A review by veloci_rachel
The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

4.0

This is a quick but moving read that covers friendship, bullying, and suicide. The characters and situations are easy to relate to, but I found the development of Oscar's story to be a bit emotionally agonizing for me because he was such a precious and kind character.

Spoiler

Paloma was maddeningly evil in a Cruel-Intentions kind of way. She felt both over the top and disturbingly real, because people like her absolutely exist (I had a Paloma of my own growing up) and I appreciate that in this story she was eventually confronted. Other real-world bullies like her never are and we have seen a lot of examples of teens committing suicide as a result of manipulations like hers. I hope this story is read by someone with a "friend" like her who is able to finally see them for what they are.

I hope that this story inspires others to embrace their passions, even in the face of those who want to tear them down.