Monday, February 6, 2012

Some Girls Are

Author: Courtney Summers
Source: Library
Summary: (back of book) Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students of Hallowell High...that is, until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend started going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden,a misfit with a fragile past whom she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these one time enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend...if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.
Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march forward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.
Review: Although the concept behind this book may sound fairly common, Some Girls Are, really struck a chord with me. I think (or maybe it is just me), we can all relate to Regina's position. There seems to be always that one person making you feel inferior, telling you to do their dirty work, using you to elevate themselves, all while calling themselves your friend. Anna was that person to Regina. The fall from grace isn't a new story, but Regina's character gives her particular tale power.
It took having to take what she was commanded to dish out for Regina to realize how wrongly she had been living and that "A whole world exists outside of that (Hallowell High School) hellhole." (pg 246). This book was all sharp angles and harsh words which portrayed Regina's character and emotion effectively. I enjoyed her cynical point of view and how she didn't give in to her emotions. Regina's sharpness was contrasted by the fact that she was aware of the wrong she had done. This awareness made her realistic and true. Her unique personality offered me as a reader something new on this kind of story.
The raw emotions pent up and then released really fit the characters involved. Liz who had been bullied by Regina (for reasons really confusing that I still don't fully understand what happened) wasn't easy and accepting, but she also wasn't evil and laughing at Regina's misfortune to get trashed by Anna. Liz acted like I believe most people would. She didn't acknowledge Regina or what had happened for a really long time and she was distrustful. Michael was obviously broken and my heart ached for the pain he was going through. He also managed to go through the process of grieving properly.
The normalcy of every character is what also made them unique. The story was more believable and it made it that much more powerful. The constant tension and push-pull of the situation builds and builds keeping you anchored to Regina's life. The way in which we find resolution is filled with hope ending the book nicely. I loved it! Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did.
Rating: 1 2 3 4 4.5 5 (the part with Liz confused me)

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