First off, I want to say that I'm not an expert in this subject. These are just my opinions and feelings about this book and the subject of rape/sexual assault it covers. I've never experienced it, myself, I've only read the news and books like these. And it makes me want to change the world. Maybe I can't change the world, but maybe, hopefully, I can do my part to help do so. Because this needs changing!

I have a lot to say in this review. Because this whole subject, sexual assault and rape, it's infuriating that it happens in the first place, it's one of my buttons. It might not have happened to me, but that doesn't mean it isn't wrong. It is. And I can be angry that it happens. And yes, the system is flawed. It's up to us to make it better-but not by being vigilantes.

One of the thoughts that Hadley had was that she didn't think much about sexual assault until it happened to Magda. That we think that it won't happen to us. And that's true. And it sucks that it takes it happening to make people think about it, about how to defend themselves, and why some people out there are horrible human beings.

Most of what Hadley did, the main things, were taking vengeance on the 4 boys who raped and ruined her best friends lives. That's the wrong side of being a vigilante. The right side was when she prevented assaults and rapes from occurring.

Honestly, I don't get how rape is the only crime where the victim is blamed. By going with Drew, it was Magda's fault. By wearing provocative clothing, for getting drunk, for having a crush on the guy before anything happened, for doing something that invited the rapist to rape you. And it's the only crime where that happens. And as a society, we need to change this perspective.

Violence isn't the answer. Education is a good one, teaching people to defend themselves is another. And again, changing society so the victim isn't blamed. It's easy to cheer on vigilantes, but there's a difference between stopping a crime and going seeking out to stop a crime. Vigilantes aren't hired by an institution to protect citizens. Maybe if there was training and But like I said, I'm not an expert!

This video explains what shouldn't have to be explained. But the more educated people are, hopefully, the less often, maybe even never happening again. Unlikely, but a girl can hope! So here's to explaining consent using tea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Nii5w2FaI

And to end off this review for this amazing book, a quote from Detective Diana Davies, page 159. "The best way to prevent sexual assault or rape is to not assault or rape anyone."

I give the book four stars. I enjoyed reading the story and I liked the main protagonist (Hadley). Hadley is a strong character. I liked how the author set up a story and how the author explored Hadley's grief and how she deals with loosing her friend twice.

What I think the story lacks is more of distinction between justice and vigilantism. The story at the end alludes to it but not enough. Also I believe there a couple loose ends to the story. What happens to other rapists? did they go back to school and everything is back tomorrow or did they face the punishment that deserved since there is new evidence that was found at the end of the book? I personally hope they get punished. Also what happened with the memorial. There was petition going around for Magda to be included in the memorial. Was she included?

I would still recommend the book.

Very recently, I have discussed with a fellow blogger and author about the fact that, quite often, the hard-hitting, real life topics are shied away from in Young Adult fiction. For a lot of the genre, sheltering today's youth from any topic that is uncomfortable at all is something that seems to have become the status quo. Be very aware that this book is not one of the ones that do this, and there are some very serious topics addressed right at the outset in this book. The topics of rape, violence, and suicide are very prominently addressed. And I think it is about time.

While for some, these topics may be difficult to read, I think it is critical that we move away from the tendency to shy away from them. Making these topics more prominent in fiction will make them less taboo and abstract, which will make it easier for teens to talk about them when they are real and personal to them.

I managed to read this in pretty much one sitting, in a single night, something I have not been able to do in a very long time between reading slumps, work, school and life in general.

While some aspects of this story may seem to be a bit cliche, the author takes a stab at topics that I think really do need more attention. As a mom of girls, I hope that my daughters will feel empowered enough to speak out. While I would hope they wouldn't resort to violence unless necessary, I want them to know that it is okay for them to defend themselves.

I applaud the author for taking on these very real, very emotional issues and portraying them in a way that doesn't denigrate those who have experienced them.

While I do not condone Hadley's behavior of putting herself in dangerous situations, it is refreshing to see this take on things and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Everything in this book seems rushed. The pace is way too fast, we're not given any time to get to know any characters before emotional punches are pulled - which means they aren't emotional at all. The writing style is just not for me.