Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Bitter End


Bitter End
By Jennifer Brown
2011
386 pages

Summary:  Alex is used to being a friend, someone to count on. So when the handsome and funny new guy named Cole starts to see her as something more, Alex is beyond thrilled. So thrilled in fact that she starts to overlook and excuse some of Cole’s behaviour. He’s jealous of her best guy friend, understandable, he yells at her calling her a slut, he’s had a bad day, he punches her in the face, and it’s just a one time thing. Alex doesn’t want to lose what she has, but is she willing to risk her life for the chance to be loved?

Review: Brown’s second novel proves that she is here to stay, once again tackling a difficult subject with grace and understanding. Alex is a well crafted character, one that is instantly likable but at the same time completely frustrating. People will either love her or hate her, but ultimately I think she reflects the complexity of this type of abuse. Secondary characters were equally complex being friends, villains and victims at the same time.  Zack was an especially compelling secondary character, one that many readers will fall for. Finally, quick pacing and an engaging plot give this novel a great flow that makes it easy to fall into.  Brown’s fluid writing style, honest characters and engaging plots make her one of my favourite authors.

Also by Jennifer Brown: Hate List

If you liked Bitter End, you might also enjoy:  Stay by Deb Caletti, But I Love Him by Amanda Grace and Rage by Julie Anne Peters



Rating:
Writing: 4/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 3.5/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 3/4
Cover: 3/4
Grade: JS

2 comments:

Emma B. said...

I really liked this one. It really made me rethink abuse. usually I wound think "oh, I would never stay with a guy like that". Bitter End definitely shows how someone could be manipulated into staying in an abusive relationship.

Unknown said...

I want to read this book. It sounds really good. Thanks for the review.

 
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