Great Read

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 3.5

This was an encouraging read. The story talks about important issues such as racism, rape, teenage pregnancy and adoption. I have had this on my Netgalley shelf for a while and now have finally read it. The story revolved around Luna, a goal oriented, studious girl who went to a party, and was drugged and raped. The rest of the story follows her journey after the rape with her pregnancy and the decision of what to do next. I thought that she was brave to face the bullying and racism at her school after the pregnancy was exposed as I thought it showed dignity and grace about who she was as a person. Also, I really enjoyed the relationship that she has with her family. I think the lesson that I learned from this book is to tell someone about what happened to you because the pain and feelings associated with what happened can consume you, and it is better to rely on people. Overall, a great read.

Although I can see the point of this story, I feel like it read more like a play than a novel. It was just too short and too blatant with the message. It doesn't work around it, really go into detail or really give a better scenario than the normal for this type of book. It reads like a Dangers of Drinking booklet given to kids. It was just okay but lacked the depth or finesse to really make me love it.

Overall a good book, and well written with a teen audience in mind. I personally would have made it a little longer to explore a little more in-depth the issues that Luna went through (sexual assault, the eventual adoption of her baby) but I can understand the need for brevity here. Would recommend to teen readers.