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A review by lauren_soderberg
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
5.0
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum is the kind of novel you end up devouring because you just can’t put it down. It’s full of humor, mischief, and character growth. And I could see this being turned into a movie so easily because its pacing is so on-point.
Doe Saltpeter is kind of a legend The Weston School. She’s fiercely protective of the place where she’s felt at home the past three years, and fully engaged in continuing the century-long war against rival Winfield Academy. She even has a nemesis, Three, who she loves to one-up any chance she gets. When the announcement is made that the schools will be merging, Doe recruits her friends to ramp up the feud. And when Three’s cousin, Wells, suggests they fake date in order to get under Three’s skin, Doe agrees. But, when other more pressing matters are uncovered, and Doe’s feelings towards Wells turn more real, she’ll have to examine what’s really important and if being a diehard “Weston girl” is worth it.
One of the things that Markum does so deftly in this novel is to show genuine character growth. Initially, Doe is very single-minded in her endeavors, and when her worldview is challenged, she behaves in an authentically adolescent way. It’s kind of frustrating to read, but feels so real. Then, she evolves throughout the story. She recognizes her faults and begins to work through them. It’s wholly satisfying to navigate through that process with her.
Doe’s friends are also a compelling part of the narrative, as each challenge her in differing ways. Doe’s relationship with Wells also feels so achingly uncertain and real as they both work through the conflicting feelings they’re experiencing. This book took me back to the time when I was the characters’ age, but also engaged me as an adult. Also, the way that the girls (and the boys) band together when a teacher goes too far is powerful to read.
This is the kind of book that is so witty, engaging, and just plain fun, that you wouldn’t mind seeing it adapted. Do yourselves a favor and add it to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Doe Saltpeter is kind of a legend The Weston School. She’s fiercely protective of the place where she’s felt at home the past three years, and fully engaged in continuing the century-long war against rival Winfield Academy. She even has a nemesis, Three, who she loves to one-up any chance she gets. When the announcement is made that the schools will be merging, Doe recruits her friends to ramp up the feud. And when Three’s cousin, Wells, suggests they fake date in order to get under Three’s skin, Doe agrees. But, when other more pressing matters are uncovered, and Doe’s feelings towards Wells turn more real, she’ll have to examine what’s really important and if being a diehard “Weston girl” is worth it.
One of the things that Markum does so deftly in this novel is to show genuine character growth. Initially, Doe is very single-minded in her endeavors, and when her worldview is challenged, she behaves in an authentically adolescent way. It’s kind of frustrating to read, but feels so real. Then, she evolves throughout the story. She recognizes her faults and begins to work through them. It’s wholly satisfying to navigate through that process with her.
Doe’s friends are also a compelling part of the narrative, as each challenge her in differing ways. Doe’s relationship with Wells also feels so achingly uncertain and real as they both work through the conflicting feelings they’re experiencing. This book took me back to the time when I was the characters’ age, but also engaged me as an adult. Also, the way that the girls (and the boys) band together when a teacher goes too far is powerful to read.
This is the kind of book that is so witty, engaging, and just plain fun, that you wouldn’t mind seeing it adapted. Do yourselves a favor and add it to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.