BACKLASH BY SARAH DRAER LITTMAN

Backlash highlights important social issues about the dangers of online bullying. I think many teens and their parents should read this one! I enjoyed it too and recommend it. 

Rating: ★★★★
​Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Drama (Social Issues)
Series: None. Complete standalone. 
Pages: 336 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased. 

He says: You're an awful person.
He says: What makes you think I would ever ask you out?
He says: The world would be a better place without you in it.

Lara just got told off on Facebook.

She thought that Christian liked her, that he was finally going to ask her to his school's homecoming dance. They've been talking online for weeks, so what's with the sudden change? And where does he get off saying horrible things on her wall? Even worse--are they true?

It's been a long time since Lara's felt this bad, this depressed, this ugly. She's worked really hard to become pretty and happy - and make new friends after what happened in middle school.

Bree used to be best friends with overweight, depressed Lara, but constantly listening to Lara's issues got to be too much. Secretly, 

Bree's glad Christian called Lara out. Lara's not nearly as amazing as people think. But no one realized just how far Christian's harsh comments would push Lara. Not even Bree.

As online life collides with real life, things spiral out of control, and not just for Lara. Because when the truth starts to come together, the backlash is even more devastating than anyone could have ever imagined ​​

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Read my Book Review

Release Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Drama (Social Issues)
Actual Rating: 4 stars

Sarah Draer pens an intense read with Backlash. This book takes an emotional look at online teenage bullying and the aftereffects that it causes (actually, the ripple effects that it has on everyone as well). I think all teens and their parents should read this book. It's certainly an eye opening read and it may make you think twice about what you do online and the affects it can have on everyone. 

This book is written on multiple POV's- the victim Lara, the girl who set the cyber-bullying in motion, the brother of the attacker, and the sister of the victim. I know it seems like a lot of people, but it really makes sense for the story and I think the author hit it out of the park by doing this. Anyway, she gives readers an in depth look at both the after effects of the bullying and what lead up to it. The overall picture of it all is quite spectacular, but pretty depressing as well because so many people were hurt because of jealousies. It's scary to think that this stuff happens in the real world. 

The most important components this book touches upon includecyber-bullying , and teen suicide. Nothing is sensationalized in a way that would make a reader want to do it, but rather, is shown as to what it can do to the victims and their families. 

I don't need to get into plot because I think my small summation above is enough, but I will say that it's a powerful book and sends a big message- don't cyber-bully. Don't hurt people for the fun of it. And leave your insecurities at the door. A hard feat for many teens these days, but something that should certainly be considered. ​

★★★★

I read this book for my TBR challenge!

Find more of the books I've been reading for the challenge here.