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Fingerprints
When her mother remarries and their house is invaded by her new stepbrother and stepsister, Savanna is extra grateful for her amazing boyfriend, David. But as his thoughtful ways become increasingly controlling, Savanna seeks help from her mom, only to find that she's too wrapped up in her new family to care.Left to deal with an abuser on her own, Savanna turns to her best friends, Jane and Tally, for help. What was supposed to be a fun summer for the three best friends turns into a series of twists to break free from a stalker.
- GenresYoung AdultAbuse
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
23 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Casamento
3 books20 followersGrowing up in a small New Jersey town (complete with horse farms and cornfields) gave Suzanne Casamento plenty of time to make up stories. She earned her BFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College. Her stories and articles have been published in Seventeen and Teen.
FINGERPRINTS, her debut YA novel, is loosely based on a story that appeared in Seventeen. Both stories are a lot like her 16th summer in New Jersey, when suddenly things weren’t so boring anymore.
In Casamento's follow up novel, CHOOSING TALLY, the Pleasant Hill girls are back as Tally pursues a love that leaves her humiliated and broken down to the point where she can only climb up.
After 25 years in Los Angeles, Suzanne recently got rid of her apartment, car and just about everything else she owned and launched a digital nomad journey. Click her website link to read about her explorations.
FINGERPRINTS, her debut YA novel, is loosely based on a story that appeared in Seventeen. Both stories are a lot like her 16th summer in New Jersey, when suddenly things weren’t so boring anymore.
In Casamento's follow up novel, CHOOSING TALLY, the Pleasant Hill girls are back as Tally pursues a love that leaves her humiliated and broken down to the point where she can only climb up.
After 25 years in Los Angeles, Suzanne recently got rid of her apartment, car and just about everything else she owned and launched a digital nomad journey. Click her website link to read about her explorations.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 5, 2017
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Genre: Young Adult. Dating Violence.
Fingerprints has been on my TBR for a while now and I finally managed to squeeze it in among all the books I have been wanting to read. This story, while not the easiest to read due to the subject matter (dating violence and stalking), is told superbly. I was riveted to the story from page one and needed to see how the characters were going to deal with the social issues they are living through. In this aspect, the author did not disappoint! She was courteous in bringing such an important issue to light and told it with grace. So why the 4 star rating then? Well, in some instances the story seemed a little juvenile to me. For example, there was a lot of drinking, hardly any repercussions from said drinking from the characters parents, and a lot of animosity within the home that grated on my nerves. I mean, can kids really be this disrespectful? I suppose so. Although I don't quite agree with it.
In addition to the issues of teen dating violence, which is the cornerstone of the story, we are able to view a dysfunctional family. Now, it's not dysfunctional in a way that makes the family seem overly ridiculous, but rather, in a way that shows how hard it can be to merge two families (of teenagers) together. There are certainly fights amongst stepdaughter/stepfather and such, which is normal to a point, but there were many times I shook my head and thought to myself that these characters need to get over themselves and try.
In the end though, all of this was overpowered by the issue of dating violence and how hard it is to feel like you can trust someone to tell them what is going on. I appreciated this all and think this would make the perfect book for teen viewers and even parents of teens. We can't always see the warning signs, but being informed will go a long way.
Recommended Read
Genre: Young Adult. Dating Violence.
Fingerprints has been on my TBR for a while now and I finally managed to squeeze it in among all the books I have been wanting to read. This story, while not the easiest to read due to the subject matter (dating violence and stalking), is told superbly. I was riveted to the story from page one and needed to see how the characters were going to deal with the social issues they are living through. In this aspect, the author did not disappoint! She was courteous in bringing such an important issue to light and told it with grace. So why the 4 star rating then? Well, in some instances the story seemed a little juvenile to me. For example, there was a lot of drinking, hardly any repercussions from said drinking from the characters parents, and a lot of animosity within the home that grated on my nerves. I mean, can kids really be this disrespectful? I suppose so. Although I don't quite agree with it.
In addition to the issues of teen dating violence, which is the cornerstone of the story, we are able to view a dysfunctional family. Now, it's not dysfunctional in a way that makes the family seem overly ridiculous, but rather, in a way that shows how hard it can be to merge two families (of teenagers) together. There are certainly fights amongst stepdaughter/stepfather and such, which is normal to a point, but there were many times I shook my head and thought to myself that these characters need to get over themselves and try.
In the end though, all of this was overpowered by the issue of dating violence and how hard it is to feel like you can trust someone to tell them what is going on. I appreciated this all and think this would make the perfect book for teen viewers and even parents of teens. We can't always see the warning signs, but being informed will go a long way.
Recommended Read
December 4, 2013
Fingerprints is more than just a brilliantly told coming-of-age story (though it's most definitely that). By deeply exploring themes of love and loss, faith and forgiveness, fear and self-doubt, and, ultimately, strength and courage, it transcends the genre to tell a story that speaks authentically to readers of any age. Also, for a book about a teenage girl trying to navigate new family changes at a time when most kids could use as much stability as they can get (even if they're not in fear of an abusive boyfriend), it has much more humor than you’d have any reason to expect to find in it.
Given the weight of the subject matter, you might expect this to be a difficult read, but the author turns these difficult themes into gripping suspense, delivered with empathy and a compelling tone that make it nearly impossible to put down. With its cinematic pacing (I could definitely see this becoming a movie), deliberate use of distinct perspectives (pay attention to the shift in styles between the prologue, the Before section, and the After section), believable dialogue, fully developed characters, and complete narrative arc for the protagonist, everything in the book is written to feel real and ring true.
Given the weight of the subject matter, you might expect this to be a difficult read, but the author turns these difficult themes into gripping suspense, delivered with empathy and a compelling tone that make it nearly impossible to put down. With its cinematic pacing (I could definitely see this becoming a movie), deliberate use of distinct perspectives (pay attention to the shift in styles between the prologue, the Before section, and the After section), believable dialogue, fully developed characters, and complete narrative arc for the protagonist, everything in the book is written to feel real and ring true.
March 13, 2015
I felt really sorry for Savvy. It would be awful to be in a abusive relationship, and it wouldn't be very nice to feel like your family doesn't care when you try to tell them about it.
This was an okay read, but I did feel bored at points. The second half was alright though, as the boring parts were more in the first half.
Overall, Okay read.
This was an okay read, but I did feel bored at points. The second half was alright though, as the boring parts were more in the first half.
Overall, Okay read.
November 29, 2022
Terrific YA! Characters are well rounded and believable, not trite or cliched. Plot moves along nicely and dialogue is on point—like how actual real-life teens talk. Compelling voice and difficult true-to-life situations dealt out with intellect, wit, empathy, and care. A coming-of-age story about teens dealing with conflicting feelings while still being just who they are—young kids growing up in a sometimes too-adult world. A step above your typical YA. Don’t miss this one!
November 30, 2014
Pretty good
I liked that this book had characters that were actually likable. Her friends were a little annoying and I wished she would have gotten over the whole drinking is the greatest thing in the world phase but David was creepy. I feel like the author fell flat in the middle of the book with David, she built all this up and then he just disappeared. Overall it was a decent read.
I liked that this book had characters that were actually likable. Her friends were a little annoying and I wished she would have gotten over the whole drinking is the greatest thing in the world phase but David was creepy. I feel like the author fell flat in the middle of the book with David, she built all this up and then he just disappeared. Overall it was a decent read.
December 16, 2015
This is the story of a girl who, due to the dysfunctional family she grew up in, fails to see warning signs of abuse in her new relationship. After a particularly bad run-in with her mentally unstable boyfriend, she has to figure out how to move on (especially with a mother who feels absent now that she is newly married with new step-kids to care about). She cannot move on, however, without leaning about herself, confronting her past, trusting her friends, and talking about something she thinks is unspeakable.
July 5, 2013
Fingerprints immerses us in the New Jersey summer-land of Savanna, a teenage girl with two big problems: A new step-family she wants no part of; and the discovery that her dreamy boyfriend has a dark side. Fingerprints is a spirited narrative that thoughtfully explores difficult terrains. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2014
This book is about relationships, step-families, abusive boyfriends, good best friends, and how important it is to remember who is always there for you. I thought it was well-written and although the main character didn't do everything right, she did a lot right and learned from her mistakes.
Recommendation: Read it!
Recommendation: Read it!
February 26, 2015
This story of teenage abuse is very timely. When a girl turns to her mother for help when her boyfriend starts to abuse her she gets no help. Her mother has recently remarried and now has two new stepkids. So the girl turns to her girlfriends for help. This is a very believable story.
June 15, 2017
Excellent read for young teens. I gave it to my god-daughter as a way to be on the lookout for warning signs as she enters the world of highschool social circles and tries to start dating.
July 29, 2013
In the genre of young adult novels, this is a powerful and gripping story that defines modern family, the bonds of friendship, and finding courage. Casamento has an excellent ability to take you into the world of teens, and engulfs you in the anguish and fear of those years. Ultimately, there is a positive message about young women who find their inner strength in order to face their fears and what haunts them.
December 29, 2013
I generally struggle with some of the dark topics that some authors use as entertainment but this book took a difficult theme and made it a nice story to read. I'm not sure how to explain it but I guess, while I felt sad during some parts, it didn't leave me feeling yucky like it could have. Very well done. Easy read.
September 2, 2021
3 Cheers for Fingerprints!
I couldn’t put this book down till I was done! Needless to say it’s after 1 am. We all need help at different times in our lives. This story shows young adults how to reach out to people that love them. The author does a great job of keeping your interest and sharing a valuable story.
I couldn’t put this book down till I was done! Needless to say it’s after 1 am. We all need help at different times in our lives. This story shows young adults how to reach out to people that love them. The author does a great job of keeping your interest and sharing a valuable story.
October 20, 2014
I loved this story! It touches on a few things and shows the real side of merging familes, friendship, and unhealthy relationships! A great read!
February 17, 2015
Great!
It was good and nicely captured the bonds of family and friendship. Thoroughly enjoyed. Couldve focused more on the abusive relationship.
It was good and nicely captured the bonds of family and friendship. Thoroughly enjoyed. Couldve focused more on the abusive relationship.
February 8, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It's a very easy read.
January 9, 2019
Good, solid writing
The story is well written and flows well. At no point was I bored or struggling to maintain interest in finishing the book. That being said, there really wasn't much to get excited over, either. It was a good, solid story. I don`t feel particularly invested in the characters or compeled to find out what happens to them in the future. It doesn't call out to me to read it again, like me favorite books do. I'm not sure I can specify more than that exactly what it is that bothered me about the book. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't mind-blowing. It was... good.
The story is well written and flows well. At no point was I bored or struggling to maintain interest in finishing the book. That being said, there really wasn't much to get excited over, either. It was a good, solid story. I don`t feel particularly invested in the characters or compeled to find out what happens to them in the future. It doesn't call out to me to read it again, like me favorite books do. I'm not sure I can specify more than that exactly what it is that bothered me about the book. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't mind-blowing. It was... good.
November 8, 2022
I loved this book! A fantastic YA read with issues young girls are dealing with today from families to boyfriends who sometimes are too good to be true. Highly recommend to young readers and parents of young readers.
April 9, 2023
Yep - this was one that I picked up and didn’t put down…..but….unlike most books I read in a day, this novel was as layered, proud, and nuanced as it was enjoyable. Don’t want to spoil anything, but do recommend in the highest measure
January 23, 2018
Will pull on your hearts strings
Loved the story, I’ve gone through something similar and it was incredibly relatable. Very good read would recommend to anyone.
Loved the story, I’ve gone through something similar and it was incredibly relatable. Very good read would recommend to anyone.
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November 18, 2024Review to come.
June 5, 2015
This book almost got a four star from me.It was a good book,but it just seemed to lack enough development and the ending just seemed rushed.Also it never really pointed out that these teenage girls were or were coming close to becoming alcoholic.
June 6, 2016
Loved it
Loved the book. It's a very good depiction of a real world scenario.
My only complaint is it climaxes early and kind of fizzles out toward the end, but I would still recommend it to anyone.
Loved the book. It's a very good depiction of a real world scenario.
My only complaint is it climaxes early and kind of fizzles out toward the end, but I would still recommend it to anyone.
April 2, 2015
Amazballs
I loved this book it was fantastic had great lessons in it the story line was fabulous and the characters personalities were so vivid
I loved this book it was fantastic had great lessons in it the story line was fabulous and the characters personalities were so vivid
April 15, 2015
Decent
Kind of predictable but it was a good easy read. Good moral of the story. I recommend it for a quick read
Kind of predictable but it was a good easy read. Good moral of the story. I recommend it for a quick read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews