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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This book is an excellent exploration of the impact of trauma and violence on a young person. And it is also a quick-witted and entertaining story about growing up, learning about love, and finding oneself. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I second the review that puts this book right next to SPEAK with regards to dealing with sexual violence. I would love to see this on recommended reading lists for high schools. Of course, were that to happen, it would probably end up on a list of "Most challenged books of (whatever year.)" That should also recommend it to you.
There aren't enough words to describe the magic that is Carrie Mesrobian's writing. Is it her capacity to write--over and over and over--squarely from the hemmed-in mind of teenage boys? Or is it her stunning use of evocative language both natural and unnatural to teenagers? Or perhaps her clever, interesting, very real dialogue? Whatever it is, no one else seems to match up to Mesrobian's mighty pen strokes. As Evan McElhatton Carter proves, Mesrobian isn't the slightest bit interested in flat narrators or genius plot devices or stock landfill characters. No. She prefers layers of truth, unconventional yet honest (and frankly, rampant) displays of adolescent sexual behavior, and genuine activity and banter among people we've all seen, people we've all known. Evan Carter, if met in real life, might be a colossal asshole; or he might just be the sweetest guy you've ever met. Mesrobian settles for neither cliché. Instead she weaves them together, composing a complex Wagner-esque symphony in her narrator--a boy whose mind makes him far more convoluted and fucked-up and fetching than your imagination almost allows. And just when you think you've had enough, Mesrobian takes you a few steps further. By the end, you realize most suddenly that terms such as "almost-rape" aren't as much a reflection of Evan's journey as his dating the girl who introduced this bizarre concept to his mind. If you can somehow read Sex & Violence, and come away lacking further compassion for teenage boys (and girls!) in your life, then Evan isn't the heartless monster here.
Wow! Incredibly powerful. The characters are so on point. So realistic. I agree with another reviewer; this should be on high school reading lists.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
Content warnings: sex, violence, sexual assault, mental illness dealing with PTSD, alcohol use, drug use, mentions of death
Review can be found here at Blow Pop's Book Reviews.
Review can be found here at Blow Pop's Book Reviews.
A strong debut novel with a great narrative voice - definitely some pacing problems, especially in the last third of the book - but overall I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would, given the subject matter.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This had great voice and was very character driven. Full review at wrapped up in books.
Sex & Violence by Carrie Mesrobian is simply not my cup of tea… Obviously there is a lot of sex and violence, but I was still shocked by the extreme casualness associated with the sex and the lack of any real recourse. I was also taken aback by the glorification of drug use and the extensive use of curses. Ultimately, while the characters were lovable and well-developed, the story line was lacking. This left me frustrated that I had endured the sex, violence, drugs, and curses for nothing - with the story hanging mid-thought without any conclusion. It not only saddens me that there are (probably many) teenagers who live this lifestyle, but it is beyond upsetting that teenagers may rationalize these life choices when they are provided with role models in books who make these same choices.
Wow. Don't think I've read anything like this one. Evan Carter, by his own admission, is not a good guy at the beginning of the book. Then something awful happens that forces him to reconsider who he is. Tremendous voice and I'm trying to think of a book that depicts a character transformation as well as this one does and I can't come up with anything. Yes, the themes (sex, violence) are mature, but guess what? So are sophisticated YA readers. This book nails what it's like to be a confused, rudderless teenager who doesn't think about consequences until he's forced to. It also shows that there's a light at the end of the tunnel if you look long and hard enough. Great, great book.
I'm still trying to process how I really feel about this book. I don't like the title at all. I feel like it is a "shock and awe" attempt to grab readers. Also, I'm just not sold on the sex crazed teen and his story. There were parts that I felt were truly beautiful, but overall just too much emphasis on sex, drugs, and really bad decisions. I know this is a YA book, but it's really pushing the limit.