Absolutely loved this book a story to sadly needs to be more than told and this book sings it from the roof tops. Enjoy it being written in verse also listed to the audio book which made it even more compelling. Definitely a book that I will continue to think about and re-read. Should be read and discussed in schools.

This book was absolutely nothing short of stunning. I rarely read novels in verse because it's not a genre I particularly enjoy, but I took a chance on this one because the plot description sounded so intriguing. I'm so glad I did. This book captured all too well the reality of sexual abuse, particularly in an environment like a school, and the grief and trauma and bravery it takes to move forward. So many words in here stood out to me that I started taking notes on evocatively the author conveyed the emotional reality of what the main character was going through -- and a real-life person would go through.

Having know friends or even children of friends who have had to struggle with the aftermath of sexual abuse, this book describes the aftermath some people deal with. Having a friend, whose daughter struggled after her abuse, it was helpful for her to read this.

Exquisitely crafted! This verse novel encompasses everything you anticipate from a work of this nature.

The reader is immersed in the protagonist's pain, shame, anger, and profound sense of isolation.

The narrative conveys the rawness of her emotions and the overwhelming loneliness she experiences in a harsh world. A truly compelling read!

This particular piece was emotionally weighty. Despite being aware of this before delving in, the impact was still profound.

The book holds a commanding presence, evoking a sense of pain and occasional hopelessness. Yet, its exceptional composition stands out.

While recognizing that verse novels may not appeal to everyone, it becomes evident that this approach was indispensable for this specific narrative. It certainly delivers a powerful emotional impact.

This book was so heartbreaking but had such a powerful message. Many people experience sexual abuse every single day and this book described the aftermath of it for one girl. It’s so amazing how powerful a message can be when it is given through a novel in verse. This book is definitely worth a read for anyone.

Olivia A. Cole's Dear Medusa is a raw, unflinching novel in verse about a sixteen-year-old girl grappling with the aftermath of sexual abuse at the hands of a beloved educator.

Alicia has a fire burning in the noxious pit of her stomach. It was put there by The Colonel, a teacher much loved at her high school. A teacher who abused her. Alicia walks the halls of her high school carrying her secret, mouthing off to teachers and students, and hooking up with any guy who asks because she doesn't know what else to do with the pain.

This gritty novel follows Alicia as she finds her footing and voice following the abuse. It shows how unspeakable acts can consume and destroy a person, not only robbing them of the power to make their own choices about who they want to be intimate with, but also shredding their self-esteem and worth. Alicia is a girl in pieces, kicking around like pebbles, what's left of her life.

Dear Medusa is a timely, important book that will serve as an affirming, resonating read for any teenager who has stared abuse in its face. Books like this need to exist because people like this exist. With that being said, Cole cycles through many of the same feelings and issues over and over again until this novel begins to feel overwrought and repetitive. Likely bringing light to the fact that those in mental anguish will often ruminate over the same scenarios and issues time and time again, this plot device is realistic, but not entirely compelling.

Furthermore, Cole drives home what feels like many personal agendas, putting her characters on a soapbox about a myriad of controversial issues and painting them only in black and white. Cole tells her readers what to think about these issues instead of presenting them subtly and allowing readers to decide for themselves what they believe. In a book written for impressionable teenagers and young adults, such a harsh and unforgiving stance which leaves no room for anyone else's opinion, other than what the author perceives to be the "right" opinion, can come off as indoctrination.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

I finally got through this one, and although I did like the character, it was hard to read the first part of the book. All the angst was too much for this reviewer. Teens will/do LOVE this title, though. An engaging "girl interrupted" story.

This is a powerful and courageous novel written in verse that navigates the difficult terrain of trauma, sexual abuse, and resilience through the lens of a sixteen-year-old girl, Alicia Rivers. While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy, the book handles it with a raw and unflinching honesty that leaves a lasting impact. While this book is not an easy read, it is an essential one that sheds light on important issues while showcasing the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Trigger Warnings - sexual abuse, bullying, substance use

Sincere thanks to Labyrith Road and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was very raw. Something that is somewhat par for the course when it comes to topics such as the ones expressed within the pages. I think it handled these topics better than other novels I've read in the past and as my first novel in verse, did so in a very new way. This opened my eyes to novels in verse and I know it won't be my last.

Alicia is seen in her local town as the school slut, someone you call for a good time and can never call again....or call again and again. However the story of Alicia and how she came to embrace this identity is there for the taking, if anyone cares to dig deep enough. TRIGGER WARNINGS: sexual abuse, rape, and grooming(mostly all off page, but enough to elicit strong emotions).

As a survivor it was easy to see myself reflected in Alicia at her age. It was the only thing I was good for, and without it I would become invisible all together. I needed that pain, even to the point I would seek out individuals I knew would treat me the ways Alicia is treated throughout this novel. As a mother, and avid watcher of Undercover Underage this novel just hits.... different. It's sickening, not only for Alicia, but for younger me. Not only for younger me, but for the current young generation. When so much is out there in the open now days, can we actually protect our children from the monsters? Some of the quotes that really stuck with me were:
"I read that anger can grow of trauma. That it can turn a human into a volcano. I want you to know I’m here. It’s okay to be angry. I can stand your lava."

"I am tired of salting the wound— I am ready to salt the earth."

Five stars and a hope that this can be a beacon of hope for some, even when the cave seems incapable of light. Age appropriate for those 13 & older, and I honestly wish a book like this had been featured in my school when I was that age. I think it would have really been a lifeline, and can still be.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

💔Book Review:
Title: Dear Medusa
Author: Olivia A. Cole
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/3 stars

“Medusa has become a figure of protection to women who have experienced sexual assault or assault on some level, particularly by men.”

Alicia Rivers is a 16 year old student who is being sexually assaulted by the school's "beloved" science teacher. I hated this book. Not because it is a terribly written story, but because it hits too close to home. Let me clarify. I was not, nor was anyone I'm close to, ever assaulted by a teacher. But, I do work in a school, and I'm aware of certain situations that have come up in the past that are extremely difficult for everyone involved. It's very frustrating for me to read about this heralded teacher literally destroying his students' lives while hiding behind a facade and NOBODY freaking knows?! Unfortunately, this doesn't just happen in fiction. These things do happen to students, and it needs to stop! I'll get off my soapbox now.

This book is difficult to read. It's extremely heartbreaking, and it truly was hard to continue reading. Again, there is nothing against the writing or the author. These stories need to be told, but sometimes it's just so very hard to read.

Published: March 14th, 2023

Thank you, @netgalley, and #labyrinthroad for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Amazingly raw and touching. What an intimate story and relatable to many in different ways. Highly recommend this book!

I have to say in full disclosure that if a person has been a victim of sexual assault, this book can be very triggering.

With that said, this is a story of what happened to a teen girl when assaulted by a teacher. It becomes unbearable for the teen When he turns it around to make him the victim. It shows how the teen in this story was taken advantage of and how this happens in more cases than not.

I was happy the author showed a different outcome, but even with that, some women aren't so lucky and have to live with the pain. I do, however, recommend the book as it is well-written. (Linda - Guest Reviewer)

Alicia has been sexually abused in some way by a teacher at her high school, one that everyone likes. She isn't very popular at school, isn't paid attention to much at home, has a job she doesn't like much with a boss she doesn't like much... she just isn't coping very well alone and doesn't have a support system to share her problems with.

This book in verse follows her as she spends a lot of time in ISS, deals with her anger and helplessness, makes a new friend who she gets very close to, and does a lot of reflection on girlhood and womanhood in the world. Some of the poetry is legit some of my favorite I've ever read (as someone who doesn't typically connect with verse) and I wished I hadn't read a library copy so that I could highlight.

I do kinda wish it was a little longer, because the end wrapped up QUICK, but it was really good and I think it should be in lots of teen girls' hands!

This book was such a wonderfully gripped and entrapping story. It was a bit hard to digest at some points with the subject matter but I adored it regardless of how triggering but can be.

Not sure what else I can say about a book as powerful and sticking as this, other than the only thing I wrote down in my notes for this book, a quote:

"Am I allowed to decide when I want to be a feast?"

This one just did not do it for me unfortunately. I was expecting something much different, and I could not find myself interested in the story.

"Dear Medusa" by Olivia A. Cole is a hauntingly beautiful story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. We follow Alicia as she lives through the trauma of having been sexually abused by a popular teacher at school. Cole dives deep into describing the lingering psychological impact of the shame, anger, and distrust that plague Alicia. Cole's use of strong female friendships, female mentorship, and a mother who is working on herself to heal Alicia is inspiring. This book is not anti-male, but it is a drink-thrown-in-your-face to anyone who shrugs off the small (and large) moments of sexualizing girls and women.

Bracing novel-in-verse that deals with tough topics of consent, female sexuality, and identity. Although this was, in some respects, hard to read, it covers important topics in a sensitive manner.