Written by Sasha Zatz
From the author of A Danger to Herself and Others comes a powerful story about abuse and its impact. This fiercely feminist story follows Maya, whose boyfriend hit her. When she tells the principal at her high school, word gets around and people start taking sides. Friendships are tested and rallies are organised, as the girls at the centre of this story slowly start to come apart.
This book was absolutely amazing. It was fierce, visceral, unique, and breathtaking. I am absolutely blown away as to how this book not only beautifully handled an important topic with care and honesty, but it was also surprising and interesting in comparison to some thrillers I have read. I don’t want to spoil, but this book has a reveal about a third in that will make you gasp! What Kind of Girl will force you to challenge your assumptions and gives an amazing and deep look into each of its characters and their many traits in a way a lot of books don’t quite manage.
The main characters were fantastic, all the while being relatable. Maya was brave and brilliant, loving, and kind. When she reports her boyfriend, everyone at school is talking about her, but she manages to get through it with such strength. She stands up for herself and all girls who have gone through something similar. She is so strong and such an inspiration. Junie is a badass and intelligent, who has been taught to always stand up for what she believes in, so she is determined to do something for Maya, to help get Mike expelled. But she’s also grappling her own anxiety and her relationship with her girlfriend (which was adorable, sapphics for the WIN!). There are other characters, but just, well you’ll have to read to see!
This book is full of raw emotions and will make you feel all kind of things. The author’s way of making you feel how the character does is amazing and the emotions you will feel while reading are vivid and visceral.
What Kind of Girl is a powerful exploration of the aftermath of abuse and how it affects people, as individuals and as a community. I would absolutely recommend this book because it is timely, poignant, and ever so important.
Trigger Warnings: dating abuse, self harm and bulimia
What Kind of Girl is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Girl In Pieces meets Moxie in this unflinching exploration of the many forms of abuse society inflicts upon women, and the strength it takes to rise above it all to claim your worth.
The girls at North Bay Academy are taking sides. It all started when Mike Parker’s girlfriend showed up with a bruise on her face. Or, more specifically, when she walked into the principal’s office and said Mike hit her. But the students have questions. Why did she go to the principal and not the police? Why did she stay so long if he was hurting her? Obviously, if it’s true, Mike should be expelled. But is it true?
Some girls want to rally for his expulsion—and some want to rally around Mike. The only thing that the entire student body can agree on? Someone is lying. And the truth has to come out.
