DEAR MEDUSA is a stunning YA novel from Olivia Cole that tells the story of a sixteen-year-old grappling with sexual abuse while navigating a judgmental high school and a heavy home life. Written in verse, this book struck me as something that younger me would have absolutely inhaled and loved.

I do wish that some parts of the plot were a little more fleshed out, but found it a quick and powerful read overall. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Random House Children's for the advanced copy.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was honest and at times gut-wrenching. I personally am not a huge fan of novels in verse, but I understand why this book was done in that format and think that it added to the overall story. While this book was well done, I personally think that the book tried at times to focus on to many different hot topics and I think it would have benefited more if it had focused on a main storyline.

This book was so powerful, and the writing was beautiful. I marked so many lines, poems and pages. This story was dark and heavy, yet so important. A 5 star story without a doubt.

I docked stars because at times the book suffered an identity crisis. A book about a young girl dealing with the trauma of sexual assault was bogged down by the author adding in controversial topics for clout. It took so much from the story to add in all the hot button issues to tick off boxes. And the added emphasis on Black girls and racist teachers was a subplot taken too far and was weird coming from a white lady. There are plenty of Black authors who can tell this story from personal experiences without needing a white lady to do it for them.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a powerful, immersive novel in verse. Although I usually read verse novels in a sitting or two, this was one that I had to consume slowly. There was a lot to tackle in this book, and I appreciated the exploration of anger and pain that came with all the injustices. This book was a great example of how verse can elevate emotions with a reduced amount of words.

Dear Medusa was a beautiful portrayal of traumatic experiences. It follows the experiences of a teenager and her experiences with sex, love, and herself. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.

This meant a lot to me. I think sexual assault and trauma can happen to anyone, at any age, but this author speaking from 16 year old Alicia's pov really gave this particular trauma a strong voice.

Alicia's whole life changed after being sexually assaulted by a popular teacher. The girl who ran track and wanted a future was gone, but throughout this story told in verse, Alicia does regain her strength. Particularly with the help of other girls, other strong girls that show her that she is worth fighting for.

This is such a powerful and strong book that I would highly recommend. And I hope school libraries pick this book up.

This was a well written story that nicely interweaved the complexities of trauma and trying to be in control of your body afterwards. There was some good stuff in here as far as the standards placed on women being a double edged sword and not knowing how to label your sexuality after someone else has already claimed it.

Honestly, this was a good story.

So why three stars? I just don't think it's one I'll think about again and it didn't leave me with a "wow" feeling. Maybe that's putting too much pressure on this book, but I read a lot and I know what I like. Even though this one wasn't a homerun for me, I think others will love it.

Enjoyable, great pacing, exciting settings kept me hooked. Fun novel that will be the perfect to lose yourself in. Thank you Net Galley for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

I loved this book! It made such a mark on me. The author brings up so much that is relative to my life, and to so many other people's lives as well. Both growing up as an "early developing" young lady, and just living as a woman in our society. I loved the way the author put this all together and made it feel like you were inside the main character's mind.
The book follows a 16 year old young lady, Alicia, who is dealing with being a developed teenager in today's society. Where no matter the profession or social status of a man, society allows them to get away with treating woman like garbage. Treating us as if we are just a body they can conquer and nothing more. Society allows it and supports them quite frequently, When the woman is investigated and portrayed as being the one at fault, and/or a liar. Alicia is angry. So angry about what's happening in her life. From her parents divorce to everything at school; thank God for friends!
This book is something that will surely be banned, if it isn't already, because there is too much truth and society can't handle that! Would definitely recommend, especially for teenage girls!

“Why when it comes to girls and wolves do we let our brains look for reasons why she deserved to be prey before we notice his fangs?”

**3.5/5**

A very needed and powerful novel. A lot of thought-provoking, deep moments that unfortunately were bogged down a bit by its length. While every scene was important to establishing Alicia’s extremely isolating circumstances, it still felt needlessly long.

Despite my issues, I would highly recommend the book. Even though I’m not it’s ideal audience, it feels very raw and personal.

Lyrical and raw. This the first novel in verse I have read in a very long time and it was quite good and more than I expected.

- thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc to review!

- a powerful story in verse about a survivor of sexual violence utilizing her voice to work on a path of healing. i enjoyed the protagonists journey, but parts of the story did slog a little around her relationship with the other characters, but it didn’t take away from my overall experience. overall, a good story about surviving trauma and the reclamation of one’s voice.

- trigger warnings: sexual violence

This book was emotional, healing, and cathartic, moving
It was difficult to read because of how relatable it was as a sexual assault survivor, but in the end it felt like an empowering read, a story of resilience and refinding yourself, a story of hope

I do wish there was a bit more closure at the end, but I understand why there wasn’t and the character arc was enough to leave me feeling hopeful at the end

With its lyrical prose, fierce protagonist, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a triumph that will captivate readers from beginning to end. Cole tackles important topics such as misogyny, victim-blaming, and the reclaiming of one's narrative. Through Alicia's story, the author shines a light on the ways society often silences and vilifies women, highlighting the importance of empowering marginalized voices and challenging oppressive narratives.

Dear Medusa beautifully captures of the voice of Alicia, Deja, and their group of multiethnic teen girls in high school. It questions the social rules that police their bodies and traumatize young women who struggle to thrive amidst the trauma and chaos of sexual abuse, shaming, and bullying, and builds hope for the allyship that develops when girls and women are willing to share their truths with each other.

This book really packed a punch. This is definitely the type of book that you need a certain mindset for as it can be extremely triggering to many. The author did a very good job highlighting the effects of trauma on a person and how trauma affects each person differently. The author also did a great job in highlighting the issues girls today face, especially with the fact that no matter what girls do it’s never enough.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

“I’m starting to realize that a woman doesn't get that mad

so mad that her hair turns to snakes
so mad that her rage turns blood to boulder
so mad that she withdraws into a cave and dares the world to follow

all on her own.”

Dear Medusa is a beautiful but heartbreaking story of how a girl deals with the aftermath of sexual abuse and her journey towards healing and self-discovery. This novel written in verse was short but powerful, examining how people deal with trauma in ways you wouldn’t expect, and what it takes to overcome.

thank you NetGalley and Labyrinth Road for this arc!

Amazing and a tight read that was good to look into. I'm glad I got an ARC and thank you for it! So this in my view was a great book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow! Powerful! This book follows Alicia, a high school junior, through a downward spiral brought on by being sexually abused by a popular teacher. Throughout the school year, she tries to find herself again. I like being able to feel how she feels, hear her thoughts, good and bad, and understand the pain that she has buried deep down inside. This book could be a trigger for some! I found it wonderfully written and thoroughly enjoyed it.