Review: Crush by Eve Ainsworth

Publication Date: 3rd March 2016
Publisher: Scholastic
Source: Borrowed from Library

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Blurb:

Love hurts ... but should it hurt this much? Reeling from her mum's sudden departure, Anna finds the comfort she needs in her blossoming relationship with Will. He's handsome and loving, everything Anna has always dreamt of. He's also moody and unpredictable, pushing her away from her friends, her music. He wants her to be his and his alone. He wants her to be perfect. Anna's world is closing in. But threatening everything is a dark secret that not even Will can control..

Eve Ainsworth's gripping second novel is a pitch-perfect exploration of love at its most powerful, addictive and destructive.

This was a book I had seen a lot of book bloggers talking about when it was first released. I was late getting around to finding a copy but I was glad I did! 

This is the kind of book I think young people and youth groups should be reading. The novel contains an abusive relationship, where a girl who is sick of her family life find solace in her new boyfriend...although is isn't as great as first appearances may seem. 



The portrayal of the abusive relationship between Anna and Will was so well written. We can see how Anna's slightly chaotic home life would make her feel lonely and look for someone who understands her. When Will enters her life he promises to take care of her and for a while everything is wonderful. Then the obsessive texts, constantly wanting to know where she is and then eventually things begin to worsen. 

Seeing Anna's character transformation from outgoing, fun and being passionate about her hobbies- especially singing, to then losing herself, losing interest in the things she used to enjoy the longer she stays with Will was so sad to read. Yet this is something that happens all the time. 

I  think a lot of people associate abusive relationships with older people, but it can happen even in your first romance as a teenager. This book is definitely an important book, it would help young people not only to learn about relationships but also what is okay and what is not okay behavior for your partner. 

The novel was well written, with a great voice in Anna. Highly recommend to younger teens and youth groups!