Title: Bitter End
Author: Jennifer Brown
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: YA Contemporary Drama
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
My Edition: ARC Paperback
Received From: HipScouts
Author's Website: jenniferbrownya.com
Summary from Amazon:
When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole -- a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her -- she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her.
At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.
As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself.
At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.
As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself.
Review:
Whoa, Bitter End was such an emotional, raw story that had my attention until the very dramatic end. I could very easily relate to the main character Alex, and it certainly made me realize how easy it is to be taken advantage of and mistreated by a boyfriend. If I would ever be in a situation like Alex's, I feel like I would most likely be able to handle myself better in that situation right from the beginning. I hope to never have to experience the hardships Alex went through (abusive/manipulative boyfriend, dead mother, and a father who's too depressed to care). I felt her character was a very well developed and was a strong female lead with some minor flaws that made her even more interesting to read about.
Despite the dour setting and topic, the novel was still very enjoyable to read about. At times, it was a little hard since the violent actions of Alex's boyfriend were so astonishing violent and mean. Her boyfriend seemed nice and perfect at first, but when he snaps and changes, the novel instantly changes from happy and fun to scary and angry. I would definitely recommend that all teenage girls read this novel since this situation can happen to the best of us. I'm really looking forward to reading Jennifer Brown's first book since this one was so impactful and great. This May 10th, I would absolutely recommend picking up a copy when it comes out!
Rating:
This looks like one I will want to get when it comes out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI can see why this would grasp your attention to the end. I need this one!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I agree this would be a good read for teenage girls. What was always hard for me to understand is that some people don't have empathy and treat others (girlfriends) badly but yet come across as charming. Very confusing if you don't understand this type of person.
ReplyDeleteAnn
I haven't heard of this title, but based on your review it sounds like one I would really enjoy. First love can be so... consuming. It's easy to fall into an abusive relationship, and not so easy to get out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review!