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A review by thatssostelle
What Happened to Lani Garver by Carol Plum-Ucci, Carol Plum-Ucci
4.0
Originally reviewed at Rather Be Reading Blog.
All I can say is my god, high school is rough and I’m glad to be out of there. Magan warned me in advance that this book was disturbing and I think that’s why it took me a little longer than normal to finish it. But I am so glad that I did.
Lani isn’t into being defined. And Claire may show off a positive outlook on life, but it’s as fake as the smiles in her pictures. They are an unlikely pair, and even though their friendship is short-lived, it’s like they have known each other for years.
Claire is dealing with an alcoholic mother, the possibility of having a cancer relapse, starving herself, and a somewhat absent father. Her “friends” are just not the kind you confide it. Instead they are the ones who play “chicken” and get her into dangerous pickles. Her friendship with Lani puts her reputation on the line, and Lani can’t stand clear of multiple forms of harassment.
While this book is difficult to read, Claire’s character development is worth it. Lani teaches her that life gets worse before it gets better, and the strength that Claire finds is truly remarkable. Lani teaches her volumes about herself, actually.
All I can say is my god, high school is rough and I’m glad to be out of there. Magan warned me in advance that this book was disturbing and I think that’s why it took me a little longer than normal to finish it. But I am so glad that I did.
Lani isn’t into being defined. And Claire may show off a positive outlook on life, but it’s as fake as the smiles in her pictures. They are an unlikely pair, and even though their friendship is short-lived, it’s like they have known each other for years.
Claire is dealing with an alcoholic mother, the possibility of having a cancer relapse, starving herself, and a somewhat absent father. Her “friends” are just not the kind you confide it. Instead they are the ones who play “chicken” and get her into dangerous pickles. Her friendship with Lani puts her reputation on the line, and Lani can’t stand clear of multiple forms of harassment.
While this book is difficult to read, Claire’s character development is worth it. Lani teaches her that life gets worse before it gets better, and the strength that Claire finds is truly remarkable. Lani teaches her volumes about herself, actually.