This is probably GenZ's Speak. One of the most seamless dual-perspective YA novels I've read in a long time, the narrative voice flowed superbly between the two. A harrowing look at how sexual assault infiltrates all aspects of life. Less impressed by its examination of mental illness, especially as a result of trauma, but think with more time, it could have handled that well too. Definitely worth a read it you liked Girls Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake.

4 stars
Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, rape, substance abuse, and victim-blaming.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf was such a difficult book to read. Much harder to read than I thought it would be. Typically YA doesn't go this hard and deep but I am happy this one did. We need more books like this, especially in Young Adult books.

One thing I loved about this book was the characters. Ali was such a relatable character, a quiet sweet girl who just wants to fit in. That was me in HS, so I related to her the most. The aftermath of her rape was so incredibly hard to read. I had tears in my eye every time she had a flashback and had to relive those terrible moments. I wanted to reach in and give her the biggest hug. Blythe, another character that I loved was hard to like at first. But I think that was the point. She is meant to be the opposite of Ali, but she is also a victim of Sean. When the girls meet and they connect, it turns into a solid friendship. They had a lot more in common than they thought and I am happy they got to connect on a deeper level..

While the subject matter is hard to read, I do think if you aren’t triggered then this should be a book you should pick up. But it is a difficult read, so if you can’t handle some of these triggers then this book is not for you.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the not at the end and the fact that the author herself listed triggered earnings. It’s something that every author should be doing. I can’t wait to see what Hayley Krischer writes next.

3.5 stars!!

Wow wow wow this was such a... heavy but impactful story.

I’m still trying to process everything but... wow. This was good. In every aspect this was just a good telling of victims of sexual assault and rape and rape culture in our society today. This is... a very important read in my opinion.

I feel weird trying to review this but for those who care: I liked the writing, liked the story, loved the message. I just want to hug Ali because those last 40 pages of her trying to read everybody’s ‘story’ was... powerful.

This story will sit with me for a while for sure.

Thank you Penguin Teen for sending me an arc (obligated to say this an unbiased review lol.)

Told from alternating POVs with Ali and Blythe - this story explores survival, friendship, what it means to be in two different groups and see events from different perspectives, and more. This book deals with so many important subjects such as sexual assault, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, manipulation, and toxic friendships. I felt the story was good and the premise was intriguing, but the characters fell flat for me and I did not connect or enjoy either perspective. However, the topics are handled thoughtfully and trigger warnings are provided which I appreciated.

3.5 stars

Although this book was gripping, it was often not an easy book to read.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf tackles many important and difficult subjects, such as rape, sexual assault, manipulation, and drug use. Although several of the characters in this book behave in ways that a removed observer might disagree with, and that are often not in their own best interests, I found the characters' actions and thoughts most of the time to be in accordance with how individuals might react after traumatic experiences of this nature. There is also heavy underage drug and alcohol use portrayed, and although these topics can be important and realistic, it often seemed to be more of a secondary issue not fully addressed throughout the book and even at the end. This was a bit concerning, as these topic were simple not given enough resolution or discussion overall.

The book itself was decent, although still hard to get through. I am grateful for the content warnings at the beginning of the book, and I highly encourage everyone to consider these warnings before reading. The characters were well executed at times, but other times they did feel stiff or under-detailed.

I believe Ali’s character development throughout the story was very well-done, and it became easier to understand her point of view as the story progressed. The dual perspectives were also interesting, and I think they really helped to see different sides of the story. As a debut, I think this story was excited nicely, though it was difficult to stay focused at times. It often felt as though the book was tackling too many difficult topics at once, although this may just be a personal issue, as I do not often read books like this. Either way, although the plot asks the audience to suspend my disbelief or sit through some difficult moments, I think the plot and characters were successful.

ARC provided to me by Penguinteen💜(I was given both an e-ARC and physical copy and I read with the latter)

Major TWs // r*pe/ sexual assault

This book was a tough read. Now because it was written poorly (it’s not) or because there were massive passages of boring text that didn’t make sense (there isn’t) or the characters are horrible (they’re not). It was was a tough read because of realistic the characters are, and how realistic the entire book and plot is.

Quick Summary:

Ali Greenleaf has always been the opposite of Blythe Jensen–sweet, kind, and a little naive. There is no genuine reason for Ali and Blythe, the notorious, scary and beautiful popular girl at school, to ever cross paths, until Ali is raped by her golden-boy crush and Blythe’s close friend, Sean. Now, Ali must deal with the aftermath of her rape and Blythe the task of dealing with Ali that Sean dumps on her shoulders. To keep Ali quiet, Blythe ensnares her into the dangerous and exciting world of popularity she dominates. Soon, on a foundation of lies, pain, and betrayal, Ali and Blythe begin to form a bond where they see each other in ways no one has ever seen them before.

General Review:

The way Krischer handles the topic of rape/rape culture is refreshingly realistic and painfully true. The reality is that not many people are raped by strangers on the street, but rather people who are seen as familiar and untouchable. The reality is that people will do almost anything for the people they care about, even if it hurts others along the way. The rape scene itself is very detailed, so I also share that as a warning to anyone who is considering reading the book.

I found the book very easy to read (in terms of writing style not context) and understand, however I would recommend spreading it out because the material is quite dark and can really make one think about the horrors of the world and the pain society goes through.

My favorite part of the whole book are probably the characters of Ali and Blythe. While they are so different and on opposite sides of the spectrum, they are both survivors in their own manner. Ali is soft and strong, and Blythe is tough but a whirlwind of tragic emotions, yet they’re still such beautiful women. I loved the juxtaposition of their personalities which really contributed to their friendship.

I rate this book 4/5 stars, and recommend it to anyone who is in the right headspace to understand rape culture and how women survive and endure it.

God, I would die for Ali Greenleaf. This story is so great, with the plot, the representation of mental illness and sexual assault. Let Ali be happy.

I was initially drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover, but stayed for this wonderful story. This was such an important topic and an accurate depiction of rape culture.

There is so much about this book that is powerful. First off, the characters are so relatable that anyone could read this novel and understand Ali Greenleaf. We all wanted to be popular in school, lust after the captain of the soccer/football team, and make a move on the one person we think is THE ONE. Alas, Ali takes a few steps forward with her crush. However, what happens after will changer her life forever. The journey that Ali Greenleaf undergoes applies to so many people in this world. So many emotions flooded my mind: anger, sadness, depression, hatred, revenge…the list could go on.

The story itself gives a very LIFETIME feeling, which brought me back to the days when I would watch the channel with my mom. You’re rooting for Ali the ENTIRE time. I give this novel a solid 5/5 star rating. Everyone should read this novel without question. Hayley Krischer did a fantastic job with the characters, story, plot, and writing.

📬 ARC provided by PenguinTeen

This is a story about a high school girl with a crush on a popular boy, Sean, who rapes her at a party. The story continues from Ali's perspective after the rape and from a second perspective of a popular girl named Blythe. Blythe is dating Sean's best friend and is secretly infatuated with Sean. Each perspective tells an important narrative of Ali as the victim and Blythe who, unfortunately, is a common archetype that appears in real life scenarios but is often glossed over in the general narrative. She befriends Ali as a means to protect Sean.

It's a lot easier to look at the boys and men who do horrific things like this and understand they are in the wrong. However, people like Blythe exist in many women's experiences. I'm not sure the ending for her character made me feel like justice was served on all fronts but I think it was a realistic ending for people who play similar roles as she did in this story. Overall, I think this is a hard book to read because of the content but I hope a lot of people pick it up and learn from it.

TW:// graphic depictions of rape, sexual assault, blood, eating disorders, bullying, gaslighting, general maniuplation, alcohol, drugs,
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf really felt like a movie, I read the graphic depictions of her assault and I had to skip most of it. I thought I would be able to handle it, but I forged through.
I found that a lot of the gripes I had were the way Blythe manipulated everyone around her, no doubt a side-effect from undergoing trauma and wanting to feel in control.
I did really enjoy the atmosphere, the writing was descriptive.
I would say that if you've been through any kind of sexual assault to really consider if you're able to read something like this.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf
By Hayley Krischer

This was an amazing debut novel about Ali and Blythe and the relationship they form out of a very painful event that happened to Ali. Ali was raped by Blythe's friend Sean. Blythe tries to befriend Ali to keep her quiet knowing what Sean did to Ali.

This was a powerful read about privilege, popularity, friendships and sexual assault. This story is intense and I recommend this read. I thought Krischer did a great job developing the characters and the story line. What an amazing YA debut novel.

This book tells the story of two high school girls: Ali and Blythe. One night at a party, Ali is lead upstairs by her crush, Sean, who rapes her. Sean then convinces his super popular best friend Blythe to talk to Ali for him and try to smooth things over and convince her that what happened wasn't a big deal. The book follows the aftermath of that night, and the unconventional friendship between these two girls that follows, as Ali experiences yet another disillusionment over someone she had previously been enamored by, and Blythe comes to term with her own trauma and her current actions. I enjoyed the complexity and nuance that was portrayed. The characters were flawed and messy and that made sense for the situations they were in. Sometimes it was hard to justify Blythe's actions, but that felt like part of the point. My only complaint is that Blythe's popular crew sometimes felt overdone, a little bit too bitchy to feel genuine. But overall, this was an emotional book which explored some very important aspects of trauma and assault.

This is a book I wish I could give to every woman, especially the women closest to me. It's strange how much I love books that absolutely wreck me. Make me cry. Make me feel every negative emotion in the strongest capacity. Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is one of those books for me.

Hayley Krischer perfectly captured the complexity of rape culture in this book. I constantly felt conflicted in my emotions. I wanted to hate so many people at the same time I wanted to love them. I loved the dual story between Ali and Blythe.- the inclusion of Blythe being the most interesting part of this novel for me. I've lived Ali's story. I've seen others experience it. I've read many books. Every time I'm interested. Every time I cry. But the thing that made this novel exceptional was Blythe's story. I loved it because through Blythe and her relationship with Sean, you can see just how easy it is to get swept away by a manipulator. I think a lot of people will have no sympathy for Blythe, and sometimes I also don't, but for the most part, I relate to Blythe the most. It's a strange feeling to know you're being manipulated, but going along with it anyway for whatever reason.

Ali and Blythe's story was an excellent addition to feminist novels about rape culture and sexual assault. I truly loved this book and want to recommend it to people of all ages and all genders.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is a story set in the present day, but its timelessness is as worrisome as it is empowering, especially for young adults.
Ali and Blythe don’t have much in common. Except for Sean Nessel.

To Blythe, Sean is the best friend she always wanted to be something more. To Ali, he’s the long-standing crush that finally did become more — for one unshakable night, at least.

High school is hard enough without dangerous secrets weighing you down, and that seemed to be an exclusive part of Blythe’s friend group until Ali and Sean collide. Blythe knows what Sean did to Ali is unforgivable. But he’s also her boyfriend’s best friend — and speaking out against him will likely turn the rest of her friends against her.

The right thing isn’t always the easy thing. But the right thing is so often the necessary thing.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is a dark and twisted story with a powerful conclusion. Now more than ever, we need stories that shine bright spotlights on the worst things going on in our world while leaving us with hope that things can and will be better.

Hayley Krischer draws from her own experiences to craft a raw, essential narrative about the importance of speaking out against violence, harassment, and bullying of all kinds, even calling out the backlash that often comes with doing so. Both Ali and Blythe are torn apart publicly for speaking their truths thanks to the viral and sometimes poisonous nature of social media.

At points, this book feels like an overly exaggerated depiction of the pressures young girls face to earn acceptance and the sense of belonging they crave. But that’s exactly the point, and the very thing that makes the story work.

These things really do happen. This book is just one fictional example of real events that have happened to more women than we’ll ever know about. Blythe and Ali and their classmates are all high school teenagers, but this happens among those younger than them, and those older than them too.

The more we tell these stories — fictional retellings or otherwise — the more awareness we bring to issues related to #MeToo and the like. Especially to young adults who may have heard so many of these stories but don’t think it could ever happen to them.

I love how the book acknowledges that sexual violence often occurs between two people who know each other — even people who may genuinely be attracted to one another. Ali and Sean knew each other for years before he hurt her. Their encounter even started out consensual until it wasn’t, until that first “no” was ignored.

No matter how many of these stories you may have heard, and no matter how difficult it may be to hear another, books like this need to be read and talked about, at the very least to spark important conversations about consent and respect and what “belonging” truly means.

Ali, Blythe, and hopefully those reading learn the most important lesson of all: Speaking up is not the end of your journey. It’s not the worst thing that will ever happen to you. There will always be those who stand with you and believe you, and those are the only people who matter.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for my eARC copy of this book, in exchange of an honest review!

CW: Bullying, Rape, Trauma, Underage drinking

"Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf" is a book that almost feels wrong to review, or recommend, because it hurts your heart, makes you feel sad, nauseous, and angry all at once. A gentle reminder, there is power the stories of victims and survivors, and in embracing our emotions. This story is a must-read for EVERYONE.

*Spoilers Ahead*

Ali Greenleaf is an adorable, fun high school girl with an all consuming crush. She can barely look Sean's way, but all of her friends tease him about her, and she enjoys collaging cute photos of him in her secret scrapbooks at home. *audience "Awwwww"s at this point* Ali has a moment of bravery and catches Sean's eye, and he invites her to a high school party. While at the party, Sean and Ali begin flirting and decide to take things to a private room. As the moment heats up, Ali feels pressured and asks him to stop. Sean does not stop.

From this moment, the story follows Ali as the comes to terms with what happened that night and how it has changed her life forever, as well as the popular and stunning Blythe. Blythe decides to intervene to help cover Sean's a**, because they're "best friends". The difficult dynamic of a fake friendship, a cover up story, and coming to terms with the "Me too" movement is all very apparent in this storyline.

It's a story that is all too familiar in many ways, whether it may have happened to you you, your friend, your sister - we all know many a someone who has a story much like this one. The value in this story is it goes beyond the moment the rape happens, to show the strength of the survivor, and the complexity of emotions behind each and every rape victim. I cried throughout most of the book, wanting to hug dear, sweet Allie, but felt honored that I was able to hear this raw and emotional story. So many of these stories are buried in shame, and guilt (and they in no way should be!).

If you are able to withstand the CW mentioned above, I strongly suggest you pick up this book from your local bookstore or library, it will stick with you forever.

I stand with our #MeToo and #GirlsToo survivors, now, and always. I see you, and I believe you.

I think this book is important, not only for adults but especially for teenagers to read. The way Krischer goes about broaching rape, trauma and bullying is grounded in an authentic and emotional light. I love how Krischer shows the audience how each character could easily be someone we know, and she does not let us forget it. This story is emotional, raw, heartbreaking, and at times I had to put the book down and give myself a break. But this story and its message are incredibly powerful and important.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is your typical YA novel regarding drugs, alcohol, rape versus consent, and teenage girls looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. The story is narrated by two characters’ perspective of an incident and it’s aftermath at a HS party. Ali and Blythe are not friends, but become “friends” after a collision course of an event when Ali’s crush Sean (Blythe’s best friend) rapes her. While the story and redemptive nature is typical, the bond the girls have become more of an empowerment movement making changes to their HS and community. The author notes are a must read as they depict her own trauma of rape all with the backdrop of Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearing while writing the book.

Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is such an important and heartbreaking novel. It was an incredibly difficult read but felt very authentic. I loved Ali and was rooting for her the whole time, even if it was maddening seeing her make certain decisions when it came to one of her friends afterwards. Would only recommend going into this book if you are in a good state of mind, as there is a graphic sexual assault scene.

I felt like this book was unsuitable for younger audiences. While I knew that there would be rape within the book, I was not prepared for the level of detail included. I feel as though such explicit descriptions of rape should not be found in young adult books. I honestly don’t have much other to say, because I felt so strongly about this.