*We received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own and do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of the publisher or author.
I was first drawn to this YA contemporary by the gorgeous, minimalist cover. Then I read the synopsis and I knew that I had to read this social-issue novel. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed.
Our protagonist is Savannah Rose- or Sparrow to most of her friends. She is your average teenager who deals with high school and dances in a ballet company. When she meets Tristen she thinks she has met the man of her dreams.
This book is heavy and there is a lot to unpack. We get alternating perspectives between Sparrow and one of her best friends, Lucas. I think this was an amazing way to handle this story because it showed the far reaching impacts of abuse and assault that extend beyond the abuser and victim.
Jackson does an amazing job getting inside Soarrows head, first as she tries to understand the red flags she is seeing with Tristen and then while she struggles to heal after the brutal assault. All the supporting characters are phenomenal and complex, showing the importance of networks of loved one in the process of recovering from such horrific events.
On a lighter note, I loved the ballet scenes in this book. Never doing ballet is one of the biggest regrets of my life and I found the scenes with Sparrow and Lucas dancing so immersive and beautiful.
If there was any doubt, I gave this heavy but beautiful book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to people who love authors such as Angie Thomas and Mindy McGinnis.
I was first drawn to this YA contemporary by the gorgeous, minimalist cover. Then I read the synopsis and I knew that I had to read this social-issue novel. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed.
Our protagonist is Savannah Rose- or Sparrow to most of her friends. She is your average teenager who deals with high school and dances in a ballet company. When she meets Tristen she thinks she has met the man of her dreams.
This book is heavy and there is a lot to unpack. We get alternating perspectives between Sparrow and one of her best friends, Lucas. I think this was an amazing way to handle this story because it showed the far reaching impacts of abuse and assault that extend beyond the abuser and victim.
Jackson does an amazing job getting inside Soarrows head, first as she tries to understand the red flags she is seeing with Tristen and then while she struggles to heal after the brutal assault. All the supporting characters are phenomenal and complex, showing the importance of networks of loved one in the process of recovering from such horrific events.
On a lighter note, I loved the ballet scenes in this book. Never doing ballet is one of the biggest regrets of my life and I found the scenes with Sparrow and Lucas dancing so immersive and beautiful.
If there was any doubt, I gave this heavy but beautiful book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to people who love authors such as Angie Thomas and Mindy McGinnis.