Difficult read, more than <i>The Lovely Bones</i> (to which it's being compared). The casual brutality of what happens to Ellie and the lack of anyone except her father caring are equally difficult to read and process. In this day and age of #metoo, that fewer girls come forward will disturb readers - but this was clearly written before any of that started. Who knows what would happen now?

ARC provided by publisher.

With the stress of Northern California wildfires, I set aside reading this book and actually forgot about it. In light of the recent revelations of sexual harassment and the power of the "Me Too" movement, I am so glad I did! This is a heartbreaking and timely novel that epitomizes the prevalence of rape culture that is part of our society!
This is a must read for high school students... and deserves a classroom discussion!

This book is an exceptional story for both gender. It brings out a side of teen relationships that not many want to address. With all the social media and support groups it is sad that our young people are so vulnerable in regards to dating and self respect.

The novel is a chilling tale of a young girl who, in her struggle to find herself and fit in, becomes a victim. Very well-written and a great cautionary tale for teenage girls.

It's hard to write a review for a book like this. I hated it. I hated it because it's so true. This book is beautifully and powerfully written.
Ellie disappeared long before she disappeared. While they looked for her and went through the motions, she really wasn't someone they needed to find. Not a popular girl in the school, Ellie blended in and was easily overlooked. Until one girl put it together....saw what no one else wanted to see.
I read this as the Harvey Weinstein allegations are coming to light. I read this during #metoo. This happens. This happens everywhere. Rich, poor, overlooked, popular....THIS HAPPENS. This is a story that needs to be told, read, and heard.

Ohdeargosh. I'm about to say I didn't love a book to which everyone else who has, thus far, given a 5-star rating (on GoodReads). The subject matter of rape and the culture of girls needing to be told they are pretty to see their value is a necessary discussion, but I got to the point of 29% on my Kindle and I was done. Message received. You want to talk about invisible kids, the ones who fall through the cracks are susceptible to those who prey upon them . . . the poor kids in a partially privileged town, the curvy girls entranced by the willowy models, the need to change only on the outside to meet the status quo, the ones for which self-confidence was robbed by the critical masses. This book does that, but the issue is that it takes too long to get to the point. And I think that might be the problem with this particular ill of society - it has been going on too long. Enter Part Two and now you have a critique of the legal process and how it is so easy to stay silent. How hard it is to topple the boys club.
Overall, this was a powerful read, but if it was to make an impact, it needs to be condensed. Or made into a movie. It fits the powerful and engaging profile of a small town CSI with the reach of what might be in your own neck of the woods. I'm always team "book was better", but here I see cinematic engagement. Dead girl narrator, focusing on beauty. But them again, the prevailing themes represent the ugly that's out there.