. It was gratuitously graphic with a misleading summary, apathetic characters, and a lackluster plot.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Sexual Situations, Heavy Violence, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, Necrophilia
Untaken
Untaken
Curiosity Quills Press
March 23, 2015
Hardcover
262
It turns out that a real alien invasion is nothing like the Sci-fi shows 14-year-old Gracie loves. Not when it's your own family who are swallowed whole by those big silver ships. Not if it could be you next. In her search for her family, Gracie meets Brandon, a high school dropout who would never have been caught dead hanging out with a dork like Gracie before the world ended. Gracie isn't too crazy about Brandon either, but he has one thing she doesn't: A plan. Brandon's uncle has a cabin up in Maine, and If Gracie and Brandon can survive long enough to get there they can hide out until the Space Men pack up their ships and leave. Until the army guys come to rescue them, says Brandon. Brandon is big into army guys. Gracie has to admit that Brandon's Awesome Plan probably would have worked out great if wasn't for Jake. They found 5-year-old Jake, laying half-dead under the remains of someone's ranch house. He's a good kid, even if he won't-or can't- talk. But Jake has a secret, and when Gracie finds out what it is, the fragile new life they've started to forge looks set to break apart. When the people you've been counting on to put the world back together start hunting you down, alien invaders are the least of your worries.
Review:
“Untaken” is a new series that makes me feel as though I were given a gift by being allowed to read and review it. It puts a new take on the apocalyptic theme of an alien invasion, eventually evolving into dystopian territory.
I am going to say this right now, if you see the word “alien” and think it is not your deal, please reconsider and give it a try. The plot is one of survival, with the aliens being the catalyst for the events but not the central focus of the story. The true story is what constitutes humanity and how human humans react when placed under unimaginable circumstances and stress.
The central characters are three children: Gracie, Brandon, and Jake. Their stories are divided into three parts, with the first devoted to their separate lives before and during the initial catastrophic events. This format serves for developing their backstories and personalities in an extremely detailed way. It feels like you know the oldest two, Gracie and Brandon, personally before they even meet. Jake is more of an enigma, and that is a great feature in the story.
While the first part features a lot of action, the second and third parts are more of a slow burn. I love slice-of-life stories that take their time in building new worlds, and this is one of the best I have ever read. The writing is compelling and nearly flawless, leaving the reader to sit back and enjoy the book without the burden of superfluous details and a stuttering plot. It seems to be the beginning of a series, and I hope that is true. I really want to see what comes next.
I highly recommend “Untaken” to those who are 12 and up and looking for a promising new series. If you’re a fan of Mike Mullen’s “Ashfall”, it is something not to be missed. Warning: Once you start it, you may not be able to put it down.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence,Mild (Re: Very) Sexual Situations, The Dog Dies (Pardon the spoiler, but that is the one type of spoiler I will always include in the content warnings.)
Lying Out Loud
Sonny
Scholastic Press
2015-04-28
304
Kody Keplinger returns to the world of The DUFF in this brand-new companion novel!
Sonny Ardmore is an excellent liar. She lies about her dad being in prison. She lies about her mom kicking her out. And she lies about sneaking into her best friend's house every night because she has nowhere else to go.
Amy Rush might be the only person Sonny shares everything with -- secrets, clothes, even a nemesis named Ryder Cross.
Ryder's the new kid at Hamilton High and everything Sonny and Amy can't stand -- a prep-school snob. But Ryder has a weakness: Amy. So when Ryder emails Amy asking her out, the friends see it as a prank opportunity not to be missed.
But without meaning to, Sonny ends up talking to Ryder all night online. And to her horror, she realizes that she might actually like him. Only there's one small catch: he thinks he's been talking to Amy. So Sonny comes up with an elaborate scheme to help Ryder realize that she's the girl he's really wanted all along. Can Sonny lie her way to the truth, or will all her lies end up costing her both Ryder and Amy?
Review:
A companion novel to “The Duff”, “Lying Out Loud” returns the Rush family through the eyes of Amy’s best friend, Sonny.
“Lying Out Loud” is strongly written and a wonderful blend of old and new characters, all developed in the wonderful way for which Kody Keplinger is known. The dialogue is snappy and hilarious, and most importantly, realistic. Everyone has a nice mix of flaws and strengths, with some more obvious than others. Fans of “The Duff” will be happy to know there is a healthy dose of the older Wesley and Bianca, and they are just as great as the first time around.
The plot revolves around Sonny and her ability to lie, not only to everyone else, but also to herself. She gets in way over her head and goes on a collision course with disaster. It is uncomfortable to read, but portrays a good message in the end. The only flaw I found is that Sonny almost went so far as to become irredeemable, even with her circumstances. In fact, she really did cross that line for me, but the story is still a good one. It would have been five stars were it not for that.
I recommend “Lying Out Loud” to fans of “The Duff” and any fan of young adult fiction. The content is much more mild than “The Duff”, making it suitable for upper middle-graders, as well.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Sexual Situations, Language
Weightless
Weightless
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
2015-06-30
336
When 15-year-old Carolyn moves from New Jersey to Alabama with her mother, she rattles the status quo of the junior class at Adams High School. A good student and natural athlete, she's immediately welcomed by the school's cliques. She's even nominated to the homecoming court and begins dating a senior, Shane, whose on again/off again girlfriend Brooke becomes Carolyn's bitter romantic rival. When a video of Carolyn and Shane making out is sent to everyone, Carolyn goes from golden girl to slut, as Brooke and her best friend Gemma try to restore their popularity. Gossip and bullying hound Carolyn, who becomes increasingly private and isolated. When Shane and Brooke-now back together-confront Carolyn in the student parking lot, injuring her, it's the last attack she can take.Sarah Bannan's deft use of the first person plural gives Weightless an emotional intensity and remarkable power that will send you flying through the pages and leave you reeling.
Review:
Everyone needs to read “Weightless”. You are most likely not going to enjoy it. It will make you uncomfortable. If you are an adult, it will probably make you uncomfortable from two perspectives. Read it anyway.
“Weightless” is written in first person singular, with the narrator never being identified aside from their inclusion through the use of “we.” This is very difficult to pull off, but works perfectly in this situation. At the beginning of the book, you already get the sense that you do not like this “we”, but are not sure why. As it goes on, you begin to dislike them more and more. Then it happens: you are part of the we, unless you are an adult, in which case you were. Maybe you weren’t a bully, but at some point in our lives, we all have looked the other way when we could have done something. The adults are shown to do the same, especially when ignoring troubling social media, which has completely changed the landscape and ease of bullying.
Bullying, anorexia, mental illness, and peer pressure are all addressed in “Weightless”. There is also a good dose of the hypocrisy that can be found through churches, schools, and civic groups. Some of the things that occur are big events, but most of them are small and accumulate like a snowball. It’s well-done and leaves you surprised even though you know, at least in a sense, how it will end. The characters are fleshed out, but only in terms of how a peer would view them, which means an extremely unreliable narrator who is in denial throughout most of the book.
I recommend “Weightless” to those seventh grade and up, including adults. Being confronted with how easy it is to become unknowingly apathetic is a real eye-opener, and my hope is that it will help all of us pay attention and not miss a small opportunity to do something that will make a big difference.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Sexual Situations, Language, Violence, Eating Disorders, Suicide, Bullying, Underage Alcohol Use
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