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Confessions of a Teenage Rape Survivor
Before she was raped, almost sixteen-year-old Allison Sommer knew exactly what she wanted and was in total control of her life. Get through high school, go to college to appease her dad, somehow stay fit, lithe, and athletic through all the stress and become a professional cheerleader. Normal teenage stuff. Simple. At least it was simple before she was raped.
Now Allison's whole life is out of her control. She can't trust in her own choices, can't rationalize anything anymore, so she just goes through the motions, hoping that eventually she'll go back to normal, can stop pretending. That doesn't happen, especially when she's forced to reveal what happened to her family and closest friends.
On the MTV commercials and reality shows that emphasize that she has nothing to be ashamed of and guide viewers to some website like don't-be-a-victim.comand a support hotline, no one warns her that the aftermath is more difficult than the rape itself, that her family's efforts to be supportive make her feel more alone and confused.
And being raped has more devastating consequences than Allison ever imagined, forcing her to make one of the most difficult decisions she's ever had to make. It should be a no-brainer, everyone says, but being raped makes Allison question everything and everyone she thought she could trust.
Either way, Allison won't let anyone force her to do anything again, not like her rapists did, even if it makes her already difficult enough circumstance more difficult. Uncensored and unflinchingly honest, these are the confessions of a teenage rape survivor.
Now Allison's whole life is out of her control. She can't trust in her own choices, can't rationalize anything anymore, so she just goes through the motions, hoping that eventually she'll go back to normal, can stop pretending. That doesn't happen, especially when she's forced to reveal what happened to her family and closest friends.
On the MTV commercials and reality shows that emphasize that she has nothing to be ashamed of and guide viewers to some website like don't-be-a-victim.comand a support hotline, no one warns her that the aftermath is more difficult than the rape itself, that her family's efforts to be supportive make her feel more alone and confused.
And being raped has more devastating consequences than Allison ever imagined, forcing her to make one of the most difficult decisions she's ever had to make. It should be a no-brainer, everyone says, but being raped makes Allison question everything and everyone she thought she could trust.
Either way, Allison won't let anyone force her to do anything again, not like her rapists did, even if it makes her already difficult enough circumstance more difficult. Uncensored and unflinchingly honest, these are the confessions of a teenage rape survivor.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2014
14 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Holly Dae
13 books109 followersStuck in the transition between graduating from college and starting a life called NO JOB, Holly Dae spends most of her free time writing raw and edgy Young Adult and New Adult contemporary novels that deal with rape, drugs, sex, and general psychological ills. When she isn't doing that, she's writing fanfiction for fun and obsessively playing Mario Kart Eight and Pokemon Games.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 11, 2014
**I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review**
Easily my favorite book of this year so far! The emotions of the main character were so raw and believable, as were the reactions of all those around her---before they knew she had been raped and afterwards,as they all had their own opinions about the decisions she was making.
At times I was so wrapped up in the emotion of the story, it was more like reading a memoir than a novel. I cried for the main character more than once, and just wanted to reach out and hug her SO many times---while at the same time wanting to smack a few of the other characters for their treatment of her.
I would highly recommend this to teens and parents alike.
Easily my favorite book of this year so far! The emotions of the main character were so raw and believable, as were the reactions of all those around her---before they knew she had been raped and afterwards,as they all had their own opinions about the decisions she was making.
At times I was so wrapped up in the emotion of the story, it was more like reading a memoir than a novel. I cried for the main character more than once, and just wanted to reach out and hug her SO many times---while at the same time wanting to smack a few of the other characters for their treatment of her.
I would highly recommend this to teens and parents alike.
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October 17, 2014Teaser Photo 2!
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December 12, 2021
Tough subject matter
This was such a well written book. My heart went out to Allison. She went through so much at such a young age. I’m glad she decided to do what was best for her.
This was such a well written book. My heart went out to Allison. She went through so much at such a young age. I’m glad she decided to do what was best for her.
August 15, 2019
Good for teens.
For teenagers. Didn't know it was going before I started reading but ok. Also has a few good lessons too.
For teenagers. Didn't know it was going before I started reading but ok. Also has a few good lessons too.
May 12, 2015
Was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
Finished the book. I'm at the bar having a drink, so if this weird, that's why.
PERSONAL REVIEW:
This was a hard read for me, given the subject matter. (I identified a lot with the main character) It felt preachy in places, but that was due to the other character's strong convictions (I've had friends who were that way). I don't know if other readers would feel the same.
TECHNICAL REVIEW:
The story was well written, especially for the YA format. There were only three instances of homophone errors (peaked instead of peeked (used three times, ch 11 and 18). I can't find the others (as I don't have my reader with me atm), so maybe others have picked it up. But that one stood out.
Books like this used to not bother me, until it happened to me, so now I avoid them. However, it was a quick read once I settled to get it done. I found no other glaring errors.
OVERALL RATING:
If I were to give a rating, I'd give it 4 out 5 due to writing, ease of read, clarity, tone and realism. Some might find the MC's reactions odd, but everyone reacts differently to various situations. Overall, I feel this would be a decent book for the YA market.
Finished the book. I'm at the bar having a drink, so if this weird, that's why.
PERSONAL REVIEW:
This was a hard read for me, given the subject matter. (I identified a lot with the main character) It felt preachy in places, but that was due to the other character's strong convictions (I've had friends who were that way). I don't know if other readers would feel the same.
TECHNICAL REVIEW:
The story was well written, especially for the YA format. There were only three instances of homophone errors (peaked instead of peeked (used three times, ch 11 and 18). I can't find the others (as I don't have my reader with me atm), so maybe others have picked it up. But that one stood out.
Books like this used to not bother me, until it happened to me, so now I avoid them. However, it was a quick read once I settled to get it done. I found no other glaring errors.
OVERALL RATING:
If I were to give a rating, I'd give it 4 out 5 due to writing, ease of read, clarity, tone and realism. Some might find the MC's reactions odd, but everyone reacts differently to various situations. Overall, I feel this would be a decent book for the YA market.
September 13, 2014
~~ I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review ~~
I want to start off by saying that whether you will like or dislike this book, I think, greatly depends on your own personal opinion toward some of the topics discussed in this book and if you can take a step back and try to look at it objectively. Personally, I have a too strong opinion which I could not push aside.
That said, the writing itself in this book is done really well and mirrors the thought process that goes through a girl like Allison quite well. I liked how supportive her best friend was and I also greatly enjoyed Gene and how he fit into it all.
It was also good to see how realistic the reactions of Victor and Allison's father were to getting to know about it and also everything that followed. That gave the whole story this feeling of believability which I like greatly in contemporaries.
Despite the average rating, I don't want to say this is a bad book, it isn't, it just really depends on your point of view onto the things discussed.
All in all, I think the author, Holly Dae, did a good job with this book. If you're into contemporaries about "hard" topics then I think this could be something for you.
I want to start off by saying that whether you will like or dislike this book, I think, greatly depends on your own personal opinion toward some of the topics discussed in this book and if you can take a step back and try to look at it objectively. Personally, I have a too strong opinion which I could not push aside.
That said, the writing itself in this book is done really well and mirrors the thought process that goes through a girl like Allison quite well. I liked how supportive her best friend was and I also greatly enjoyed Gene and how he fit into it all.
It was also good to see how realistic the reactions of Victor and Allison's father were to getting to know about it and also everything that followed. That gave the whole story this feeling of believability which I like greatly in contemporaries.
Despite the average rating, I don't want to say this is a bad book, it isn't, it just really depends on your point of view onto the things discussed.
All in all, I think the author, Holly Dae, did a good job with this book. If you're into contemporaries about "hard" topics then I think this could be something for you.
October 2, 2014
3.5
Confessions is a troubling, yet needed story for readers of varying ages, even though Allison speaks to us from a high school voice. When a writer chooses that voice, we often think only YAs would benefit from it or seek it out. Not so. At least I hope not only teens will seek this out.
A bit of repetition at the beginning to demonstrate Allison not knowing what to do, also could frustrate the reader. Work through this. Get to know her friends & accept that adults will be on the outskirts of this story. As is often the case growing up, yes?
You may very well be surprised by a twist with Allison's family dynamics near the end!!
I received this book in exchange for a review, which did not influence my comments.
Many thanks,
RMerkl
Confessions is a troubling, yet needed story for readers of varying ages, even though Allison speaks to us from a high school voice. When a writer chooses that voice, we often think only YAs would benefit from it or seek it out. Not so. At least I hope not only teens will seek this out.
A bit of repetition at the beginning to demonstrate Allison not knowing what to do, also could frustrate the reader. Work through this. Get to know her friends & accept that adults will be on the outskirts of this story. As is often the case growing up, yes?
You may very well be surprised by a twist with Allison's family dynamics near the end!!
I received this book in exchange for a review, which did not influence my comments.
Many thanks,
RMerkl
January 2, 2016
Absolutely Describes All The Feelings I Felt When I Was Raped & All Of The After Effects Of The Rape.. I Will Admit That The First FeW Chapters Definitely Made Me Emotional& I Almost Had A Nervous Breakdown But I Couldn't Stop Reading. I Ended Up Getting Pregnant By My Rapist.. And From All The Stress I Ended Up Having A Miscarriage . The Guy Who Raped Me Was My Uncles Best Friend.. being That My Uncle & I Are 3 Month's Apart This Man Ended Up Being A Huge Part Of Our Family I Trusted Him With My Life. But One Night That Changed.. Forever
August 2, 2015
I gave this book a 4.5 rating. I really enjoyed it. I felt that is was very real and realistic i just really liked that about this book. It wasn't what i expected but that was because a friend jokingly recommended it to me and gave me a brief summary. And it took me a little bit to find the book. I got a lot of weird looks when people would read the title but i really liked this book. And i would recommend it to people. Of course not everyone but those who i think would definitely enjoy it.
October 20, 2015
I absolutely love this book, the truth is that it made me cry. I feel sorry for what that young girl went through and that she can't do anything or trust anyone like she used to anymore, that must be hard for her and she had all her life planned out and now that's ruined because some idiot took advantage of her.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews