Single Sundays: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com):
If someone hurts your sister and you’re any kind of man, you seek revenge, right?

If your brother’s accused of a terrible crime but says he didn’t do it, you defend him, don’t you?

When Mikey’s sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart.

When Ellie’s brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel.

When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.

Review:

Every once in a while I like to read a realistic fiction novel between my never ending list of series. I found this little gem when browsing my local library’s eBook collection and decided on picking it up…and I am SO glad that I did.

This was a great story! It was just so realistic and mature that it blew my mind. I really enjoyed watching everything unfold and watching the relationship that develops between Mikey and Ellie. Everything was just so believable and real–which I loved.

I have to give mad props to Jenny Downham for how she handled the subject of sexual assault. Unlike some novels that add it in for “dramatics” or down play the severity of it, Ms. Downham portrayed everything with grace and sensitivity which I really respect and appreciate. I also like that we get to see the impact the whole situation has on both families involved and not just a biased, one-sided approach.

The only thing that stopped me from giving this book a 5 was the way it ended. I would have really appreciated an epilogue or a defined answer of what happens after. I just felt like the whole thing was building to the climax of what happens in the case and then SPLAT, nada.

Conclusion:

If you don’t mind reading about more mature subject matter, this is a book for you. Overall, a great and believable insight into what happens to both families when someone is charged with a sexual assault and what can come out of it. Realistic fiction as its best!

Rating: 4/5

Shorthand Stats:
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Recommended for: 15+
Point of View: Alternating
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