Review: "Some Girls Are" by Courtney Summers

Title: Some Girls Are

Author: Courtney Summers

Genre: YA Fiction

Synopsis: 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, and all girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High...that is, until vicious rumors about her and her best friends boyfriend started going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" an 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 day by day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past.whom she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime 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 Fivesome don't break them both first.

Overall Review: GOOD NOT BAD BAD UGLY

I read Courtney Summers first book, Cracked Up To Be, and loved it. Just like her debut novel, her second didn't disappoint. It is deliciously dark and heart wrenching. If you remember high school, you will relate to this book. I would compare Summer's writing to that of Simone Elkeles, author of Perfect Chemistry and The Rules of Attraction. Fan's of Elkeles will love Summers. Since the writing is so good and the subject matter so relevant to today's young adult society, the unorginality of the characters is forgivable. It is to the benefit of the plot line that the characters are so familiar to us. Everyone of us has known a Regina, a Michael, a Kara, a Liz or an Anna at one point during high school. In fact it is safe to say, that we were probably just like one of them. Anna, Kara and the rest of Regina's former friends are the epitome of mean girls. They bullying that Regina suffers at their hands is almost unfathomable to me, but not to a few of the high school students I have spoken to. Along with the serious subject of bullying, Summers touches on the horrible subject of rape. It is amazing to me, that in light of today's teen society, that more books about bullying and rape are not written. I know, I know, when we sit down to read a book, most of us want a fantasy world to escape that makes feel all fuzzy and warm. I am probably the leader you. However, I think it is important to take the time to read these darker books to better understand what today's generation is dealing with. I feel it is also important for teens to read these types of stories once and while as way to empower themselves against the many horrible things that they deal with daily. Some Girls Are is a book I highly recommend. Although with it's pervasive language and mature content, I recommend it for older teens or mature teens. Put this book on your must read list, and keep watching for more books by this brilliant and daring author.