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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Anderson captures the interior voice of a smart teen girl processing trauma like no one else. Melinda is deeply funny and real. I can't believe I didn't get to read this book when I was a teen girl myself, but I'm glad I finally joined in.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book blew my mind in 7th grade. It stayed with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
I will confess that as an adult, the big secret in this book is not a secret at all, though perhaps it would have been had I read it as a young adult? I was therefore delighted to realize that it didn't detract from my appreciation of the book at all. I found the character and her transition from the trauma highly believable and the minor characters, particularly the art teacher, very interesting and sympathetic. It certainly does not say much about friendship at that age if someone could be so easily be ostracized, though -- wow, that was painful. I also applaud the character's mixed feelings about her parents (highly critical/dismissive one moment, grateful the next) as another sign of the author's skill in capturing a young teen. The climax was well done and well earned. The author leaves some things open ended and I read in the question/answer section with the author that she would consider a sequel, but it never happened. As an author myself, I can respect that. You don't want to force it. Highly recommend for young men as well as women. Male teens need to understand the female point of view and the author handles the mixed emotions of the "big secret" and how it went down very well, IMO. Bravo!
CW for sexual assault! This book is about high school and healing from sexual assault. It's hard to read because of the pain, the betrayal, and the neglect.
I saw this movie a loooong time ago and then found out it was based on a book. Both were really good!
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
This book is an easy read. The segmented stream of consciousness sucks you into reading just one more page. The author does well capturing the thoughts of a ninth grade outcast. The book well encapsulates a serious topic in an approachable manner.
i’m not even sure where to begin…i loved this novel. i found myself catching glimpses of a girl that resembled myself. im not sure if it would have been better if i read this book when i was actually a freshmen…i just know that reading it as a junior, i found comfort within the pages getting to know a girl that was like me.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes