A powerful YA contemporary read
Confronting privilege, sexual assault, toxic masculinity, ambition, friendship, trauma and corrupt institutions, this bold YA contemporary novel hits hard and leaves you reeling.
It boldly demands that we speak up and call out inappropriate behaviour, and each do our part to dismantle institutions that promise to 'protect' and 'respect' but then only extend that protection and respect to certain, powerful social groups.
Just as powerfully, it also shows the devastation felt by survivors of assault, who are often made to feel insignificant, dishonest and even crazy. Q's character, in particular, is brilliantly written. Though she breaks down, can't handle certain situations, and turns to a few unhealthy coping mechanisms before she finds help and hope, you never doubt for a second that she is brave and strong, valuable and worthy. I love that we see her friends' POVs too, so as readers we learn ways of supporting our loved ones as they work through their hardest, darkest times.
Another thing I love about this book is Max's POV. His character shows how easily our friendship groups and social status can affect our behaviour, how doing nothing can be the same as allowing something terrible to happen, and how brave men (especially young men) need to be to stand against toxic masculine culture.
I wish I'd read this when I was high-school age, but would recommend it to readers of all ages.
It boldly demands that we speak up and call out inappropriate behaviour, and each do our part to dismantle institutions that promise to 'protect' and 'respect' but then only extend that protection and respect to certain, powerful social groups.
Just as powerfully, it also shows the devastation felt by survivors of assault, who are often made to feel insignificant, dishonest and even crazy. Q's character, in particular, is brilliantly written. Though she breaks down, can't handle certain situations, and turns to a few unhealthy coping mechanisms before she finds help and hope, you never doubt for a second that she is brave and strong, valuable and worthy. I love that we see her friends' POVs too, so as readers we learn ways of supporting our loved ones as they work through their hardest, darkest times.
Another thing I love about this book is Max's POV. His character shows how easily our friendship groups and social status can affect our behaviour, how doing nothing can be the same as allowing something terrible to happen, and how brave men (especially young men) need to be to stand against toxic masculine culture.
I wish I'd read this when I was high-school age, but would recommend it to readers of all ages.