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ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
This book was hands down a fantastic book! I loved Mikey and Ellie's relationship. Okay so about the book--You Against Me is about Mikey, who has a sister who may or may not have been raped, and Ellie, who's brother may or may not have raped Mikey's sister. Ellie's family is very supportive of her brother but what baffled me was that no one even asked Tom if he actually did commit the crime?!? WHY?!? That would've been the first question I'd ask my brother--or any family member. And the ending!!! Ugh, I have a love/hate relationship because I really want to know what happened to Tom. Was he convicted?!? Can there be another book?!? Or a movie?!? SO I CAN KNOW. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?!?! Other than that, I loved the book. Now I can't wait to read Before I Die from Jenny :)
dynamicdylan's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent dark YA romance. The grittiness reminded me of Ellen Hopkins, and the characters were well developed and like-able. Definately recommended.
justlily's review against another edition
4.0
This was an incredibly enjoyable book. I almost didn't pick it up because I'm not much for romance novels but when I saw a glowing review for it by one of my favorite authors, I decided to give it a shot. Jenny Downham is a master of showing, not telling. The prose here is sparse and almost lyrical but you never lack for deep emotions and for knowing the mental state of the characters.
Told in alternating points of view, I think the author was true to both sides of this story. The brother of the abused and the sister of the accused, two sides which wouldn't normally be told. It was definitely a unique and compelling read.
Told in alternating points of view, I think the author was true to both sides of this story. The brother of the abused and the sister of the accused, two sides which wouldn't normally be told. It was definitely a unique and compelling read.
gg1213's review against another edition
3.0
Watch my video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwhNIPcFCdc
oldsouls_lovebooks's review against another edition
2.0
This book has a very interesting take and perspective on rape victims and the opposing side. I gave it such a low rating because I didn't like the two main characters very much or their plight, and it's difficult to like a book when the protagonist is unlikable. Although I think that is what the author was going for. She took a touchy subject and gave the opinions of both the rape victims family and the rapists as well. To top that off she gave two characters on opposite sides pretty dislikable attitudes towards the situation and in general, specifically Mikey. I think that was risky and interesting to read about. I commend the author for that, but ultimately it was too difficult for me to sympathize with the protagonists let alone care about what they want. For me it made them seem selfish and cruel given the situation involving their siblings. Then again that makes them feel real and human.
alexlaurelhoffman's review against another edition
4.0
So gripping! A really great read on the important topic of rape and victim-blaming, which also includes a beautiful and, at times, heart-wrenching young romance.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed at:
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/01/you-against-me.html
Summary: You Against Me is based off of a theme as old as time- star crossed lovers but set in a modern time where the dueling families are on either side of a rape case.
Mikey's sister Karyn won't leave her house ever since she was date raped by Tom Parker, so Mikey has decided he has to do something about it.
Ellie's brother Tom has just returned from being arrested for the rape of Karyn McKenzie. Ellie was the only person home that night and it is her job to be the main witness to save her brothers reputation and future.
Then at a party for Tom's release as Mikey is searching for Tom to finally get his revenge, he meets Ellie. She is beautiful and it is like she and Mikey were made for each other. But they can't have anything to do with each other... right?
What I Think: This novel throws you right in the middle of Mikey's and Ellie's life where they both are in quite difficult situations. They both feel responsible for protecting their family and it is pulling both of them apart. When the two of them meet in the novel, you can feel the tension through Downham's writing. Ellie resisting Mikey, Mikey resisting Ellie, both resisting their hearts. Man! So intense every time the two of them got together. It was a romance that you root for throughout the book.
And always flowing underneath the romance is the powerful topic of rape. Downham deals with it in a real, but respectful way. It is also interesting to see the topic from both points of view and see how much a crime can affect not only the victim and the victim's family, but the assailant's family as well. It is a point of view that is not often discussed when looking at crimes. Another important aspect of this part of the book is that it also deals specifically with date rape and how no girl is "asking for it" no matter how she dresses or acts. It is such an important thing to teach. In my review of The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney I wrote: This is a very important book. Although too old for my classroom, high school classrooms should make sure to include this book in their libraries. It has a message that is important for teenage boys and girls to hear. It shows that this crime is just that- a crime. "If a person does not say "no," that does not mean he or she said "yes." Silence does not equal consent. Silence could mean fear, confusion, inebriation. The only thing that means yes is yes. a lack of yes is a no."
Although all aspects of the story were well done, I felt that the two main characters and their struggles were by far the strongest in the story. Even though the story also deals with Karyn's rape and the court case, the true story in this book is Mikey and Ellie's.
http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/01/you-against-me.html
Summary: You Against Me is based off of a theme as old as time- star crossed lovers but set in a modern time where the dueling families are on either side of a rape case.
Mikey's sister Karyn won't leave her house ever since she was date raped by Tom Parker, so Mikey has decided he has to do something about it.
Ellie's brother Tom has just returned from being arrested for the rape of Karyn McKenzie. Ellie was the only person home that night and it is her job to be the main witness to save her brothers reputation and future.
Then at a party for Tom's release as Mikey is searching for Tom to finally get his revenge, he meets Ellie. She is beautiful and it is like she and Mikey were made for each other. But they can't have anything to do with each other... right?
What I Think: This novel throws you right in the middle of Mikey's and Ellie's life where they both are in quite difficult situations. They both feel responsible for protecting their family and it is pulling both of them apart. When the two of them meet in the novel, you can feel the tension through Downham's writing. Ellie resisting Mikey, Mikey resisting Ellie, both resisting their hearts. Man! So intense every time the two of them got together. It was a romance that you root for throughout the book.
And always flowing underneath the romance is the powerful topic of rape. Downham deals with it in a real, but respectful way. It is also interesting to see the topic from both points of view and see how much a crime can affect not only the victim and the victim's family, but the assailant's family as well. It is a point of view that is not often discussed when looking at crimes. Another important aspect of this part of the book is that it also deals specifically with date rape and how no girl is "asking for it" no matter how she dresses or acts. It is such an important thing to teach. In my review of The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney I wrote: This is a very important book. Although too old for my classroom, high school classrooms should make sure to include this book in their libraries. It has a message that is important for teenage boys and girls to hear. It shows that this crime is just that- a crime. "If a person does not say "no," that does not mean he or she said "yes." Silence does not equal consent. Silence could mean fear, confusion, inebriation. The only thing that means yes is yes. a lack of yes is a no."
Although all aspects of the story were well done, I felt that the two main characters and their struggles were by far the strongest in the story. Even though the story also deals with Karyn's rape and the court case, the true story in this book is Mikey and Ellie's.
rshearon's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars! I really liked this book! It had a very unique storyline and interesting main characters! I wish there had been more mystery and romance and less drama and angst. I appreciated the ending a lot because it was the most realistic part- everything in life doesn't always end happily!!!!! Would recommend
nbwalks's review against another edition
3.0
I really, really, REALLY wanted to love this book but I just couldn't get into it. I mean it was enjoyable but some parts were rather....strange. For example **Spoilers (although they aren't really spoilery since they don't reveal anything)** when Mikey was "taking a dump"-who writes about that??? and also when he started to "act like a dog" and "rubbed his face on her thigh"-ummm....i don't even know what to say....
My main disappointment was the fact that the court case didn't happen. I mean it did but you don't get to read about it since it's in the future after the book is over. You never know the outcome even though I guess you can infer based on what the characters say. Still. I wanted to know and I wanted to see Tom's butt locked up in jail. (Sadly I will admit that at times I felt bad for Tom. Some of his moments of vulnerability just broke my heart)
The other thing that threw me off and prevented me from really getting into the book was the British lingo. I mean I know (now) that it was written in the UK but since I didn't before I started reading it threw me off. I had to wait for context clues in order for me to figure out what they were talking about. This isn't a problem with the book I'm just saying...
Overall, it was a good book but I have read better that deal with this type of plot line (i.e Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Just Listen by Sarah Dessen)
My main disappointment was the fact that the court case didn't happen. I mean it did but you don't get to read about it since it's in the future after the book is over. You never know the outcome even though I guess you can infer based on what the characters say. Still. I wanted to know and I wanted to see Tom's butt locked up in jail. (Sadly I will admit that at times I felt bad for Tom. Some of his moments of vulnerability just broke my heart)
The other thing that threw me off and prevented me from really getting into the book was the British lingo. I mean I know (now) that it was written in the UK but since I didn't before I started reading it threw me off. I had to wait for context clues in order for me to figure out what they were talking about. This isn't a problem with the book I'm just saying...
Overall, it was a good book but I have read better that deal with this type of plot line (i.e Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Just Listen by Sarah Dessen)