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amandalynn's review against another edition
5.0
I have experienced abuse in a few different forms so this book really hit home. A few times throughout the book I had to stop and do something else because I was getting emotional. Absolutely loved this book. Its a must read :)
alizalondon's review against another edition
2.0
Very complex and real. It could be that I’ve read a lot of similar YA contemporaries, but I felt that this book fell short of the mark in the emotional aspect, and though I understand this book’s message regarding the cycle of abuse, I really wanted a more satisfying ending. Plus, Jace is kind of a jerk for most of the book.
mldias's review against another edition
4.0
When Jace Witherspoon shows up on his brother's doorstep, he doesn't need to say a word. His bruised face and fat lip speak for themselves. Christian, his older brother, is all too familiar with their father's wrath--for years, he took punches for his mother and brother, until the beatings landed him in the hospital and a friend's family helped him escape. This left Jace as the human buffer zone between his abusive father and downtrodden mother.
The problem is, Jace's and Christian's father is no ordinary abuser. He is a judge, one of the most respected in Chicago. He knows the system better than anyone. He is diabolical enough to have devised a defense in the event his beatings ever kill his wife.
But Jace, bruised and broken as he is, isn't entirely innocent himself. He carries with him a dark secret from his past life, one that the story reveals to us gradually. Living with Christian presents an opportunity to start over, but he realizes quickly that he can only run so far from the life he has left behind. Can he break the cycle his father set in motion years ago?
The problem is, Jace's and Christian's father is no ordinary abuser. He is a judge, one of the most respected in Chicago. He knows the system better than anyone. He is diabolical enough to have devised a defense in the event his beatings ever kill his wife.
But Jace, bruised and broken as he is, isn't entirely innocent himself. He carries with him a dark secret from his past life, one that the story reveals to us gradually. Living with Christian presents an opportunity to start over, but he realizes quickly that he can only run so far from the life he has left behind. Can he break the cycle his father set in motion years ago?
banrions's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really not sure what I feel about this book yet. I can tell you that I read right through it, I connected with the characters and I desperately wanted to know if they would be okay. That right there tells you something. The author is very good at bringing you into Jace's head. I felt like he was a real person. This is one of those books that just kind of changes your perspective on life. I have never been in an abusive situation nor - to my knowledge - have I known anyone in one. I felt a bit out of my depth. It just.....everyone should read this book. I still don't have coherent thoughts.
calypsogilstrap's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I have read recently. Three very violent scenes but I skimmed them enough to understand the conflict. The brother relationship and the reality of domestic violence will stick with you. Highly recommend as a boy book and for students who enjoy Ellen Hopkins books
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
2.0
eh, meh. it was hella boring, and it took me forever to drag myself through it.
blackerbird's review against another edition
5.0
This book provides insight into how abuse can affect an entire family and the consequences that come with it. It's dark and troubling, but also very thought provoking.