I have always been amazed with this style of plot structure; the idea of a story within a story. Beth Goobie paints you a picture about a girl named Maddy. For English class, the project was to collectively finish a novel. Every student has to give at least 300 words, and some put more effort in than others. It is fascinating how the story the characters create echo greater themes Maddy faces in her own life. Trigger warning: rape: The spring before the book starts, Maddy Malone was gang raped. She knows who three out of the five guys were, even though they wore masked, and finds out who the other two were later in the book. The night doesn't pause in haunting her. She has not spoken a word to anyone. Even when she drops art and doesn’t speak to her parents like she used to. She can’t talk to her older sister anymore and her life doesn’t feel like her own anymore. Will she find the courage to speak up about her own pain? Should she? Or should she take the pain she was given and deal with it? This novel narrows in on a lot of issues. One I found consistently powerful was about by standers. Knowing about different groups of secrets gives you a perspective that feels very raw. The author reminds you of how important your actions are even if you did nothing. That you are no more innocent. I didn’t expect to get much from this book, but I think it’s going to stick with me for a while. I recommend giving pause if some of the mentions in this book will trigger you (rape, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bullying, and sexual harassment). All together this story is worth knowing because it speaks up for people who may not be able to. Pretending something didn’t happen, just because it makes you feel better, doesn’t make the situation go away. And it sure as hell doesn’t help the victim, no matter the scenario.
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