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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
Really loved this one--I finished it in just a few hours. I think it's an important read for high school students, especially in a world where information (and gossip) travels at light-speed. The story is told from the perspective of several different teenagers, and it revolves around Alice, the subject of some vicious rumors. We hear the story from the point-of-view of the people who started these rumors, which really makes these characters more difficult to dislike (even though you'll definitely be frustrated by them). I also love that we don't hear from Alice until the very last pages--it makes her perspective all the more powerful. I will DEFINITELY be getting a copy of this for my library...probably several, actually...and encouraging my kids to read it.
omg so much drama lol
I don’t really know how to review this bc it’s so short and not very much happens
But I’ll try
*pirate voice* THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD
but if this isn’t the first of my reviews you’ve read you should know that by now.
So basically, the premise of this book is that this girl, Alice, slept with two boys on the same night (insert shocked Victorian here) ...and then one of them died.
Now, Alice, who used to be one of the most popular girls, is an outcast. Hated. Despised. Blamed.
After all, didn’t you hear that Alice was texting Brandon just before he died? It MUST be her fault.
But you find out later that Alice DID’NT sleep with two boys, she DID’NT kill Brandon, and she DID’NT have an abortion.
So why does everyone blame her?
It’s quite simple. Because she was there. Because people were jealous. Because it’s easier to believe others.
Characters:
Alice: even though you only get one chapter from her POV, you end up liking her and feeling sorry for her.(even though she’d probably kill you if you said it)
Elaine: she’s like an onion, the more layers you unpeel, the more vulnerable she is.
Kurt: poor boy. He’s just sweet and smart. (and has a MASSIVE CRUSH on Alice)
Josh: just open up to yourself AND ADMIT U LIKED BRANDON eeeeesh
Kelsey: the ex best friend. Just trying to belong BY STABBING ALICE IN THE BACK
basically they’re all stereotypes
Anyway remember I said this would be hard to write a review about?
I think I managed ok
I don’t really know how to review this bc it’s so short and not very much happens
But I’ll try
*pirate voice* THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD
but if this isn’t the first of my reviews you’ve read you should know that by now.
So basically, the premise of this book is that this girl, Alice, slept with two boys on the same night (insert shocked Victorian here) ...and then one of them died.
Now, Alice, who used to be one of the most popular girls, is an outcast. Hated. Despised. Blamed.
After all, didn’t you hear that Alice was texting Brandon just before he died? It MUST be her fault.
But you find out later that Alice DID’NT sleep with two boys, she DID’NT kill Brandon, and she DID’NT have an abortion.
So why does everyone blame her?
It’s quite simple. Because she was there. Because people were jealous. Because it’s easier to believe others.
Characters:
Alice: even though you only get one chapter from her POV, you end up liking her and feeling sorry for her.(even though she’d probably kill you if you said it)
Elaine: she’s like an onion, the more layers you unpeel, the more vulnerable she is.
Kurt: poor boy. He’s just sweet and smart. (and has a MASSIVE CRUSH on Alice)
Josh: just open up to yourself AND ADMIT U LIKED BRANDON eeeeesh
Kelsey: the ex best friend. Just trying to belong BY STABBING ALICE IN THE BACK
basically they’re all stereotypes
Anyway remember I said this would be hard to write a review about?
I think I managed ok
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
There are moments I just hate teenagers. Don't get me wrong, I love them a lot of the time, and I love, for the most part, my students. But then I remember they are capable of such meanness, such bitchy behavior, and I hate them again.
I think this book would have been less effective if I wasn't a high school teacher. If I didn't see kids being mean to each other every day. If I didn't know an Alice or Elaine or Kelsie or Josh or Kurt. I know them all, which made this book that much harder, and better, to read.
Sure, the characters could have been fleshed out a little better, and some of the stories could have been expanded upon. But overall I just really enjoyed each of their voices, especially since Alice didn't really get a voice.
I think this book would have been less effective if I wasn't a high school teacher. If I didn't see kids being mean to each other every day. If I didn't know an Alice or Elaine or Kelsie or Josh or Kurt. I know them all, which made this book that much harder, and better, to read.
Sure, the characters could have been fleshed out a little better, and some of the stories could have been expanded upon. But overall I just really enjoyed each of their voices, especially since Alice didn't really get a voice.
I seriously cannot get through this book. I tried to finish it but I simply can't. It doesn't peak my interest.
*1.5 stars
I think it was maybe my fault for picking up this book when it probably wasn't meant for my age. I bought this book back in the beginning of high school, and was really bored without access to many other books today, so I just read it.
The Good:
-The pacing is good and it's a really quick read
-I think the author tried to convey that slut shaming is bad and can ruin someone's life, even though it was handled kind of clumsily
The Bad:
-The social issues weren't handled the best in this book, especially for a younger audience. From abortion (which felt strangely pro-life even though a character had an abortion) to slut shaming to bullying to idk what else.
-Everyone felt like a stereotype, and everything felt super dramatic and blown way out of proportion. Maybe it's because I didn't live in a small town, but to me it felt like these things weren't likely to actually happen. The author also didn't really introduce anything new to the issues (above) she was talking about, and there really wasn't any nuance. Because of that, this entire book felt pointless.
I think it was maybe my fault for picking up this book when it probably wasn't meant for my age. I bought this book back in the beginning of high school, and was really bored without access to many other books today, so I just read it.
The Good:
-The pacing is good and it's a really quick read
-I think the author tried to convey that slut shaming is bad and can ruin someone's life, even though it was handled kind of clumsily
The Bad:
-The social issues weren't handled the best in this book, especially for a younger audience. From abortion (which felt strangely pro-life even though a character had an abortion) to slut shaming to bullying to idk what else.
-Everyone felt like a stereotype, and everything felt super dramatic and blown way out of proportion. Maybe it's because I didn't live in a small town, but to me it felt like these things weren't likely to actually happen. The author also didn't really introduce anything new to the issues (above) she was talking about, and there really wasn't any nuance. Because of that, this entire book felt pointless.
This was on a list of one of the most banned books in 2023. It definitely touches sensitive subjects and the main plot is centered on bullying and slur-shaming. It is a disheartening look at groupthink and TD teenage choices and behaviors but at the same time some fantastic relationships emerge and deliver some hope. The book has been banned for a variety of reasons but mostly because it includes premarital sex and a teen pregnancy and all the decisions and choices that go along with that. I was interested in this as the bullying becomes an exercise in popularity by using and stepping on other people once called friends to raise oneself on the social strata. Even the lowest on the social ladder seem to participate even though it may be unintentional, subconscious, or cowardly. It was at least a somewhat realistic look at teen issues, just not my favorite kind of story, and I wished some of the characters had been developed more. It is told by multiple narrators which can make the multi-actor audio version a little confusing at first, but either print or audio works fine.
I don't know .. but lying is somethig very bad that what did it taught me .. i just have to be honest all the time no matter what
Originally reviewed at Pretty Little Memoirs.
The story starts with a bang. Quite literally the most startling opener I've read in a while. We get pulled into the mystery from the get-go and everything revolves around, you guessed it, Alice Franklin. There's rumors, and then there's downright vicious-meets-huge rumors, which is what Alice has under her belt. It's written in bathroom stalls in the Girls' bathroom, the talk of the School and spirals a web of mystery when Brandon Fitzsimmons, star quarterback, dies in a car accident. People say it's Alice's fault. But is it really? Because no one really knows the truth about Alice (quite like the title) other than Alice, herself. So we start with four tell-all's from four different students at Healy High, who spill their version of the truth and the consequences that lead us down a treacherous path.
When we finally delve into the heads of the different characters, the truth crawls its way out. I was really taken aback by some of the things Alice's "so called" friends said behind her back, the rumors that they spread without knowing the truth, and the way the town paraded the fallen football star as a hero, despite his poor treatment of women. Whenever we get a story like this, there's always so much going on beneath the surface that it's a sense of relief to delve into the truth and not have this barrier of reader-meets-character. Knowing the outcome of The Truth About Alice (no spoilers, it's *so good* and you need to read it yourself) was like the perfect sheet of ice being shattered by a sledgehammer, truth - or freedom - at last.
Overall, The Truth About Alice was incredible. I can see why people love Jennifer's novels and I'll definitely be picking up Moxie as soon as I can. There's so much depth and character to this novel, and it's got something for YA and older readers to gain something from. The character development was on point, and in particular Alice. Truly such a remarkable read that I don't want to say too much about for fear of spoiling you all. Do yourselves a favour and go read this ASAP - you'll thank me later.
The story starts with a bang. Quite literally the most startling opener I've read in a while. We get pulled into the mystery from the get-go and everything revolves around, you guessed it, Alice Franklin. There's rumors, and then there's downright vicious-meets-huge rumors, which is what Alice has under her belt. It's written in bathroom stalls in the Girls' bathroom, the talk of the School and spirals a web of mystery when Brandon Fitzsimmons, star quarterback, dies in a car accident. People say it's Alice's fault. But is it really? Because no one really knows the truth about Alice (quite like the title) other than Alice, herself. So we start with four tell-all's from four different students at Healy High, who spill their version of the truth and the consequences that lead us down a treacherous path.
When we finally delve into the heads of the different characters, the truth crawls its way out. I was really taken aback by some of the things Alice's "so called" friends said behind her back, the rumors that they spread without knowing the truth, and the way the town paraded the fallen football star as a hero, despite his poor treatment of women. Whenever we get a story like this, there's always so much going on beneath the surface that it's a sense of relief to delve into the truth and not have this barrier of reader-meets-character. Knowing the outcome of The Truth About Alice (no spoilers, it's *so good* and you need to read it yourself) was like the perfect sheet of ice being shattered by a sledgehammer, truth - or freedom - at last.
Overall, The Truth About Alice was incredible. I can see why people love Jennifer's novels and I'll definitely be picking up Moxie as soon as I can. There's so much depth and character to this novel, and it's got something for YA and older readers to gain something from. The character development was on point, and in particular Alice. Truly such a remarkable read that I don't want to say too much about for fear of spoiling you all. Do yourselves a favour and go read this ASAP - you'll thank me later.
I feel like there are some books that you just know you’re going to love from the moment you lay eyes on the cover. The Truth About Alice was one of those books. Of course, this wasn’t the easiest book to read, but I’m very glad I did. It was emotional and powerful and impossible to put down.
The thing I loved most about The Truth About Alice was the way the story was told. Written from the point of view of four of Alice’s classmates, we’re given a look at the motivations of those surrounding the rumors about Alice. There was Elaine, the queen bee of Healy High and the worst of the worst of Alice’s bully’s. Through her eyes we are able to see the jealousy and insecurity that comes with being the most popular girl in school. Then there was Kelsie, Alice’s best friend, and the instigator of some of the worse rumors. She was a horrible person, and I hated her, even when I could sympathize with the darkest parts of her story. Her hypocrisy was sometimes too much to stomach. Josh, Brandon’s best friend, who was there during the car crash that killed Brandon, has his own secrets to hide and his own reasons for starting rumors about Alice. Finally, there was Kurt, the boy who loved Alice from afar, and slowly got to know the real girl and not his fantasy-Alice.
The thing about these characters is that they all felt real to me. Mathieu was able to make even the worst people compulsively readable. Elaine, Kelsie, Josh, and Kurt each had a stereotypical role to play in Healy High, but each of them are much more than the boxes they’re shoved into. They have secrets and fears and hopes and the author was able to convey this beautifully. Reading Elaine’s and Kelsie’s perspectives was almost painful sometimes – they did some really fucked up shit to Alice. I hate to humanize the bullies, but the way it was written was perfect for slowly unraveling the mystery and finally learning the truth about Alice.
When we finally get to hear from Alice herself, in the very last chapter, I really, really loved her voice. By this time, a lot of time has passed, and Alice is able to start putting her junior year behind her. I love that her chapter didn’t deal with the rumors, didn’t address the bullshit at all. Instead, she focused on moving forward. She wasn’t full of hate, she wasn’t bitter – even though she had every right to be. Instead, she was hopeful and optimistic and I loved it.
The Truth About Alice is really dark and at times quite disturbing. It shows the realities of bullying from an unexpected perspective. It was hard to read, but at the same time, it was even harder to put down. An absolute must read for all contemporary fans.
The thing I loved most about The Truth About Alice was the way the story was told. Written from the point of view of four of Alice’s classmates, we’re given a look at the motivations of those surrounding the rumors about Alice. There was Elaine, the queen bee of Healy High and the worst of the worst of Alice’s bully’s. Through her eyes we are able to see the jealousy and insecurity that comes with being the most popular girl in school. Then there was Kelsie, Alice’s best friend, and the instigator of some of the worse rumors. She was a horrible person, and I hated her, even when I could sympathize with the darkest parts of her story. Her hypocrisy was sometimes too much to stomach. Josh, Brandon’s best friend, who was there during the car crash that killed Brandon, has his own secrets to hide and his own reasons for starting rumors about Alice. Finally, there was Kurt, the boy who loved Alice from afar, and slowly got to know the real girl and not his fantasy-Alice.
The thing about these characters is that they all felt real to me. Mathieu was able to make even the worst people compulsively readable. Elaine, Kelsie, Josh, and Kurt each had a stereotypical role to play in Healy High, but each of them are much more than the boxes they’re shoved into. They have secrets and fears and hopes and the author was able to convey this beautifully. Reading Elaine’s and Kelsie’s perspectives was almost painful sometimes – they did some really fucked up shit to Alice. I hate to humanize the bullies, but the way it was written was perfect for slowly unraveling the mystery and finally learning the truth about Alice.
When we finally get to hear from Alice herself, in the very last chapter, I really, really loved her voice. By this time, a lot of time has passed, and Alice is able to start putting her junior year behind her. I love that her chapter didn’t deal with the rumors, didn’t address the bullshit at all. Instead, she focused on moving forward. She wasn’t full of hate, she wasn’t bitter – even though she had every right to be. Instead, she was hopeful and optimistic and I loved it.
The Truth About Alice is really dark and at times quite disturbing. It shows the realities of bullying from an unexpected perspective. It was hard to read, but at the same time, it was even harder to put down. An absolute must read for all contemporary fans.