The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Title: The Truth About Alice

Author: Jennifer Mathieu

Length: 208 pages

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary

Release Date: June 3, 2014

Source: e-galley (I was pre-approved by NetGalley for this book. Thank you Macmillian and NetGalley!)

Read: March 2014

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down. 

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**I received an e-galley from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**


Wow. I really liked this book and I am so glad that I read it!
Such a well-written powerful realistic story that high school aged teens should read.

The Story:

I thought that the Truth About Alice was an interesting read. It wasn't really what I was expecting. I read the first part of the synopsis and then went on to reading the story.

I found that the story being told from four different points of view, none of which are Alice, ( the character the story is about), was different and quite interesting! At first I was confused, especially since we were only getting bits and parts of what happened, but as I continued reading, it became clearer and I really liked how the story was being told. I tend to not enjoy books that are told from several points of view, because a lot of times for me the voices merge together and I forget whose point of view I am reading. But I didn't have this problem with this book! The points of view were unique and well written for each character. I didn't have to look back at the chapter to remember whose point of view I was currently reading.

It has been a several years since I was in high school, but I found this book to be realistic of things that can happen. Rumors spread and bullying begins.

And that is what happens in this story. A rumor is started at a party, stating that Alice is a slut. And instead of the rumor being fixed right away or blowing over, others add to the lies and it grows.

The Characters:

I didn't really like and many of the characters in this story. They are very unlikable people, but I think that is part of the story. But I really liked reading each of their points of view and their own challenges dealing with what has happened and what they have said.

I did have emotions for Alice.

I found her to be an incredibly strong character for having to go through everything that is happening to her because of the rumors and events that have been happening around her. I felt her pain and her anger. There were times that I wished I could climb in the book and hug her. 

I think all of the characters were well developed and well written. 

My Recommendation:

I really do think that high school aged teenagers should read this book. I also recommend this book for readers that enjoy reading Young Adult Contemporary books!

My Rating: