ashleereadsbooks692's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Grief, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Gaslighting, Rape, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
kanthereader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was.. decent.
I really liked the theme of this story. Too many times someone is accused of sexual assault but only gets a slap on the wrist because of their perfect reputation. While I liked how this shined light on that side of rape culture, I didn't think it was done in the best way.
The book was messy. It lacked direction. I did like the relationship between Ian and Grace (at times). Especially at chapter 27. Their relationship seemed so pure and wholesome at this moment when Ian admitted he believed her. Took him long enough to see Zac as he is: a predator.
Besides the constant constant gawking and objectifying women, this book was alright.
I really liked the theme of this story. Too many times someone is accused of sexual assault but only gets a slap on the wrist because of their perfect reputation. While I liked how this shined light on that side of rape culture, I didn't think it was done in the best way.
The book was messy. It lacked direction. I did like the relationship between Ian and Grace (at times). Especially at chapter 27. Their relationship seemed so pure and wholesome at this moment when Ian admitted he believed her. Took him long enough to see Zac as he is: a predator.
Besides the constant constant gawking and objectifying women, this book was alright.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Violence, Body shaming, Misogyny, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
sandra_arenas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
jennababy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
rebecca_leigh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
danerysss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
✨4.5 or 5 stars✨
Well. I finished this book in one and a half days. That’s pretty fast, but it think that’s mostly because I was camping, so I didn’t have work to do or anything, and also I didn’t have internet. Still, I tore through this thing. If I’m being honest, I would probably give this five stars just for Grace, but I’m very, very tempted to knock of a half of a star for how stupid Ian was for 25% of the book. Sorry, it just really annoyed me. Still, I think this book is really important and it deals with some real issues in an impactful way. I like how it gives everyone’s opinion and side of the story, but it makes it clear which one is right. I thought this book did a really good job of that. I’ll talk about that more in the Plot section, which is coming up next...
The plot: 5/5⭐️
I was so angry for most of this book. So, so angry because everything was so unfair and I felt so incredibly bad for Grace. Thank goodness it got solved by the end, because it felt like a hard-fought battle. When I read the description for this, I was thinking that it would focus more on the romance than the real issue, but I’m glad to say that that’s not the case. Don’t worry, it does have romance. Romance that, I think, is done spectacularly. But it focuses more on the real issue of this book, and it does that really well. Like I said before, every minute of this book feels like a battle, and I am so very happy that in the end, the battle is won in the right way. Characters stand up for what’s right, instead of just what’s easy. 5/5 stars for this intense, beautifully executed plot.
The characters: 5/5⭐️
I loved the characters in this book because they were so human. Well, I didn’t love some of the characters, but I loved how they were written, and so they get 5/5 stars. Still, I hated some of the characters with my entire being. Like Zac, but that’s pretty obvious. With Grace, it was the exact opposite. She was such a brave, kickass heroine that always stood tall, kept her head up, and fought for what was right even while everyone else fought against her. She was so brave, and she did not break. I’m so incredibly proud of her, and I loved her so much. ❤️
Ian. *sigh* I thought he was an amazing character, and I loved how much he grew by the end of the book, and learned to do what was right, instead of what was easy. In that aspect, he was awesome. I loved him in the beginning, and in the end. But in the middle....god, I hated him so much. I understand that he was caught in the middle and didn’t know what to believe, but I felt like he was being so ignorant and cruel. And he barely even apologized for what happened in the lunchroom, he just said he had “reasons” that he never even explained. Wtf?! At that point I was very tempted to take a whole star off just for his stupidity and meanness. That being said, I understand where he was coming from, and he grew a lot by the end of the book, and so I applaud him for that. I’m not gonna go into detail about any of the other characters, but in general I thought that they were all beautifully flawed and human, and gorgeously written.
The writing: 5/5⭐️
Wow, there are so many good quotes from this book. Mainly said by Grace, or at least thought by her. Some by Ian, too. The writing in this book was immaculate. By the end, I was highlighting entire pages. It had so many beautiful metaphors hanging in there, but it was also raw and emotional, and it explained feelings so well. I’m totally in awe. A+.
The relationships: 5/5⭐️
This book developed relationships so well in such a short period of time. I don’t know how the author did it. All of them seem complicated, but not rushed. It’s amazing. I loved watching Ian and Grace learn to accept each other, and I feel like they helped each other grow a lot. During the story I had a few issues with them, but I loved where they ended up and the end. They totally warmed my heart.
It was also so interesting watching relationships between family members play out. Some were adorable, some were tense, and some were excruciating. (Grace and Kristie, I’m looking at you.) Anyway, I liked watching all these relationships grow and change as well. And I definitely liked how they all ended up at the end, because it felt like good closure but it wasn’t cheesy or rushed.
The ending: 4.5/5⭐️
Absolutely incredible, except for like two complaints that aren’t really complaints. For one, I didn’t like how Grace forgave so many people that had hurt her, but I guess that just shows how strong she is. Still, my petty ass never would’ve forgiven those assholes. But whatever. It’s fine. Secondly, the ending was a centimeter too long, but not really. It was very near perfect. Those last sentences were also perfect, and so on point. It made me so very proud of Grace. Solid 4.5/5 for an incredible ending to an outstanding book.
Well. I finished this book in one and a half days. That’s pretty fast, but it think that’s mostly because I was camping, so I didn’t have work to do or anything, and also I didn’t have internet. Still, I tore through this thing. If I’m being honest, I would probably give this five stars just for Grace, but I’m very, very tempted to knock of a half of a star for how stupid Ian was for 25% of the book. Sorry, it just really annoyed me. Still, I think this book is really important and it deals with some real issues in an impactful way. I like how it gives everyone’s opinion and side of the story, but it makes it clear which one is right. I thought this book did a really good job of that. I’ll talk about that more in the Plot section, which is coming up next...
The plot: 5/5⭐️
I was so angry for most of this book. So, so angry because everything was so unfair and I felt so incredibly bad for Grace. Thank goodness it got solved by the end, because it felt like a hard-fought battle. When I read the description for this, I was thinking that it would focus more on the romance than the real issue, but I’m glad to say that that’s not the case. Don’t worry, it does have romance. Romance that, I think, is done spectacularly. But it focuses more on the real issue of this book, and it does that really well. Like I said before, every minute of this book feels like a battle, and I am so very happy that in the end, the battle is won in the right way. Characters stand up for what’s right, instead of just what’s easy. 5/5 stars for this intense, beautifully executed plot.
The characters: 5/5⭐️
I loved the characters in this book because they were so human. Well, I didn’t love some of the characters, but I loved how they were written, and so they get 5/5 stars. Still, I hated some of the characters with my entire being. Like Zac, but that’s pretty obvious. With Grace, it was the exact opposite. She was such a brave, kickass heroine that always stood tall, kept her head up, and fought for what was right even while everyone else fought against her. She was so brave, and she did not break. I’m so incredibly proud of her, and I loved her so much. ❤️
Ian. *sigh* I thought he was an amazing character, and I loved how much he grew by the end of the book, and learned to do what was right, instead of what was easy. In that aspect, he was awesome. I loved him in the beginning, and in the end. But in the middle....god, I hated him so much. I understand that he was caught in the middle and didn’t know what to believe, but I felt like he was being so ignorant and cruel. And he barely even apologized for what happened in the lunchroom, he just said he had “reasons” that he never even explained. Wtf?! At that point I was very tempted to take a whole star off just for his stupidity and meanness. That being said, I understand where he was coming from, and he grew a lot by the end of the book, and so I applaud him for that. I’m not gonna go into detail about any of the other characters, but in general I thought that they were all beautifully flawed and human, and gorgeously written.
The writing: 5/5⭐️
Wow, there are so many good quotes from this book. Mainly said by Grace, or at least thought by her. Some by Ian, too. The writing in this book was immaculate. By the end, I was highlighting entire pages. It had so many beautiful metaphors hanging in there, but it was also raw and emotional, and it explained feelings so well. I’m totally in awe. A+.
The relationships: 5/5⭐️
This book developed relationships so well in such a short period of time. I don’t know how the author did it. All of them seem complicated, but not rushed. It’s amazing. I loved watching Ian and Grace learn to accept each other, and I feel like they helped each other grow a lot. During the story I had a few issues with them, but I loved where they ended up and the end. They totally warmed my heart.
It was also so interesting watching relationships between family members play out. Some were adorable, some were tense, and some were excruciating. (Grace and Kristie, I’m looking at you.) Anyway, I liked watching all these relationships grow and change as well. And I definitely liked how they all ended up at the end, because it felt like good closure but it wasn’t cheesy or rushed.
The ending: 4.5/5⭐️
Absolutely incredible, except for like two complaints that aren’t really complaints. For one, I didn’t like how Grace forgave so many people that had hurt her, but I guess that just shows how strong she is. Still, my petty ass never would’ve forgiven those assholes. But whatever. It’s fine. Secondly, the ending was a centimeter too long, but not really. It was very near perfect. Those last sentences were also perfect, and so on point. It made me so very proud of Grace. Solid 4.5/5 for an incredible ending to an outstanding book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
sejona's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
faiththegreat091's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I hated how she forgave Ian at all. He had no character development & still objectifies her even after everything he learned. It’s also annoying how they are “dating” even though he didn’t change his views or never really supported her or even helped her it was crazy how his views only changed when he saw the vid but not when he seen how everyone was treating her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
ziann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i read this in 2019, but i still remember bits of it. undeniably, it's one of my favorite. well, i might reread to it to see if it will still be on my top list.
however, i remember those things that made fall head over heels over this book. number one is Grace, this brave, strong and amazing woman. i love the way Miss Patty fleshed her out. it feels like she's a real person, living, suffering and fighting. i faintly remember those scene where she's holding a camera- her weapon, and how strong she appears to me. there are scenes that makes me want to scream at her, tell her to hide and don't do those shits. but it's mostly because, i know to myself that i cannot do those things because i'm not as bold as her. and that made me applaud and love her even more. i cannot imagine myself being in the same situation as her. yet, it gave me courage. it gave me courage to at least speak up and stand for myself even if no one believes me.
and then there's Ian. i can't say that he's the flawed, hot and sexy fictional character that i will easily fall into. but i still like him, nonetheless. he's flawed, yes. but his decisions and choices are understandable. and i'm very sure that being in his spot is not easy, too. still, i was able to like his character in the end.
from what i can remember, this is not a totally romantic book. this is more about Grace, how she dealt with the pain and trauma that she experience. how she met some boys who are straight assholes, and some boys who actually believed in her words. this is about Grace, her courage and her journey to gain justice and redeem herself.
however, i remember those things that made fall head over heels over this book. number one is Grace, this brave, strong and amazing woman. i love the way Miss Patty fleshed her out. it feels like she's a real person, living, suffering and fighting. i faintly remember those scene where she's holding a camera- her weapon, and how strong she appears to me. there are scenes that makes me want to scream at her, tell her to hide and don't do those shits. but it's mostly because, i know to myself that i cannot do those things because i'm not as bold as her. and that made me applaud and love her even more. i cannot imagine myself being in the same situation as her. yet, it gave me courage. it gave me courage to at least speak up and stand for myself even if no one believes me.
and then there's Ian. i can't say that he's the flawed, hot and sexy fictional character that i will easily fall into. but i still like him, nonetheless. he's flawed, yes. but his decisions and choices are understandable. and i'm very sure that being in his spot is not easy, too. still, i was able to like his character in the end.
from what i can remember, this is not a totally romantic book. this is more about Grace, how she dealt with the pain and trauma that she experience. how she met some boys who are straight assholes, and some boys who actually believed in her words. this is about Grace, her courage and her journey to gain justice and redeem herself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Bullying
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