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The Twisted Family Tree Series #1
The Art of Being Indifferent
Posey's not the kind of girl who has a lot of friends. After bouncing from foster home to foster home she's only formed an attachment to her iPod, and the music that takes her away from the ugliness that surrounds her.
Drew Baxter's got life on a string, or so everyone thinks. Son of the town mayor, swim team champion, and the hottest guy on campus. Little does everyone know that life at Drew's home is dark, dangerous, and only getting worse.
When partnered together in a tutoring assignment from hell, Posey and Drew are surprised to find how much they have in common. Despite their need to keep what's going on under the surface a secret from the world, it becomes clear they know each other better than anyone else in the world can. Now Posey and Drew have to find a way to exist in a town that wants to keep them apart, and in a circle of classmates that wants them to stop blurring the social lines.
Above all, Drew and Posey need to escape the madness of their abusive parents, before they drag them down forever.
Drew Baxter's got life on a string, or so everyone thinks. Son of the town mayor, swim team champion, and the hottest guy on campus. Little does everyone know that life at Drew's home is dark, dangerous, and only getting worse.
When partnered together in a tutoring assignment from hell, Posey and Drew are surprised to find how much they have in common. Despite their need to keep what's going on under the surface a secret from the world, it becomes clear they know each other better than anyone else in the world can. Now Posey and Drew have to find a way to exist in a town that wants to keep them apart, and in a circle of classmates that wants them to stop blurring the social lines.
Above all, Drew and Posey need to escape the madness of their abusive parents, before they drag them down forever.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2014
14 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Moss
20 books343 followers"I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 11, 2015
Ahhhh, the feels, the feels in this book is unreal!
This story is absolutely beautiful.
Posey has been in the foster care system for 7 years.
She just about gave up caring.
She moved to twisted oak and began high school.
Attachments are not her thing.
Friends are not her thing.
People in general, are not her thing.
When she begins failing English Lit, her teacher sets her up to earn extra credits by tutoring.
She's got the smarts, she just doesn't care to apply them.
This boy she's tutoring is the Golden boy of twisted Oak.
However, what if the golden boy has scars of his own?
What happens when she learns that the bruises on him is not from some brawl to demonstrate his manliness?
That is bruises are given by someone who should have protected him in the first place.
Suddenly, this whole tutoring thing gets complicated.
Her foster family wants to adopt her and she'll do anything to dissuade them.
Suddenly...Posey is starting to feel again.
"I'm the dented can of peas on the shelf...the one nobody wants."
Ahh man. This story.
I loved all the characters in this...well, minus the bad guys.
Yea there was some spelling mistakes and grammar errors, but as an overall, it was beautiful.
I wish more people could be like the Coulters, they cared for their foster children.
Heck i was nearly converted into becoming a foster parent myself...and i'm only 19!! well going on 20 but that's beside the point.
I also enjoyed the fact that it showed me some generalized perception of Social Workers in here, as a budding social worker (graduating in 3 years! booya!) I'm always curious at how people perceive my soon- to- be career.
Overall i really enjoyed it.
Was it slightly cliche at times? yes. Did i care? Nope!
Have a wonderful day my lovelies!
-The Book Herald!
This story is absolutely beautiful.
Posey has been in the foster care system for 7 years.
She just about gave up caring.
She moved to twisted oak and began high school.
Attachments are not her thing.
Friends are not her thing.
People in general, are not her thing.
When she begins failing English Lit, her teacher sets her up to earn extra credits by tutoring.
She's got the smarts, she just doesn't care to apply them.
This boy she's tutoring is the Golden boy of twisted Oak.
However, what if the golden boy has scars of his own?
What happens when she learns that the bruises on him is not from some brawl to demonstrate his manliness?
That is bruises are given by someone who should have protected him in the first place.
Suddenly, this whole tutoring thing gets complicated.
Her foster family wants to adopt her and she'll do anything to dissuade them.
Suddenly...Posey is starting to feel again.
"I'm the dented can of peas on the shelf...the one nobody wants."
Ahh man. This story.
I loved all the characters in this...well, minus the bad guys.
Yea there was some spelling mistakes and grammar errors, but as an overall, it was beautiful.
I wish more people could be like the Coulters, they cared for their foster children.
Heck i was nearly converted into becoming a foster parent myself...and i'm only 19!! well going on 20 but that's beside the point.
I also enjoyed the fact that it showed me some generalized perception of Social Workers in here, as a budding social worker (graduating in 3 years! booya!) I'm always curious at how people perceive my soon- to- be career.
Overall i really enjoyed it.
Was it slightly cliche at times? yes. Did i care? Nope!
Have a wonderful day my lovelies!
-The Book Herald!
February 21, 2014
I have read a few other books of Brooke Moss' and I REALLY enjoyed them. They had all the emotions I really love to read for a good love story/chick lit. This one was way different... But, great. I found my heart being put through the ringer. Every angsty emotion, I felt them. I was angry, and horrified, happy and sappy. My stomach was clenched through at least half of this book. I was freaking out all over the place, trying to figure out what was going to happen. Praying the story would go the way my heart needed it to go.
I felt so much love for Posey. I just wanted her life to turn out all right. She deserved it. Even after all the crap she had pulled and how closed off she was to everyone. And Drew, oh my sweet, sweet Drew. I found myself so sad for him so much, and I was so proud of him when he finally took a stand. He really is such a man. Standing up for whats right. Such a smart guy for an 18 year old.
This book has really opened my eyes to foster families. I have heard stories about how wonderful they are, and how incredibly awful some are, but to be submerged into the life with this book, it really has shown me the reality of it. And, it makes me grateful that there are such wonderful people who become foster parents and adopt children from 'the system'. I commend them.
I hope everyone gets the chance to read this book.
I felt so much love for Posey. I just wanted her life to turn out all right. She deserved it. Even after all the crap she had pulled and how closed off she was to everyone. And Drew, oh my sweet, sweet Drew. I found myself so sad for him so much, and I was so proud of him when he finally took a stand. He really is such a man. Standing up for whats right. Such a smart guy for an 18 year old.
This book has really opened my eyes to foster families. I have heard stories about how wonderful they are, and how incredibly awful some are, but to be submerged into the life with this book, it really has shown me the reality of it. And, it makes me grateful that there are such wonderful people who become foster parents and adopt children from 'the system'. I commend them.
I hope everyone gets the chance to read this book.
April 28, 2014
Oh man, I have so much love for this book. It's been a while since I've read a book that I've enjoyed this much and the story's very different from others I've been reading recently, so that was refreshing.
I loved Drew and Posey- respectively and together. They're both great, strong characters. I also love the buildup to their relationship, it just felt so right. Aww, I love them.
I have to say I'm so glad Liene told me to read it as soon as possible because it's become one of my absolute favourites now. Thank you Liene! I'll be sure to listen to you more often now ;) I love-love-loved it <3
I loved Drew and Posey- respectively and together. They're both great, strong characters. I also love the buildup to their relationship, it just felt so right. Aww, I love them.
I have to say I'm so glad Liene told me to read it as soon as possible because it's become one of my absolute favourites now. Thank you Liene! I'll be sure to listen to you more often now ;) I love-love-loved it <3
August 26, 2025
Comprehensive account of the westward expansion, details of the fateful Donner party. Political environment, expanded information about people promoting California, effects of starvation, survival information. It’s a gruesome look. In some ways, a realistic look at people in dire circumstances.
May 19, 2023
Great read.
February 19, 2014
Cry all the tears, both sad and happy ones!
I have to preface this review by noting that I've begun to feel like I might be the wrong reviewer for Moss' work. Sometimes you find an author whose work continually speaks to you, even across genres, and Moss has very much become one of those for me. I won't say I'm partial by any means, but calling myself a fangirl wouldn't be overstating my love of her books either.
THE ART OF BEING INDIFFERENT is told from the perspectives of Posey and Drew, two young adults who seem about as opposite as they could possibly be. He's the handsome jock with a rich dad, she's the unwanted teenager bouncing around the foster system waiting to "age out". But when a teacher steps in and pushes them to work together to make their Lit grades passable, they evolve from hating one another to realizing they have a lot in common. The rest is a jumble of relationship struggles as they try to make their feelings work under pressure from their peers and the adults who make their lives a living hell.
When I first began reading I was really nervous about Posey. She's angry and almost venomous and for very good reasons. She and Drew seem like they'll be impossible to bring together because they're both very set in who they are. But as the story goes on they slowly warm to one another finding common ground and ultimately romance. I did feel like there was a bit of a jump from pure hate to a well-maybe-they're-okay attitude, as if there were a missing chapter early in the story but aside from that I found the romance to be an enjoyable aspect of the plot.
What mattered more to me than the romance though, was Posey's growth from the volatile foster kid she is at the start of the book. Having experience with abusive and neglectful parents and some knowledge of the foster system I was moved to tears more than once as Posey's issues were laid bare. But my empathy for her hurts was joined by hope and longing as she struggled with her feelings about being adopted by her foster family. I fell in love with the Coulters who reminded me very much of families I had known in my childhood and there were tears for them too because of their unconditional love.
TAOBI isn't without a few flaws but it's raw and emotive and for those of us lucky enough to have ties to the state it takes place in, very, very real. There were some chuckles to temper the moments I was choked up and a visceral need for Posey to find the love—both familial and romantic—she deserves. And if you're reading this review I beg one favor of you, should you choose to read TAOBI... please read the acknowledgements. As a fan I was aware of the author's own experience but was even more moved by the story (stupid tears, stop already!) having that glimpse into the roots, nay... the heart... of this one.
I have to preface this review by noting that I've begun to feel like I might be the wrong reviewer for Moss' work. Sometimes you find an author whose work continually speaks to you, even across genres, and Moss has very much become one of those for me. I won't say I'm partial by any means, but calling myself a fangirl wouldn't be overstating my love of her books either.
THE ART OF BEING INDIFFERENT is told from the perspectives of Posey and Drew, two young adults who seem about as opposite as they could possibly be. He's the handsome jock with a rich dad, she's the unwanted teenager bouncing around the foster system waiting to "age out". But when a teacher steps in and pushes them to work together to make their Lit grades passable, they evolve from hating one another to realizing they have a lot in common. The rest is a jumble of relationship struggles as they try to make their feelings work under pressure from their peers and the adults who make their lives a living hell.
When I first began reading I was really nervous about Posey. She's angry and almost venomous and for very good reasons. She and Drew seem like they'll be impossible to bring together because they're both very set in who they are. But as the story goes on they slowly warm to one another finding common ground and ultimately romance. I did feel like there was a bit of a jump from pure hate to a well-maybe-they're-okay attitude, as if there were a missing chapter early in the story but aside from that I found the romance to be an enjoyable aspect of the plot.
What mattered more to me than the romance though, was Posey's growth from the volatile foster kid she is at the start of the book. Having experience with abusive and neglectful parents and some knowledge of the foster system I was moved to tears more than once as Posey's issues were laid bare. But my empathy for her hurts was joined by hope and longing as she struggled with her feelings about being adopted by her foster family. I fell in love with the Coulters who reminded me very much of families I had known in my childhood and there were tears for them too because of their unconditional love.
TAOBI isn't without a few flaws but it's raw and emotive and for those of us lucky enough to have ties to the state it takes place in, very, very real. There were some chuckles to temper the moments I was choked up and a visceral need for Posey to find the love—both familial and romantic—she deserves. And if you're reading this review I beg one favor of you, should you choose to read TAOBI... please read the acknowledgements. As a fan I was aware of the author's own experience but was even more moved by the story (stupid tears, stop already!) having that glimpse into the roots, nay... the heart... of this one.
September 19, 2015
Reread in 2015/february
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Amazing, so amazing.
After I read the blurb I already was excited to read it and had to asap cause I loved the sound of it!?
Can't even put in words how glad I am that I finally read a book that I really, really loved. I started to think that something was wrong with me but I guess it was more on the books I was reading.
Aw, I don't even know, man. This book made me feel. It wasn't a very original story or anything but just the way it was written and the characters, it was made into a really amazing story.
I really felt with Posey and Drew, which doesn't happen often. Posey was an amazing main character and I enjoyed being in her head, although have to admit that some times she made some stupid decision but well, after all she's been through, she's a one tough cookie.
Drewwwwwwwww <3
Oh, how I loved Posey and Drew's relationship, it happened with the right timing, it wasn't rushed and they're just perfect. Bam.
Posey was kinda living my dream life, athletic boyfriend and going to his thing to cheer for him, sigh. Can I.
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Amazing, so amazing.
After I read the blurb I already was excited to read it and had to asap cause I loved the sound of it!?
Can't even put in words how glad I am that I finally read a book that I really, really loved. I started to think that something was wrong with me but I guess it was more on the books I was reading.
Aw, I don't even know, man. This book made me feel. It wasn't a very original story or anything but just the way it was written and the characters, it was made into a really amazing story.
I really felt with Posey and Drew, which doesn't happen often. Posey was an amazing main character and I enjoyed being in her head, although have to admit that some times she made some stupid decision but well, after all she's been through, she's a one tough cookie.
Drewwwwwwwww <3
Oh, how I loved Posey and Drew's relationship, it happened with the right timing, it wasn't rushed and they're just perfect. Bam.
June 15, 2014
Actual Rating: 4.5
Recommend it to: everyone.
I really love it sooo much! I have to say that before reading this, I have just read one book from Brooke Moss (Keeping Secrets in Seattle) and completely fell in love with it, it’s one of my favorite books ever. Now I feel so happy that The Art of Being Indifferent is now one of my favorite books that I had read in this year 2014 and one of the best books I had read ever.
I loved the characters Posey and Drew, and loved them even more when they were together. Loved that both of them where always there for each other.
I loved the way both Posey and Drew became friends and the way they became more than friends. I have been a little bit tired of reading insta-love and this book just gave me a nice new breath away from all that. Loved the way Paula and John were, and all the kids.
I love how it was written and the humor of Brooke Moss, I have now no doubts that she is such a great author, and hopefully I may be reading more books from her in the future.
Recommend it to: everyone.
I really love it sooo much! I have to say that before reading this, I have just read one book from Brooke Moss (Keeping Secrets in Seattle) and completely fell in love with it, it’s one of my favorite books ever. Now I feel so happy that The Art of Being Indifferent is now one of my favorite books that I had read in this year 2014 and one of the best books I had read ever.
I loved the characters Posey and Drew, and loved them even more when they were together. Loved that both of them where always there for each other.
I loved the way both Posey and Drew became friends and the way they became more than friends. I have been a little bit tired of reading insta-love and this book just gave me a nice new breath away from all that. Loved the way Paula and John were, and all the kids.
I love how it was written and the humor of Brooke Moss, I have now no doubts that she is such a great author, and hopefully I may be reading more books from her in the future.
February 19, 2014
This book is amazing. I didn't know what to expect when I started reading especially seeing as it was set in a high school but I found this story to be beautiful and touching.
Posey has been a foster kid for a long time and has finally been placed with a family that could be hers if she wants it. After Posey's experiences as a child she still can't move on without thinking of her mother and whether she'd be able to leave the woman who mistreated her for so long behind. Feeling like an outsider everywhere Posey is forced to tutor the most popular boy in school. Drew and Posey hate each other at first until they realise not everything they have assumed about each other is true. Drew may be popular but he is desperately in need of someone who actually cares for him.
The characters are real, their frustrations with life are beautifully conveyed. The plot had me shouting at my kindle at points in horror but even with the unexpected I was happy how the story concluded. All in all it's a great read.
Posey has been a foster kid for a long time and has finally been placed with a family that could be hers if she wants it. After Posey's experiences as a child she still can't move on without thinking of her mother and whether she'd be able to leave the woman who mistreated her for so long behind. Feeling like an outsider everywhere Posey is forced to tutor the most popular boy in school. Drew and Posey hate each other at first until they realise not everything they have assumed about each other is true. Drew may be popular but he is desperately in need of someone who actually cares for him.
The characters are real, their frustrations with life are beautifully conveyed. The plot had me shouting at my kindle at points in horror but even with the unexpected I was happy how the story concluded. All in all it's a great read.
June 1, 2014
I loved this book so much, I'm still smiling at my kindle. I picked this book because the title catched my attention (I was one of those invisible teenagers).
I loved Posey. Yeah, character who is involved with music it's sooo easy to love. I could feel her pain without her ipod.
Drew is so "book boyfriend" and he's a swimmer ( I've got a crush on swimmers since I was a child) chlorine smell, caps, goggles, just yummy.
But her parents, the foster, the real parents, the Coulter parents were amazing. I loved them, their children, stories, their past and how they healed building a happy family.
Sometimes, I found myself a bit pissed with Posey but waiting for the moment she would find out how lucky she was to be with them.
And then I was cheering with happy tears!
Well, I loved it and I'm looking for other titles of Brooke Mason to read and fall in love again.
I loved Posey. Yeah, character who is involved with music it's sooo easy to love. I could feel her pain without her ipod.
Drew is so "book boyfriend" and he's a swimmer ( I've got a crush on swimmers since I was a child) chlorine smell, caps, goggles, just yummy.
But her parents, the foster, the real parents, the Coulter parents were amazing. I loved them, their children, stories, their past and how they healed building a happy family.
Sometimes, I found myself a bit pissed with Posey but waiting for the moment she would find out how lucky she was to be with them.
And then I was cheering with happy tears!
Well, I loved it and I'm looking for other titles of Brooke Mason to read and fall in love again.
August 13, 2016
I got a sneak peek at this book, and loved it for so many reasons. As a foster mom, the trials a foster child goes through is a subject near and dear to my heart. Posey hasn't had an easy time of it. And despite appearances, Drew's normal upbringing was anything but. Like usual, Brooke Moss hits the emotional highs and lows for her characters perfectly, and addresses a difficult topic with her trademark humor, drama, and a hard-won happily ever after.
October 6, 2015
Beautiful love story with very good characters and scenari. The theme of abuse and abandonment are well treated and the subsecent trauma is perfectly described. One of the most realistic young adult novel on this theme.
February 18, 2014
Had to give 5 stars because it was better than a 4. Started of and I thought it was going to be just teenage angst but it was actually very emotional and very well written.
February 25, 2017
Loved it. Brooke Moss is revelation. Lovely and enjoyable book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews