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quizoola's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Some Boys was a really brilliant book. It was also at times highly confusing. Was she raped? Or was she not? There are two sides to the story and we slowly find out the truth.
I love Grace, but at times I thought she was just a bit too much. At times I didn't know what to think of her. Like how she was stalking the guy who raped her to get that one shot. Since we don't get to hear why she is doing it until a bit later, I wasn't sympathizing with her a lot, and thanks to this I was also doubting if she was truly raped or just searching for attention. Which is a shame. I think if the whole picture thing was left out it would have been much much better, now at times it just felt awkward and weird.
But at other times I was just cheering for her to continue with her life, to not give up, even though it seemed the whole world was against her. Add to her rape, she also had various other things going on in her life. Her dad, her family, a crush on a boy who is friends with the guy who raped her.
Ian, ah Ian, a character I hated and loved. I at times found him an idiot, believing his friends, believing everything that is being said, while not knowing there is always two sides to a story, not one. I hated how he based his believes on how Grace looked, how she acted. I started liking him more at the end when he finally decided to see that there are indeed two side to a story and decided to be there for Grace.
I loved how the book was split up in 2 POVs, that made the book even better. I don't think I could have survived through a whole book of Grace.
It is sad that people judge others by their looks, their clothes, brand them sluts while they are not that. It is something that pops up in books. Girls (or boys) get raped or molested and they get the fault, get branded a slut/whore or anything else that is bad. I think we should change that, we should look at both sides, help the victim and find out what happened.
And also, just because a girl wears a short skirt, doesn't mean you can just rape her.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I love Grace, but at times I thought she was just a bit too much. At times I didn't know what to think of her. Like how she was stalking the guy who raped her to get that one shot. Since we don't get to hear why she is doing it until a bit later, I wasn't sympathizing with her a lot, and thanks to this I was also doubting if she was truly raped or just searching for attention. Which is a shame. I think if the whole picture thing was left out it would have been much much better, now at times it just felt awkward and weird.
But at other times I was just cheering for her to continue with her life, to not give up, even though it seemed the whole world was against her. Add to her rape, she also had various other things going on in her life. Her dad, her family, a crush on a boy who is friends with the guy who raped her.
Ian, ah Ian, a character I hated and loved. I at times found him an idiot, believing his friends, believing everything that is being said, while not knowing there is always two sides to a story, not one. I hated how he based his believes on how Grace looked, how she acted. I started liking him more at the end when he finally decided to see that there are indeed two side to a story and decided to be there for Grace.
I loved how the book was split up in 2 POVs, that made the book even better. I don't think I could have survived through a whole book of Grace.
It is sad that people judge others by their looks, their clothes, brand them sluts while they are not that. It is something that pops up in books. Girls (or boys) get raped or molested and they get the fault, get branded a slut/whore or anything else that is bad. I think we should change that, we should look at both sides, help the victim and find out what happened.
And also, just because a girl wears a short skirt, doesn't mean you can just rape her.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
mayflowergirl74's review against another edition
3.0
What I loved about this book was Grace, her strength and courage and ability to keep going, even when absolutely nobody had her back.
What I disliked about this book was pretty much everyone else. When Grace is raped by the most popular guy in school, nobody that should believe her does. Her supposed best friends call her a slut and make her life miserable, and the guys at school who once had crushes on her now see her as a sloppy second whore. Even her crush, Ian, the guy who discovered her left alone in the woods, nearly unconscious with her panties wrapped around her ankles after she'd been raped has a hard time believing she's telling the truth. Everyone apparently sees so little redeeming value in Grace that they can't even give her the benefit of the doubt that she might not be lying. Even her shitty, slut-shaming cheating dad, her mom and every adult at school are basically worthless when she needs them the most. The only person who really stands up for her in the beginning, who actually shows her he believes her, is Ian's dad. There are a few other people who believe her, who want to support her, but their relative silence is pretty deafening. If Grace hadn't been the most beautiful girl in school with the resolve to keep going and with a popular guy who still had complex feelings for her, I'd hate to think what would happen to her.
As for Ian, it's understandable that Ian had divided loyalties, that his place on the team and with his circle of friends would make it hard for him to stand up to them, but he was cruel to Grace at times when I don't think he needed to be. He did learn some important things about himself, and I did like his questioning of the status quo and how the girls he and his buddies hit on might actually feel. Still, I don't see Ian as especially heroic. He only did the right thing when the truth couldn't be avoided. I guess maybe that's realistic, and sadly it might also be realistic that Grace didn't dropkick everyone of these losers out of her life.
You don't have to forgive everyone, Grace. There are better people in your world (I hope). I really do.
What I disliked about this book was pretty much everyone else. When Grace is raped by the most popular guy in school, nobody that should believe her does. Her supposed best friends call her a slut and make her life miserable, and the guys at school who once had crushes on her now see her as a sloppy second whore. Even her crush, Ian, the guy who discovered her left alone in the woods, nearly unconscious with her panties wrapped around her ankles after she'd been raped has a hard time believing she's telling the truth. Everyone apparently sees so little redeeming value in Grace that they can't even give her the benefit of the doubt that she might not be lying. Even her shitty, slut-shaming cheating dad, her mom and every adult at school are basically worthless when she needs them the most. The only person who really stands up for her in the beginning, who actually shows her he believes her, is Ian's dad. There are a few other people who believe her, who want to support her, but their relative silence is pretty deafening. If Grace hadn't been the most beautiful girl in school with the resolve to keep going and with a popular guy who still had complex feelings for her, I'd hate to think what would happen to her.
As for Ian, it's understandable that Ian had divided loyalties, that his place on the team and with his circle of friends would make it hard for him to stand up to them, but he was cruel to Grace at times when I don't think he needed to be. He did learn some important things about himself, and I did like his questioning of the status quo and how the girls he and his buddies hit on might actually feel. Still, I don't see Ian as especially heroic. He only did the right thing when the truth couldn't be avoided. I guess maybe that's realistic, and sadly it might also be realistic that Grace didn't dropkick everyone of these losers out of her life.
You don't have to forgive everyone, Grace. There are better people in your world (I hope). I really do.
stargirllxo's review against another edition
5.0
I really wanted to finish this book as quick as possible and after a while, I couldn't put it down. It was so emotionally breathtaking and everything that happened was so sad. The story itself was told so nicely and I love how there were two points of view. I totally ship Ian and Grace together. I also love the message this book tries to give because I believe that women shouldn't be targets for what they wear and the fact that men use that as an excuse just shows how immature and stupid they are. If men are supposed to be the bigger people that it gets me thinking about how low they can be and how far up their heads are in their asses. Another thing I love about this book is how bold and fierce Grace is. Her character shows how important it is to be brave when things happen and instead of running and hiding she fought for what she believed in even if her friends and family didn't completely believe her. All she needed was one person to be on her side to get her point across and that itself is so powerful. The book was well written and amazing and I recommend it 100% because it really opens up your eyes to how corrupt society is when it comes to things like this and how important it is to be brave. GAHHHH i just love this book and it sort of emotionally scarred me in a good way but I'm glad that the author did such a great job!
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
3.0
Every victim copes differently — each victim moves in a different environment, some can be understanding, while others suffer through isolation.
I’ve read a lot of books that involve rape/sexual abuse, and I always fight the urge to even think “if you didn’t want it, you should have done this or dressed or acted like this” because I wouldn’t know what was running through the survivor’s mind at the time of abuse. I have no right to judge, because I’ve never experienced it and have no way of knowing I would’ve done something to “save” me.
This book held so much promise, I don’t enjoy knowing people get abused, but I do enjoy their journey to justice, acceptance and healing. When I read the synopsis, I was excited because I want to see how the “love story” will flow — yes, I like seeing troubled/broken people find hope. To my dismay, though, I didn’t like it as much as I hoped. The writing’s okay, there were chapters that confused me.
The characters, I love seeing how Grace is not the typical survivor — she’s got a backbone to stick up for herself though it’s not always easy. Mostly, I got confused by Ian — I didn’t understand why he had to keep switching minds. One minute he defends Grace, admires her and then the next, he gets worked up because she’s driving doubt between him and Zac. It got me down that when it felt like there’s progress with Ian, he suddenly goes 20 steps back.
In no way is it the same story, but if you’ve read The Female of the Species, you’d understand — I wish Ian was written closely similar to Jack. I needed that growth and conviction, not indecisiveness that gets tiring chapter by chapter.
**** EDIT****
Hours after posting this review, the story lingered on in my head. I wouldn’t say it haunted me like the best books I’ve read, but it did linger on — I contemplated because I want to figure out what made my heart yearn for Some Boys. After a while, it dawned on me that I am hung up and utterly heartbroken because I’ve been waiting for Ian to save Grace, since Chapter 3. I wish he did it sooner, spared Grace the agony and loneliness.
Yes Grace was more than capable of saving herself, she’s been doing that for what, almost 32 days since she got assaulted. Still, just because someone is capable of rescuing themselves, doesn’t mean they don’t hold out for hope. I didn’t need Ian to physically save her or literally, I was yearning for him to be on her side — to set his feelings & thoughts about Zac’s crime.
I’ve read a lot of books that involve rape/sexual abuse, and I always fight the urge to even think “if you didn’t want it, you should have done this or dressed or acted like this” because I wouldn’t know what was running through the survivor’s mind at the time of abuse. I have no right to judge, because I’ve never experienced it and have no way of knowing I would’ve done something to “save” me.
This book held so much promise, I don’t enjoy knowing people get abused, but I do enjoy their journey to justice, acceptance and healing. When I read the synopsis, I was excited because I want to see how the “love story” will flow — yes, I like seeing troubled/broken people find hope. To my dismay, though, I didn’t like it as much as I hoped. The writing’s okay, there were chapters that confused me.
The characters, I love seeing how Grace is not the typical survivor — she’s got a backbone to stick up for herself though it’s not always easy. Mostly, I got confused by Ian — I didn’t understand why he had to keep switching minds. One minute he defends Grace, admires her and then the next, he gets worked up because she’s driving doubt between him and Zac. It got me down that when it felt like there’s progress with Ian, he suddenly goes 20 steps back.
In no way is it the same story, but if you’ve read The Female of the Species, you’d understand — I wish Ian was written closely similar to Jack. I needed that growth and conviction, not indecisiveness that gets tiring chapter by chapter.
**** EDIT****
Hours after posting this review, the story lingered on in my head. I wouldn’t say it haunted me like the best books I’ve read, but it did linger on — I contemplated because I want to figure out what made my heart yearn for Some Boys. After a while, it dawned on me that I am hung up and utterly heartbroken because I’ve been waiting for Ian to save Grace, since Chapter 3. I wish he did it sooner, spared Grace the agony and loneliness.
Yes Grace was more than capable of saving herself, she’s been doing that for what, almost 32 days since she got assaulted. Still, just because someone is capable of rescuing themselves, doesn’t mean they don’t hold out for hope. I didn’t need Ian to physically save her or literally, I was yearning for him to be on her side — to set his feelings & thoughts about Zac’s crime.
cladis's review against another edition
4.0
The book started pretty good. I like Grace a lot and Ian is okay. The thing that got me the most was her best friends. I honestly don’t get how the girls could do it to her? I cannot see myself or my best friends doing it to each other. That was so dirty, I was truly disgusted by how every single person was blaming her, I wanted to somehow enter the book and slap everyone. The end wasn’t what I expected and I feel like if it wasn’t for the video then everyone would keep blaming her.
chuskeyreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is not an easy book to read, but the story needs to be told.
”Giving up is easy, not right.”
A riveting tale about the aftermath of rape - not only how it affects Grace, but the reactions of her family, friends, classmates, and teachers - This book is captivating and hard to put down. Grace’s fear, anxiety, and pain gripped my heart and made my stomach lurch at times. I get it. I totally get it. Pain like that doesn’t easily go away, and reading stories like this one have a way of dredging up the past. I should know.
Told in alternating chapters, the story unfolds from Grace’s perspective and that of her attacker’s best friend, Ian. The most powerful part of the story is the way in which Grace’s words and actions are misinterpreted by Ian in his chapters and later clarified in the chapters Grace narrates. The honest voices of these two characters is enough to make others think, reflect, and (hopefully) reach that pivotal “ah-ha” moment.
At first, it seems as if the entire school is against Grace for accusing golden boy lacrosse star Zac of rape. She becomes a social pariah, ostracized and demeaned by everyone, including teachers and administrators. Some may say it’s unrealistic, but how many high school kids are actually willing to go against the popular, charming star athlete? Many times, students keep their mouths shut and their heads down for fear of being ostracized themselves. It’s easier to say nothing than to open their mouths and do what’s right.
Ian’s struggle between his best friend and Grace is honest and moving. The fact that he wrestles with what he thinks versus what he sees creates the complicated internal struggle he has with his own identity and culpability in the way he treats girls.
“It’s not about Grace, not really. It’s all about Zac. He leads, and we follow. Why? I don’t know. Nobody’s ever not followed.”
This is such a true statement. We see this sort of injustice everywhere. Smartphones and the Internet just make it all that much worse. When I was in high school, nasty, anonymous phone calls were the punishment. You can unplug the phone and erase the answering machine; but you can’t erase the Internet.
I hate to be a spoiler but,
Very well done.
And to Patty Blount: thank you.
”Giving up is easy, not right.”
A riveting tale about the aftermath of rape - not only how it affects Grace, but the reactions of her family, friends, classmates, and teachers - This book is captivating and hard to put down. Grace’s fear, anxiety, and pain gripped my heart and made my stomach lurch at times. I get it. I totally get it. Pain like that doesn’t easily go away, and reading stories like this one have a way of dredging up the past. I should know.
Told in alternating chapters, the story unfolds from Grace’s perspective and that of her attacker’s best friend, Ian. The most powerful part of the story is the way in which Grace’s words and actions are misinterpreted by Ian in his chapters and later clarified in the chapters Grace narrates. The honest voices of these two characters is enough to make others think, reflect, and (hopefully) reach that pivotal “ah-ha” moment.
At first, it seems as if the entire school is against Grace for accusing golden boy lacrosse star Zac of rape. She becomes a social pariah, ostracized and demeaned by everyone, including teachers and administrators. Some may say it’s unrealistic, but how many high school kids are actually willing to go against the popular, charming star athlete? Many times, students keep their mouths shut and their heads down for fear of being ostracized themselves. It’s easier to say nothing than to open their mouths and do what’s right.
Ian’s struggle between his best friend and Grace is honest and moving. The fact that he wrestles with what he thinks versus what he sees creates the complicated internal struggle he has with his own identity and culpability in the way he treats girls.
“It’s not about Grace, not really. It’s all about Zac. He leads, and we follow. Why? I don’t know. Nobody’s ever not followed.”
This is such a true statement. We see this sort of injustice everywhere. Smartphones and the Internet just make it all that much worse. When I was in high school, nasty, anonymous phone calls were the punishment. You can unplug the phone and erase the answering machine; but you can’t erase the Internet.
I hate to be a spoiler but,
Spoiler
I’m a sucker for a happy ending - blame it on Disney, fairy tales, what have you. Reading is an escape, and who doesn’t want the bad guy to get caught and the girl to get her happily ever after? It may be a little unrealistic, but I like it.Very well done.
And to Patty Blount: thank you.
abbyreads2's review against another edition
4.0
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** Loved loved loved loved it!!!
Before I picked this book up, I knew it was going to be influential but nothing prepared me for this. It was everything and much more. It was educating. In my opinion, schools and community all around should read this book or make it a priority. The subject mentioned in this book was well-written and well-approached. The author showed us the victim point of view and the perpetrators best friend's POV. She showed the way others treated the victim, the challenges she faced and her strengths through it all. She didn't give up. She refused to be silenced. She challenged them. She didn't let fear get the best of her. She knew it would be hard and didn't back down. Grace's character was admirable. I also liked how Ian character gradually changed over time. He strengthened over time and opened his eyes to reality. He did what was right instead of taking the easy way out. At times, I wanted to punch him and most of the characters in the book (besides grace and her mother). Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was phenomenal, breathtaking. Outstanding job, Patty Blount.
Edit: Some parts of the books were aggravating. These kids were absolutely naive, ignorant and clueless. It was as though they'd never been taught anything about this kind of subject before. They treated her like shit and all the adults allowed it. That pissed me off more. I would've expected that kind of behavior from the kids but the adults allowing it to happen? That was crazy messed up. Even though, the characters were a bit fucked up, stupid, ignorant, naive and etc the book was okay. It was mostly decent. The subject was an important one and the way the author executed the plots was understandable. But I feel this book could've been better. I don't think any one of those people learned their lessons besides Ian, maybe. And the ending was a bit annoying, I understand the outfits was a mask, right? But I am tired of these kinds of books where the main characters just changes how they dress in the end. It doesn't go with the message. If it's not their fault, if how they dress isn't the problem, why is it that in the end they always changes how they dress? Why can't they dress a certain way simply for themselves and stay that way in the end? That part rubbed me the wrong way because it happens in every book and only ever happens with female main characters...
Before I picked this book up, I knew it was going to be influential but nothing prepared me for this. It was everything and much more. It was educating. In my opinion, schools and community all around should read this book or make it a priority. The subject mentioned in this book was well-written and well-approached. The author showed us the victim point of view and the perpetrators best friend's POV. She showed the way others treated the victim, the challenges she faced and her strengths through it all. She didn't give up. She refused to be silenced. She challenged them. She didn't let fear get the best of her. She knew it would be hard and didn't back down. Grace's character was admirable. I also liked how Ian character gradually changed over time. He strengthened over time and opened his eyes to reality. He did what was right instead of taking the easy way out. At times, I wanted to punch him and most of the characters in the book (besides grace and her mother). Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was phenomenal, breathtaking. Outstanding job, Patty Blount.
Edit: Some parts of the books were aggravating. These kids were absolutely naive, ignorant and clueless. It was as though they'd never been taught anything about this kind of subject before. They treated her like shit and all the adults allowed it. That pissed me off more. I would've expected that kind of behavior from the kids but the adults allowing it to happen? That was crazy messed up. Even though, the characters were a bit fucked up, stupid, ignorant, naive and etc the book was okay. It was mostly decent. The subject was an important one and the way the author executed the plots was understandable. But I feel this book could've been better. I don't think any one of those people learned their lessons besides Ian, maybe. And the ending was a bit annoying, I understand the outfits was a mask, right? But I am tired of these kinds of books where the main characters just changes how they dress in the end. It doesn't go with the message. If it's not their fault, if how they dress isn't the problem, why is it that in the end they always changes how they dress? Why can't they dress a certain way simply for themselves and stay that way in the end? That part rubbed me the wrong way because it happens in every book and only ever happens with female main characters...