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Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf #1
Something happened to Ally
Schockierend, intensiv und ehrlich!
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Ally ist bis über beide Ohren verliebt in Sean. Als er sie während einer Party anspricht und sie sich näherkommen, sieht sie sich am Ziel ihrer Träume. Doch dann geschieht das Sean ignoriert ihr »Nein«.
Während Ally danach völlig verstört ist, bittet Sean seine beste Freundin Blythe, die Sache wieder »in Ordnung zu bringen«. Tatsächlich ist Blythe bereit, ihm zu helfen. Also sucht sie Allys Nähe, um zu verhindern, dass die Sean anzeigt. Und es scheint, als würde ihre Strategie Ally beginnt ihr zu vertrauen. Doch dann kommen Blythe selbst Zweifel und sie ist immer stärker hin- und hergerissen zwischen ihrer Loyalität gegenüber Sean und ihrem Mitgefühl für Ally.
Auf welcher Seite stehst du, wenn es nur eine richtige Seite geben kann?
Ally ist bis über beide Ohren verliebt in Sean. Als er sie während einer Party anspricht und sie sich näherkommen, sieht sie sich am Ziel ihrer Träume. Doch dann geschieht das Sean ignoriert ihr »Nein«.
Während Ally danach völlig verstört ist, bittet Sean seine beste Freundin Blythe, die Sache wieder »in Ordnung zu bringen«. Tatsächlich ist Blythe bereit, ihm zu helfen. Also sucht sie Allys Nähe, um zu verhindern, dass die Sean anzeigt. Und es scheint, als würde ihre Strategie Ally beginnt ihr zu vertrauen. Doch dann kommen Blythe selbst Zweifel und sie ist immer stärker hin- und hergerissen zwischen ihrer Loyalität gegenüber Sean und ihrem Mitgefühl für Ally.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
64 people are currently reading
6321 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Krischer
5 books207 followersHayley Krischer is the author of two young adult novels, SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF and THE FALLING GIRLS. Her adult debut, WHERE ARE YOU, ECHO BLUE? comes out from Dutton July 16, 2024.
She has also written for many publications including The New York Times, Elle, Marie Claire, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic.
Hayley lives in New Jersey with her family.
She has also written for many publications including The New York Times, Elle, Marie Claire, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic.
Hayley lives in New Jersey with her family.
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August 7, 2024
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf ⍣ ೋ
˗ˏˋ4.5 stars !! ´ˎ˗
‿‿‿‿
I want to start this off with something my ex-boyfriend said to me once (we were still together at the time) when we had a conversation about rape. He said, and I quote, “I just don’t get how some people don’t understand that no means no.”
no means no. thats all there is to it.
again, sorry it took me so long to write this review, but it’s finally here!! 🙃
“I remember vividly how strong he was that night, how his arm held my shoulder down so I couldn’t hit him or push him off of me”
wow. I was not prepared for this. If we’re being honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this book.
But it deserves 4.5 stars, because omfg, this is a story people need to read. 😓
Ali Greenleaf was raped.
She was drunk, yes. But she said no. She told him no. She wanted to go up into the room with him, but when he started to go to far, she said no. And he put his hand over her mouth and pushed her down.
What the heck?? 😡😡😡
Tw for rape btw…. It was pretty graphic so just be warned. It caught me really off guard.
Also what the heck? Freshman giving group to seniors and calling it The Initiation is so messed up, i had to re-read that bit because i didnt believe it. 😰😨😰😨😰😨😰😨😰
Okayyyy time for my letters to the characters!! 📬
Dear Ali,
You did get raped. Idgaf if he said “yo, I didnt rape you”. 😒😒😒
He raped you. I heard you say no. but he did it anyway. And im so sorry. But im so proud of you for speaking up finally, even if it took you a while, you did it. And most people don't even do that. They should, so im proud of you. But hey pls don't do stupid stuff like go up into a room with someone like sSan. Have more self-respect <3 ily (but if we’re being honest, even though you were a victim, you kinda make me mad because of how much you worshipped your rapist).
Dear Blythe,
Respectfully die <3
Okay maybe don't die but GIRL YOU NEED HELP…. Become a better person and we’ll talk. I can't believe you would choose SEAN over ALI, he’s a RAPIST, you stupid dummy.
Sorry that was harsh.🤭🤭🤭
But seriously blythe i wanted to like you so bad but what the hell????? You’re so predictable and such a self-centered little brat 😍😍😍😇😇😇😊😊
You only care about your STUPID REPUATTION SO DIE!!!!!🤗🤗
Dear Sean,
I hate you. 😤😖 If you read the book, and you read what he did to Ali, and how he handled it, you would probably say the same thing.
Anyway, Sean, i hate you and i hope you burn for your sins. You douchebag poopy piece of crapme trying not to swear
I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate you🥰🥰🥰
Dear Raj,
OMFG I HAVENT LIKED A MALE FICTIONAL CHARACTER THIS MUCH IN FORVER
omg you’re such a good friend i wish you were real so we could be best friends. 😍😍😍😍😍
Im so sorry about your sister by the way.
i love you bsf
Dear everyone else in the core four,
Yall do too much meth calm down🙄🙄🙄
So basically, I kind of hated most of the characters so thats why the book didnt get four stars, but the topic of the novel is SO IMPORTANT.
CIS/STRAIGHT MALES NEED TO READ THIS just as much as everyone else should.
I should rec this to my boyfriend 😮
Heres a playlist i made with songs that remind me of the book:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Mx...
Ur welcome 😇😇😇
There’s so much more i want to say but i think you should just read it for yourself.
THIS IS A STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD.
If you’re a victim of rape, please share your story somewhere, anywhere. The world needs to hear more of these stories because this book help me realized how important it is. 🤕
Happy reading babes 😘😘😘
xoxo,
enne!!!
˗ˏˋ4.5 stars !! ´ˎ˗
‿‿‿‿
I want to start this off with something my ex-boyfriend said to me once (we were still together at the time) when we had a conversation about rape. He said, and I quote, “I just don’t get how some people don’t understand that no means no.”
no means no. thats all there is to it.
again, sorry it took me so long to write this review, but it’s finally here!! 🙃
“I remember vividly how strong he was that night, how his arm held my shoulder down so I couldn’t hit him or push him off of me”
wow. I was not prepared for this. If we’re being honest, I’m not sure how I feel about this book.
But it deserves 4.5 stars, because omfg, this is a story people need to read. 😓
Ali Greenleaf was raped.
She was drunk, yes. But she said no. She told him no. She wanted to go up into the room with him, but when he started to go to far, she said no. And he put his hand over her mouth and pushed her down.
What the heck?? 😡😡😡
Tw for rape btw…. It was pretty graphic so just be warned. It caught me really off guard.
Also what the heck? Freshman giving group to seniors and calling it The Initiation is so messed up, i had to re-read that bit because i didnt believe it. 😰😨😰😨😰😨😰😨😰
Okayyyy time for my letters to the characters!! 📬
Dear Ali,
You did get raped. Idgaf if he said “yo, I didnt rape you”. 😒😒😒
He raped you. I heard you say no. but he did it anyway. And im so sorry. But im so proud of you for speaking up finally, even if it took you a while, you did it. And most people don't even do that. They should, so im proud of you. But hey pls don't do stupid stuff like go up into a room with someone like sSan. Have more self-respect <3 ily (but if we’re being honest, even though you were a victim, you kinda make me mad because of how much you worshipped your rapist).
Dear Blythe,
Respectfully die <3
Okay maybe don't die but GIRL YOU NEED HELP…. Become a better person and we’ll talk. I can't believe you would choose SEAN over ALI, he’s a RAPIST, you stupid dummy.
Sorry that was harsh.🤭🤭🤭
But seriously blythe i wanted to like you so bad but what the hell????? You’re so predictable and such a self-centered little brat 😍😍😍😇😇😇😊😊
You only care about your STUPID REPUATTION SO DIE!!!!!🤗🤗
Dear Sean,
I hate you. 😤😖 If you read the book, and you read what he did to Ali, and how he handled it, you would probably say the same thing.
Anyway, Sean, i hate you and i hope you burn for your sins. You douchebag poopy piece of crap
I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate you🥰🥰🥰
Dear Raj,
OMFG I HAVENT LIKED A MALE FICTIONAL CHARACTER THIS MUCH IN FORVER
omg you’re such a good friend i wish you were real so we could be best friends. 😍😍😍😍😍
Im so sorry about your sister by the way.
Dear everyone else in the core four,
Yall do too much meth calm down🙄🙄🙄
So basically, I kind of hated most of the characters so thats why the book didnt get four stars, but the topic of the novel is SO IMPORTANT.
CIS/STRAIGHT MALES NEED TO READ THIS just as much as everyone else should.
I should rec this to my boyfriend 😮
Heres a playlist i made with songs that remind me of the book:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Mx...
Ur welcome 😇😇😇
There’s so much more i want to say but i think you should just read it for yourself.
THIS IS A STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD.
If you’re a victim of rape, please share your story somewhere, anywhere. The world needs to hear more of these stories because this book help me realized how important it is. 🤕
Happy reading babes 😘😘😘
xoxo,
enne!!!
October 3, 2024
The triggers…. I want to forget this. And that Initiation tradition. That made me want to puke real bad.
Damn… let me calm down first.
Misunderstood. Misinterpreted. Misinformed.
This is one such story of everyone trying to blame the young victim of sexual assault when they come to know about the assault just because the perpetrator is a popular guy and the victim a “nobody”.
Just because the girl has a crush on the guy doesn’t mean that the guy has the right to abuse or assault the girl.
Ali has a crush on Sean ever since. She happened to go to a party when Sean invited her and made her drink some vodka there. Taking advantage of the situation, he assaults her even when she clearly said “no”. She doesn’t understand the situation much as she, as a teen, doesn’t know how to react to the assault as she is afraid of the consequences she might face.
However, with the help of her best friends and parents she takes up enough courage to seek help and let more like her to come out of their fears, speak up more and let the perpetrators know how much they have traumatised them for life.
A must read recommendation.
More such books need to be read and discussed.
Damn… let me calm down first.
Misunderstood. Misinterpreted. Misinformed.
This is one such story of everyone trying to blame the young victim of sexual assault when they come to know about the assault just because the perpetrator is a popular guy and the victim a “nobody”.
Just because the girl has a crush on the guy doesn’t mean that the guy has the right to abuse or assault the girl.
Ali has a crush on Sean ever since. She happened to go to a party when Sean invited her and made her drink some vodka there. Taking advantage of the situation, he assaults her even when she clearly said “no”. She doesn’t understand the situation much as she, as a teen, doesn’t know how to react to the assault as she is afraid of the consequences she might face.
However, with the help of her best friends and parents she takes up enough courage to seek help and let more like her to come out of their fears, speak up more and let the perpetrators know how much they have traumatised them for life.
A must read recommendation.
More such books need to be read and discussed.
October 6, 2020
Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to be her.
TW: rape, sexual assault, underage drinking, drug use, bullying, gaslighting.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is a book that is far too relatable for far too many women/girls. It’s a story we hear often, but Hayley Krischer tells this story through not only the eyes and voice of the victim/survivor, but also through the eyes and voice of a rape apologist. This story was incredibly hard at points to read, and at times the events seem extreme, but it’s scarily accurate to some high school experiences. I stayed up all night reading this book, and it also took me all day to think of what I’d write here. It could be a bit spoiler-y, but I try to keep my opinions based on things established in the blurb, but fair warning here.
Ali and Blythe weren’t friends before the night Ali was raped, but they become friends after. Blythe’s reasons for becoming Ali’s friend are dishonest, but Ali isn’t a fool. She knows it’s not all genuine. Somehow they become actual friends regardless of motives or popularity standing, and realize that they each have more in common than either one of them expected. They find a strange comfort in one another.
Unfortunately sometimes friendship isn’t enough to make someone fully see outside of their own experience. I loved this story, because even though it is heartbreaking reading Ali’s POV, it’s also so empowering to watch her journey. Is this the case for every person who has been raped? No. BUT in this instance her journey is one you’re rooting for, and although the journey feels long and you just want to hold her and make it better, she takes this journey and time to heal on her own terms. She takes back her control.
Blythe is a character that you’re hesitant to care about. I mean, she becomes friends with Ali in order to smooth over the rape. Sure, we can say she doesn’t really know what happened, BUT doesn’t she? You hope that she changes and sees what she’s doing is wrong, but it’s also interesting to read her journey as well. She has layers. She’s human. She makes poor choices. She does things that are down right evil. She is imperfect. Aren’t we all, maybe different levels of imperfection, but imperfect none the less.
I appreciated reading this story. These dueling perspectives that were sometimes hard to handle, but also end something that starts so violently with so much hope and possibility.
And I HIGHLY recommend that if you read this book, that you read the acknowledgements as well. The author really explains the whys of this book and makes it feel that much more important if you didn’t see the importance before.
This is what being an adult is, right? This is how people become mature. They suffer and move on.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
TW: rape, sexual assault, underage drinking, drug use, bullying, gaslighting.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is a book that is far too relatable for far too many women/girls. It’s a story we hear often, but Hayley Krischer tells this story through not only the eyes and voice of the victim/survivor, but also through the eyes and voice of a rape apologist. This story was incredibly hard at points to read, and at times the events seem extreme, but it’s scarily accurate to some high school experiences. I stayed up all night reading this book, and it also took me all day to think of what I’d write here. It could be a bit spoiler-y, but I try to keep my opinions based on things established in the blurb, but fair warning here.
Ali and Blythe weren’t friends before the night Ali was raped, but they become friends after. Blythe’s reasons for becoming Ali’s friend are dishonest, but Ali isn’t a fool. She knows it’s not all genuine. Somehow they become actual friends regardless of motives or popularity standing, and realize that they each have more in common than either one of them expected. They find a strange comfort in one another.
Unfortunately sometimes friendship isn’t enough to make someone fully see outside of their own experience. I loved this story, because even though it is heartbreaking reading Ali’s POV, it’s also so empowering to watch her journey. Is this the case for every person who has been raped? No. BUT in this instance her journey is one you’re rooting for, and although the journey feels long and you just want to hold her and make it better, she takes this journey and time to heal on her own terms. She takes back her control.
Blythe is a character that you’re hesitant to care about. I mean, she becomes friends with Ali in order to smooth over the rape. Sure, we can say she doesn’t really know what happened, BUT doesn’t she? You hope that she changes and sees what she’s doing is wrong, but it’s also interesting to read her journey as well. She has layers. She’s human. She makes poor choices. She does things that are down right evil. She is imperfect. Aren’t we all, maybe different levels of imperfection, but imperfect none the less.
I appreciated reading this story. These dueling perspectives that were sometimes hard to handle, but also end something that starts so violently with so much hope and possibility.
And I HIGHLY recommend that if you read this book, that you read the acknowledgements as well. The author really explains the whys of this book and makes it feel that much more important if you didn’t see the importance before.
This is what being an adult is, right? This is how people become mature. They suffer and move on.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
Thank you to PenguinTeen for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Did I like this book? Did I not like this book? Honestly, I have no idea. The point of this book was very powerful and I definitely understood it, and had a range of emotions reading. I just don't really know how I felt as a whole.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is told from two perspectives, one is Ali and the other is Blythe who is queen bee miss popular at their highschool. Ali has a crush on Sean and they start talking at a party, they are both drinking and he leads her upstairs. Ali changes her mind (which she has the right to do at any moment, no means no, stop means stop) and Sean rapes her. It was very hard to read this, but this story needs to be told. It is insane to me how many people do not understand no means no, that does not mean continue. On the flip side of this story, Blythe is Sean's best friend and he asks her for her help in making sure Ali forgets this happened.
Okay, why wasn't this a five star read for me? One word: characters. I could not stand a single character in this book, besides Raj and Sammi. Literally almost had to stop reading this because I could not get over how horrible and shitty these characters were. I get that Blythe is Sean's best friend, but uh girl if you could see what is really happening and what he has done to so many girls that would be great. Also, Blythe is just crazy. Like a lot of the stuff she does is just horrific, she is a crap friend, a really crappy girlfriend, and honestly just a lowlife in general. I did not feel any sorrow for her. Ali was a strange character to read because I just couldn't justify some of her actions. She was making me so angry with what she was doing. Not to mention almost all the side characters were just annoying. Another thing that I just can't wrap my head around is some of the things that go on at this highschool and during these parties. It was a bit far fetched, so I wasn't that interested.
If I could have read about some better characters with better qualities I would have given this five stars no doubt. I loved how honest this was about rape, and it was very interesting to see both sides of the story. It was a heartfelt and emotional book, I just didn't love it because of the characters.
Did I like this book? Did I not like this book? Honestly, I have no idea. The point of this book was very powerful and I definitely understood it, and had a range of emotions reading. I just don't really know how I felt as a whole.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is told from two perspectives, one is Ali and the other is Blythe who is queen bee miss popular at their highschool. Ali has a crush on Sean and they start talking at a party, they are both drinking and he leads her upstairs. Ali changes her mind (which she has the right to do at any moment, no means no, stop means stop) and Sean rapes her. It was very hard to read this, but this story needs to be told. It is insane to me how many people do not understand no means no, that does not mean continue. On the flip side of this story, Blythe is Sean's best friend and he asks her for her help in making sure Ali forgets this happened.
Okay, why wasn't this a five star read for me? One word: characters. I could not stand a single character in this book, besides Raj and Sammi. Literally almost had to stop reading this because I could not get over how horrible and shitty these characters were. I get that Blythe is Sean's best friend, but uh girl if you could see what is really happening and what he has done to so many girls that would be great. Also, Blythe is just crazy. Like a lot of the stuff she does is just horrific, she is a crap friend, a really crappy girlfriend, and honestly just a lowlife in general. I did not feel any sorrow for her. Ali was a strange character to read because I just couldn't justify some of her actions. She was making me so angry with what she was doing. Not to mention almost all the side characters were just annoying. Another thing that I just can't wrap my head around is some of the things that go on at this highschool and during these parties. It was a bit far fetched, so I wasn't that interested.
If I could have read about some better characters with better qualities I would have given this five stars no doubt. I loved how honest this was about rape, and it was very interesting to see both sides of the story. It was a heartfelt and emotional book, I just didn't love it because of the characters.
August 27, 2020
I just finished Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf by Hayley Krischer, and it left me thinking about all the girls who’ve been victims of rape and all the misery that comes after; the misplaced anger, the shame, guilt, self-doubt … all from someone else’s vicious actions. Every painful emotion on the painful emotion spectrum is laid open and raw and why? Because that girl dared to have a drink at a party, wore her skirt too short or maybe she thought that a kiss should stop at a kiss? The victim is often shamed into silence before they even have a chance to speak.
Hayley brought Ali’s story to life in a way that felt real, like it could have been any one of our stories. She explores the complexities of relationships but hones in on female relationships and just how misdirected loyalties can become in the mass confusion of gossip and rumor, the quest for acceptance when you haven’t quite figured out just who you are yet. She also shows the positive supportive side of female friendships and the strength that can be found there. The sharing of experiences that can bond and help heal.
While the story itself is one of inspiration, strength and redemption, the main focus is on the rape culture and the stigma attached to the brutality of rape – remarkably still present in this century. I think this is a powerful novel that should be read by everyone.
The quote below is of Ali’s inner dialogue while her best friend pushes her to report her rapist, her thoughts and the fear of having her life destroyed despite the prominence of the #metoo and #girlstoo movement:
“But I’ve seen to many news stories, too many articles, to know that in real-life situations, girls don’t get the chance to defend themselves. Especially not when it comes to the captain of the soccer team.” “My whole life is on the line here, that she can’t tell anyone because if she tells even one person, my whole life is going to explode. That Sean Nessel will ruin my life.”
I would like to point out to readers to please read Hayley’s epilogue! It is moving, insightful, and courageous.
5 stars for this insightful and meaningful novel. Thank you to Penguin Teen and Hayley Krischer for gifting me a DRC in exchange for my review.
CW: Rape, drug/alcohol use
Hayley brought Ali’s story to life in a way that felt real, like it could have been any one of our stories. She explores the complexities of relationships but hones in on female relationships and just how misdirected loyalties can become in the mass confusion of gossip and rumor, the quest for acceptance when you haven’t quite figured out just who you are yet. She also shows the positive supportive side of female friendships and the strength that can be found there. The sharing of experiences that can bond and help heal.
While the story itself is one of inspiration, strength and redemption, the main focus is on the rape culture and the stigma attached to the brutality of rape – remarkably still present in this century. I think this is a powerful novel that should be read by everyone.
The quote below is of Ali’s inner dialogue while her best friend pushes her to report her rapist, her thoughts and the fear of having her life destroyed despite the prominence of the #metoo and #girlstoo movement:
“But I’ve seen to many news stories, too many articles, to know that in real-life situations, girls don’t get the chance to defend themselves. Especially not when it comes to the captain of the soccer team.” “My whole life is on the line here, that she can’t tell anyone because if she tells even one person, my whole life is going to explode. That Sean Nessel will ruin my life.”
I would like to point out to readers to please read Hayley’s epilogue! It is moving, insightful, and courageous.
5 stars for this insightful and meaningful novel. Thank you to Penguin Teen and Hayley Krischer for gifting me a DRC in exchange for my review.
CW: Rape, drug/alcohol use
April 30, 2021
Please don’t be fooled by my star rating...I think this was a well done and important book, but I wouldn’t say it was a book I enjoyed reading per say. This book needs trigger warnings for sexual assault, substance use, bullying, and mental health. I think this book got 5 stars from me because it was an uncomfortable read. There are lots of books about sexual assault especially on teens. It’s sadly a common topic as it’s a common issue that our children have to face. This book goes a step further and tells the story from two perspectives. The first is Ali, a junior but sweetly innocent and crushing on the most popular guy in school, Sean, who tells her to attend a party. A girl who struggles to reconcile the boy she’s been obsessed with with the boy who doesn’t stop when she says no and instead holds her down and takes her virginity. The second perspective is perhaps more difficult to handle. Blythe is friends with Sean and her boyfriend is his best friend in the world. Blythe sees Ali run out of the party but she also comforts Sean when he cries and says he’d never want to hurt anyone. And Blythe becomes friends with Ali at Sean’s request to help clean up his mess as she always does. Blythe is not the kind of character you like. But she has her own troubled back story and her own misconceptions. I liked that this story was messy and felt more real. The characters were not so black and white but human. Horrifically, cruelly, and tragically human.
February 23, 2021
Usually when I don't like a book I just not rate it, but this book is HORRIFIC. Maybe if I had just kept on reading I would have seen more sides to it, but Blythe is a horrible person. She doesn't care if her best friend rapes another girl? Because she is infatuated with him because he ran after her on the playground when they were kids and she was thrilled he caught her and throw her on the floor hurting her? She criticises her mom for taking pills because her mother is bipolar but then she drinks and snorts shit on the bathroom to stay awake at a party and be able to drive afterwards? WTF?
And when she is told to befriend the raped girl she decides to do so to help the guy? I sorry but what? And even thinks when other girl prepared her to give a blow job so she got used to be abused?
I mean... I can't.
And when she is told to befriend the raped girl she decides to do so to help the guy? I sorry but what? And even thinks when other girl prepared her to give a blow job so she got used to be abused?
I mean... I can't.
September 20, 2020
3.5
Thanks to The Nerd Daily and the publisher for offering me an ARC of this one!
You can find my review on The Nerd Daily as well.
Hayley Krischer’s raw debut deals with so many important subjects such as sexual assault, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, manipulation, and toxic friendships. The nuanced story focuses on Ali Greenleaf’s empowering journey of finding her voice and coping with the trauma after being raped by her crush, but then also on Blythe Jensen who befriends Ali in order to manipulate her into staying silent. Ali is a vibrant, artistic junior who prefers to stay in the background while Blythe is the most popular girl at her school; she’s described as perfect and everyone at their school wants to be like her. Their friendship is strange and not only because of how different they are in terms of popularity or interests, but also because despite Blythe’s motivation and Ali being slightly aware of it – they manage to connect on a deeper level. Ali sees past Blythe’s facade of ice queen, she truly sees her, not as the superficial popular girl, but the vulnerable, often angry at the world for putting too much pressure on her teenager that hides beneath. They connect as they share stories about their strained relationships with their mothers (Blythe’s mother has bipolar disorder and Ali’s mother is a recovering alcoholic) and soon, Ali understands that her and Blythe aren’t as different as she imagined at first.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf explores the aftermath of Ali’s rape focusing on the psychological effects, the way rape culture affects victims, how it can make them blame themselves and be less inclined to report it as well, and the ways survivors can find their voices and feel empowered. Krischer also made some great points about how toxic high school environments can make it even harder for girls to feel safe and supported enough to report a sexual abuse. These environments tend to normalise sexual violence, blame the victims for how they were dressed or for drinking too much, some go as far as accusing the victim for trying to ruin the abuser’s life – anything to make them feel ashamed and guilty.
Besides the important discussions on rape culture, victim blaming, and empowering of the survivors, there was something very original about the book and that’s Blythe’s perspective. What the author did with Blythe’s perspective was quite fascinating as in real life, people like her rarely get to talk about their motivation, what pushes them to make excuses for a rapist or an abuser. Reading her part of the story made me uncomfortable at times because even though she was obviously in denial about her own trauma and was heavily manipulated by Sean, her best friend and Ali’s rapist, and there were times when I thought she should have known better. Even after understanding the magnitude of everything Sean had done to Ali, she still did some awful things only to defend her reputation and that was inexcusable. That being said, her character was very complex and multi-dimensional, which means you can’t say that she’s all good or all bad. She’s someone with a lot of luggage, that made questionable decisions again and again, but she’s also someone who seems to want to change for the better by the end of the book.
The book also tried to address issues like drug and alcohol abuse, but the discussion wasn’t as nuanced and it felt at times like an afterthought. The fast switch between the two perspectives was disorientating at times and from time to time, especially during crucial moments, the perspectives were too short to get their point across. The secondary characters weren’t developed enough, they rarely had background stories and their personalities were quite simplistic especially when compared to Ali and Blythe.
The readers will surely appreciate the resources and the trigger warnings that the author had provided and how thoughtfully she tackles the sensitive subjects included in her book. Her note at the end of the book is especially powerful and explains very well why a story like this one needed to be written, why it’s so relevant and why it will always be. Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf will impress its readers with its authenticity and rawness. It’s an intense and emotional story with multifaceted protagonists that won’t be easy to forget.
Thanks to The Nerd Daily and the publisher for offering me an ARC of this one!
You can find my review on The Nerd Daily as well.
Hayley Krischer’s raw debut deals with so many important subjects such as sexual assault, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, manipulation, and toxic friendships. The nuanced story focuses on Ali Greenleaf’s empowering journey of finding her voice and coping with the trauma after being raped by her crush, but then also on Blythe Jensen who befriends Ali in order to manipulate her into staying silent. Ali is a vibrant, artistic junior who prefers to stay in the background while Blythe is the most popular girl at her school; she’s described as perfect and everyone at their school wants to be like her. Their friendship is strange and not only because of how different they are in terms of popularity or interests, but also because despite Blythe’s motivation and Ali being slightly aware of it – they manage to connect on a deeper level. Ali sees past Blythe’s facade of ice queen, she truly sees her, not as the superficial popular girl, but the vulnerable, often angry at the world for putting too much pressure on her teenager that hides beneath. They connect as they share stories about their strained relationships with their mothers (Blythe’s mother has bipolar disorder and Ali’s mother is a recovering alcoholic) and soon, Ali understands that her and Blythe aren’t as different as she imagined at first.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf explores the aftermath of Ali’s rape focusing on the psychological effects, the way rape culture affects victims, how it can make them blame themselves and be less inclined to report it as well, and the ways survivors can find their voices and feel empowered. Krischer also made some great points about how toxic high school environments can make it even harder for girls to feel safe and supported enough to report a sexual abuse. These environments tend to normalise sexual violence, blame the victims for how they were dressed or for drinking too much, some go as far as accusing the victim for trying to ruin the abuser’s life – anything to make them feel ashamed and guilty.
Besides the important discussions on rape culture, victim blaming, and empowering of the survivors, there was something very original about the book and that’s Blythe’s perspective. What the author did with Blythe’s perspective was quite fascinating as in real life, people like her rarely get to talk about their motivation, what pushes them to make excuses for a rapist or an abuser. Reading her part of the story made me uncomfortable at times because even though she was obviously in denial about her own trauma and was heavily manipulated by Sean, her best friend and Ali’s rapist, and there were times when I thought she should have known better. Even after understanding the magnitude of everything Sean had done to Ali, she still did some awful things only to defend her reputation and that was inexcusable. That being said, her character was very complex and multi-dimensional, which means you can’t say that she’s all good or all bad. She’s someone with a lot of luggage, that made questionable decisions again and again, but she’s also someone who seems to want to change for the better by the end of the book.
The book also tried to address issues like drug and alcohol abuse, but the discussion wasn’t as nuanced and it felt at times like an afterthought. The fast switch between the two perspectives was disorientating at times and from time to time, especially during crucial moments, the perspectives were too short to get their point across. The secondary characters weren’t developed enough, they rarely had background stories and their personalities were quite simplistic especially when compared to Ali and Blythe.
The readers will surely appreciate the resources and the trigger warnings that the author had provided and how thoughtfully she tackles the sensitive subjects included in her book. Her note at the end of the book is especially powerful and explains very well why a story like this one needed to be written, why it’s so relevant and why it will always be. Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf will impress its readers with its authenticity and rawness. It’s an intense and emotional story with multifaceted protagonists that won’t be easy to forget.
May 18, 2020
Thank you, Hayley. I finished your book last night. I found it hard to put down. I kept thinking more girls (and their moms) need to read this book. I can count the number of young adult books I have read and at first I was startled but the rape. I quickly moved passed that as I learned this book is not just about the actual act. It was clear to me that it was book about friendship, loyalty and misplaced loyalty. Your voice is authentic and purposeful. This story needed to be told and (sadly) will be relatable to more than just a few. Your epilogue alone is an act of courage and for those of you who have not read Ali Greenleaf do not skip ahead to the end. It was a beautiful way to a finish this book.
October 2, 2020
I think Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is a very important story as too many people have been in sexual scenarios where they were confused afterwards but knew something was not right. I hope this book empowers others to not doubt those feelings and to talk to those closest to them.
I liked Ali in this story. She was naïve like all teenage girls should have the opportunity to be, but she had that stripped from her. Even after though, she still worked hard to find that sweet part of herself again and not let that be destroyed by her experience with Sean. Two of the most powerful scenes in the book for me was the box scene with Ali and Blythe in Ali's bedroom and the dance scene with Ali and Raf by the lockers. The dance scene felt intense and gave me actual chills. It just felt so real and personal a little too relatable. There were a lot of emotional and tense scenes in this story that just worked so perfectly. I also really appreciated the contrast with Ali's visit to the gynecologist versus her experience with Sean. It shows what consent and taking other people into account looks like.
Blythe's whole friend group seem like terrible people at the beginning of the story, but I feel like the more you read the more you realize they're all lost and trying to find their way through things like substance abuse or strong attachments to others.
This book also did a great job of showing rape culture as Sean was not the only predator in this story. Multiple characters were manipulated and hurt and then instead of healing went on to manipulate and hurt others in the story. It was teenagers trying to do the best they could with the tools they had but intention does not equal impact, and it doesn't excuse their behavior. The author did a great job of illuminating that through Blythe and Ali's relationship.
The author's note truly left me speechless, and I am so glad Krischer wrote this much needed story.
*Thank you to Penguin Teen for the ARC. All opinions are my own*
I liked Ali in this story. She was naïve like all teenage girls should have the opportunity to be, but she had that stripped from her. Even after though, she still worked hard to find that sweet part of herself again and not let that be destroyed by her experience with Sean. Two of the most powerful scenes in the book for me was the box scene with Ali and Blythe in Ali's bedroom and the dance scene with Ali and Raf by the lockers. The dance scene felt intense and gave me actual chills. It just felt so real and personal a little too relatable. There were a lot of emotional and tense scenes in this story that just worked so perfectly. I also really appreciated the contrast with Ali's visit to the gynecologist versus her experience with Sean. It shows what consent and taking other people into account looks like.
Blythe's whole friend group seem like terrible people at the beginning of the story, but I feel like the more you read the more you realize they're all lost and trying to find their way through things like substance abuse or strong attachments to others.
This book also did a great job of showing rape culture as Sean was not the only predator in this story. Multiple characters were manipulated and hurt and then instead of healing went on to manipulate and hurt others in the story. It was teenagers trying to do the best they could with the tools they had but intention does not equal impact, and it doesn't excuse their behavior. The author did a great job of illuminating that through Blythe and Ali's relationship.
The author's note truly left me speechless, and I am so glad Krischer wrote this much needed story.
*Thank you to Penguin Teen for the ARC. All opinions are my own*
March 1, 2021
Blythe es lo peor que le paso a este mundo,
June 21, 2024
2.5*
~I will be discussing r*pe in this review so don't continue if you are uncomfortable with the topic!~
I'm torn. Although Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf has a good overarching message concerning rape - there is no one experience and you are never alone - I'm just not sure about the rest of it.
First of all, I'm so sick of authors putting graphic content in YA books. I'll be an adult soon so I can handle this book, but I don't think anyone under 16 should be reading this. The sexual descriptions are quite explicit and there is a lot of underage substance abuse as well as vulgar language that would disturb younger teens.
Secondly, this book is unrealistic with the dynamics of high school. No one acts like this. Although it is plausible a girl would try to cover up a rape she knew happened, it's highly unlikely. The girls in this book display another level of pure malice that isn't believable at all, especially considering their victim is already a survivor of violence. Also, the 'Core Four' is what they call themselves? Nah, this isn't elementary school. Drug abuse/smoking also doesn't really happen in popular groups, only drinking. I feel like if you want to create a depiction of what a rape survivor's experience is like in high school, make it a convincing high school. Otherwise, it just falls flat.
I also absolutely hated that this book was dual perspective, both in the survivor's perspective and the female antagonist's perspective. I felt absolutely no empathy for Blythe - she was a cheater, a liar, a rapist supporter, and a bully, all because of some past trauma? In fact, you'd think the trauma would make her help Ali rather than hurt her, but what do I know? The Initiation stuff was horrible but I also don't get how it went unreported for five years - you'd think that if anyone even tried to start it they'd be arrested. I liked Ali's perspective though and I just wish that this book had been her own story alone.
All in all, there were just too many glaring issues with Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf for me to recommend it. It may help someone else, but I think there's got to be a better book out there on the experience of someone who was raped.
~I will be discussing r*pe in this review so don't continue if you are uncomfortable with the topic!~
I'm torn. Although Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf has a good overarching message concerning rape - there is no one experience and you are never alone - I'm just not sure about the rest of it.
First of all, I'm so sick of authors putting graphic content in YA books. I'll be an adult soon so I can handle this book, but I don't think anyone under 16 should be reading this. The sexual descriptions are quite explicit and there is a lot of underage substance abuse as well as vulgar language that would disturb younger teens.
Secondly, this book is unrealistic with the dynamics of high school. No one acts like this. Although it is plausible a girl would try to cover up a rape she knew happened, it's highly unlikely. The girls in this book display another level of pure malice that isn't believable at all, especially considering their victim is already a survivor of violence. Also, the 'Core Four' is what they call themselves? Nah, this isn't elementary school. Drug abuse/smoking also doesn't really happen in popular groups, only drinking. I feel like if you want to create a depiction of what a rape survivor's experience is like in high school, make it a convincing high school. Otherwise, it just falls flat.
I also absolutely hated that this book was dual perspective, both in the survivor's perspective and the female antagonist's perspective. I felt absolutely no empathy for Blythe - she was a cheater, a liar, a rapist supporter, and a bully, all because of some past trauma? In fact, you'd think the trauma would make her help Ali rather than hurt her, but what do I know? The Initiation stuff was horrible but I also don't get how it went unreported for five years - you'd think that if anyone even tried to start it they'd be arrested. I liked Ali's perspective though and I just wish that this book had been her own story alone.
All in all, there were just too many glaring issues with Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf for me to recommend it. It may help someone else, but I think there's got to be a better book out there on the experience of someone who was raped.
February 25, 2022
I won’t lie, I had to read this synopsis a few times because what?
This book was an interesting dual POV between the victim and a sort-of witness/sort-of apologist in a story centred on rape and rape culture. And it’s hard to read, especially the beginning. I can’t advocate on if this book is a good representation on the aftermath, but it was interesting to read Ali and Blythe’s perceptions and developments throughout the story.
(I’m glad Ali had a great support group who did their absolute best to help her. Also, Blythe can go screw herself).
If you do read this book, stay for the AN at the end.
This book was an interesting dual POV between the victim and a sort-of witness/sort-of apologist in a story centred on rape and rape culture. And it’s hard to read, especially the beginning. I can’t advocate on if this book is a good representation on the aftermath, but it was interesting to read Ali and Blythe’s perceptions and developments throughout the story.
(I’m glad Ali had a great support group who did their absolute best to help her. Also, Blythe can go screw herself).
If you do read this book, stay for the AN at the end.
October 13, 2020
Content warnings: rape, sexual assault
Something happened to Ali Greenleaf at a party.
When Sean (Ali’s crush) led her upstairs, she was elated that her crush noticed her. But when she told him to stop, he didn’t- instead, he held her down and raped her. Sean’s best friend and one of the “Core Four” at their school, Blythe, decided to befriend Ali to help Sean keep Ali quiet. Blythe’s motivation was her quiet love for Sean, who also happened to be her boyfriend’s best friend. Blythe and Ali had more in common than they realized, and a genuine friendship is formed. But what kind of friendship is built on a sickening secret? And what happens if that secret comes out?
Wow. My entire body was on edge this entire book- Krischer is an amazing storyteller. She explores rape, popularity, bullying, family trauma, and choices in a VERY real way.
Each character represents a person that most people probably know: the white, privileged male who gets anything he wants. The popular girl who steps on others to keep her status, who is also deeply insecure and broken in her own ways. The quiet girl who tries to blend in but who also grows from the adversity she faces. The friend who leans too heavily on drugs. The boyfriend who is steady and caring. The friend who won’t take your shit, but is there for you when you’re ready. These are people we know- maybe we went to high school or college with them. Maybe they’re our next door neighbor, or our friend. Maybe they’re us. This story is relatable. Raw. Sickening. Infuriating. Empowering. Perfect when paired with an overcast day at the beach, sea salt kettle chips, and a few breaks to throw the baseball around so you can clear your head. 4.8 ⭐️
Something happened to Ali Greenleaf at a party.
When Sean (Ali’s crush) led her upstairs, she was elated that her crush noticed her. But when she told him to stop, he didn’t- instead, he held her down and raped her. Sean’s best friend and one of the “Core Four” at their school, Blythe, decided to befriend Ali to help Sean keep Ali quiet. Blythe’s motivation was her quiet love for Sean, who also happened to be her boyfriend’s best friend. Blythe and Ali had more in common than they realized, and a genuine friendship is formed. But what kind of friendship is built on a sickening secret? And what happens if that secret comes out?
Wow. My entire body was on edge this entire book- Krischer is an amazing storyteller. She explores rape, popularity, bullying, family trauma, and choices in a VERY real way.
Each character represents a person that most people probably know: the white, privileged male who gets anything he wants. The popular girl who steps on others to keep her status, who is also deeply insecure and broken in her own ways. The quiet girl who tries to blend in but who also grows from the adversity she faces. The friend who leans too heavily on drugs. The boyfriend who is steady and caring. The friend who won’t take your shit, but is there for you when you’re ready. These are people we know- maybe we went to high school or college with them. Maybe they’re our next door neighbor, or our friend. Maybe they’re us. This story is relatable. Raw. Sickening. Infuriating. Empowering. Perfect when paired with an overcast day at the beach, sea salt kettle chips, and a few breaks to throw the baseball around so you can clear your head. 4.8 ⭐️
May 23, 2025
pros; das hauptthema, der umgang, die perspektiven, allys gefühls- und gedankenwelt, dass auch andere themen wie drogenkonsum, familienprobleme, beziehungen und freundschaften etc aufgegriffen werden
cons; wirkt noch nicht ganz ausgereift/hätte tiefer gehen können, ist aber letztendlich auch noch ein jugendbuch, jugendsprache /-verhalten waren partly etwas unrealistisch
fand’s insgesamt sehr interessant, bin gut durchgekommen und war fesselnd. sprachlich und inhaltlich hinkte es manchmal etwas, aber kann man drüber hinwegsehen
cons; wirkt noch nicht ganz ausgereift/hätte tiefer gehen können, ist aber letztendlich auch noch ein jugendbuch, jugendsprache /-verhalten waren partly etwas unrealistisch
fand’s insgesamt sehr interessant, bin gut durchgekommen und war fesselnd. sprachlich und inhaltlich hinkte es manchmal etwas, aber kann man drüber hinwegsehen
July 9, 2020
Although this book tackles some very important subjects, in general I found that it attempted to tackle too many subjects at once and therefore left some of them relatively unaddressed, or perhaps under-addressed. Before I begin my review I would like to point out that I am a clinician specializing in adolescent trauma, as well as a developmental researcher specializing in adolescent and youth development.
First, it's important to note that this is a very intense book, and there is on-the-page rape, as well as graphic flashbacks. However, I did not find this to be a gratuitous presentation and I think it presented a clear understanding of post-traumatic stress. Although several of the characters in this book behave in ways that a removed observer might disagree with, and that are often not in their own best interests, I found the characters' actions and thoughts most of the time to be in accordance with how individuals might react after traumatic experiences of this nature.
There is also a lot of heavy underage drug and alcohol use in the book, and although I found this both important and realistic, it often seemed to be a secondary issue that was, for the severity of the substance use, not fully addressed throughout the book or in the conclusions. This was concerning, as the topic is very important, and I felt that it was often minimized, and the severity of the substance use as well as the underlying causes for such severity, were not given enough resolution or discussion.
Another issue I had with this book was the misuse of the school "guidance counselor" or the misunderstanding of what a guidance counselor is responsible for in a school setting. Having worked at several schools in a clinical role, it is very important to understand the difference between a school guidance counselor and a school social worker. Without going too much into it, a guidance counselor has the very important job of providing academic guidance and, when necessary, providing referrals for any clinical (i.e., therapy) needs a student has. A guidance counselor is _not_ a therapist, and if a student has undergone a traumatic incident and is suffering from post-traumatic symptoms, the guidance counselor will work with other professionals to support the student and ensure the student is connected to the appropriate therapeutic intervention/clinical provider. This is important because if students (and parents) believe their guidance counselor is able to provide therapy, they will often not seek out or be provided the therapy they actually need. A school social worker provides therapy, and, if more intense therapy is needed, can sometimes refer the student to a more intense therapeutic setting (outpatient or inpatient clinic). (A school psychologist typically does testing to determine if a student needs additional accommodations at school, but this is not necessarily relevant to the story). This can be a very simple edit in the final book, and I sincerely hope that the change takes place, because I have concerns about the message this book is sending regarding who is qualified to provide therapy, or what therapy actually entails.
First, it's important to note that this is a very intense book, and there is on-the-page rape, as well as graphic flashbacks. However, I did not find this to be a gratuitous presentation and I think it presented a clear understanding of post-traumatic stress. Although several of the characters in this book behave in ways that a removed observer might disagree with, and that are often not in their own best interests, I found the characters' actions and thoughts most of the time to be in accordance with how individuals might react after traumatic experiences of this nature.
There is also a lot of heavy underage drug and alcohol use in the book, and although I found this both important and realistic, it often seemed to be a secondary issue that was, for the severity of the substance use, not fully addressed throughout the book or in the conclusions. This was concerning, as the topic is very important, and I felt that it was often minimized, and the severity of the substance use as well as the underlying causes for such severity, were not given enough resolution or discussion.
Another issue I had with this book was the misuse of the school "guidance counselor" or the misunderstanding of what a guidance counselor is responsible for in a school setting. Having worked at several schools in a clinical role, it is very important to understand the difference between a school guidance counselor and a school social worker. Without going too much into it, a guidance counselor has the very important job of providing academic guidance and, when necessary, providing referrals for any clinical (i.e., therapy) needs a student has. A guidance counselor is _not_ a therapist, and if a student has undergone a traumatic incident and is suffering from post-traumatic symptoms, the guidance counselor will work with other professionals to support the student and ensure the student is connected to the appropriate therapeutic intervention/clinical provider. This is important because if students (and parents) believe their guidance counselor is able to provide therapy, they will often not seek out or be provided the therapy they actually need. A school social worker provides therapy, and, if more intense therapy is needed, can sometimes refer the student to a more intense therapeutic setting (outpatient or inpatient clinic). (A school psychologist typically does testing to determine if a student needs additional accommodations at school, but this is not necessarily relevant to the story). This can be a very simple edit in the final book, and I sincerely hope that the change takes place, because I have concerns about the message this book is sending regarding who is qualified to provide therapy, or what therapy actually entails.
October 9, 2020
SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF may be one of the most important YA novels ever written about sexual assault.
Ali’s crush Sean rapes her at a party after which she flees the house. He gets his best friend Blythe to “talk to Ali”, convince her nothing bad happened. Blythe has her own experience with coerced sexual contact from freshman year. She sees The Initiation as empowering protection, rather than for the crime it is.
Blythe decides to befriend (use) Ali, never expecting to come to like and respect the younger girl. Both teens have mothers with severe issues, one is bipolar, another a recovering alcoholic who moved across the country, but can a friendship be build when the more powerful young woman has an agenda?
At first Blythe reminded me of the woman who enabled Jeffery Epstein’s crimes. I didn’t like her one bit. She’s the more complex character, with a laundry list of bad choices, yet ultimately sympathetic. Ali’s liberal dad and their relationship.
Many of the minor characters could have had their own points of view, but debut writer Hayley Krischer wisely stuck to alternating between Blythe’s and Ali’s POVs.
SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF is an important story, more so about the bystanders and enablers and the roles they play in rape culture. Without their silence, fewer rapists would get away with their crimes. Supportive friends like Sammi and Raj shine brightly in the story.
SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF is sex positive, talks about Plan B, the importance of supportive gynecologists. I wish I had had this book when I was a teenager.
Ali’s crush Sean rapes her at a party after which she flees the house. He gets his best friend Blythe to “talk to Ali”, convince her nothing bad happened. Blythe has her own experience with coerced sexual contact from freshman year. She sees The Initiation as empowering protection, rather than for the crime it is.
Blythe decides to befriend (use) Ali, never expecting to come to like and respect the younger girl. Both teens have mothers with severe issues, one is bipolar, another a recovering alcoholic who moved across the country, but can a friendship be build when the more powerful young woman has an agenda?
At first Blythe reminded me of the woman who enabled Jeffery Epstein’s crimes. I didn’t like her one bit. She’s the more complex character, with a laundry list of bad choices, yet ultimately sympathetic. Ali’s liberal dad and their relationship.
Many of the minor characters could have had their own points of view, but debut writer Hayley Krischer wisely stuck to alternating between Blythe’s and Ali’s POVs.
SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF is an important story, more so about the bystanders and enablers and the roles they play in rape culture. Without their silence, fewer rapists would get away with their crimes. Supportive friends like Sammi and Raj shine brightly in the story.
SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF is sex positive, talks about Plan B, the importance of supportive gynecologists. I wish I had had this book when I was a teenager.
October 11, 2020
4.5/5 stars
WARNING: The book contains sexual assault
This book was so incredibly powerful in so many ways ... I really think this is something young adults need to read as they’re getting ready to enter high school. It is so important to have stories like this, where you can see what it is like to be a victim and what they go through...
As someone who has experienced assault before this book was incredibly relatable. It is so hard to come to terms with what has happened to you and it takes a lot of strength to come forward and admit it to other people. But to take it and turn it into something empowering is truly incredible.
That’s what this book does. It shows you the struggles of Ali and shows that sometimes talking about it is the best way to work through what has happened to you.
Highly recommend this book.
WARNING: The book contains sexual assault
This book was so incredibly powerful in so many ways ... I really think this is something young adults need to read as they’re getting ready to enter high school. It is so important to have stories like this, where you can see what it is like to be a victim and what they go through...
As someone who has experienced assault before this book was incredibly relatable. It is so hard to come to terms with what has happened to you and it takes a lot of strength to come forward and admit it to other people. But to take it and turn it into something empowering is truly incredible.
That’s what this book does. It shows you the struggles of Ali and shows that sometimes talking about it is the best way to work through what has happened to you.
Highly recommend this book.
December 17, 2020
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf
By Hayley Krischer
This was an amazing debut novel about Ali and Blythe and the relationship they form out of a very painful event that happened to Ali. Ali was raped by Blythe's friend Sean. Blythe tries to befriend Ali to keep her quiet knowing what Sean did to Ali.
This was a powerful read about privilege, popularity, friendships and sexual assault. This story is intense and I recommend this read. I thought Krischer did a great job developing the characters and the story line. What an amazing YA debut novel.
By Hayley Krischer
This was an amazing debut novel about Ali and Blythe and the relationship they form out of a very painful event that happened to Ali. Ali was raped by Blythe's friend Sean. Blythe tries to befriend Ali to keep her quiet knowing what Sean did to Ali.
This was a powerful read about privilege, popularity, friendships and sexual assault. This story is intense and I recommend this read. I thought Krischer did a great job developing the characters and the story line. What an amazing YA debut novel.
January 18, 2022
i finished the us book over the weekend but forgot to put it on the good reads 🥴 this book was pretty good besides the fact the initiation is literal child endangerment and illegal…😬 but the ending was good and mans got what he deserved i give it a 3.5 ⭐️
November 6, 2020
* 4 stars *
tw : rape, assault, bipolar disorder, consumption of alcohol, overdose, drugs
*
S O M E T H I N G H A P P E N E D T O A L I G R E E N L E A F
ali greenleaf has always been obsessed with sean nessel, the golden soccer captain with the good looks and the flirty nature. she's even put her heart into making collages of sean's pictures from the local newspaper and adding hearts and stars to it. so when sean stops to invite her to a party at a student's house, ali -- eager and naive -- enthusiastically agrees, happy that he's finally noticing her. but when she arrives at the party and meets up with sean, the night goes devastatingly sour, ending with sean, the popular and magnetically charming boy, raping her.
“I’m staring at the black of the road in front of me and thinking about why a girl might cry after she has sex. I think it doesn’t have to do so much with love. I think it has a lot to do with regret.”
blythe jensen cannot remember a time when she wasn't looking after her mother, who suffers from bipolar disorder. she isn't very close to her father and feels like she thrives more when she's with her friends, who call themselves the 'core four', aside from her boyfriend and her boyfriend's best friend, sean nessel. when sean leaves the party where he had raped ali, he pleads to blythe, urging her to convince ali that it was a 'mistake' and that he was just drunk. blythe, who's subconsciously been in love with him for quite a while, has always been drawn to sean, even when she knows his capricious -- and not too respectable -- behaviour when it comes to girls. she's always been the one to console the girls sean's been with to let go and move on. but she'd been present that night when ali had left with blood on her jeans. and she can't forget that, because it reminds her of a traumatic event from her own past.
"I’m the hard side. The calculated side. The side that holds it all in. The controlled one."
but blythe agrees to help her old friend sean anyway, and agrees to convince ali to forgive and, most importantly, to forget. but as the two girls' lives get intertwined, they realise that they have more in common then they thought.
*
this book began with the author dedicating a whole page to the fact that this story would contain content that would be disturbing for readers. and this is true, because the primary questions discussed were those surrounding rape, not to mention the fact that there is a description of what is going on during the rape scene. but while this book deals with this particular issue, the author puts her twist on it by asking another question : why is it that there is always at least one woman who stands up for a rapist ? especially considering when the victim is another woman ? in the author's note at the end, hayley krischer also tells us about an event which inspired her to write this story, including a personal experience. i promise you, the author's note is just as necessary to read as ali's story.
ali was a brilliant character. at the end, you would never guess that she is the same ali as the guileless girl at the beginning. also, she sounds like your regular sixteen - year - old, which is a notable feat considering that most young adult authors make their protagonists sound like adults. she's brave and flawed, and all of the characters depicted are very much realistic.
the focus on the female friendships in this one was also done with great care. ali's friendship with sammi, reminded me a great deal of my own friendships -- not at all like the mindless friendships usually depicted in young adult novels. there was also blythe's own group, where all the girls still had a twisted sense of loyalty to each other even when they weren't being nice.
the author also made use of the mean girl trope for blythe and her friends, which is definitely one of my least favourite tropes; but the way that the girl gang was portrayed was with such depth and layer to it that i was fine with it here. they all were flawed, wrecked and paranoid on the inside, and this is shown in their actions, their dialogues, and how they are around others versus themselves.
the very title of this book is a reminder of how ali was in the beginning. she cannot imagine that she is using the word 'raped' in relation to her. she can't admit it to herself, let alone anyone else. but she won't keep quiet for too long because something had happened to her. she is ready to voice out the fact that, yes, something had happened to her. it takes a great deal to speak out and face the hate, but ali finally admitted what it was. she struggled, but she did it.
would recommend if you're looking for a book dealing with rape culture and why it is perpetuated, why victims are not able to speak out.
tw : rape, assault, bipolar disorder, consumption of alcohol, overdose, drugs
*
S O M E T H I N G H A P P E N E D T O A L I G R E E N L E A F
ali greenleaf has always been obsessed with sean nessel, the golden soccer captain with the good looks and the flirty nature. she's even put her heart into making collages of sean's pictures from the local newspaper and adding hearts and stars to it. so when sean stops to invite her to a party at a student's house, ali -- eager and naive -- enthusiastically agrees, happy that he's finally noticing her. but when she arrives at the party and meets up with sean, the night goes devastatingly sour, ending with sean, the popular and magnetically charming boy, raping her.
“I’m staring at the black of the road in front of me and thinking about why a girl might cry after she has sex. I think it doesn’t have to do so much with love. I think it has a lot to do with regret.”
blythe jensen cannot remember a time when she wasn't looking after her mother, who suffers from bipolar disorder. she isn't very close to her father and feels like she thrives more when she's with her friends, who call themselves the 'core four', aside from her boyfriend and her boyfriend's best friend, sean nessel. when sean leaves the party where he had raped ali, he pleads to blythe, urging her to convince ali that it was a 'mistake' and that he was just drunk. blythe, who's subconsciously been in love with him for quite a while, has always been drawn to sean, even when she knows his capricious -- and not too respectable -- behaviour when it comes to girls. she's always been the one to console the girls sean's been with to let go and move on. but she'd been present that night when ali had left with blood on her jeans. and she can't forget that, because it reminds her of a traumatic event from her own past.
"I’m the hard side. The calculated side. The side that holds it all in. The controlled one."
but blythe agrees to help her old friend sean anyway, and agrees to convince ali to forgive and, most importantly, to forget. but as the two girls' lives get intertwined, they realise that they have more in common then they thought.
*
this book began with the author dedicating a whole page to the fact that this story would contain content that would be disturbing for readers. and this is true, because the primary questions discussed were those surrounding rape, not to mention the fact that there is a description of what is going on during the rape scene. but while this book deals with this particular issue, the author puts her twist on it by asking another question : why is it that there is always at least one woman who stands up for a rapist ? especially considering when the victim is another woman ? in the author's note at the end, hayley krischer also tells us about an event which inspired her to write this story, including a personal experience. i promise you, the author's note is just as necessary to read as ali's story.
ali was a brilliant character. at the end, you would never guess that she is the same ali as the guileless girl at the beginning. also, she sounds like your regular sixteen - year - old, which is a notable feat considering that most young adult authors make their protagonists sound like adults. she's brave and flawed, and all of the characters depicted are very much realistic.
the focus on the female friendships in this one was also done with great care. ali's friendship with sammi, reminded me a great deal of my own friendships -- not at all like the mindless friendships usually depicted in young adult novels. there was also blythe's own group, where all the girls still had a twisted sense of loyalty to each other even when they weren't being nice.
the author also made use of the mean girl trope for blythe and her friends, which is definitely one of my least favourite tropes; but the way that the girl gang was portrayed was with such depth and layer to it that i was fine with it here. they all were flawed, wrecked and paranoid on the inside, and this is shown in their actions, their dialogues, and how they are around others versus themselves.
the very title of this book is a reminder of how ali was in the beginning. she cannot imagine that she is using the word 'raped' in relation to her. she can't admit it to herself, let alone anyone else. but she won't keep quiet for too long because something had happened to her. she is ready to voice out the fact that, yes, something had happened to her. it takes a great deal to speak out and face the hate, but ali finally admitted what it was. she struggled, but she did it.
would recommend if you're looking for a book dealing with rape culture and why it is perpetuated, why victims are not able to speak out.
October 10, 2020
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This is a daring story with diabolical characters, at times difficult to read, but deep and gripping.
The main theme of the story is rape, which is a very serious and sensitive issue and one that should be handled carefully. I thought the author did a very nice job in writing the story. The characters deal with the situation in a very realistic manner. Moreover, I applaud the author for providing the resources for victims to have a platform to reach out to.
Also, this is one of those stories where I really didn’t like the characters, yet they are compelling and I was drawn to them. Both Ali and Blythe’s perspectives were very gripping and it was interesting to see how they get together because of Sean. None of the characters are black and white, which makes the story very interesting.
More than Ali, I felt Blythe was the highlight of the story. Blythe is an interesting character because you don’t know what her intentions are. Is she using Ali? Is she feeling sorry for her? She has many layers like her obsession with Sean and her issues with her mother. She makes the story very interesting with her perspective.
Similarly, I did feel sorry for Ali on the other hand. While I hate what happened to her, I thought she was a very weak character initially. I didn’t understand why she let Blythe influence her in such a way. However, as the story progressed, I started to root for her and wanted to stand by her side. She was a powerhouse one she got a backbone get back in the world.
Overall, this is a gripping story about high school popularity, revenge, and standing up for what is right, and I could not put it down.
September 24, 2020
4 stars
TW: Rape and sexual assault of minors (details described), underage drinking, drug use, bullying, manipulation, victim blaming and gaslighting.
This was not an easy book to read. In fact it was one of the hardest books I've read this year but despite this I could not put it down. I was gripped from the start to the end.
This is a YA book for ages 14+. I personally don't think this is right for anyone under 16 to read. The themes in my trigget warnings are heavy and encapsulate the entire book. They aren't fleeting. The blurb does a decent job of preparing you for what is to come so I suggest you really read it before reading this book. However, it is still much heavier and full on than I expected.
What kept me going was the two incredible main characters, especially Ali. The book is split up between the points of view of Ali and Blyde and this worked really well.
Ali starts off very naive and innocent and her journey and development throughout this book was so interesting to read. I also just loved her as a character and wanted only the best for her.
Blyde is such a complex, broken character who looks so beautiful and calm on the outside. A bit like a swan, elegant on the outside but her legs/brain are working super fast to keep her looking that way. She has a very complex story and it was very clever of the author to use her 3 best friends as the devil on her shoulder and Ali as the angel on the other.
The storyline was a tough read but one that was written so well and with so much sensitivity that I was gripped. I won't lie, at a few points it got a little too heavy and I had to put rhe book down for a few minutes. I am not going into the storyline as the blurb says enough and I don't want to ruin it. All I will say is that I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt. I wanted at least one more POV from each character. I feel emotionally drained now as I felt so connected to this book.
If you think you can withstand these VERY tough topics then I really recommend this book as it is a fantastic piece of writing and a very important story.
Please note that I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
TW: Rape and sexual assault of minors (details described), underage drinking, drug use, bullying, manipulation, victim blaming and gaslighting.
This was not an easy book to read. In fact it was one of the hardest books I've read this year but despite this I could not put it down. I was gripped from the start to the end.
This is a YA book for ages 14+. I personally don't think this is right for anyone under 16 to read. The themes in my trigget warnings are heavy and encapsulate the entire book. They aren't fleeting. The blurb does a decent job of preparing you for what is to come so I suggest you really read it before reading this book. However, it is still much heavier and full on than I expected.
What kept me going was the two incredible main characters, especially Ali. The book is split up between the points of view of Ali and Blyde and this worked really well.
Ali starts off very naive and innocent and her journey and development throughout this book was so interesting to read. I also just loved her as a character and wanted only the best for her.
Blyde is such a complex, broken character who looks so beautiful and calm on the outside. A bit like a swan, elegant on the outside but her legs/brain are working super fast to keep her looking that way. She has a very complex story and it was very clever of the author to use her 3 best friends as the devil on her shoulder and Ali as the angel on the other.
The storyline was a tough read but one that was written so well and with so much sensitivity that I was gripped. I won't lie, at a few points it got a little too heavy and I had to put rhe book down for a few minutes. I am not going into the storyline as the blurb says enough and I don't want to ruin it. All I will say is that I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt. I wanted at least one more POV from each character. I feel emotionally drained now as I felt so connected to this book.
If you think you can withstand these VERY tough topics then I really recommend this book as it is a fantastic piece of writing and a very important story.
Please note that I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
Wow! Just Wow!
I was really taken with this beautifully told and strongly important story. Truth be told, I haven't been able to concentrate on many of the books on my bedside table due to the state of world affairs lately. Then a friend gave me an advance copy of this marvelous novel. I could not put it down. The story and characters becoming my escape (from the daily news) into a deep dive of high school and female relationships. So authentically genuine the girls in this story and the way they navigate their world. It's also topical in the way that we either idolize of vilify our young women and how they themselves take on those limiting roles of blame and guilt. How we as women- mothers and daughters, want our experiences wrapped up with a big shiny bow, and how real life is always more messy than that. It will spark an important conversation with my own teenage daughters. I loved it and gave to my 17yr old kid to read next.
I was really taken with this beautifully told and strongly important story. Truth be told, I haven't been able to concentrate on many of the books on my bedside table due to the state of world affairs lately. Then a friend gave me an advance copy of this marvelous novel. I could not put it down. The story and characters becoming my escape (from the daily news) into a deep dive of high school and female relationships. So authentically genuine the girls in this story and the way they navigate their world. It's also topical in the way that we either idolize of vilify our young women and how they themselves take on those limiting roles of blame and guilt. How we as women- mothers and daughters, want our experiences wrapped up with a big shiny bow, and how real life is always more messy than that. It will spark an important conversation with my own teenage daughters. I loved it and gave to my 17yr old kid to read next.
April 22, 2025
TW: s3xuelle Nötigung; V3rgew@ltigung; Cybermobbing
INHALT:
» Ich habe „Nein“ gesagt. Ich habe gesagt, dass ich es nicht will. Er hat nicht aufgehört und mir den Mund zugehalten.«
Ally wird auf einer Party von dem beliebtesten Jungen der Schule vergewaltigt – jemandem, dem sie vertraut hat. Um eine Anzeige zu verhindern, setzt er seine beste Freundin Blythe auf Ally an. Sie soll ihr näherkommen und sie vom Schweigen überzeugen. Doch der Plan nimmt eine unerwartete Wendung: Blythe beginnt, Ally wirklich kennenzulernen, und freundet sich aufrichtig mit ihr an.
Während Ally versucht, das Erlebte zu verarbeiten und sich fragt, ob Blythe es ehrlich mit ihr meint, gerät Blythe selbst in einen inneren Konflikt. Sie beginnt zu zweifeln – an ihren Freunden, an sich selbst und daran, was richtig und falsch ist.
MEINE MEINUNG :
„Something happened to Ally " erzählt die Geschichte einer Vergewaltigung aus zwei verschiedenen Perspektiven. Es zeigt dabei schonungslos, wie tief sexuelle Gewalt das Leben, eines Menschen erschüttern kann - aber auch, wie schwer es ist, in einer Gesellschaft gehört zu werden, die oft lieber wegschaut.
Da Ally nicht der einzige Charakter ist, die sexuellen Missbrauch erlebt hat, wird deutlich, wie unterschiedlich Menschen mit traumatischen Erfahrungen und Schuldgefühlen umgehen.
„Something happened to Ally" behandelt ein unglaublich wichtiges Thema, regt zum nachdenken an und zeigt, wie viel Kraft es braucht für sich selbst aber auch andere einzustehen. #MeToo ist ein Thema, dass einen auch Tage danach noch immer beschäftigen wird.
Song: Not all men by Morgan St. Jean
https://open.spotify.com/track/16HzLm...
INHALT:
» Ich habe „Nein“ gesagt. Ich habe gesagt, dass ich es nicht will. Er hat nicht aufgehört und mir den Mund zugehalten.«
Ally wird auf einer Party von dem beliebtesten Jungen der Schule vergewaltigt – jemandem, dem sie vertraut hat. Um eine Anzeige zu verhindern, setzt er seine beste Freundin Blythe auf Ally an. Sie soll ihr näherkommen und sie vom Schweigen überzeugen. Doch der Plan nimmt eine unerwartete Wendung: Blythe beginnt, Ally wirklich kennenzulernen, und freundet sich aufrichtig mit ihr an.
Während Ally versucht, das Erlebte zu verarbeiten und sich fragt, ob Blythe es ehrlich mit ihr meint, gerät Blythe selbst in einen inneren Konflikt. Sie beginnt zu zweifeln – an ihren Freunden, an sich selbst und daran, was richtig und falsch ist.
MEINE MEINUNG :
„Something happened to Ally " erzählt die Geschichte einer Vergewaltigung aus zwei verschiedenen Perspektiven. Es zeigt dabei schonungslos, wie tief sexuelle Gewalt das Leben, eines Menschen erschüttern kann - aber auch, wie schwer es ist, in einer Gesellschaft gehört zu werden, die oft lieber wegschaut.
Da Ally nicht der einzige Charakter ist, die sexuellen Missbrauch erlebt hat, wird deutlich, wie unterschiedlich Menschen mit traumatischen Erfahrungen und Schuldgefühlen umgehen.
„Something happened to Ally" behandelt ein unglaublich wichtiges Thema, regt zum nachdenken an und zeigt, wie viel Kraft es braucht für sich selbst aber auch andere einzustehen. #MeToo ist ein Thema, dass einen auch Tage danach noch immer beschäftigen wird.
Song: Not all men by Morgan St. Jean
https://open.spotify.com/track/16HzLm...
June 21, 2025
Hab ich sehr gerne gelesen, obwohl mir die Lektüre nicht einfach gefallen ist. Denkt ja nicht, dass es "ja nicht so heftig sein kann, weil es ein Jugendbuch ist" (das war ein grosser Irrtum). Die Autorin nimmt kein Blatt vor den Mund - der Übergriff an sich wird zwar nicht mega explizit beschrieben, aber was Ally in der Zeit danach erlebt, geht unter die Haut. Ich musste stellenweise paar Mal tief durchatmen, bevor ich weiterlesen konnte. Besonders beeindruckt hat mich die Vielschichtigkeit der Figuren: Beispielsweise habe ich gegen meinen Willen Verständnis für Blythe entwickelt. Blythe, die manipulative Freundin, die Ally einredet, dass "Sean das gar nicht so gemeint hat". Aber eben auch Blythe, die selbst von Sean manipuliert wird und einige schwere Päckchen zu tragen hat. Sehr anschaulich beschrieben fand ich die in diesem Alter oft auftretende toxische Gruppendynamik: Wir kennen wahrscheinlich alle diese eine Person aus unserer Schulzeit, die das Sagen hatte und der man zu folgen hatte, um selbst auch als cool zu gelten.
Kurz gesagt: Grosse Leseempfehlung für alle, die sich nicht vor schweren Themen scheuen!
Kurz gesagt: Grosse Leseempfehlung für alle, die sich nicht vor schweren Themen scheuen!
August 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I wished for a better ending for Blythe. But overall, it was wonderful
I wished for a better ending for Blythe. But overall, it was wonderful
March 24, 2025
This book was a tear jerker for me in so many way I just can’t even think straight. Ok so this book was about Ali Greenleaf which was the main character and some other student at a school. Ali was a young girl who liked a boy named Sean, which was a innocent thing, turned out to be a living hell for this young lady and I was just so sad about the situation. I feel like this book touched on matter that happens to student ( girls) all the time being forced into things they do not want too do. Triggers are all over this book in my opinion.
However with the help of the her best friends and parents gave Ali the courage to seek help and let more like her to come out of their fears and speak out and up more and let the people know how much they have been traumatized.
However with the help of the her best friends and parents gave Ali the courage to seek help and let more like her to come out of their fears and speak out and up more and let the people know how much they have been traumatized.
October 15, 2020
Thank you to @penguinteen and @netgalley for an e-arc and finished copy of the debut, Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf by Hayley Krischer
This book was incredibly difficult to read. It starts with a content warning as this book delves into very detailed and intense looks at rape, sexual abuse, trauma and gaslighting around sexual abuse.
Reading this was an invitation into seeing the raw internal struggle that Ali experienced following her sexual assault. Even naming it and the feelings she experienced was not an easy or straightforward process for her. This comprehensive look at both the internal and external voices that plague victims of rape and sexual assault including self-doubt, bullying, name-calling, shame and misunderstanding will leave you heartbroken. Mental illness, drug & alcohol abuse and parental neglect are portrayed as contributing factors to storyline - showing us that our teenagers are carrying such heavy weights and that each of their own emotional baggage played a role in how they identified and dealt with sexual abuse.
This book also takes a look at the ways that others are often complicit in allowing sexual abuse to take place and be covered up, often scapegoating with circumstantial excuses, arguments of intention instead of impact and manipulative behaviors.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is an individual story of trauma, abuse and finding your voice. But it is also a social commentary on the ways we individually and societally give loyalty to abusers, even starting in the teenage years. The author points out how teenage behaviors are often dismissed for immaturity and howf how this could escalate into adult predators who continue to abuse.
This is an incredibly timely book - inviting us to into the the thought life of both Ali and her "friend" Blythe and how they chose to deal with their personal sexual trauma differently. While this was difficult to read, I did appreciate the journey that Ali took and the ways that friends and some adults showed up for her so lovingly in the midst of unspeakable trauma.
Definitely read the author's note at the end as it will enrich your understanding of her motivation for writing this story. I wouldn't recommend having teens, especially young ones, read this story without discussing it with them. However, I think that any teen could read this and find places where they can identify their own experiences, either as a victim or friend of a victim - and this could lead to some great self-reflection and discussion. Thank you to Hayley Krischer for delving so honestly into this difficult subject and for providing a list of resources at the end.
This was a 4.5 star read.
This book was incredibly difficult to read. It starts with a content warning as this book delves into very detailed and intense looks at rape, sexual abuse, trauma and gaslighting around sexual abuse.
Reading this was an invitation into seeing the raw internal struggle that Ali experienced following her sexual assault. Even naming it and the feelings she experienced was not an easy or straightforward process for her. This comprehensive look at both the internal and external voices that plague victims of rape and sexual assault including self-doubt, bullying, name-calling, shame and misunderstanding will leave you heartbroken. Mental illness, drug & alcohol abuse and parental neglect are portrayed as contributing factors to storyline - showing us that our teenagers are carrying such heavy weights and that each of their own emotional baggage played a role in how they identified and dealt with sexual abuse.
This book also takes a look at the ways that others are often complicit in allowing sexual abuse to take place and be covered up, often scapegoating with circumstantial excuses, arguments of intention instead of impact and manipulative behaviors.
Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf is an individual story of trauma, abuse and finding your voice. But it is also a social commentary on the ways we individually and societally give loyalty to abusers, even starting in the teenage years. The author points out how teenage behaviors are often dismissed for immaturity and howf how this could escalate into adult predators who continue to abuse.
This is an incredibly timely book - inviting us to into the the thought life of both Ali and her "friend" Blythe and how they chose to deal with their personal sexual trauma differently. While this was difficult to read, I did appreciate the journey that Ali took and the ways that friends and some adults showed up for her so lovingly in the midst of unspeakable trauma.
Definitely read the author's note at the end as it will enrich your understanding of her motivation for writing this story. I wouldn't recommend having teens, especially young ones, read this story without discussing it with them. However, I think that any teen could read this and find places where they can identify their own experiences, either as a victim or friend of a victim - and this could lead to some great self-reflection and discussion. Thank you to Hayley Krischer for delving so honestly into this difficult subject and for providing a list of resources at the end.
This was a 4.5 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2020
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Sexual assault, rape, substance abuse
[I've read this a while back but I forgot to add it here.]
Very briefly:
++Amazing 2020 find-definitely more people should be talking about this book.
++Krischer's writing was direct and to the point. It wasn't overly dramatized, and it shouldn't have been judging by the subject issue. There was just raw descriptions of facts, stripping down sexual assault to its disgusting self.
++The story is told by 2 POVs, Ali's and Blythe's. I prefer multiple POVs than one-sided take on things (even though I don't mind the occasional unreliable narrator) and having two in this case made this very hard book easier to get through.
++So thankful that these types of books get published after the #metoo era. Cynical as it may sound, I don't think they would even be considered before that.
++Reminded me of the show "Euphoria" a little bit. If you like like that, you will love Ali!
--I personally thought that Blythe deserved a harsher ending. I don't think she deserved leniency for covering up a rape and several sexual assaults just because she was obsessed with the offender. She did horrible things and I don't think the book did justice to the victims by "forgiving" her.
--The substance and alcohol abuse could have been handled better and more thoroughly. I felt like they were just thrown in to explain some of the girls' actions. Drug addiction and alcoholism in high school students (or at any age) is not something to be brushed off.
Sexual assault, rape, substance abuse
[I've read this a while back but I forgot to add it here.]
Very briefly:
++Amazing 2020 find-definitely more people should be talking about this book.
++Krischer's writing was direct and to the point. It wasn't overly dramatized, and it shouldn't have been judging by the subject issue. There was just raw descriptions of facts, stripping down sexual assault to its disgusting self.
++The story is told by 2 POVs, Ali's and Blythe's. I prefer multiple POVs than one-sided take on things (even though I don't mind the occasional unreliable narrator) and having two in this case made this very hard book easier to get through.
++So thankful that these types of books get published after the #metoo era. Cynical as it may sound, I don't think they would even be considered before that.
++Reminded me of the show "Euphoria" a little bit. If you like like that, you will love Ali!
--I personally thought that Blythe deserved a harsher ending. I don't think she deserved leniency for covering up a rape and several sexual assaults just because she was obsessed with the offender. She did horrible things and I don't think the book did justice to the victims by "forgiving" her.
--The substance and alcohol abuse could have been handled better and more thoroughly. I felt like they were just thrown in to explain some of the girls' actions. Drug addiction and alcoholism in high school students (or at any age) is not something to be brushed off.
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