Book: Live Through This by Mindi Scott, Simon Pulse, On Sale Now
Book Info: YA Contemporary, Purchased copy, PB 289 pages
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
More Info: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
I’m on a contemporary kick right now so the release Live Through This came at just the right time. I enjoyed Mindi Scott’s first book Freefall last year, but I was really wowed by her sophomore book. I started reading it one night before bed, and before I knew it I looked at the clock and it was getting way too late and I reluctantly had to go to sleep. This book is a gripping and haunting read, and one of those you’ll want to read straight through to the end to find out what happens, so make sure you have a few uninterrupted hours of reading time before you start in.
Live Through This is a story close to the author’s heart and I think that’s why 15-year-old Coley’s story feels so authentic and powerful. The book covers a difficult subject that you don’t read too much in YA books – sexual abuse. It is a tense and uncomfortable read at times, but very worthwhile as well.
In Live Through This, Coley outwardly has a great life – good friends, a boy named Reece who is crazy about her, and she’s a top dancer on her school team. Just about the only problem anyone sees with her is that she had a falling out with her best friend Alejandra, and that’s creating tension in dance competitions. But what no one knows is the story of what’s going on behind closed doors- Coley is a victim of sexual abuse.
The reader doesn’t know who Coley’s abuser is until midway through the book, and that made me feel on edge, as my imagination was going overtime trying to figure it out. I really felt for Coley’s situation and could understand her complex emotions and reluctance to ask for help, given the circumstances. My heart just broke for her.
Though this is a heavy read, there are some very sweet moments as well. Reece is a really nice guy for Coley and they do this adorable thing where they say over the top song lyrics to each other in a flirty way, and bond over giraffes. Coley also has an awesome friend named Noah who provides some great one-liners.
If there’s one thing that I wanted more from this book, it’s that I wish it were a little longer and the ending was expanded upon. I’m still more than pleased, but I just cared for the characters and wanted the story to continue a while more.
I’m thankful that Mindi Scott wrote this book, and I hope it gets into the hands of YA’s that are in this tragic situation and gives them hope. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Edited to add: Hey, is there a Hole revival going on? Live Through This is the title of their critically acclaimed second album. And- this week on Glee, Brittany and Sam performed Hole’s Celebrity Skin. Music is not really a theme of the book, but I just thought it was interesting to mention.
Thank you for the interesting review! Live Through This sounds very powerful, and I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
This sounds like a really difficult to read book but glad that is thought provoking and well written..we need books out there that challenge us to think, Sounds very sad..great review.
I prefer contemporary novels and this one sounds really good. We just never know what other people are living through.
It does sounds very powerful. I haven’t read any books about this kind of topic yet. I have recently found a love of contemporary, so I may have to add this one to my list to read.
Thanks for the review – this is my WoW pick this week, glad to know that it holds up.
Thanks for the review-it sounds like one of those where I might get mad while reading! 🙂
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
WOW! I want this book. Does that make me weird? I just hate abuse. I know this one will tear me up. I have Freefall, but haven’t read yet.
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