Publisher: David Fickling Books
[ Goodreads ]
Blurb: Ben has been in love with Molly forever. When she finally kisses him at a party, he thinks all his dreams have come true.
Later that night he thinks they've started something really special. Molly loves Ben too – of course she does. But not like that. He's her best friend's brother – which makes him practically her brother too, right? But after a few drinks at a party Molly kisses Ben. And she can't remember what happened next.
The months of freedom after GCSEs should be the best of your life. But with everyone reckoning with doubts, lies and mixed-up memories, it quickly becomes the thorny summer after the potent night before...
The novel deals with the before during and after of the event that occur at a party that Molly, Rhiannon and Ben attend. Molly gets very drunk and wakes up not fully remembering the events of the night before. How does she navigate these scary feelings that involve her best friend and her best friends twin brother.
I think that Williamson wrote about this topic with such reality and honesty. Not shying away from showing the emotions all victims will go through - self doubt, shame, trying to hide it, blaming themselves, anger and isolation. Reading about Molly going through this internal battle was heartbreaking but I hope it will help teenage readers learn more about consent and sexual assault.
The characters were written so well, so realistic to what real teenagers are like. I loved reading about the friendships, dating and school in a real way that didn't read like an adult pretending to know what teenagers think and feel but having actual insight into their mindset.
I really enjoyed the inclusion of families in the book. From overprotective parents, underprotective parents and siblings moving away from the family home and how all of this impacts teenagers and their confidence.
Overall a really important, well written and honest story around consent, sexual assault and relationships for teenagers.
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