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erinlynn1989's review
5.0
Full review can be seen at The Hardcover Lover.
First of all, I must applaud Kelsey Macke for the creation of this stunning book. Everything in this book is just perfect. It made me cry. It made me laugh. I pretty much experienced every human emotion possible while reading my book. In my opinion, I feel like the more emotions represented make it a better and more captivating read.
The main character, Imogen, is unlike any YA character that I've ever seen in a book before. First of all, she's overweight. As someone who struggled with my weight my whole life, I finally felt like this weight was being lifted off my shoulders. I'm twenty-five now, but much I still experience the nights where I want to binge eat like Imogen, and I felt like much of her struggles with obesity were realistic and true. Not only is Imogen overweight, but she's also got a lot going on emotionally and mentally. I think fans of books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Love Letters to the Dead, and It's Kind of a Funny Story will be drawn to Imogen and enjoy her story.
Macke shows her incredible support of the arts in this book, and as a teacher, I must thank her. I am obviously an English teacher, but I was very involved in my high school's music program when I was a student. I was in concert band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and marching band. I still support that music program to this day, so happy tears were brought to my eyes when I saw just how much Macke cares about the arts. Maybe people will read this book and realize just how important the arts are to keep in schools.
So how exactly does Macke show her support for the arts? Imogen, our main character, is involved in her school's musical. She works in the sound booth. During much of the book, Imogen is at rehearsals. Another way that Macke shows her support of the fine arts is by including a special event dedicated to them in the plot of the book. Can you say awesome? Also, there are going to be pages full of original artwork throughout the book. And finally, Kelsey Macke and her husband are releasing an original album as a soundtrack to the book. Talk about dedication. Ms. Macke certainly knows how to tell a story while supporting the fine arts. Kudos to her.
I loved this book, and everything that it represents. Yes, it's a retelling of "Cinderella" with a point of view twist, but it's so much more than that. It's a book about grief, love, family, and friendship. Most importantly, it's a book about self-acceptance that I think all teenagers and young adults should read.
First of all, I must applaud Kelsey Macke for the creation of this stunning book. Everything in this book is just perfect. It made me cry. It made me laugh. I pretty much experienced every human emotion possible while reading my book. In my opinion, I feel like the more emotions represented make it a better and more captivating read.
The main character, Imogen, is unlike any YA character that I've ever seen in a book before. First of all, she's overweight. As someone who struggled with my weight my whole life, I finally felt like this weight was being lifted off my shoulders. I'm twenty-five now, but much I still experience the nights where I want to binge eat like Imogen, and I felt like much of her struggles with obesity were realistic and true. Not only is Imogen overweight, but she's also got a lot going on emotionally and mentally. I think fans of books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Love Letters to the Dead, and It's Kind of a Funny Story will be drawn to Imogen and enjoy her story.
Macke shows her incredible support of the arts in this book, and as a teacher, I must thank her. I am obviously an English teacher, but I was very involved in my high school's music program when I was a student. I was in concert band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and marching band. I still support that music program to this day, so happy tears were brought to my eyes when I saw just how much Macke cares about the arts. Maybe people will read this book and realize just how important the arts are to keep in schools.
So how exactly does Macke show her support for the arts? Imogen, our main character, is involved in her school's musical. She works in the sound booth. During much of the book, Imogen is at rehearsals. Another way that Macke shows her support of the fine arts is by including a special event dedicated to them in the plot of the book. Can you say awesome? Also, there are going to be pages full of original artwork throughout the book. And finally, Kelsey Macke and her husband are releasing an original album as a soundtrack to the book. Talk about dedication. Ms. Macke certainly knows how to tell a story while supporting the fine arts. Kudos to her.
I loved this book, and everything that it represents. Yes, it's a retelling of "Cinderella" with a point of view twist, but it's so much more than that. It's a book about grief, love, family, and friendship. Most importantly, it's a book about self-acceptance that I think all teenagers and young adults should read.
howattp's review
5.0
This is a really fantastic book. It's fun, dramatic, and touching. This is an essential read for teens, particularly girls, dealing with image issues, but really for anyone who needs a good dose of surreality and beautiful narration.
hazelstaybookish's review
5.0
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Have you ever had a book speak to you even before you actually read it? Because I can confidently say that Damsel Distressed spoke to me. It wasn’t even a case of ‘judge a book by its cover’ because I knew about this book before it had its gorgeous cover. I’d simply read the summary and some more bits that Kelsey shared about the book and I knew I needed to read Damsel Distressed. I was so excited about this one that I even preordered it on my kindle app (just so I could read ASAP) despite already ordering a physical copy, which is a first for me.
When are we gonna get a fat princess? How about a princess with bad acne and crappy posture and the mouth of a sailor? Probably never. Every. Single. One. Is the same. Totally hot. Totally predictable. Snow White has the attention of seven little men, not because she’s the only one who can reach the top of the bookshelf, but because she’s a porcelain-skinned, ruby-lipped knockout. The Little Mermaid got a prince because she shut her trap for five whole seconds and looks fierce in a bikini. And Cinderella? She’s a girl who clearly demonstrates to the prince that she’s got lots of experience on her knees and doesn’t mind getting dirty.
Anyway, after finally getting to read Damsel Distressed, I have a newfound love for this book and it knows no bounds. Damsel Distressed was all I ever expected to be and much much more. There was snark and banter and swoons and tears, but most of all, there was heart. In fact there was so much of it that my own heart was filled to the brim. A reversed fairytale retelling of Cinderella, Damsel Distressed explored the story of the ‘ugly step sister’ who in this case was our female lead, Imogen Keegan.
I am whole. I am more than just the pieces that I see. I am stronger than I seem.
Imogen thinks that a happily ever after for a broken, overweight girl like her is impossible. She’s meant to be behind the sound booth not center stage of a theatre performance. Her prince charming best friend, Grant, won’t ever fall for her the way she has with him. She’ll never live up to her princess step sister, Ella Cinder, who is perfect and gorgeous (not to mention evil). Life is a constant struggle for her as she deals with these harsh realities, as well as the death of her mother and the absence of her father. I felt for Imogen so much. The thoughts and feelings her character conveyed stunned me and moved me- they were so honest and heartbreaking.
People should treat each other with kindness, but I’m not talking about them. You can’t fix them. I’m talking about you. You deserve better treatment from yourself.
Imogen’s insecurities about being heavy-set which were something I especially shared with her. At almost 160 lbs, some people might say I’m only slightly overweight compared to Imogen’s 200 lbs, but when you’re the oddball among your petite friends and when your own family likes to remind you about how your voracious appetite and addiction to sweets is getting you bigger, confidence doesn’t come easy. You start to wonder if being chubby is the reason why you’re so unpopular or why you’ve never had a boyfriend. Like Imogen, I rarely had the luxury of feeling pretty. When you see yourself in a character like that, and you root for her to realize that she’s beautiful inside and out and she finally does, there’s a feeling in your chest that’s warm and radiant. So thank you, Kelsey Macke, for writing Imogen the way she was.
“What if I broke us?” In less than a breath, a smile—his real smile—breaks across his face, and his eyes stare straight into mine as he shakes his head, laughing. “Oh, would you stop being dramatic? Nothing’s broken. A little bruised, maybe, but not broken. Never broken. Not us.”
Now, let me talk about Grant, Imogen’s bestfriend. OH THIS BOY. I love him to death. I love him because he wears cute geeky shirts and because he always makes Imogen happy. I love him because he is loyal, caring, sweet, wonderful, hilarious, charming and REAL. I love him because he accepts Imogen wholly and believes in her. I love him because he gets her and because he know’s what’s best for her. I love him because he is the anchor that keeps Imogen grounded. There are a million reasons to love Grant but I love him most because while Imogen may feel alone in battling the darkness that attempts to consume her, he always has her back. No matter what and no matter how bad things got, as he promised her once upon a time.
Someday you’ll have to let some of that pain go to make room in your heart for something even bigger.
Aside from Imogen and Grant, the rest of the Damsel Distressed cast left such significant marks as well. I loved watching Imogen develop such strong friendships with Brice, Jonathan and Antonique. Imogen’s relationship with her family, her stepmother Evelyn, her dad (and even how she deals with her horrid stepsister) was moving. Honestly, I ugly cried a whole lot especially during the last few chapters. And really, the best books are the ones that go so deep and awaken so many many emotions inside of you.
I feel like a door has been unlocked by a key that was in my pocket the whole time. I’ve been broken, but I’m not broken. That pain won’t disappear anytime soon, maybe not ever, but it’s not all I have.
Damsel Distressed is a beautiful emotional journey. Mixed with amazing music and artworks, Kelsey Macke has created a phenomenal debut novel, one I’m sure will leave a huge impact on its readers as it did for me. Despite grappling with tough issues of grief, self-harm and depression, this book is a shining ray of light- one that promises hope and happy beginnings. This is a story that deserves to be read and I highly recommend it.
Have you ever had a book speak to you even before you actually read it? Because I can confidently say that Damsel Distressed spoke to me. It wasn’t even a case of ‘judge a book by its cover’ because I knew about this book before it had its gorgeous cover. I’d simply read the summary and some more bits that Kelsey shared about the book and I knew I needed to read Damsel Distressed. I was so excited about this one that I even preordered it on my kindle app (just so I could read ASAP) despite already ordering a physical copy, which is a first for me.
When are we gonna get a fat princess? How about a princess with bad acne and crappy posture and the mouth of a sailor? Probably never. Every. Single. One. Is the same. Totally hot. Totally predictable. Snow White has the attention of seven little men, not because she’s the only one who can reach the top of the bookshelf, but because she’s a porcelain-skinned, ruby-lipped knockout. The Little Mermaid got a prince because she shut her trap for five whole seconds and looks fierce in a bikini. And Cinderella? She’s a girl who clearly demonstrates to the prince that she’s got lots of experience on her knees and doesn’t mind getting dirty.
Anyway, after finally getting to read Damsel Distressed, I have a newfound love for this book and it knows no bounds. Damsel Distressed was all I ever expected to be and much much more. There was snark and banter and swoons and tears, but most of all, there was heart. In fact there was so much of it that my own heart was filled to the brim. A reversed fairytale retelling of Cinderella, Damsel Distressed explored the story of the ‘ugly step sister’ who in this case was our female lead, Imogen Keegan.
I am whole. I am more than just the pieces that I see. I am stronger than I seem.
Imogen thinks that a happily ever after for a broken, overweight girl like her is impossible. She’s meant to be behind the sound booth not center stage of a theatre performance. Her prince charming best friend, Grant, won’t ever fall for her the way she has with him. She’ll never live up to her princess step sister, Ella Cinder, who is perfect and gorgeous (not to mention evil). Life is a constant struggle for her as she deals with these harsh realities, as well as the death of her mother and the absence of her father. I felt for Imogen so much. The thoughts and feelings her character conveyed stunned me and moved me- they were so honest and heartbreaking.
People should treat each other with kindness, but I’m not talking about them. You can’t fix them. I’m talking about you. You deserve better treatment from yourself.
Imogen’s insecurities about being heavy-set which were something I especially shared with her. At almost 160 lbs, some people might say I’m only slightly overweight compared to Imogen’s 200 lbs, but when you’re the oddball among your petite friends and when your own family likes to remind you about how your voracious appetite and addiction to sweets is getting you bigger, confidence doesn’t come easy. You start to wonder if being chubby is the reason why you’re so unpopular or why you’ve never had a boyfriend. Like Imogen, I rarely had the luxury of feeling pretty. When you see yourself in a character like that, and you root for her to realize that she’s beautiful inside and out and she finally does, there’s a feeling in your chest that’s warm and radiant. So thank you, Kelsey Macke, for writing Imogen the way she was.
“What if I broke us?” In less than a breath, a smile—his real smile—breaks across his face, and his eyes stare straight into mine as he shakes his head, laughing. “Oh, would you stop being dramatic? Nothing’s broken. A little bruised, maybe, but not broken. Never broken. Not us.”
Now, let me talk about Grant, Imogen’s bestfriend. OH THIS BOY. I love him to death. I love him because he wears cute geeky shirts and because he always makes Imogen happy. I love him because he is loyal, caring, sweet, wonderful, hilarious, charming and REAL. I love him because he accepts Imogen wholly and believes in her. I love him because he gets her and because he know’s what’s best for her. I love him because he is the anchor that keeps Imogen grounded. There are a million reasons to love Grant but I love him most because while Imogen may feel alone in battling the darkness that attempts to consume her, he always has her back. No matter what and no matter how bad things got, as he promised her once upon a time.
Someday you’ll have to let some of that pain go to make room in your heart for something even bigger.
Aside from Imogen and Grant, the rest of the Damsel Distressed cast left such significant marks as well. I loved watching Imogen develop such strong friendships with Brice, Jonathan and Antonique. Imogen’s relationship with her family, her stepmother Evelyn, her dad (and even how she deals with her horrid stepsister) was moving. Honestly, I ugly cried a whole lot especially during the last few chapters. And really, the best books are the ones that go so deep and awaken so many many emotions inside of you.
I feel like a door has been unlocked by a key that was in my pocket the whole time. I’ve been broken, but I’m not broken. That pain won’t disappear anytime soon, maybe not ever, but it’s not all I have.
Damsel Distressed is a beautiful emotional journey. Mixed with amazing music and artworks, Kelsey Macke has created a phenomenal debut novel, one I’m sure will leave a huge impact on its readers as it did for me. Despite grappling with tough issues of grief, self-harm and depression, this book is a shining ray of light- one that promises hope and happy beginnings. This is a story that deserves to be read and I highly recommend it.
bookmarklit's review
5.0
4.5 stars | Wow, this one was not what I expected - a lot darker than I thought it'd be. It was really great though! The main character, Imogen, has a lot of dark thoughts and realistic ups and downs throughout the book. She would be feeling okay one minute when she was hanging out with her friends, and then completely flip around when she started thinking about her mother. I don't know much about depression, but this seemed like a legitimate portrayal of it. Grant was the best.
For a book with such heavy topics, it was really funny! I found myself smiling a lot when Imogen interacted with her friends. I'm so glad I read this one. The end was a little slow for me, though - I just kept thinking "okay, this would be a good place to end" and it continued. It ended up being nice because it wrapped almost everything up perfectly.
Thanks On the Same Page ARC Tours for this one!
Spoiler
and the slow burn romance was so cute. Talk about best friends who are clearly meant to be together but can't make the leap!For a book with such heavy topics, it was really funny! I found myself smiling a lot when Imogen interacted with her friends. I'm so glad I read this one. The end was a little slow for me, though - I just kept thinking "okay, this would be a good place to end" and it continued. It ended up being nice because it wrapped almost everything up perfectly.
Spoiler
I wish it got more into WHY Carmella acted that way and if the two of them mend the relationship.Thanks On the Same Page ARC Tours for this one!
2kimi2furious's review
3.0
I liked parts of this book and I thought the over-all message was positive. But god damn, it was a chore to get through the parts of this book that I didn't like. So much repetitive whining and destructive behavior. And the ending wrapped up just a little too nicely. This book needed a better editor I think.
That said, I know a lot of teens are going to like this because it's going to hit home to them, so I'm not going to fault the book for that. I think it's a very good thing. Also, I really liked the illustrations because it really seemed like something from a troubled teen's journal.
That said, I know a lot of teens are going to like this because it's going to hit home to them, so I'm not going to fault the book for that. I think it's a very good thing. Also, I really liked the illustrations because it really seemed like something from a troubled teen's journal.
charleyreads's review
4.0
A reverse fairytale retelling with a plus size moody theatre geek? HELLS YES!
landycole's review
2.0
This book was just ok.... The main character was really tough to like and it made the story tough to stick with. She was supposed to be the misunderstood step sister from Cinderella but she was so depressed and needy that I just wanted her to shut up. I don't think I could have been friends with her or put up with her whining so I'm not sure why the other characters did. Granted, it was told from the perspective of a high school student so from that angle, it was totally believable but the girl was seriously unstable and really needed help. I think this book could have been a little more upbeat or maybe had a little more comic relief thrown in, something to help with all the suicidal and depressing thoughts. Sorry, can't recommend this one.
jaymeshaw's review
4.0
Okay, so when I picked this up at the public library and read the back I thought oh cool, a neat twist on a fairy tale... Okay, so much more than that! I loved this in that it was such a realistic depiction with a slight fairytale element. Imogen's mother dies when she is young and it is just her and her father left. This book starts 6 years after her mother's passing, when Imogen is in recovery from depression and a cutting issue. (Yeah, it's like THAT real) Imogen's father is already remarried when the book starts, but there's no nasty issues with the stepmom. When Imogen's step sister Carmella "Ella" Cinder shows up it totally turns into Mean Girls and so much more. At one point Imogen hits rock bottom and the author did such an amazing job of taking the reader through it. I would love to put this in my libraries because of the way the author addresses real teen issues like depression, cutting, anxiety, boy/girl relationships, mean girls/bullying, etc.
missriki's review
5.0
I had to take a step back and ponder a little after reading this book, but I mean that only in the best of ways. I think I felt every emotion ever felt by a reader while reading this book, and I wanted to bask in the beauty of such a well crafted and singularly touching novel. Now that I’ve had a chance to sit with my feelings (and oh- there were so many!) I’m ready to put together a more coherent review.
First off, I cannot imagine a single more endearing and heartfelt character than Imogen Keegen. She’s absolutely everything you could possibly ask for in a protagonist. She’s wounded and emotional, yet snarky and smart. She’s a good friend and a dutiful cast mate. She’s the kind of character that you want to be friends with in real life! She’s that girl you just want to wrap your arms around and tell her everything is going to be okay, even when all signs point to the idea that they might not be. The author takes Imogen on a complete journey, and although she falters along the way, she comes out on the other side a more complete and well-rounded person. I cried for Imogen. I cheered for Imogen. I hated for Imogen. In short, I absolutely adored Imogen. She’s unlike any character I’ve ever read in YA, and I loved her.
The secondary characters in this novel are every bit as complex and well developed as Imogen, and I found myself identifying with each one of them. Grant is swoon-worthy and geeky, all at the same time, and I dare you not to crush on him. Even Ella Cinder- the by-all-means evil stepsister, has more dimension that meets the eye. I fell in love with the extremely likable cast of characters and friends that surround Imogen at school and in the production of Once Upon a Mattress and my heart broke when unforeseen circumstances come between them. Every character has a purpose in this novel, and you’ll fall in love with every one of them.
Damsel Distressed handles some very important topics, including depression and self-harm, but it does so with extreme care and tact. There are greater lessons about fitting in and loving yourself evident in the text, but it never once feels didactic. It is simply an honest portrayal of one girl’s struggle with very real problems.
I highly recommend this novel. It is exemplary contemporary young adult with a compelling voice and well-crafted characters. I was taken on the full emotional journey in reading Imogen’s story, and I think that readers everywhere will love her as much as I do.
First off, I cannot imagine a single more endearing and heartfelt character than Imogen Keegen. She’s absolutely everything you could possibly ask for in a protagonist. She’s wounded and emotional, yet snarky and smart. She’s a good friend and a dutiful cast mate. She’s the kind of character that you want to be friends with in real life! She’s that girl you just want to wrap your arms around and tell her everything is going to be okay, even when all signs point to the idea that they might not be. The author takes Imogen on a complete journey, and although she falters along the way, she comes out on the other side a more complete and well-rounded person. I cried for Imogen. I cheered for Imogen. I hated for Imogen. In short, I absolutely adored Imogen. She’s unlike any character I’ve ever read in YA, and I loved her.
The secondary characters in this novel are every bit as complex and well developed as Imogen, and I found myself identifying with each one of them. Grant is swoon-worthy and geeky, all at the same time, and I dare you not to crush on him. Even Ella Cinder- the by-all-means evil stepsister, has more dimension that meets the eye. I fell in love with the extremely likable cast of characters and friends that surround Imogen at school and in the production of Once Upon a Mattress and my heart broke when unforeseen circumstances come between them. Every character has a purpose in this novel, and you’ll fall in love with every one of them.
Damsel Distressed handles some very important topics, including depression and self-harm, but it does so with extreme care and tact. There are greater lessons about fitting in and loving yourself evident in the text, but it never once feels didactic. It is simply an honest portrayal of one girl’s struggle with very real problems.
I highly recommend this novel. It is exemplary contemporary young adult with a compelling voice and well-crafted characters. I was taken on the full emotional journey in reading Imogen’s story, and I think that readers everywhere will love her as much as I do.
samantha_randolph's review
4.0
3.5/5 stars
Short and Sweet:
While I had some trouble connecting to the story here and there, the authorial voice is absolutely phenomenal.
To Elaborate...
Imogen knows how the world and fairy tales work. The hot, skinny girls get the princes, and the plump stepsisters like herself get nothing. The princess in her story falls in the form of Ella Cinder, her new stepsister whose beauty could easily fit the storybook Cinderella's, but whose personality rivals the meanest wicked witch's. Imogen has to battle through her own depression, anxiety, and insecurity as Ella throws all the malicious tools she has at her.
I had strong highs and lows for this book, so I'm just going to break them down in list form.
Loves:
1.) The voice- Imogen's narrative is ridiculously familiar for anyone who has any insecurity (so basically everyone). She can only focus on her negatives. She is so realistic and more than occasionally heartbreaking because of that.
2.) Grant- He's a keeper book boyfriend.
3.) The stepmother, Evelyn, and Imogen's father- I am so, so, so happy to see a book where the parent/step-parent feels NORMAL. So often they fall into one extreme or the other, which of course does happen in real life sometimes, but it's refreshing to see both the good and bad sides to these parents. Evelyn does not always take Ella's side, and she truly seems to care for Imogen. Imogen's father is rarely home, and that causes lots of tension, but he cares in his own way as well. They go through plenty of family bumps during the story, but it all feels real.
Not-So-Loves:
1.) Imogen's dialogue- This isn't a constant dislike through the whole story, and I completely understand why Imogen is so self-destructive, but sometimes it just got really exhausting. Especially towards the second half, it was easy to get frustrated with her (though I absolutely was still rooting for her).
2.) Ella- While there are some hints that there is a reason why Ella is such a mean person, they aren't explored much. It kept teasing the surface that maybe she was hurt after her parents split up and she dealt with bullies as well, but her character is primarily flat. I would, however, read a companion book with her as the main character in order to find out exactly what's going on with her. *hopes there is one*
3.) Imogen's friends- Not all of them and not all the time, but sometimes I just got annoyed with her circle of people. I get they are in theater, but they took dramatic to a whole new level here and there, and that would get old. I probably liked them about 65% of the time.
Overall, I would recommend this if you want a deeper contemporary read that brings up some intense issues. Even though there were a few things I really didn't like, I still liked it in the end, and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
Originally posted at I Heart YA Fiction: http://iheartyafiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-damsel-distressed-by-kelsey-macke.html
Short and Sweet:
While I had some trouble connecting to the story here and there, the authorial voice is absolutely phenomenal.
To Elaborate...
Imogen knows how the world and fairy tales work. The hot, skinny girls get the princes, and the plump stepsisters like herself get nothing. The princess in her story falls in the form of Ella Cinder, her new stepsister whose beauty could easily fit the storybook Cinderella's, but whose personality rivals the meanest wicked witch's. Imogen has to battle through her own depression, anxiety, and insecurity as Ella throws all the malicious tools she has at her.
I had strong highs and lows for this book, so I'm just going to break them down in list form.
Loves:
1.) The voice- Imogen's narrative is ridiculously familiar for anyone who has any insecurity (so basically everyone). She can only focus on her negatives. She is so realistic and more than occasionally heartbreaking because of that.
2.) Grant- He's a keeper book boyfriend.
3.) The stepmother, Evelyn, and Imogen's father- I am so, so, so happy to see a book where the parent/step-parent feels NORMAL. So often they fall into one extreme or the other, which of course does happen in real life sometimes, but it's refreshing to see both the good and bad sides to these parents. Evelyn does not always take Ella's side, and she truly seems to care for Imogen. Imogen's father is rarely home, and that causes lots of tension, but he cares in his own way as well. They go through plenty of family bumps during the story, but it all feels real.
Not-So-Loves:
1.) Imogen's dialogue- This isn't a constant dislike through the whole story, and I completely understand why Imogen is so self-destructive, but sometimes it just got really exhausting. Especially towards the second half, it was easy to get frustrated with her (though I absolutely was still rooting for her).
2.) Ella- While there are some hints that there is a reason why Ella is such a mean person, they aren't explored much. It kept teasing the surface that maybe she was hurt after her parents split up and she dealt with bullies as well, but her character is primarily flat. I would, however, read a companion book with her as the main character in order to find out exactly what's going on with her. *hopes there is one*
3.) Imogen's friends- Not all of them and not all the time, but sometimes I just got annoyed with her circle of people. I get they are in theater, but they took dramatic to a whole new level here and there, and that would get old. I probably liked them about 65% of the time.
Overall, I would recommend this if you want a deeper contemporary read that brings up some intense issues. Even though there were a few things I really didn't like, I still liked it in the end, and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
Originally posted at I Heart YA Fiction: http://iheartyafiction.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-damsel-distressed-by-kelsey-macke.html