It's been 2 years since Ashley was raped by one of her brother's teammates. The author jumps between the past and present, and Ashley and her brother Derek. The change in their relationship since the rape, is tearing their family apart. Ashley is finding ways to cope with the trauma of the rape, and Derek is coming to terms with how he responded to his sister, and the role he played in the rape. As Thanksgiving approaches, will they be able to work through their issues or will their family fall apart? In the midst of #metoo, #timesup, #iamanastywoman, #yesallwomen, etc., movements, this book is more than relevant, it's necessary.

The author writes with the passion of someone who understands how survivors of rape feel, cope, and interact. This is the first time I've read a book where we have the opportunity to live in the mind of more than just the survivor. This gives us a chance to see how rape effects an entire family, and community. There were times towards the end I wanted to slap some of the characters, but at no point did I want to put this book down. Read it. Then give it to every friend you know - especially male friends. Perhaps even send one to Trump - just sayin'.

An innocent young girl is raped as part of a demented game, her life twisted into a mangled parody of normal and society is guilty of continuing the emotional and psychological deed in ignorant or self-righteous bliss. One family devolves into a quagmire of devastation, rage and unconsciously mimics society’s callous opinion that boys will be boys, while passing judgment on a fourteen year old girl’s “guilt.” It will take two long and painful years for the complete implosion and now the question is, can they find a way back to finally support each other, and help Ashley heal?

If you read nothing else, every man, woman and young adult MUST read SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW by Patty Blount. Although fictional, it is a scathing and raw indictment of a world where sex sells, “dirty jokes” are told and beauty is a perceived license for demeaning and condescending behavior.

Told through the voices of Ashley, the rape survivor and her self-centered brother, Derek, this tale is meant to make people uncomfortable, to make us feel guilty, to open our eyes. For parents who say, this is too raw for my teen, think again, this is EXACTLY what EVERY teen needs to read, male or female. A court verdict does not end the pain of the survivor, long after we are on to the next news bite, the cancer continues to grow, for everyone touched.

Devastating, dark and brutally raw, this gut-wrenching read is filled with triggers, truths and rightfully puts the blame solidly on “the good people of our culture.” And aren’t we ALL good people?? Buy a copy for a friend, a family member and make sure every library you know orders several. Perhaps this should be required reading in school, certainly more relevant and timely than those "classics."

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Fire!

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (August 7, 2018)
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: YA | Sexual Abuse | Family
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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