A review by kaceyjaceyxd
Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

In this multi-POV story, we see how bullying can unfold many lives - not just those of the bullies or bullied. This novel explores a lot of heavy topics including bullying, fat shaming, self harm, and suicide. It is a very realistic approach to what high school can really be like, and gives great insight to how sometimes the politics of families have an effect on impressionable teens. While the overall tone of the book is quite tense and sad, it does come with a bit of a feel good ending. Not all things are wrapped up perfectly by the end, but that almost feels like an intentional allusion to the fact that rarely ever in life do things get neatly wrapped up - rather we are constantly working to improve ourselves and work towards a greater good. Overall a solid 4.5/5 for an emotionally charged, can’t put it down YA novel. Read in one sitting despite being over 300 pages. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings