jolson's review against another edition
5.0
I will most assuredly be recommending this book to many of my high schoolers.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
5.0
So, I went to DragonCon past weekend and I saw this author on a YALit SF panel. This was the only title my library had, so I picked it up. It's not SF at all, but that's not all I read.
I really enjoyed this one. The topic is heavy, but even with that, it's more of a fairy tale version of what can happen after something horrific like rape, if that makes sense. And while it's not realistic, it is nice to see, for a change, what the aftermath COULD look like. The author even acknowledges that in the end in her notes. I LOVED the friendship between Hermione and Polly. LOVED it.
I really enjoyed this one. The topic is heavy, but even with that, it's more of a fairy tale version of what can happen after something horrific like rape, if that makes sense. And while it's not realistic, it is nice to see, for a change, what the aftermath COULD look like. The author even acknowledges that in the end in her notes. I LOVED the friendship between Hermione and Polly. LOVED it.
karibaumann's review against another edition
5.0
This one really captured my heart. I loved it, its protagonist, and her team. Also it's Canadian and didn't try to explain certain things for us American readers, which made me happy.
mouwuol's review against another edition
4.0
One of the toughest books to read because of the subject matter: rape.
This book doesn’t whisper that it’s about rape. It tells you like it is, rape is a terrible crime and shouldn’t be avoided in conversations.
People can’t say the word rape when talking about it. Just say it and acknowledge that it happens.
This book doesn’t whisper that it’s about rape. It tells you like it is, rape is a terrible crime and shouldn’t be avoided in conversations.
People can’t say the word rape when talking about it. Just say it and acknowledge that it happens.
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
Hermione Winters is co-captain of her cheerleading squad, along with her best friend Polly. Just like the rest of the team Hermione has given everything for her sport. Determined to go out on a high, the team attend what will be - for some - their final Cheer camp.
The first part of the book focuses on establishing the key characters within Hermione's team and her relationship with them. It ends with the party to celebrate the end of camp. All we are told is Hermione remembers getting a drink, then she is taken outside and everything goes black.
With this title, the interest in staging is evident. I loved the fact that we are given regular Shakespearean quotes pertinent to the content. The structuring of the novel felt, at times, like a script for a performance.
There's no spoilers in me telling you that Hermione is raped. We're given very few details about the attack. This is more focused on the impact such an event can have on a person and their relationships, and how to come to terms with events about which you may have no recall.
Ultimately, this is a sensitive subject that many may shy away from. However, I feel this is an important book for people to consider reading although the focus on cheerleading might be off-putting.
The first part of the book focuses on establishing the key characters within Hermione's team and her relationship with them. It ends with the party to celebrate the end of camp. All we are told is Hermione remembers getting a drink, then she is taken outside and everything goes black.
With this title, the interest in staging is evident. I loved the fact that we are given regular Shakespearean quotes pertinent to the content. The structuring of the novel felt, at times, like a script for a performance.
There's no spoilers in me telling you that Hermione is raped. We're given very few details about the attack. This is more focused on the impact such an event can have on a person and their relationships, and how to come to terms with events about which you may have no recall.
Ultimately, this is a sensitive subject that many may shy away from. However, I feel this is an important book for people to consider reading although the focus on cheerleading might be off-putting.
shogins's review against another edition
5.0
A thoughtful, engaging story about a really hard topic.
the_coriolis_effect's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe like 3.5. I liked it. I thought it was a decent social commentary. I liked that there was something of a romance without their being an actual romance. The ending had me a little ???? But otherwise a decent read.
rcaivano's review against another edition
Hermoine, the co-captain of her high school's champion cheerleading team, is drugged and raped at camp. Because she doesn't remember the attack, she struggles with trying to overcome it, but often has issues she doesn't feel it actually happened to her. She has a rock-solid support system - her friends, family, and coach, and she has the drive to not let this define her. She's strong, and when she's not, she has a lot of people around her to prop her up. She's a good character, a good role model. The book is based on A Winter's Tale
allyem_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This hit way, way too close to home but that’s what makes it a five star for me. I felt completely winded while reading this book for a lot of reasons. I know so many girls who are Hermione. I’m Hermione. And while I recognize not everyone can read about rape, I really think this is a beneficial book to read if you’re a victim of sexual assault. Yes, it will be devastating and possibly triggering, but I think it will also have you coming out stronger at the end of it. I know that I feel stronger.
(Side note, the Bears’ colors are the same as my high school colors, and now whenever the uniforms are mentioned, I can only think about my high school cheerleading uniform. At least I felt super cute and badass in it.)
(Another side note, but this is probably my most favorite book cover, it’s so aesthetically pleasing to me.)
(Side note, the Bears’ colors are the same as my high school colors, and now whenever the uniforms are mentioned, I can only think about my high school cheerleading uniform. At least I felt super cute and badass in it.)
(Another side note, but this is probably my most favorite book cover, it’s so aesthetically pleasing to me.)