Summary:
Caitlin has been living in her big sister's shadow her whole life. Out of nowhere that shadow up and moves away leaving Caitlin alone to figure out her own life. Rogerson comes into Caitlin's life and everything changes for her, but not in a good way.
My thoughts: SPOILER ALERT!
This is a departure for Sarah Dessen. Caitlin isn't a character I could immediately connect with. I have never really felt like I had to live up to my perfect siblings. Caitlin tries so hard have a different path from her older sister Cass. In the process of finding that path Caitlin looses herself. Rogerson enters Caitlin's life at just the wrong time, just when she is open to suggestion. She starts making choices that normally she wouldn't. The first time Rogerson hits her, she doesn't tell anyone. Caitlin deals with the increasing abuse for months.
I knew a girl in high school who dealt with beatings for months. She was addicted to the roller coaster. She wanted nothing more than to please him but he was rarely pleased. I saw her slow decline and heard her stupid excuses about the bruising. This book gives, in my opinion, an accurate account of what happens to women who are victimized. It starts with manipulation and ends with a fist.
I would say I liked this book over all. I would not recommend this to just anyone. I would imagine it would be a trigger book for those who have dealt with domestic abuse.
While writing this review I was listening to Grey's Anatomy.
