mikaelareads_81's review against another edition
2.0
They say this book is for 13 and a above I wouldn't let my daughter read this book.. it was to weird and graphic. they should really think of the frame of minds that kids that are 13 are .. cause I don't think that most of the 13 years old can handle and understand this book.. I wouldn't read this again .. thank god I got it at a use store . and as soon as I was done I trade it back in .. I would never buy it for my collection
noel_oracheski's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Predictable and pretty surface level throughout
greergreer's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what a book, started it at 10:00 and finished it a 3:00. Of course I had to make lunch in between.
Really though every time I had to stop to let dogs pee, make coffee or find food I quickly went back to it and picked it up immediately. As you can tell this book hooked me, made me mad and talk to it alot.
A great story of growing up with a friend who's not your friend but a user for their own means, whether they themselves have been used it is still not acceptable....you know you've know them. They have a way of making you feel insecure and doubtful. If you ever feel that way run the other way... that's what most of my talking to the book was about..." take off you don't need to put up with that" but honestly if the book had paid any attention to me it would have been a dud so it's a good thing it couldn't hear me out. And hey don't judge me for talking to my book I know you talk to the TV sometimes.
Really though every time I had to stop to let dogs pee, make coffee or find food I quickly went back to it and picked it up immediately. As you can tell this book hooked me, made me mad and talk to it alot.
A great story of growing up with a friend who's not your friend but a user for their own means, whether they themselves have been used it is still not acceptable....you know you've know them. They have a way of making you feel insecure and doubtful. If you ever feel that way run the other way... that's what most of my talking to the book was about..." take off you don't need to put up with that" but honestly if the book had paid any attention to me it would have been a dud so it's a good thing it couldn't hear me out. And hey don't judge me for talking to my book I know you talk to the TV sometimes.
pinkyrae's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Car accident, and Bullying
Minor: Self harm
kaylakaotik's review against another edition
2.0
Lessons from a Dead Girl could have been an amazing story. Instead, the book missed the mark and it felt like wasted potential to me.
Unlike many other books that deal with sexual abuse, this book is unique in the sense that the sexual abuse takes place between two peers. It also explores (very briefly, in my opinion) how sexual abuse can be so confusing. How can something be abusive and wrong, but still physically feel good? There's also the point that an abused person possibly (but certainly not always) continues the cycle and abuses someone else.
So, what didn't I enjoy about this rather unique story? It all felt very surface to me. Of course, I'm not sure how much truth depth could have been explored in such a short book (~215 pages), but we're left with not really knowing anything about our characters other than how sexual abuse has completely thrown their life off a normal course. And, honestly, I felt like Leah's death was only used to end the story rather abruptly (and poorly) instead of providing some sort of resolution for both girls.
Unlike many other books that deal with sexual abuse, this book is unique in the sense that the sexual abuse takes place between two peers. It also explores (very briefly, in my opinion) how sexual abuse can be so confusing. How can something be abusive and wrong, but still physically feel good? There's also the point that an abused person possibly (but certainly not always) continues the cycle and abuses someone else.
So, what didn't I enjoy about this rather unique story? It all felt very surface to me. Of course, I'm not sure how much truth depth could have been explored in such a short book (~215 pages), but we're left with not really knowing anything about our characters other than how sexual abuse has completely thrown their life off a normal course. And, honestly, I felt like Leah's death was only used to end the story rather abruptly (and poorly) instead of providing some sort of resolution for both girls.
stormyharper's review against another edition
1.0
This one has been sitting on my shelf for a long time at the beginning and the all whole way through Leah was so bossy Towards Laine and when they were at the cinemas with Jeffrey she decided to take him away from Laine she was never a very nice towards Laine I got it mate I was actually looking forward to this book wait let me down I really didn't like it for that I only give it one star
gardenrose's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good, and shows realization that sometimes it's okay to make yourself happy and not every friend will be a good friend.
Lessons I learned from this book:
- Always tell the truth.
- If you notice signs of abuse on someone, get them help.
- Don't lose yourself just to appeal to other people.
- A real friend won't force you into things you aren't comfortable with.
Lessons I learned from this book:
- Always tell the truth.
- If you notice signs of abuse on someone, get them help.
- Don't lose yourself just to appeal to other people.
- A real friend won't force you into things you aren't comfortable with.
uglyburrito's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty decent book. Very powerful meaning and very though provoking.
rakishabpl's review against another edition
3.0
About two-thirds into this book, I became tired by the build up and the threats of the big reveal. I skipped about 50 pages and read the last two chapters, where every thing is revealed plainly and clearly. Instead of a big gasp, I gave a defeated sigh. Once the abuser of the "dead girl" is subtly revealed earlier, the book doesn't do a good job of holding onto the reader. However, teens will love this book. It touches on an interesting concept of the naive sexually awakening of the abused feeling as though she liked the abuse and is actually a lesbian instead of a sexually/mentally manipulated girl.