Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

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Book summary

"When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole -- a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her -- she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.

As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself."

What I thought about it...

     At one point while I was reading Bitter End, I posted this update on Goodreads: " I think I found my new Sarah Dessen!" Now I feel that I have to explain that statement, because there is no similarites between those two authors. At least if we are talking about subject of their novels. Sarah Dessen is all about believing in positive outcome and happily ever afters. Jennifer Brown doesn't make things that easy. Both of them have this way of pulling you into the story - they are true masters when it comes to writing.

     I wish this book was translated on my language - I would make all of my students read it. Abusive relationships is something we all have to talk about with our kids in classrooms. What to do and where to find help - no matter if you are the victim or eyewitness.

     Best word to describe Bitter End would be intense. And scary. There's no way that you'll be able to read this book and stay indifferent or not imagine yourself in Alex's shoes. It's easy to stand on the sidelines thinking how she's blind and stupid for believing in everything Cole says. How she should just turn around and walk away. When you're in love for the first time, when you sleep with a boy for a first time, when you turn your back even to your friends because of that boy - nothing is that simple. I admire Jennifer for pulling it off - same thing goes for her novel Hate List.

     If you want to read something that will stay with you for the rest of your life, please, find this book. And tell everyone about it.

Until next time,