The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher Blog Tour/Giveaway

The S-Word
By: Chelsea Pitcher
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.

But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.

Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.

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My Thoughts:

So when I first heard the title of this book, I knew I wanted to read it.  I knew it would be about bullying and slut-shaming and I think those topics are so important in the world of fiction.  Teens need to have books that show them that other people are going through it and that it's completely wrong.

I went into this knowing that Lizzie (the girl who died) had secrets, but I had no idea how many secrets this book would have!!  It was like secret after secret, and just when you thought you knew it all... BAM another one.

I really liked Angie's voice.  She came across as older and really insightful.  It almost made me want to believe that she would've talked things through with Lizzie before her death, but she was flawed.  At times she was an unreliable narrator as she wasn't exactly honest with her audience for parts of the book.

I had mixed feelings about Lizzie's voice.  She was depicted through diary entries.  At first I really liked the poetic nature of her diary entries.  They were beautiful words... but then I started wondering if a high schooler would really write like that?  I just know there's no way I would've been able to write like that at that age.  Also some of the conversations Angie had with other people seemed really grown up and forced at times.

What I did like was that this book really tackled death and what words like slut (and boys calling each other "Fags") can do to people.  It marks you and is something you can't easily take away.  I loved the emotions and the way this book held my attention.  I think it's a really important topic and it's definitely a book that keeps you thinking throughout.

Having said that, I really wished this book just focused in on the slut-shaming/bullying part. It kind of branched out to include a variety of other issues and that became a little hard to follow. I think it also made it more unbelievable. It was definitely a readable book, but it involved some suspension of disbelief.

*Also I think this would be a great choice for a book club book, as it contains so many topics that can be talked about.

Overall: A fascinating look at high school gone wrong.  I recommend for anyone who wants an emotional read about a topic that makes you think.

This Book Contains:

• Guilt
• Slut-Shaming
• Parties
• Cheer Bears (cute word for cheerleaders)
• Prom
• Diary entries
• LGBT themes
• Emotions
• Death

My Rating:

 

3/4

How I got this book: I was provided a free copy in exchange for this honest review
Date Published: 5/7/2013


AUTHOR BIO
Chelsea Pitcher

Chelsea Pitcher is a native of Portland, OR where she received her BA in English Literature. Fascinated by all things literary, she began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read, and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light.

 

Official links: chelseapitcher.com | @Chelsea_Pitcher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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