Monday 1 October 2012

You Against Me Book Review

You Against Me
by Jenny Downham
Young Adult Contemporary

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skilfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

Cover Rating: 5 / 5
Firstline: Mikey couldn't believe his life
Taglines: You want this to be a love story?
Romance: Believable and draws you in
Action: With the court case I guess is more thriller so not a lot of action
Horror: Rape
Humor: A little sarcasm
Uniqueness: I haven't read a lot of books about this kind of thing before

This was not the expected quick read for me, which may have something to do with being back at school but I have my doubts. I can't deny it to be a good story but I'm not sure if I'm into contemporary like this. The story was basically about who was lying or telling the truth. Was Ellie's brother, Tom, innocent of the accused crime and Karen, Mikey's sister, telling lies or did Tom in fact rape Karen. Of course the story is told from Ellie and Mikey's POV which change the whole way though. I think everyone can find something to relate to in this book whether they be like Ellie; privileged, hard-working, revising, dealing with drugs, family problems and her first time or Mikey; unprivileged, having to care for his two sisters, alcoholic single-parent,his job, smoking, social services and providing for his family.

It obvious from the start what happened but we have to wait until the last chapter or so to be told by one of the characters themselves. Then there's the romance. A twist on 'unforbidden love' because this time it makes sense why they can't be together.

The writing was easy and consisted a lot of he said, 'blah blah' and she said, 'bleh bleh' to bo honest.

Find out where Ellie rates here - http://readablecharper.blogspot.co.uk/p/female-stats.html
Find out where Mikey rates here - http://readablecharper.blogspot.co.uk/p/male-stats.html
Both characters did evolve right from the start to the end.

The ending was concluded in a way in which it didn't really conclude but that's all I'm saying.

A few weak points: Not really sure I like the writing style & I couldn't devote myself to the story
A few strong points: There's a relatable character for all readers

Recommend? If you're looking for a heavy contemporary this is the book for you.

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