Review: The Truth About You & Me
I received this book for free from FTC: Exchange for honest opinion, Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace Series: Stand Alone
Published by Flux on September 8th 2013
Genres: Young Adult-Contemporary
Source: FTC: Exchange for honest opinion, Netgalley
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Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.
Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennett. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.
There's only one problem. Bennett is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.
The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennett - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.
Every time I see these stories on t.v., everyone’s reaction is,” What a sick ***!” or ” That guy should be neutered.” You know what I think? I think that the girl should get in just in much trouble as the guy. Why? Well, girls now and days act, dress and look much older than what they really are. They make fake Face Book profiles claiming to be older, luring older guys and BAM. The guys gets arrested. Is that fair? No. I go to mall and I see the way girls act. Wearing short skirts, high heel shoes, and LOTS of make up on. And of course every guy she walks by, turns his head. Yes, even older ones. Do they know that she is only 16 years old? By the way that she is dressing? No, of course not. This story entails what I always thought of. What if the girl knew exactly what she is doing? And the guy is innocent after all?
Plot: I really like that a story like this is told. As I said, I always thought about why girls do the things that they do to get older men’s attention. In this story Madelyn is smart. So smart that at 16 years old she is taking college course on campus. You would never suspect that she is only 16. Through the plot, Madelyn tells her tale of what happen and why she didn’t stop it. She explains every action and even took the blame.
Relationship: In a different time and different place, and of course once Madelyn is of age, Bennett and Madelyn could have been a great couple. They gave each other ease and peace. Taking joy in laughter and in adventure. Since that is not the case, I feel bad for Bennett. This guy was dupe by a girl who lied OVER and OVER again. She had plenty of chances (she even says so herself) to stop it. To say,”I’m 16 years old.” Did she? No. She continued down this road of destruction knowing fully well that it was wrong.
Ending: She took the blame. I’m glad that she owned up to her actions. Even though she is only 16 years old, she knew better. Although, on the other hand I don’t think at 16 she fully understands her actions. So I can see where her logic is slipping. Still, she ruined everything for Bennett. His life, his career, his everything. Everything ruin.
Overall, this is a very good book portraying a different point of view that most don’t see. It captures the essence that 16 year old knows right from wrong, yet acting on actions that they don’t fully understand. The Truth About You & Me is gripping and original. Irresistible and dramatized for a perfect read, The Truth About You & Me is solid.
I give it 5 BITES!
Happy Reading!
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I agree with what you said, girls should get in trouble too- at least in many cases. There’s a girl at my daughters elementary school (yes, ELEMENTARY) and I see her at events and stuff all the time and she dresses like a 25 year old. She could easily pass for 16 when she has to be like 11. So when she’s 16 she’s probably going to pass as a 20 year old. It just makes me sad. My daughter always thinks she wants to dress like that and wear makeup and she’s 8, I hate having to explain to her time and time again that’s it’s not appropriate.
Anyway- this book sounds really good. I haven’t read any of her books as Amanda Grace, but I do have some. I have heard mixed things about this too, but your review has me really wanting to try it.
Candace, I agree. My other questions is, where are the parents? Why aren’t they taking more in action in what their children are doing? And you know what gets me ever madder? Is the fact that in most cases they parents stand by their child as if the child did NOTHING wrong. “No, my daughter is innocent.” UGH! Please?!?
Thank you so much for that first paragraph! I could not agree with you more. These girls are just as much to blame as the guy. I have a 12 year old sister and I am just amazed at how much things have changed since I was her age. I’m only 9 years older than her but I would have never said, acted, or worn the types of things teenagers these days do. Luckily, my sister has some common sense and has good examples to follow. I’ve seen the kids she goes to school with’s facebook profiles. They all have entirely way too much makeup on, their hair done, and an inappropriate outfit on for their age. They say they are much older, and some even claim to be going to a college somewhere. All lies, and all drawing unnecessary attention. And besides, if a girl is attracted to an older man who happens to be attracted to her, she will encourage the relationship to bloom. She’ll do anything she can to make it happen, most of the times.
Steps off that soapbox. This book really does sound like a good read. I like the fact that she ends up taking the blame. It’s also nice to see a very intelligent main character. I don’t like the fact that she lied over and over. Will have to add this to my TBR! Great review, Savannah!