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Second Glances #1
It's Not About Me
Annie Myers is attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. Unfortunately, the focus of her life is on pleasing everyone and not making any waves. Her reputation means everything to her, but the opinion of others means too much, and her own opinion means very little.
One night Annie’s safe world is shattered by a brutal attack. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. The problem is, she loves them both. And they both claim to love her. But their love is vastly different in the way it is expressed. Which brother will Annie end up with, or will she choose another way, and reject them both?
One night Annie’s safe world is shattered by a brutal attack. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart. The problem is, she loves them both. And they both claim to love her. But their love is vastly different in the way it is expressed. Which brother will Annie end up with, or will she choose another way, and reject them both?
294 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Sutton
45 books419 followersMichelle has written over two dozen edgy, inspirational novels. She is a book reviewer and a retired supervisor for the State of Arizona. She currently lives in North Carolina. but will soon be moving to Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 26, 2009
Most Christian books dance around the subject of sex and the repercussions, especially at the teen-age level. This one wades right in and lays it on the line. A couple of the scenes get somewhat graphical in nature, making it seem more real. They may make the Puritan types queasy and even cause them to put the book down and maybe send them scurrying to the bookstore to complain that they are offended by the garbage they have purchased.. This material is not written for them anyway. This work is a light in the darkness to help teens find the safe haven of the love of Jesus and not mistake the lust of the world to be their refuge. For impressionable and inexperienced youngsters to understand that lust, they need to see it unveiled in at least some of its unholy glory. The true hero is not portrayed as a saintly zombie who is above being tempted by sin. He fights the same temptation that we all do. But he wins the battle, partially by knowing that discretion is the better part of chastity and that the best way to avoid making a mistake in the area of sexual encounters is to avoid putting yourself in a situation where there is no escape. Are you looking for something to augment the lessons for your children or young protégées dealing with the birds and the bees? You can't go wrong with giving them this book. Teens will be able to relate to this.
August 5, 2010
I made the "mistake" of picking up this book as soon as I finished Michelle Sutton's "Never Without Hope". I figured I'd take a peak and ended up ignoring my family for the entire night so I could finish it! The book caught my attention from the get go and then shocked me and kept me hooked all the way through.
Wonderful Christian fiction with a great message!
Wonderful Christian fiction with a great message!
November 25, 2008
I picked up IT'S NOT ABOUT ME intending to glance at a page or two, and ended up spending the entire day glued to the story. This book handles some tough issues with sensitivity and grace. Besides that, it's just a GOOD story! The hero is incredibly romantic, and the heroine so realistic she brought tears to my eyes. Parts of this story are hard to read, but that's because the author drew me in so thoroughly I felt like I was experiencing the painful parts with the characters. And because of that, I rejoiced when they rejoiced, too! A great debut.
June 19, 2019
Good YA, although a bit too much high drama. Overall a decent read and worth picking up.
April 12, 2011
I picked this up because it was supposed to be an "edgy" Christian romance and I was interested to see what was meant by that. I suppose "edgy" means total melodramatic trainwreck, because the book certainly was that. But maybe it was the vomiting because there was plenty of that too.
Annie is a Nice Christian Girl dating a Tony, a preacher's kid who has started hanging out with a Bad Influence Friend (character not fleshed out) who releases Tony's inner Mr. Hyde. Tony starts looking at porn and pressuring Annie for sex, leading indirectly to Annie being horribly assaulted and Tony into becoming even more of jerk, but this time with added drinking problem. Enter Dan, Tony's Nice Christian brother who has long admired Annie from afar, and who is just thrilled to be there for her while Tony is struggling with his own metaphorical demons. There's also a subplot involving Annie's "friend" Susie, who has a crush on Dan and plots to keep him and Annie apart. So poor Annie is surrounded by all these douchebags. It's no wonder she turns to Jesus.
But Wait! you say. Didn't you describe Annie in the first paragraph as a Nice Christian Girl? Hasn't she already turned to Jesus? Well, Annie thinks she is a Christian in the opening of the book, too, but apparently she isn't really a really REAL Christian despite believing in Jesus and wanting to be a Christian, and praying to be one, and being observant and making choices to do the right things--the things which I thought make up Christianity. No, she has to pray AGAIN, apparently it didn't work the first time, because if you're a really REAL Christian God you have to pray (again?), and then God will talk to you telepathically nearly constantly. (Which, is not, in my experience at least, the way it works, but maybe I'm not a really REAL Christian, or maybe this is more of a work of fiction than I thought it was supposed to be). So every time each one of these trainwreck characters reaches a crisis point in their life (every 50 pages or so), Dan is there--not to tell them to get right with God because they've lost their way, because most people do lose their way every now and then on their Christian walk--but to tell them to convert.
So, yeah, despite having all the violence, teen social problems, and puking (assault-, alcohol-, and food poisoning-related) you could ask for, from which the "edginess" comes, this book was also very preachy, and it was preaching something I can't really get behind, namely that those who really desire to be a Christian and have started down that path, but somehow lose track of where they really ought to be spiritually aren't really saved, somehow. I was reminded, actually, of Martin Luther's advice:
So, to sum up the book: the plot and characters were over the top dramatic, the book was preachy (as opposed to illuminating an inner spiritual journey), and I had real issues with the theology. As for the writing, I found the prose to be very readable but the plotting didn't seem particularly tight--the "Susie" subplot exploded pretty much out of nowhere late in the book. Overall probably about 2.5 stars but I had to choose between 2 and 3.
Annie is a Nice Christian Girl dating a Tony, a preacher's kid who has started hanging out with a Bad Influence Friend (character not fleshed out) who releases Tony's inner Mr. Hyde. Tony starts looking at porn and pressuring Annie for sex, leading indirectly to Annie being horribly assaulted and Tony into becoming even more of jerk, but this time with added drinking problem. Enter Dan, Tony's Nice Christian brother who has long admired Annie from afar, and who is just thrilled to be there for her while Tony is struggling with his own metaphorical demons. There's also a subplot involving Annie's "friend" Susie, who has a crush on Dan and plots to keep him and Annie apart. So poor Annie is surrounded by all these douchebags. It's no wonder she turns to Jesus.
But Wait! you say. Didn't you describe Annie in the first paragraph as a Nice Christian Girl? Hasn't she already turned to Jesus? Well, Annie thinks she is a Christian in the opening of the book, too, but apparently she isn't really a really REAL Christian despite believing in Jesus and wanting to be a Christian, and praying to be one, and being observant and making choices to do the right things--the things which I thought make up Christianity. No, she has to pray AGAIN, apparently it didn't work the first time, because if you're a really REAL Christian God you have to pray (again?), and then God will talk to you telepathically nearly constantly. (Which, is not, in my experience at least, the way it works, but maybe I'm not a really REAL Christian, or maybe this is more of a work of fiction than I thought it was supposed to be). So every time each one of these trainwreck characters reaches a crisis point in their life (every 50 pages or so), Dan is there--not to tell them to get right with God because they've lost their way, because most people do lose their way every now and then on their Christian walk--but to tell them to convert.
So, yeah, despite having all the violence, teen social problems, and puking (assault-, alcohol-, and food poisoning-related) you could ask for, from which the "edginess" comes, this book was also very preachy, and it was preaching something I can't really get behind, namely that those who really desire to be a Christian and have started down that path, but somehow lose track of where they really ought to be spiritually aren't really saved, somehow. I was reminded, actually, of Martin Luther's advice:
Whosoever accepts the Son and is baptized and believes on his Word will be saved....If you wish to escape from despair and hate, let your speculation go. There is no other way. Otherwise you must remain a doubter the rest of your life. God did not come down from heaven to make you uncertain about predestination or to cause you to despise the Sacraments. He instituted them to make you more certain and to drive such speculations out of your mind....Cling to the revealed God, allow no one to take the child Jesus from you, hold fast to him, and you will not be lost. The Father desires you. The Son wishes to be your Saviour and Liberator.(Letters of Spiritual Counsel)
So, to sum up the book: the plot and characters were over the top dramatic, the book was preachy (as opposed to illuminating an inner spiritual journey), and I had real issues with the theology. As for the writing, I found the prose to be very readable but the plotting didn't seem particularly tight--the "Susie" subplot exploded pretty much out of nowhere late in the book. Overall probably about 2.5 stars but I had to choose between 2 and 3.
April 3, 2008
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, BY MICHELLE SUTTON
Finally! In an amoral society that pushes young people to the edge, we have an “edgy” novel that pushes right back! Kudos to Michelle Sutton for her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, which confronts real problems encountered by real youth—sexual pressure, drinking, pornography—and counters them with a message of hope and faith that is so vital for today’s young adults.
This compelling story gives a rare and honest glimpse into the “perfect” life of Annie Meyers, a young woman on the threshold of college and marriage. When her fiancé Tony begins to pressure her sexually, Annie’s faith and confidence begin to teeter, but when tragedy strikes, both crash headlong into a black hole of self-doubt and confusion. Unable to cope with Annie’s disaster, Tony seeks comfort in alcohol, leaving his older brother Dan to provide Annie with the spiritual and emotional support she so desperately needs. Out of the ashes of Annie’s misfortune, rises a love triangle that will have readers turning the pages long into the night. Michelle Sutton has crafted a story of passion, betrayal, hope and redemption that is right on target for the Young Adult market and beyond. Can’t wait for the next one!
Finally! In an amoral society that pushes young people to the edge, we have an “edgy” novel that pushes right back! Kudos to Michelle Sutton for her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, which confronts real problems encountered by real youth—sexual pressure, drinking, pornography—and counters them with a message of hope and faith that is so vital for today’s young adults.
This compelling story gives a rare and honest glimpse into the “perfect” life of Annie Meyers, a young woman on the threshold of college and marriage. When her fiancé Tony begins to pressure her sexually, Annie’s faith and confidence begin to teeter, but when tragedy strikes, both crash headlong into a black hole of self-doubt and confusion. Unable to cope with Annie’s disaster, Tony seeks comfort in alcohol, leaving his older brother Dan to provide Annie with the spiritual and emotional support she so desperately needs. Out of the ashes of Annie’s misfortune, rises a love triangle that will have readers turning the pages long into the night. Michelle Sutton has crafted a story of passion, betrayal, hope and redemption that is right on target for the Young Adult market and beyond. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 24, 2008
I told Michelle I wasn't fit to write a review of this book and I still don't believe I am, but I'm going to give it a fair shot! It's good! THERE! That's my review! Naw, not really!
Man! Where does one begin?!? Two brothers, a beautiful girl, one using charm and good looks to get her, the other relying on God. Then you have the girl. She's a mess herself. She wants the younger brother, for all the wrong reasons. She gets attacked one night because the younger brother, is in trouble and is late picking her up. So, he has to bum a ride from his older brother. The girl actually believes she's a Christian. Yet while she's in the hospital recovering, and talks with the older brother she realizes she's not, she's just been talking the talk. Michelle turns this into a triangle of the ages! Both brothers want her, she wants both of them, yet when God gets put smack dab up front and center, watch out because things are going to change! The twists and turns in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page. No wonder Michelle is called the Edgy Fictional author! It totally fits her! I loved this book from start to finish! This is a must read! I give this a 5 out of 5 stars!
Man! Where does one begin?!? Two brothers, a beautiful girl, one using charm and good looks to get her, the other relying on God. Then you have the girl. She's a mess herself. She wants the younger brother, for all the wrong reasons. She gets attacked one night because the younger brother, is in trouble and is late picking her up. So, he has to bum a ride from his older brother. The girl actually believes she's a Christian. Yet while she's in the hospital recovering, and talks with the older brother she realizes she's not, she's just been talking the talk. Michelle turns this into a triangle of the ages! Both brothers want her, she wants both of them, yet when God gets put smack dab up front and center, watch out because things are going to change! The twists and turns in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page. No wonder Michelle is called the Edgy Fictional author! It totally fits her! I loved this book from start to finish! This is a must read! I give this a 5 out of 5 stars!
July 9, 2010
This is my second Michelle Sutton novel and I so appreciate her heart. The desire she has to portray life and "Christianity" as she sees it is inspiring.
I cared about the characters in this novel. Both Dan and Tony are endearing in their own, very different ways. And I was happy to see that Annie--the beautiful church girl who survived a horrific attack--was able to find Christ through the tragedy.
On the downside, this novel has a very narrow audience. Unless you've grown up in church, you may not have the patience to sit through the Christianese. I found myself wondering if people actually talk like Annie and Dan. Like Tony. I, of course, have grown up in church and at times felt like I was watching a youth group skit warning against the dangers of flirting with the ways of the world.
"It's Not About Me" has several themes, all of which I find necessary. The fact that YA novels are being written for Christian audiences is exciting and I want to thank Michelle for venturing into the "genre without a bookshelf."
I cared about the characters in this novel. Both Dan and Tony are endearing in their own, very different ways. And I was happy to see that Annie--the beautiful church girl who survived a horrific attack--was able to find Christ through the tragedy.
On the downside, this novel has a very narrow audience. Unless you've grown up in church, you may not have the patience to sit through the Christianese. I found myself wondering if people actually talk like Annie and Dan. Like Tony. I, of course, have grown up in church and at times felt like I was watching a youth group skit warning against the dangers of flirting with the ways of the world.
"It's Not About Me" has several themes, all of which I find necessary. The fact that YA novels are being written for Christian audiences is exciting and I want to thank Michelle for venturing into the "genre without a bookshelf."
February 21, 2009
Oooo la la la....magnifique. That's what, It's Not About Me, is. A very emotionally satisfying, romance-filled, edgy story. Michelle is a very gifted writer whose writing style is quite unique. And she's not afraid to touch on, well, touchy subjects, and she handles them extremely well. A must read to be sure. Top of the line YA book.
May 15, 2010
Annie has a charmed life: she’s beautiful, graduated from high school with honors, has been accepted at the college of her choice, is surrounded by family and friends who love and support her, and has a handsome steady boyfriend.
But one night, her perfect life is shattered and everything changes so quickly she’s not sure which way to turn. Caught between her boyfriend and his brother, both of whom claim to love her, Annie is torn as to who she should choose to be with while trying to heal from the event that altered her once easy life.
Will she choose Tony or Dan? And will she finally truly come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour?
What a powerful and moving debut from young adult author Michelle Sutton. Dealing with such topics as false Christians, pornography, peer pressure, alcohol abuse, and pressure to engage in sexual activities, It’s Not about Me meets teen readers right where they are, tackling issues that they come up against on a regular basis.
This first book in Sutton’s A Second Glances Series, gets readers thinking, “What would I do in this situation?” This book’s strength definitely resides in its well-developed, strong, often complex characters whose personal battles and desire to do God’s will is as challenging as understanding the world around them. And while admittedly faith plays a significant role in this book, I wouldn’t say that the reader would need to be a Christian in order to enjoy reading It’s Not about Me. Most of the issues the characters are dealing with affect all teens, regardless of belief system.
With It’s Not about Me, Sutton delivers an edgy and entertaining story that young adults will devour with zest.
But one night, her perfect life is shattered and everything changes so quickly she’s not sure which way to turn. Caught between her boyfriend and his brother, both of whom claim to love her, Annie is torn as to who she should choose to be with while trying to heal from the event that altered her once easy life.
Will she choose Tony or Dan? And will she finally truly come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour?
What a powerful and moving debut from young adult author Michelle Sutton. Dealing with such topics as false Christians, pornography, peer pressure, alcohol abuse, and pressure to engage in sexual activities, It’s Not about Me meets teen readers right where they are, tackling issues that they come up against on a regular basis.
This first book in Sutton’s A Second Glances Series, gets readers thinking, “What would I do in this situation?” This book’s strength definitely resides in its well-developed, strong, often complex characters whose personal battles and desire to do God’s will is as challenging as understanding the world around them. And while admittedly faith plays a significant role in this book, I wouldn’t say that the reader would need to be a Christian in order to enjoy reading It’s Not about Me. Most of the issues the characters are dealing with affect all teens, regardless of belief system.
With It’s Not about Me, Sutton delivers an edgy and entertaining story that young adults will devour with zest.
October 1, 2008
Having read a bunch of reviews of this book before I was able to get my hands on a copy I had several thoughts about what to expect. In starting the first and second chapter I was extremely hesitant. It was reminiscent to a time that I would gladly leave in my past memories and never go back to reflect. (A time that brought on a great long depression and I did not want to bring it back) But I promised to read the book and the author is a friend, so I prayed about continuing, felt peace and went on. In starting the third chapter I realized that this was not at all what I thought it would be and upon finishing the book, oh how true is that statement!
Michelle has done it. She has written a book that is so true to our youth and lives. This should be read through out colleges, I declare! It is a hard read, and I would definitely say that maturity should factor in, but I would not hesitate to say that if a parent deems their pre-teen old enough to let them read it, with the intention of discussion to follow.
It touches on so many points that people would rather ignore, and need to be spoken. As a person who is past the age of the characters in the book, I'd like to say that there was definitely a little too much kissing and all, but in reflection to who I was at that age, I should keep my mouth firmly shut. One can wish for tragedy to have never occurred, but without it, we would not be where we are today.
Michelle, you did it. I enjoyed the book. :) I would say the contemporary edgy is my genre, but it's a good story in a good book, by a good author.
Michelle has done it. She has written a book that is so true to our youth and lives. This should be read through out colleges, I declare! It is a hard read, and I would definitely say that maturity should factor in, but I would not hesitate to say that if a parent deems their pre-teen old enough to let them read it, with the intention of discussion to follow.
It touches on so many points that people would rather ignore, and need to be spoken. As a person who is past the age of the characters in the book, I'd like to say that there was definitely a little too much kissing and all, but in reflection to who I was at that age, I should keep my mouth firmly shut. One can wish for tragedy to have never occurred, but without it, we would not be where we are today.
Michelle, you did it. I enjoyed the book. :) I would say the contemporary edgy is my genre, but it's a good story in a good book, by a good author.
April 9, 2010
Michelle Sutton is known as the Edgy Inspirational Author and BOY! is that not more true, then in It's Not About Me. Before, I hadn't read anything by Michelle, but now I am a full fledged Sutton fan! It's Not About Me is the story of Annie a teenage girl going through life pleasing everybody and trying not to cause any ripples. On one tragic night, Annie and everything she's ever known, is turned upside down. Now, while trying to piece things back together, Annie makes some life changing decisions. But, not everyone is happy about them.
I LOVED It's Not About, because Michelle addresses the issues that many Christians today don't dare talk about. But, in today's society things like: pornography, (pre-marital) sex, and excessive drinking , are shoved in are faces and thought to be "okay" and "acceptable". Michelle not only brings these thing to center stage but, presents strong, biblical truths to counter them. And, ahhh the romance......*sigh*. Dan is what every girls wants but, he only has eyes for Annie. So sweet (and at times, pretty steamy). It's Not About Me is gripping, (in every sense of the word) romantic, and faith shacking. And though INAM is geared more towards the YA group, I feel that anyone, of any age, would love it. This book is definitely on my "keeper" self! Can't wait to read Michelle's next book, It's Not About Him!LOL;)
I LOVED It's Not About, because Michelle addresses the issues that many Christians today don't dare talk about. But, in today's society things like: pornography, (pre-marital) sex, and excessive drinking , are shoved in are faces and thought to be "okay" and "acceptable". Michelle not only brings these thing to center stage but, presents strong, biblical truths to counter them. And, ahhh the romance......*sigh*. Dan is what every girls wants but, he only has eyes for Annie. So sweet (and at times, pretty steamy). It's Not About Me is gripping, (in every sense of the word) romantic, and faith shacking. And though INAM is geared more towards the YA group, I feel that anyone, of any age, would love it. This book is definitely on my "keeper" self! Can't wait to read Michelle's next book, It's Not About Him!LOL;)
March 29, 2008
It's Not About Me is a great book. I couldn't hardly stop reading it till it was finished.
Annie thought she had everything going for her, she went to church, she had a loving family, and a boyfriend who lover her. Then something happens and everything changes. Annie starts to learn that it is not always all about me, but that it is really about him.(God)
The characters in this book are great, and the story feels very real. It is hard for me to say a whole lot with out giving to much away, but it is really about Annie struggling with her life after a bad thing happens. It is when you really find out who loves you and who don't, who are your friends and who aren't, and does she really love Christ like she thought she did. It is about how your life can change for the better even after a horrible situation happens as long as you believe in God and let him take over your life.
I loved all the main characters and really hate the bad girl, but even in the end I really felt sorry for her because, she was just a real messed up teenager.
Michelle Sutton did a great job with putting together a story about forgiveness and love.
Annie thought she had everything going for her, she went to church, she had a loving family, and a boyfriend who lover her. Then something happens and everything changes. Annie starts to learn that it is not always all about me, but that it is really about him.(God)
The characters in this book are great, and the story feels very real. It is hard for me to say a whole lot with out giving to much away, but it is really about Annie struggling with her life after a bad thing happens. It is when you really find out who loves you and who don't, who are your friends and who aren't, and does she really love Christ like she thought she did. It is about how your life can change for the better even after a horrible situation happens as long as you believe in God and let him take over your life.
I loved all the main characters and really hate the bad girl, but even in the end I really felt sorry for her because, she was just a real messed up teenager.
Michelle Sutton did a great job with putting together a story about forgiveness and love.
August 29, 2008
I’ve always loved the song Beauty from Ashes. To me, there is no better way to describe God’s hand in our lives. He loves us so much, and although we sometimes go through horrible circumstances, if we allow him, God can lift us from that horrible, dark place and set us one a new path, filled with blessings. This is the heart of Michelle Sutton’s debut novel It’s Not About Me.
Annie Myers is a prom queen dating the prom king. She has it all. But in the world no one sees, she struggles to stand up against her boyfriend’s pressures for sex and her feelings toward God are apathetic. When a horrible event shatters her world, her boyfriend Tony pulls away. His brother Dan is there for Annie when she needs a friend most, even introducing her to God in a way she never thought was necessary.
As Annie grows closer to Dan, she finds herself in a love triangle that makes her already-stressful life overwhelming. Torn between her feelings for both brothers, Annie learns to rely on God, the one who loves her more than anything.
This book is about life, real people’s struggles, and the truth that can set them free. I highly recommend It’s Not About Me and look forward to the sequel.
Annie Myers is a prom queen dating the prom king. She has it all. But in the world no one sees, she struggles to stand up against her boyfriend’s pressures for sex and her feelings toward God are apathetic. When a horrible event shatters her world, her boyfriend Tony pulls away. His brother Dan is there for Annie when she needs a friend most, even introducing her to God in a way she never thought was necessary.
As Annie grows closer to Dan, she finds herself in a love triangle that makes her already-stressful life overwhelming. Torn between her feelings for both brothers, Annie learns to rely on God, the one who loves her more than anything.
This book is about life, real people’s struggles, and the truth that can set them free. I highly recommend It’s Not About Me and look forward to the sequel.
November 11, 2008
Michelle Sutton has brought the events of this short span of Annie’s experience to life and penned a collection of vivid characters that will live on for the reader beyond closing this book. I am amazed at the debut authors I am discovering who have a power with words that I have rarely seen over many years of reading. I suspect that her books along with two of my other favorite new authors Geralyn Beauchamp and Julie Lessman will one day join the ranks of authors such as Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers due to the exceptional power in their writing. While this novel’s main characters are in their late teens and early twenties it still touches a chord with readers at a variety of places in life and chronological age because of the emotionally gripping narrative and her ability to draw the reader into the lives of her characters such that it is difficult to put the book down once you have started it. See my blog for the full review.
March 11, 2011
Michelle Sutton, known for her edgy christian romance did an amazing job with "It's Not About Me." She masterfully captured the the angst and confusion people in our society experience today when it comes to affection, love, and sex.
While Annie loved both brothers, Michelle helped her find her way to true love. Our innate desire as women is to please the man in our lives, sometimes even if that means compromising ourselves and our conscience. But, is this desire to please truly love?
Michelle does a remarkable job of showing that whatever decisions we make in our quest for love that it really isn't about ourselves. This is a great book for a mother and daughter to read and discuss together in hopes of guiding the daughter through these tender years and maybe even giving the mother insight into things that went wrong in her own quest for love and possibly how to begin mending what's broken.
Great job, Michelle! You've earned my five stars and you know how difficult an accomplishment that is! :D I can't wait to read, "It's Not About Him!"
While Annie loved both brothers, Michelle helped her find her way to true love. Our innate desire as women is to please the man in our lives, sometimes even if that means compromising ourselves and our conscience. But, is this desire to please truly love?
Michelle does a remarkable job of showing that whatever decisions we make in our quest for love that it really isn't about ourselves. This is a great book for a mother and daughter to read and discuss together in hopes of guiding the daughter through these tender years and maybe even giving the mother insight into things that went wrong in her own quest for love and possibly how to begin mending what's broken.
Great job, Michelle! You've earned my five stars and you know how difficult an accomplishment that is! :D I can't wait to read, "It's Not About Him!"
July 18, 2011
The author of this book is a very good friend of mine. We go way back-seriously. Still, I am going to give my honest review of this book. I have to admit, I haven't read many YA Christian fiction books. The ones I have were good, but they were a long time ago when I was young, and was nothing like this one! This is a great YA book. I think many people try to make Christians out to be prim and perfect, but this book portrays what it is like to be a Christian in the real world. We've got the main character, the heroine, who appears to be perfect-but isn't and two men in love with her-Whoo-Hoo! These men are brothers and I love that conflict in the story. One lives by the bible, the other has strayed out in the world. Their parents role in this was good to read also. There are so many real world issues in this book- that is what makes it great. I was a little annoyed, when she couldn't choose who she wanted to be with. I'm like, 'come on!' It should be obvious. Nevertheless, this is a book that every young person should read.
January 1, 2011
I wasn't sure about this story when I started reading it. I downloaded it onto my kindle because I wanted to read more by the author. The main character is a teenager girl dealing with pressure from her boyfriend to have sex before marriage. I thought, well this will be an OK story and I will recommend it to my 17-yr-old niece. I thought it was directed more toward a young adult audience. But, the most horrific thing happens to her and the story takes a turn. She must now deal with the physical and emotional pain that stems from that event. As she puts her life back together, she finds a real relationship with God and the true meaning of love.
I found myself having to step back and remember I was reading a fiction story. It all felt so real. I would highly recommend this to all my friends of all ages. It will touch them in a profound way. My mother-in-law will be reading it in the very near future.
I found myself having to step back and remember I was reading a fiction story. It all felt so real. I would highly recommend this to all my friends of all ages. It will touch them in a profound way. My mother-in-law will be reading it in the very near future.
December 1, 2008
I had been wanting to read Michelle Sutton's debut novel and had been hearing really good things about it. Well, it did not disappoint. I actually started it at 12:30 am one night as I went to bed - I put it down at 4:01 am when I finished - it just kept me flipping the pages to see what would happen next. It is compelling and very thought provoking with an excellent plot to drive the storyline. The way Michelle works a real attack into the story really made things real to me. My daughter is 12 and too young to read it but I would say that most teens are ready for it, especially if they are in the public school system (we homeschool). I am looking forward to the sequel when it comes out! **** (4 stars) for dealing with real issues in a real way
June 23, 2012
I had a special, close bond with this book. Maybe closer than most as my kids were the cover models. I can't spoil the story for you by telling the real behind-the-scenes but I can tell you Katie, the redhead gal on the cover, is my daughter-in-law now ;)
Reading Annie's story while knowing the cover model made it an intense, emotional read for me. Anything happening with Annie had the girl I knew in the real world attached in my head. Talk about seeing a movie as you read!
It's Not About Me is a story so well plotted it will keep you turning the pages to find out the ending. Because of the fast page-turner, you'll be done with this story and want to start the next. Enjoy :)
Reading Annie's story while knowing the cover model made it an intense, emotional read for me. Anything happening with Annie had the girl I knew in the real world attached in my head. Talk about seeing a movie as you read!
It's Not About Me is a story so well plotted it will keep you turning the pages to find out the ending. Because of the fast page-turner, you'll be done with this story and want to start the next. Enjoy :)
April 12, 2009
It's Not About Me is a terrific book that doesn't tiptoe around real issues. As a former high school teacher and a mother of teenagers, I found this book to be written with an authentic voice. Sutton focuses on issues that face today's youth such as sex, alcoholism, shaky faith and the struggle to do the right thing. Even the most upright Christian characters are flawed in such a way that only God can heal them. I highly recommend this novel for both older teens and adults, and I can't wait to read the second book.
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June 12, 2012I loved this book. Michelle has carefully constructed the characters to make them very real. Her descriptions easily allow you to get into the story and develop relationships with the characters. Without giving anything away, her scene descriptions hit all of the senses. The story lines are well woven with no loose ends. Because the story moves so well, you'll find yourself wanting more and becoming emotionally involved. Thank God for the follow up books, "It's Not About Him" and "It's Not About Her." I like these characters and following them as they grow.
August 18, 2015
It's Not About Me
This story shows you how awesome and amazing God is. Tony, Dan and Annie had so many obstacles they had to face, but when they learned to surrender them over to the Lord then healing, forgiveness and restoration took place. Michelle Sutton was able to make me feel the emotions of each character and was able to make me love and have compassion for the ones who were unlovable at times. Highly recommend this book.
This story shows you how awesome and amazing God is. Tony, Dan and Annie had so many obstacles they had to face, but when they learned to surrender them over to the Lord then healing, forgiveness and restoration took place. Michelle Sutton was able to make me feel the emotions of each character and was able to make me love and have compassion for the ones who were unlovable at times. Highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2008
I thought Michelle did a wonderful job with her first book. She did a great job with tackling tough subjects. Subjects that most people try to stray away from. She also does a fantastic job with making her characters come alive. The things that she has them go through is not easy at all, but it's real. And I commend her for it. As so many of us know, life isn't easy. Awesome job, Michelle!
September 5, 2009
I think this is a very good book for young adults or older teens. It deals with sex before marriage, the temptation, and peer pressure teens face today. So deffinently not for younger kids. Michelle really deals with issues like that instead of just saying, "This is wrong, don't do it". She shows you the consequences, the pain that stuff can cause. I loved it and can't wait for her next book.
October 6, 2009
This is a good debut novel from the author. She dives into real life issues and how each of the characters in the book need to rely on Christ instead of on their own strength when one of their friends gets attacked at night. This book does deal with the realistic pressures of sex and alcohol that young people deal with.
May 2, 2010
This is a must read! Finally an author that is willing to tell it like it is. As someone who has worked with youth that come a variety of backgrounds, I can honestly say that these characters face real challenges that prevalent in today's society. Believe me, you will have a mental list of people you know that need to read this book by the time you're done.
December 10, 2011
Loved it !! I started reading it and could not put it down finished it in one night ! As always Michelle takes stories that will touch your heart and tells them with such meaning that its hard to not get drawn deep into the story line,
I would highly suggest this book to any one even young adults and teens to read !
I would highly suggest this book to any one even young adults and teens to read !
October 31, 2012
LOVED this book! It so accurately depicts the confusion and trouble both emotions and hormones can get us humans into. I adore Dan, and Annie is such a sweetheart, even as both of them struggle and don't necessarily make the right choices every time (who does?). It's how they come back from those choices that really says a lot about their character. I can highly recommend this book!
March 24, 2008
"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
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