Trigger warning for sexual abuse and rape.

Written through poetry, Dear Medusa tells the first-person story of Alicia, the girl at school who has THAT reputation that others whisper behind her back: whore, slut, easy. Her best friend has given up on her and she doesn't seem to have any other close friends. As readers, we find out the truth about Alicia: why she does the things she does and what has happened to her in the past, I found this to be a quick read that I think students will enjoy.

It took awhile to get used to the flow of the writing. If I was a teenager again I would have absolutely loved this book. I think as an adult reading this, it was good in that it showcased mental health well for that audience and I would recommend this book to the students I work with.

A beautiful novel in verse about a girl who is an assault survivor. The poetry is lovely. The characters have depth. I love the romance and the friendships. My library will be buying this.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC in return for my honest feedback.

Thank you, Random House Children's, for allowing me to read Dear Medusa early.

I have to admit that I have conflicted feelings about this book. I loved the overall story, the rep and so many more things. I just didn't like the the writing as much as I wanted too. Because of the gorgeous cover, I rounded my 3.5 star rating up to 4.

This book was an e-ARC from NetGalley.

Let me start by saying this book had me hooked from the beginning, lol o could not put it down hooked. The main character Alicia starts off at this broken, hurt individual who had been used and abused by those around her. She has not been protected by anyone who is supposed to be in her corner. As the story progresses she meets these amazing people, Deja’s her new best friend who is a black girl who wants to be seen and respected as such. Then she meets Geneva her love interest who is doesn’t want her for her body or judge her.

Many of the adults in this book are horrible human being and this place seems to have some very “old school” views about anything that involves people who aren’t straight, white, Christians.

The representation in this book is the best. Many different race and everyone acknowledges this and their grievances that they have experienced in this predominantly white city. They have gay, lesbian, trans, bi and asexual representation, even if I did wish it was more prominent in the story.

The story isn’t the best “verse” book written, actually I couldn’t even wrap my head around the verse angle. The “game” that Alicia plays with me is somewhat confusing and unnecessary in the story and the wolf/ rabbit metaphors were too much, but all in all gripping story.