I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected too and I found the characters to be a lot more in depth than I expected for a coming of age story. I was really rooting for Grace even though she infuriated me at times, I just wanted to shake her but I also wanted to give her a massive hug

Grace is an interesting character where it's difficult to root for her at times but you also can't help but want her to succeed. The layer of intrigue really helps in propelling her story forward and the cast of characters we meet is reminiscent of Girl, Interrupted. If you are a fan of Kathleen Glasgow books, I think this would definitely be one for you.

On the surface, Grace seems like the typical girl who has everything but as you get to know her more and more you can see just how fractured her life is and how small choices made by her parents have significant repercussions.

At times, this was an incredibly difficult read and I think the book could benefit from trigger warnings (I don't recall seeing anything) as it is possible it could do more harm than good for somebody who is not in the right mindset to read this very important book.

Grace seems like an average American girl. She has a boyfriend, does well in school, and lives in a middle-class neighborhood. However, after her boyfriend encourages her to make a series of bad decisions, she ends up in juvie. About Grace is a coming-of-age story that shows readers one view of life inside a juvenile correction facility and there is a lot of backstory that shows how she got there and some of the obstacles that were thrown in her way. This book is a short read and very raw with its imagery which will be appealing to many reluctant readers. There are some triggers within this story (suicide, molestation, and abortion to name a few), but they are covered with a light touch. About Grace was a compelling read, but I hope the final version has several errors fixed.

Barbara Shoup does a fantastic job in writing this young adult novel, it had a strong concept and was invested in what was going on. The characters had that realism that I was looking for and thought everything worked overall in this concept. It had characters that I cared about and was glad I got to read this.

Thank you Netgalley and Querencia Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Barbara Shoup’s “About Grace” is an emotionally charged and unflinchingly honest portrayal of a young woman’s journey through trauma and accountability. The book has gripping storytelling with introspective character study, which helps Shoup craft a deeply human story that examines the complexities of the juvenile carceral system, the long shadow of past abuse, and the redemptive power of friendship. Before going into this review, I do want to note that this book is darker than I expected going into it, and this book may be triggering for some readers. The ARC I read did not have any content warnings at the beginning, but I definitely believe they are necessary. This book featured suicide, drug use, and child abuse. The child abuse may be especially triggering as this sexual abuse was depicted through Grace’s flashback as a child (9 years old) by a family friend, and this abuse was described through Grace’s perspective as a child. Please be aware of this specific content before going into this book so that you are prepared.

Grace Lowery is, on the surface, an average Midwestern teenager from a seemingly typical single-parent household. However, a series of poor decisions, spurred by her wealthy and reckless boyfriend, lands her in a state juvenile correctional facility for girls. As she navigates life in the facility, Grace encounters staff members who range from apathetic to caring, peers with their own complex backstories, and a system that exposes the stark inequalities of privilege and justice. The book alternates between Grace’s present in juvenile detention and flashbacks to her troubled past. These glimpses of her childhood reveal the fractures in her seemingly normal life, from her parents’ separation to the harrowing abuse she suffered at the hands of her Uncle Jack. The fragmented timeline mirrors Grace’s struggle to piece together her own story and make sense of her pain.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authentic portrayal of incarcerated youth. Shoup’s experience with this demographic shines through in her nuanced depiction of the characters. They are flawed, rough-edged, and achingly real, offering a rare and much-needed perspective in young adult fiction. Each character has a distinct personality, even the more minor characters, and many of the girls in juvie are in much need of stability and care.

Grace’s relationships with others in the facility are another highlight. Her reluctant but ultimately meaningful friendship with Jessica, a fellow detainee who often pushes her religion, and her growing connection with Electra, offer glimpses of hope and humanity amid a harsh environment. The therapy sessions Grace attends, guided by a compassionate counselor, provide some of the book’s most poignant moments as Grace begins to confront her trauma and grief. The story also doesn’t shy away from exploring systemic issues, such as the impact of privilege and socioeconomic status on legal outcomes.

However, the book’s frequent timeline shifts, while thematically resonant, can be confusing at times, as the transitions between past and present are not always clear as they may occur in the middle of chapters or in the beginning of them, making it difficult to keep track of exactly what is going on as well as when.

At its core, “About Grace” is a coming-of-age story rooted in resilience and self-reclamation. While the book tackles some heavy topics, the book also offers a sense of hope, as Grace begins to find strength in therapy, unexpected friendships, and the process of understanding herself. Shoup’s portrayal of incarcerated youth feels raw and genuine, and Grace’s journey is one of both heartbreak and hope. For readers looking for a story that dives deep into the complexities of trauma and personal growth, this book is a must-read.

thank you netgalley for providing an ARC for this story. Forever grateful I got to read this.


review in spanish downbelow


El primer 5 estrellas del año y completamente merecido.

La razón principal por la que solicite el Arc de esta historia fue porque la portada me llamo la atención. Con tan solo verla dije "ah seguro es una historia de crimen" al estilo Agatha Christie. WRONG!!!!

La historia gira entorno a Grace, una chica de menor de 18 años que cae en un centro de detención para menores de edad porque cometió un crimen (varios) con su novio. (Entraban a robar a las casas de gente rica).

En si, nos cuenta como es su vida dentro de este centro de detención, el porque llego ahí y porque si vida era una _miseria_ básicamente.


Puede decir que el libro te engancha en la primeras 3 palabras, si no hubiese estado trabajando desde que lo comencé, seguramente en un día lo terminaba. La narración que tiene me gustó un montón porque va intercalando entre lo que va pasando en el centro de detención y en el pasado de ella, relacionándolo en por que llego hasta ahí.


Tiene un trigger warning que es abuso sexual y la manera en la que lo desarrollo la autora me sorprendió, creo que retrato muy bien el hecho de tener miedo a contarlo porque tu abusador te amenazo si lo decías. No es hasta el último capítulo que realmente se sabe lo que pasó, durante el transcurso de la historia va contando pero nada puntual, como que lo deja a interpretación.



En conclusión es un libro que voy a recomendar de acá en adelante porque la autora en los agradecimientos cuenta porque decidió hacerlo. Creo que es razón suficiente para que el día que se publique todos lo lean y le den el reconocimiento que se merece.

I was drawn to this book because I so rarely see incarcerated youth being realistically portrayed in YA fiction, and the book didn't disappoint. The author's note mentioned experience with incarcerated teens and it definitely showed. The characters are flawed, rough-edged, realistic to the setting. The book starts out fast and then it slows, grows more introspective, which again is suited to what it is: a character study more than anything else. No one just falls into prison. Shoup takes her time unfolding just enough of the girls' stories to understand them.

Barbara Shoup’s About Grace is a deeply touching story that explores love, loss, and the search for identity. Grace’s journey felt so raw and authentic, and I found myself completely invested in her struggles and growth. The themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery were beautifully handled, making it a story that stayed with me long after I finished. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with depth and heart, About Grace is a book I’d definitely recommend.

*About Grace* by Barbara Shoup is a beautifully written, character-driven novel that explores the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. The story centers around the life of Grace, a woman who has experienced personal tragedy and is now struggling to understand her identity and the choices she has made. The novel is a poignant exploration of how our pasts shape our futures and how we can find redemption and meaning in unexpected ways.

Shoup’s writing shines in its ability to capture both the emotional depth of her characters and the nuances of their relationships. Grace is a relatable and multi-dimensional protagonist whose journey is filled with both heartache and hope. The author skillfully delves into Grace’s internal conflicts, examining her fears, desires, and the ways in which she tries to make sense of her life. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding a layer of complexity to the story.

One of the book’s strengths is its quiet, reflective pacing. It’s a novel that allows readers to get lost in its world and really feel the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences. While it may not have the high-energy plot twists or intense action that some readers prefer, *About Grace* is more about the emotional journey than the plot itself. It’s a story about coming to terms with one’s past, learning to forgive oneself, and finding a way forward after loss.

The novel also explores themes of memory, grief, and personal growth, which are all handled with sensitivity and insight. Shoup doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of life but also brings light to the possibility of healing. Grace’s story is one of resilience, showing that even after significant pain, there is always potential for change and growth.

While *About Grace* is an excellent read, it’s not without its flaws. Some readers may find the slow pacing a bit of a challenge, and at times, the introspective nature of the narrative can feel a little drawn out. However, for those who enjoy literary fiction that focuses on character development and emotional depth, these qualities will likely be appreciated.

In conclusion, *About Grace* is a thoughtful and touching novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven stories. Barbara Shoup’s prose is beautiful, and her ability to craft complex, relatable characters makes this novel a rewarding and memorable read.

**Rating: 4/5 stars**

I loved reading About Grace by Barbara Shoup and read it quickly as it sucked me I right from the beginning. The pacing was great, and you are rooting for the main character, Grace the whole time. This book is about a yonge woman named Grace who made some dumb decisions and got sent to juvenile detention. You got to see the people she meets along the way along the way, the staff that cares, the staff that didn’t, the other girls who were also sent there and bits and pieces about their lives and why how they ended at the same facility. It also touches upon the fact that sometimes the consequences that are given out, are not based on the crimes committed but rather your status in life and who you know.

Note:
I am thankful for Barbara Shoup and Querencia Press for providing this book to NetGalley. I received this in exchange for my honest opinion and review.