Author: Amanda Maciel
Publication Date: May 1st, 2014
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From debut author Amanda Maciel comes a provocative and unforgettable novel, inspired by real-life incidents, about a teenage girl who faces criminal charges for bullying after a classmate commits suicide.Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault. At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media. In the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her own role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.
With its powerful narrative, unconventional point of view, and strong anti-bullying theme, this coming-of-age story offers smart, insightful, and nuanced views on high school society, toxic friendships, and family relationships.
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I knew Tease was going to be a hard one to review as soon as
I read the synopsis. I usually avoid books with these topics, I think the only
other strong one I've read was Thirteen Reasons Why. Bullying in general is
more of a taboo subject, and no matter how much campaigning and bringing things
to light on bullying, I honestly don't think it makes a difference. Bullying isn't
an issue. It's a human issue. It's not just a thing that kids don't understand,
it's not just kids on a playground or teenagers in high school, it's adults and
work places just alike. But, I do think all that campaigning and bringing to
life highlights the fine line between what we think is teasing to bullying. And
Tease highlights that perfectly.
