What do you think?
Rate this book
Girl Over the Edge
It started with a bad decision and ended with an obsession.
Seventeen-year-old best friends Beckett Smith and Chloe Baker can’t shake their reputations after taking risqué photos at a college party. The pictures are distributed to the North Lake High School student body sending the best friends to the bottom rung of the social ladder right before senior year. When Beckett and Chloe return to school, they find themselves ill prepared for the harassment and bullying that follows.
Beckett has an easier time being reaccepted than Chloe. And she’ll do anything to be part of her old clique and to get a second chance at a relationship with her ex-boyfriend, star running back Kale Fenton. But Beckett’s attempts at a normal senior year are at odds with Chloe’s increasingly anti-social behavior. As Chloe’s life spirals out of control she becomes obsessed with the Aurora Bridge in Seattle, also known as Suicide Bridge, a place known for the jumpers. And after everyone’s abandoned Chloe, Beckett is the only person who can prevent Chloe from making the jump.
Girl Over the Edge is a novel about best friends, damaged relationships, and the help that sometimes comes from unexpected places.
Seventeen-year-old best friends Beckett Smith and Chloe Baker can’t shake their reputations after taking risqué photos at a college party. The pictures are distributed to the North Lake High School student body sending the best friends to the bottom rung of the social ladder right before senior year. When Beckett and Chloe return to school, they find themselves ill prepared for the harassment and bullying that follows.
Beckett has an easier time being reaccepted than Chloe. And she’ll do anything to be part of her old clique and to get a second chance at a relationship with her ex-boyfriend, star running back Kale Fenton. But Beckett’s attempts at a normal senior year are at odds with Chloe’s increasingly anti-social behavior. As Chloe’s life spirals out of control she becomes obsessed with the Aurora Bridge in Seattle, also known as Suicide Bridge, a place known for the jumpers. And after everyone’s abandoned Chloe, Beckett is the only person who can prevent Chloe from making the jump.
Girl Over the Edge is a novel about best friends, damaged relationships, and the help that sometimes comes from unexpected places.
Nook
First published July 31, 2011
16 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 12, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not because of the subject matter, that was rather dark and heavy, but because I really had no idea what to expect. I heard about this book through BookRooster.com, and although I wasn't able to get a review copy, I read the Kindle sample and liked what I read. And because it was only $.99, I went ahead and purchased it. I'm glad I did!
This is the story of what comes from poor decisions made by two best friends: one drunken party, risque photos changing hands at the speed of the internet, and the fall out.
I enjoyed the style of writing that the author used (first-person, present tense) and was impressed that she was able to keep it so consistent throughout the whole book. Although the style, which is told from Beckett's point of view, seemed kind of choppy, it worked well for the subject matter, and it was well written.
The subject matter itself is very realistic, and very heavy. These poor girls went through the whole school year dealing with the fallout of that one night with no relief, and I have to admit that at one point it seemed to almost be too much. And I guess that works too, because from Beckett's point of view, it WAS too much.
I thought Beckett and Chloe were well-developed characters, although the other characters (family members and other friends) seemed rather flat. Of course, because we see the world through one set of eyes, and those eyes are very self-absorbed in their own drama, it all makes sense. I also like the addition of the Troll, the "modern art" sculpture at the base of the bridge. It's almost a whole additional character. Of course, there is another character, a homeless man who lives at the base of the bridge, and he interacts with the girls several times throughout the story. He ends up playing a critical role, adding heart where it was needed.
The climax of the book came with a couple of surprises that really added suspense and excitement in an otherwise almost monotonous pace. I knew Chloe was eventually going to self-destruct, but the author added some real depth to her pain with the addition of the help of the homeless man. The nicest surprise for me came at the end when Beckett went back to the bridge one last time, and what she found out really lifted the entire story for me. It gave me hope that things really would eventually work out for the girls, and that we are never really alone in our troubles.
This is the story of what comes from poor decisions made by two best friends: one drunken party, risque photos changing hands at the speed of the internet, and the fall out.
I enjoyed the style of writing that the author used (first-person, present tense) and was impressed that she was able to keep it so consistent throughout the whole book. Although the style, which is told from Beckett's point of view, seemed kind of choppy, it worked well for the subject matter, and it was well written.
The subject matter itself is very realistic, and very heavy. These poor girls went through the whole school year dealing with the fallout of that one night with no relief, and I have to admit that at one point it seemed to almost be too much. And I guess that works too, because from Beckett's point of view, it WAS too much.
I thought Beckett and Chloe were well-developed characters, although the other characters (family members and other friends) seemed rather flat. Of course, because we see the world through one set of eyes, and those eyes are very self-absorbed in their own drama, it all makes sense. I also like the addition of the Troll, the "modern art" sculpture at the base of the bridge. It's almost a whole additional character. Of course, there is another character, a homeless man who lives at the base of the bridge, and he interacts with the girls several times throughout the story. He ends up playing a critical role, adding heart where it was needed.
The climax of the book came with a couple of surprises that really added suspense and excitement in an otherwise almost monotonous pace. I knew Chloe was eventually going to self-destruct, but the author added some real depth to her pain with the addition of the help of the homeless man. The nicest surprise for me came at the end when Beckett went back to the bridge one last time, and what she found out really lifted the entire story for me. It gave me hope that things really would eventually work out for the girls, and that we are never really alone in our troubles.
July 7, 2012
This book was a terrible waste of time. From spelling and grammatical errors to the reuse of sentences, it is just all around poorly written. I understand the sentiment that teenagers are self centered and worried mostly about trivial high school crap, but I don't find the protagonist to be believable. She's blindsided by her own popularity more than anything else. She doesn't care that her parents are splitting up, that her grades suck, and that her friend is suicidal. This book appears to be a sad attempt at teaching young readers that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The subject matter is fine. It's not the first book I've read that discusses the topic. I get where the story was going and I think I deciphered the message, but the telling of it is just all wrong. If the characters had been more believable and the situations been more likely, I think my review and rating would be better. And the little ode to magical realism at the end was completely unnecessary and part of the reason I give this one star.
March 19, 2015
I felt really sorry for Chloe. She made one mistake, and people made her life hell.
This wasn't a bad read, but I didn't really like it until about 90%. It was quite dull up until that point, so I felt bored most of the time.
Overall, An okay read.
This wasn't a bad read, but I didn't really like it until about 90%. It was quite dull up until that point, so I felt bored most of the time.
Overall, An okay read.
June 29, 2012
I think every teenager should read this book. It is amazing how we never know how our actions will affect another individual and who it just might push over the edge. I cried most of the way through this book because I was personally touched by my own child committing suicide January 3, 2011. I never thought, it never crossed my mind that my daughter would kiss me and tell me she loved me it would be the last night of our lives as we knew it. I appreciate the author for not allowing the young trouble teen to end her life in the end of the story. It meant the world to me and I don't know why to know that some are saved. If only we all were so fortunate.
I would hightly recommend this book to anyone. It is well written and I honestly and truely believe the author was realistic with the situations that our teen struggle with in their lives today.
I would hightly recommend this book to anyone. It is well written and I honestly and truely believe the author was realistic with the situations that our teen struggle with in their lives today.
December 31, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Cyber bullying has become an extremely fast growing phenomena with the advent of social media, and this is a story that shows just how devastating such a form of bullying can be. Not only does the bullying in this novel come in viral forms, but also in the interactions and words of the characters within, which just adds fuel to the fire that online bullying stokes. When I was in high school, bullying was face-to-face and through the rumor mill. Today, one snap of a camera phone and a moment later, it’s uploaded to all types of social media and can spread so quickly that it’s beyond control. Where bullies and those being bullied used to personally know one another, the internet has given way for bullies from all walks of life to harass others, especially through social media sites; and it happens a lot more than people let on.
Kinzer’s story is one of intense bullying, both cyber and face-to-face, and it also analyzes the human psyche. How much bullying and hatred can one endure before it is too much? If given the chance to remove oneself from a bullying situation, who would say no? This is the story of Chloe and Beckett, best friends whose lives begin to fall apart at the seams after a series of photos go viral during a college party. And truthfully, those photos probably weren’t even sent with the idea of bullying or harassment in mind, but rather were sent as someone’s stupid idea of showing off to their friends, who then sent them to their friends… and this is how it starts. Ultimately resulting in the loss of popularity and friends for Beckett, and the complete and utter harassment of Chloe, both young women experience hardship and heartache over the course of their senior year. Beckett, however, used to have an “in” crowd, and as she was only in one picture, whereas Chloe has always been on the sidelines and was in multiple pictures, the two friends begin to slowly drift apart. As an adult who works with teens, I want to say that this doesn’t happen, but that would be a lie. I’ve seen ostracizing over many things that I would consider trivial, a small speck in the timeline that is life, but to a teenager, it is everything. Think back to when you were a teen—or maybe you’re one now. At this time of development, when you’re trying to find yourself, all that matters is really the here and now, and perhaps the schools you’ll apply to for college. We don’t tend to think about the future beyond that in any relative or realistic form, and so it’s hard to understand that yes, it does get better. That there will always be bullies, but that we don’t have to listen to them or allow them to rule our lives, and while I know this, it’s a lot harder for teens in the moment to understand this. And that’s what Kinzer looks at in her novel.
Beckett is not my favorite, but I get her just the same. Have your parents ever told you to stay away from so and so because of x, y, and z? Mine did. Now just think about a teenager who’s lost all her popular friends, her spot on the cheer team, her boyfriend… but she could get it all back if she just lost that one friend… what side would you choose? Truthfully, most of us would pick letting go of the one, and that’s what Beckett does, though not consciously. Yes, she is selfish, and she should have seen the warning signs and been there for Chloe, but at the same time, Beckett can’t be blamed alone for what happens. Friends do drift apart, and Chloe doesn’t help the situation with her obsessions, closing herself off, and refusing to obtain help when it’s given. So, while Beckett really isn’t my favorite, I won’t blame her. Nor will I blame Chloe, because she gets the brunt of it all, and she handles it quite well on the inside, until she can’t anymore. And this is exactly what Kinzer is trying to show her readers: an amazing look at two young teenage girls on the brink of going over the edge.
Kinzer has written an extremely life-like story full of believable characters, whether we want to admit that or not. As adults, we sometimes want to say that these things don’t happen because we didn’t experience it in our lives, or because we believe we experienced bullying growing up and so we know what it’s like. But this cyber bullying is something completely new that is very real, and the responses from the characters in this novel, especially those who feel entitled, are also extremely real, and while this novel deals with a difficult topic, I do think it has some amazing teachable moments and a great theme that all, both young and old, need to hear. I highly recommend this novel to all, but especially teens.
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Cyber bullying has become an extremely fast growing phenomena with the advent of social media, and this is a story that shows just how devastating such a form of bullying can be. Not only does the bullying in this novel come in viral forms, but also in the interactions and words of the characters within, which just adds fuel to the fire that online bullying stokes. When I was in high school, bullying was face-to-face and through the rumor mill. Today, one snap of a camera phone and a moment later, it’s uploaded to all types of social media and can spread so quickly that it’s beyond control. Where bullies and those being bullied used to personally know one another, the internet has given way for bullies from all walks of life to harass others, especially through social media sites; and it happens a lot more than people let on.
Kinzer’s story is one of intense bullying, both cyber and face-to-face, and it also analyzes the human psyche. How much bullying and hatred can one endure before it is too much? If given the chance to remove oneself from a bullying situation, who would say no? This is the story of Chloe and Beckett, best friends whose lives begin to fall apart at the seams after a series of photos go viral during a college party. And truthfully, those photos probably weren’t even sent with the idea of bullying or harassment in mind, but rather were sent as someone’s stupid idea of showing off to their friends, who then sent them to their friends… and this is how it starts. Ultimately resulting in the loss of popularity and friends for Beckett, and the complete and utter harassment of Chloe, both young women experience hardship and heartache over the course of their senior year. Beckett, however, used to have an “in” crowd, and as she was only in one picture, whereas Chloe has always been on the sidelines and was in multiple pictures, the two friends begin to slowly drift apart. As an adult who works with teens, I want to say that this doesn’t happen, but that would be a lie. I’ve seen ostracizing over many things that I would consider trivial, a small speck in the timeline that is life, but to a teenager, it is everything. Think back to when you were a teen—or maybe you’re one now. At this time of development, when you’re trying to find yourself, all that matters is really the here and now, and perhaps the schools you’ll apply to for college. We don’t tend to think about the future beyond that in any relative or realistic form, and so it’s hard to understand that yes, it does get better. That there will always be bullies, but that we don’t have to listen to them or allow them to rule our lives, and while I know this, it’s a lot harder for teens in the moment to understand this. And that’s what Kinzer looks at in her novel.
Beckett is not my favorite, but I get her just the same. Have your parents ever told you to stay away from so and so because of x, y, and z? Mine did. Now just think about a teenager who’s lost all her popular friends, her spot on the cheer team, her boyfriend… but she could get it all back if she just lost that one friend… what side would you choose? Truthfully, most of us would pick letting go of the one, and that’s what Beckett does, though not consciously. Yes, she is selfish, and she should have seen the warning signs and been there for Chloe, but at the same time, Beckett can’t be blamed alone for what happens. Friends do drift apart, and Chloe doesn’t help the situation with her obsessions, closing herself off, and refusing to obtain help when it’s given. So, while Beckett really isn’t my favorite, I won’t blame her. Nor will I blame Chloe, because she gets the brunt of it all, and she handles it quite well on the inside, until she can’t anymore. And this is exactly what Kinzer is trying to show her readers: an amazing look at two young teenage girls on the brink of going over the edge.
Kinzer has written an extremely life-like story full of believable characters, whether we want to admit that or not. As adults, we sometimes want to say that these things don’t happen because we didn’t experience it in our lives, or because we believe we experienced bullying growing up and so we know what it’s like. But this cyber bullying is something completely new that is very real, and the responses from the characters in this novel, especially those who feel entitled, are also extremely real, and while this novel deals with a difficult topic, I do think it has some amazing teachable moments and a great theme that all, both young and old, need to hear. I highly recommend this novel to all, but especially teens.
January 24, 2012
This book was a little slow for me with not much happening until the very end. We go through the motions with Beckett as she goes through her entire senior year trying to get back to the social status she was at before the ‘incident’, only making baby steps to get there. But don't get me wrong, I thought it was a good book. I was just kind of taken aback that so much seems to have changed since I was in high school *cough* about 15 years ago *cough*. I mean if one of my friends were to have taken a risqué picture they wouldn’t have been harassed about it much or as long. But with Chloe and Beckett…it seems that this is the world we live in now. Bullying seem to be more and more now and I hate that for my daughters.
What I didn’t like was Beckett’s attitude through it all, her throwing the blame on Chloe the whole time. She totally drops her for a few minutes of not being the school outcast, leaving Chloe to burden it all on her shoulders. I didn’t feel for Beckett at all, I thought she was selfish and could have been a better friend. What I would have loved to have read was a POV through Chloe’s eyes.
Girl Over the Edge is a good story on peer pressure, bullying and how two friends try to overcome it all before they graduate. But what happens along the way may prove to be too much for one of them. Will Chloe find a way out or just end it all?
*Please don't think I didn't like this book cause I really did. After writing the review then sleeping on it I can see how it might come across as I hated it. I just didn't like the actions Beckett took through out the story. Kinzer did a fabulous job and I look forward to more books by her.*
What I didn’t like was Beckett’s attitude through it all, her throwing the blame on Chloe the whole time. She totally drops her for a few minutes of not being the school outcast, leaving Chloe to burden it all on her shoulders. I didn’t feel for Beckett at all, I thought she was selfish and could have been a better friend. What I would have loved to have read was a POV through Chloe’s eyes.
Girl Over the Edge is a good story on peer pressure, bullying and how two friends try to overcome it all before they graduate. But what happens along the way may prove to be too much for one of them. Will Chloe find a way out or just end it all?
*Please don't think I didn't like this book cause I really did. After writing the review then sleeping on it I can see how it might come across as I hated it. I just didn't like the actions Beckett took through out the story. Kinzer did a fabulous job and I look forward to more books by her.*
September 16, 2015
A young adult novel that looks at the particular hell that is high school with an unflinching gaze--there is no rosy ending or moment where the heroine gets the cute guy or becomes popular at the end. Two friends, Beckett and Chloe, run afoul of the popular clique when naked photos of them are passed around by the jocks. Chloe slowly falls apart under relentless bullying and Beckett seems to timid to help her. Some readers might find this one too grim, but I rather enjoyed it.
Read
January 8, 2013this was a great read.... I would recommend it to anyone...
March 27, 2015
Wow!
This book could happen in any town..written very good. Teens should read this, amazing how your actions can impact others
This book could happen in any town..written very good. Teens should read this, amazing how your actions can impact others
February 13, 2018
A book about bad choices. Chloe and Beckett end up having some risque photos taken at a party shown around school and they are ostracised. However Beckett finds shes slowly getting back in with the old crowd whilst Chloe is even more cut off. Peer pressure leads to Beckett putting space between her and Chloe and for Chloe it just gets worse. I particularly liked the ending.
December 31, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Cyber bullying has become an extremely fast growing phenomena with the advent of social media, and this is a story that shows just how devastating such a form of bullying can be. Not only does the bullying in this novel come in viral forms, but also in the interactions and words of the characters within, which just adds fuel to the fire that online bullying stokes. When I was in high school, bullying was face-to-face and through the rumor mill. Today, one snap of a camera phone and a moment later, it’s uploaded to all types of social media and can spread so quickly that it’s beyond control. Where bullies and those being bullied used to personally know one another, the internet has given way for bullies from all walks of life to harass others, especially through social media sites; and it happens a lot more than people let on.
Kinzer’s story is one of intense bullying, both cyber and face-to-face, and it also analyzes the human psyche. How much bullying and hatred can one endure before it is too much? If given the chance to remove oneself from a bullying situation, who would say no? This is the story of Chloe and Beckett, best friends whose lives begin to fall apart at the seams after a series of photos go viral during a college party. And truthfully, those photos probably weren’t even sent with the idea of bullying or harassment in mind, but rather were sent as someone’s stupid idea of showing off to their friends, who then sent them to their friends… and this is how it starts. Ultimately resulting in the loss of popularity and friends for Beckett, and the complete and utter harassment of Chloe, both young women experience hardship and heartache over the course of their senior year. Beckett, however, used to have an “in” crowd, and as she was only in one picture, whereas Chloe has always been on the sidelines and was in multiple pictures, the two friends begin to slowly drift apart. As an adult who works with teens, I want to say that this doesn’t happen, but that would be a lie. I’ve seen ostracizing over many things that I would consider trivial, a small speck in the timeline that is life, but to a teenager, it is everything. Think back to when you were a teen—or maybe you’re one now. At this time of development, when you’re trying to find yourself, all that matters is really the here and now, and perhaps the schools you’ll apply to for college. We don’t tend to think about the future beyond that in any relative or realistic form, and so it’s hard to understand that yes, it does get better. That there will always be bullies, but that we don’t have to listen to them or allow them to rule our lives, and while I know this, it’s a lot harder for teens in the moment to understand this. And that’s what Kinzer looks at in her novel.
Beckett is not my favorite, but I get her just the same. Have your parents ever told you to stay away from so and so because of x, y, and z? Mine did. Now just think about a teenager who’s lost all her popular friends, her spot on the cheer team, her boyfriend… but she could get it all back if she just lost that one friend… what side would you choose? Truthfully, most of us would pick letting go of the one, and that’s what Beckett does, though not consciously. Yes, she is selfish, and she should have seen the warning signs and been there for Chloe, but at the same time, Beckett can’t be blamed alone for what happens. Friends do drift apart, and Chloe doesn’t help the situation with her obsessions, closing herself off, and refusing to obtain help when it’s given. So, while Beckett really isn’t my favorite, I won’t blame her. Nor will I blame Chloe, because she gets the brunt of it all, and she handles it quite well on the inside, until she can’t anymore. And this is exactly what Kinzer is trying to show her readers: an amazing look at two young teenage girls on the brink of going over the edge.
Kinzer has written an extremely life-like story full of believable characters, whether we want to admit that or not. As adults, we sometimes want to say that these things don’t happen because we didn’t experience it in our lives, or because we believe we experienced bullying growing up and so we know what it’s like. But this cyber bullying is something completely new that is very real, and the responses from the characters in this novel, especially those who feel entitled, are also extremely real, and while this novel deals with a difficult topic, I do think it has some amazing teachable moments and a great theme that all, both young and old, need to hear. I highly recommend this novel to all, but especially teens.
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Cyber bullying has become an extremely fast growing phenomena with the advent of social media, and this is a story that shows just how devastating such a form of bullying can be. Not only does the bullying in this novel come in viral forms, but also in the interactions and words of the characters within, which just adds fuel to the fire that online bullying stokes. When I was in high school, bullying was face-to-face and through the rumor mill. Today, one snap of a camera phone and a moment later, it’s uploaded to all types of social media and can spread so quickly that it’s beyond control. Where bullies and those being bullied used to personally know one another, the internet has given way for bullies from all walks of life to harass others, especially through social media sites; and it happens a lot more than people let on.
Kinzer’s story is one of intense bullying, both cyber and face-to-face, and it also analyzes the human psyche. How much bullying and hatred can one endure before it is too much? If given the chance to remove oneself from a bullying situation, who would say no? This is the story of Chloe and Beckett, best friends whose lives begin to fall apart at the seams after a series of photos go viral during a college party. And truthfully, those photos probably weren’t even sent with the idea of bullying or harassment in mind, but rather were sent as someone’s stupid idea of showing off to their friends, who then sent them to their friends… and this is how it starts. Ultimately resulting in the loss of popularity and friends for Beckett, and the complete and utter harassment of Chloe, both young women experience hardship and heartache over the course of their senior year. Beckett, however, used to have an “in” crowd, and as she was only in one picture, whereas Chloe has always been on the sidelines and was in multiple pictures, the two friends begin to slowly drift apart. As an adult who works with teens, I want to say that this doesn’t happen, but that would be a lie. I’ve seen ostracizing over many things that I would consider trivial, a small speck in the timeline that is life, but to a teenager, it is everything. Think back to when you were a teen—or maybe you’re one now. At this time of development, when you’re trying to find yourself, all that matters is really the here and now, and perhaps the schools you’ll apply to for college. We don’t tend to think about the future beyond that in any relative or realistic form, and so it’s hard to understand that yes, it does get better. That there will always be bullies, but that we don’t have to listen to them or allow them to rule our lives, and while I know this, it’s a lot harder for teens in the moment to understand this. And that’s what Kinzer looks at in her novel.
Beckett is not my favorite, but I get her just the same. Have your parents ever told you to stay away from so and so because of x, y, and z? Mine did. Now just think about a teenager who’s lost all her popular friends, her spot on the cheer team, her boyfriend… but she could get it all back if she just lost that one friend… what side would you choose? Truthfully, most of us would pick letting go of the one, and that’s what Beckett does, though not consciously. Yes, she is selfish, and she should have seen the warning signs and been there for Chloe, but at the same time, Beckett can’t be blamed alone for what happens. Friends do drift apart, and Chloe doesn’t help the situation with her obsessions, closing herself off, and refusing to obtain help when it’s given. So, while Beckett really isn’t my favorite, I won’t blame her. Nor will I blame Chloe, because she gets the brunt of it all, and she handles it quite well on the inside, until she can’t anymore. And this is exactly what Kinzer is trying to show her readers: an amazing look at two young teenage girls on the brink of going over the edge.
Kinzer has written an extremely life-like story full of believable characters, whether we want to admit that or not. As adults, we sometimes want to say that these things don’t happen because we didn’t experience it in our lives, or because we believe we experienced bullying growing up and so we know what it’s like. But this cyber bullying is something completely new that is very real, and the responses from the characters in this novel, especially those who feel entitled, are also extremely real, and while this novel deals with a difficult topic, I do think it has some amazing teachable moments and a great theme that all, both young and old, need to hear. I highly recommend this novel to all, but especially teens.
January 6, 2017
I would not recommend this book. The writing is repetitive and went right past formulaic to flat out cliched. There was potential at points, but it lacked strong editing. Entire scenes and sentences were repeated multiple times. There were quite a few typos and grammatical errors that disrupted the flow.
February 14, 2014
A short novel that really emphasizes the fall out when teenagers make one bad decision and they feel that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. At the age of 17 though Beckett and Chloe think since their actions on one drunk night at a party were irreversible that their world has come to an end.
Girl Over The Edge puts emphasis on very real issues with adolescents in the 21st century: peer pressure and bullying (namely cyber bullying).
At the very beginning and within the plot synopsis of the book the readers realize that Chloe and Beckett were subjected to having nude pictures of themselves disseminated throughout the school. This puts them at risk for expulsion and has set forth a chain reaction of negative events for both girls as they enter their senior year. The reason or motivation behind that grave error was never revealed but that isn't the focus of this story.
It is unsettling how much one girl becomes fragile and declines before the other's eyes as they both try to cope with being ostracized. It is a lesson in coping mechanisms and how a young person needs to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
A very fast and short read. Amy Kinzer is very plain and literal about a lot of details especially since the story is from Beckett's point of view. The narration isn't anything to shout about. I think it would have been a bit more balanced if she could have done it third person and split the chapters between both Chloe and Beckett. I suppose like any girl of her social standing perhaps she was appropriately superficial. Her priorities get shuffled around as she struggles to keep her best friend through the ordeal.
Thoughts of suicide is a real risk in many adolescents who are bullied on popular social networks. The support of just one friend can be the world of difference in the troubled individual.
Despite my 3 star rating I really liked this book for the message it conveys but not necessarily how it was written. Both teenaged boys and girls should have a read.
Girl Over The Edge puts emphasis on very real issues with adolescents in the 21st century: peer pressure and bullying (namely cyber bullying).
At the very beginning and within the plot synopsis of the book the readers realize that Chloe and Beckett were subjected to having nude pictures of themselves disseminated throughout the school. This puts them at risk for expulsion and has set forth a chain reaction of negative events for both girls as they enter their senior year. The reason or motivation behind that grave error was never revealed but that isn't the focus of this story.
It is unsettling how much one girl becomes fragile and declines before the other's eyes as they both try to cope with being ostracized. It is a lesson in coping mechanisms and how a young person needs to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
A very fast and short read. Amy Kinzer is very plain and literal about a lot of details especially since the story is from Beckett's point of view. The narration isn't anything to shout about. I think it would have been a bit more balanced if she could have done it third person and split the chapters between both Chloe and Beckett. I suppose like any girl of her social standing perhaps she was appropriately superficial. Her priorities get shuffled around as she struggles to keep her best friend through the ordeal.
Thoughts of suicide is a real risk in many adolescents who are bullied on popular social networks. The support of just one friend can be the world of difference in the troubled individual.
Despite my 3 star rating I really liked this book for the message it conveys but not necessarily how it was written. Both teenaged boys and girls should have a read.
July 25, 2012
I want to say that this book was a really good read - it was in some aspects since I finished this in a day and couldn't put it down as the suspense built.
I sympathised with both Beckett and Chloe for becoming outcasts due to risky photographs, you generally feel Chloe's pain and understand about her constant talk of jumping as she (and Beckett) had lost everything over one party/one mistake.
However, the party its self was never talked about in great deal so most of what a reader finds out is through snippets of conversation. Chloe's downfall is obvious as she's called names, sent messages and is not included in any social event and often her actions are a call for help right up to the senior bash. Beckett too lost everything, even though she was only in one of those pictures, she lost her boyfriend, her position on the cheer squad and her circle of friends. It made sense for Chloe to become a social outcast and not to try and change her situation or to not be able to change her situation whereas Beckett seemed to choose not too, even though she did eventually gain friends back and went to some of the parties she just seemed to allow everything to happen which from the reader's prospective was frustrating. Even when Beckett finds out who is exactly responsible for their downfall, instead of showing any sort of emotion like any other person would (anger, hurt, despair) she accepts it, which again is frustrating. Overall I found Beckett a annoying character as she seemed mostly silent for most of the book and perhaps contributed to what happened.
I sympathised with both Beckett and Chloe for becoming outcasts due to risky photographs, you generally feel Chloe's pain and understand about her constant talk of jumping as she (and Beckett) had lost everything over one party/one mistake.
However, the party its self was never talked about in great deal so most of what a reader finds out is through snippets of conversation. Chloe's downfall is obvious as she's called names, sent messages and is not included in any social event and often her actions are a call for help right up to the senior bash. Beckett too lost everything, even though she was only in one of those pictures, she lost her boyfriend, her position on the cheer squad and her circle of friends. It made sense for Chloe to become a social outcast and not to try and change her situation or to not be able to change her situation whereas Beckett seemed to choose not too, even though she did eventually gain friends back and went to some of the parties she just seemed to allow everything to happen which from the reader's prospective was frustrating. Even when Beckett finds out who is exactly responsible for their downfall, instead of showing any sort of emotion like any other person would (anger, hurt, despair) she accepts it, which again is frustrating. Overall I found Beckett a annoying character as she seemed mostly silent for most of the book and perhaps contributed to what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2016
This is a young adult fiction, but it is very intense. Two teenage girls engage in questionable behavior at a party, have it captured on cell phone pictures, and spread throughout the school. As a result, they face discipline from the school and an extremely difficult senior year, no longer part of the crowd that had been their life prior to the event. The girls must face ridicule, bullying, and rejection.
While the whole story was difficult to enjoy, I thought the writing was very well done and the characters seemed very realistic. Their reactions to the events seem very much like what one would expect.
There are some powerful lessons here and perhaps teenagers should read the book just to understand the terrible destructive power of bullying. They can also see how quickly a "perfect" world can fall apart when just a few poor decisions are made.
Both of these girls must face some hard times, and they do it differently. While one withdraws more and more, up to the point of attempting suicide, the other just tries to get through each day without upsetting anyone. Along the way, they learn about standing up for yourself, staying true to friends, and about how important it is to speak out when things feel wrong.
Just a few different decisions would have made all the difference. This book is a hard lesson, but perhaps reading about it could help save someone from actually having to live it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.
While the whole story was difficult to enjoy, I thought the writing was very well done and the characters seemed very realistic. Their reactions to the events seem very much like what one would expect.
There are some powerful lessons here and perhaps teenagers should read the book just to understand the terrible destructive power of bullying. They can also see how quickly a "perfect" world can fall apart when just a few poor decisions are made.
Both of these girls must face some hard times, and they do it differently. While one withdraws more and more, up to the point of attempting suicide, the other just tries to get through each day without upsetting anyone. Along the way, they learn about standing up for yourself, staying true to friends, and about how important it is to speak out when things feel wrong.
Just a few different decisions would have made all the difference. This book is a hard lesson, but perhaps reading about it could help save someone from actually having to live it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.
July 7, 2014
I bought this novel back in 2012, so when I finally got the chance to read it, I was more than thrilled, but then I was let down immensely. The novel begins with two girls, Beckett Smith and Chloe Baker, at the Aurora Bridge, talking about an event that has taken place before the novel started. Honestly, I think I would've enjoyed this novel a lot more if it was told from both Beckett and Chloe's point-of-view, but it wasn't. It was only told from Beckett's point-of-view. Also, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I'm not sure if this was because of the characters or the way the story was told. Overall, I wasn't really a fan of this novel, however, I do think that this novel could help a lot of young people who is struggling with being accepted and is considering suicide...this novel teaches you that there is never a reason to go to that extreme, and I absolutely loved that aspect about this novel.
May 5, 2013
Wow. That was very real. Amy Kinzer takes you on a true to life journey into senior year with Chloe and Beckett. Kids are nasty in today's world and this story shows just how deep the bullet lies. An eye opening and heart breaking look at what happens when you make a mistake and your peers make your life hell.
I didn't know what to expect from this story and I decided to read it due to the cover art (I know- I'm lame, I have my moments). It ended up taking a part of my life this week. I couldn't stop reading it once I hit chapter three. It was so realistic, it hit home.
My only criticism is that we don't get any closure to Beckett's moms story. Obviously, we all know what's going on and can create an ending in our minds, but I would have loved to see her get some type of ending. The writing is pretty good, very few errors. The writing style rocks, keeps a hold on the reader throughout the entire book. Storyline is awesome. It's fresh and timeless. Five stars!
I didn't know what to expect from this story and I decided to read it due to the cover art (I know- I'm lame, I have my moments). It ended up taking a part of my life this week. I couldn't stop reading it once I hit chapter three. It was so realistic, it hit home.
My only criticism is that we don't get any closure to Beckett's moms story. Obviously, we all know what's going on and can create an ending in our minds, but I would have loved to see her get some type of ending. The writing is pretty good, very few errors. The writing style rocks, keeps a hold on the reader throughout the entire book. Storyline is awesome. It's fresh and timeless. Five stars!
January 16, 2014
Beckett and her best friend Chloe were going to rule their school senior year. But that was before pictures we're take and passed around. Now they're social outcasts. Slowly, Beckett acclimates to her circumstances and reconnects with old friends, but Chloe falls deeper into despair, even finding comfort from visiting Suicide Bridge, a place where people jump to their deaths.
GIRL OVER THE EDGE is a haunting tale of popular girls who become outcasts due to a stupid mistake. Amy Kinzer skillfully crafts a flawed, yet likable narrator in Beckett, a young woman who means well, but isn't always a good friend to the troubled Chloe. I was very much drawn into the story and rooted for a positive outcome. While there wasn't a lot if action in the story, this was a fast paced novel with a voice that was both funny and tragic. This book will make teens think about the way they treat their friends, and those who aren't their friends in a non-preachy manner.
GIRL OVER THE EDGE is a haunting tale of popular girls who become outcasts due to a stupid mistake. Amy Kinzer skillfully crafts a flawed, yet likable narrator in Beckett, a young woman who means well, but isn't always a good friend to the troubled Chloe. I was very much drawn into the story and rooted for a positive outcome. While there wasn't a lot if action in the story, this was a fast paced novel with a voice that was both funny and tragic. This book will make teens think about the way they treat their friends, and those who aren't their friends in a non-preachy manner.
Read
June 14, 2012It starts at a college party repercussions of taking scandalous for two best friends. It is then given to their high school and the two best friends are sent to rock bottom. One of he friends has an easier time of being accepted than the other which sends an rift in their friendship. As one of the girl's life spins out of control she becomes obsessed with a suicide bridge in Seattle. It's a struggle of acceptance wanting to survive.
I enjoyed this book, it was a tad dark but good. Kind of reminded me of Thirteen Reasons Why with the play of suicide. It was a good book to read because I couldn't put it down, it always surprises me how young adult literature is so tied in with the acceptance of their peers and if they aren't it's life and death and in this instance it's literal.
I enjoyed this book, it was a tad dark but good. Kind of reminded me of Thirteen Reasons Why with the play of suicide. It was a good book to read because I couldn't put it down, it always surprises me how young adult literature is so tied in with the acceptance of their peers and if they aren't it's life and death and in this instance it's literal.
March 20, 2012
It was said and a little whiny but it was still very well-written. I liked the narrative and I would definitely read something by this author again.
I just wish the main character Becket actually did something in the end! Ok, she was struggling, I get it. But why didn't she kick Court's ass? Or scream at someone or something! She was so passive the entire book and I was really hoping she would redeem herself and reconnect with Chloe via a grand show down and heart-to-heart. Sure she acknowledges that she should have done something but... that's not quite enough for me.
At least, as I said, it was well written and I appreciated the "life is worth living no matter what" message.
I just wish the main character Becket actually did something in the end! Ok, she was struggling, I get it. But why didn't she kick Court's ass? Or scream at someone or something! She was so passive the entire book and I was really hoping she would redeem herself and reconnect with Chloe via a grand show down and heart-to-heart. Sure she acknowledges that she should have done something but... that's not quite enough for me.
At least, as I said, it was well written and I appreciated the "life is worth living no matter what" message.
Read
October 8, 2012Like another book I just rated, I didn't read this one completely either, and I decide not to. True, I've spent $.99 on this book, and like my penchant on Amazon for finding cheap books, I bought it, thinking the blurb was good enough to read, but not I NEED TO READ IT quality. I've read cheap books that are worth so much more, expensive books really not worth the price, books that are priced rightly by its quality.
September 30, 2012
I didn't really enjoy this book. I kind of felt like there was no point to it. That nothing really happened. We never really find out what happened at that infamous party that ruined Beckett's and Chloe's lives. And the whole story was just about how cruel and horrible their classmates were to each other. Even in the end, Beckett knows that she was a horrible friend to Chloe, but still doens't really do anything about it.
December 31, 2012
I wanted to really like this book but I couldn't. It had tremendous potential because the plot was quite interesting. The plot did not seem well thought out. It's very slow starting out and there are a lot of repetitive sentences and grammatical errors.
February 3, 2013
Really good book which shows what the pressures of bullying an lead to! Very gripping from the start as Chloe seems to be fascinated by people who jump from the bridge! Like the writing style of amy kinzer
April 12, 2013
Addictive, unpredictable and sadly not completely fictional. Unfortunately bullying can be this bad and ive met many people in hospital including myself who have gone over the edge. A very good book, well written, and highly recommended to anyone. Expect tears!
May 19, 2013
This book was a quick read, I had a hard time putting it down. I preread the book for my classroom and would first do a book talk and let my students read it on their own. Unfortunatly, due to the subject matter many parents will have problems with this being a mandatory read.
July 2, 2014
I enjoyed this a lot. I liked that the picture in question was never really described. I enjoyed watching the slow descent of Chloe into depression and Beckett trying to cope as well as help her. Just a good read.
September 24, 2012
I finished this book yesterday. it wasn't too shabby.
December 30, 2012
The book starts out pretty slow but really takes a turn towards the end. Great read for high school girls or teachers trying to educate students about bullying.
January 13, 2013
A very slow book with no point to it really. A lot of overusing sentences and bad punctuation. I can see why it was only 77p.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews