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Mistrust
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING YA NOVEL I'm the popular girl at school.
The one everyone wants to be friends with.
I have the best boyfriend in the world, who's on the basketball team.
My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. My sister and I have a great relationship too.
I'm a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I'm liked even by the teachers.
It was a night which promised to be filled with love and fun until...something happened which changed everything.
The one everyone wants to be friends with.
I have the best boyfriend in the world, who's on the basketball team.
My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. My sister and I have a great relationship too.
I'm a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I'm liked even by the teachers.
It was a night which promised to be filled with love and fun until...something happened which changed everything.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2016
509 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McHeyzer
51 books1,180 followersNEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF UGLY AND MISTRUST
I’m a two-time New York Times bestselling author for my stand-alone books Ugly and Mistrust. To date I’ve published over 30 books!
I’m first generation Australian born and live in Sydney with my husband, two daughters and my rescue-dog, Kingston!
I love to write stories to connect my readers to my strong, courageous characters…with some spice sprinkled between the pages.
The characters I write about can pop into my mind anytime and anywhere. From the shower, to washing dishes, playing with my puppy or even in my dreams. My characters can sometimes be intrusive, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for taking this journey with me and I truly hope you love reading my stories as much as I love writing them.
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July 27, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Margaret McHeyzer" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Mistrust
AUTHOR: Margaret McHeyzer
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 46 | Epilogue
RELEASE DATE: July 29th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
MISTRUST: This is spoken in 16 year old Dakota's own words. It is YA with sensitive, dark elements. Reader discretion is advised as it may cause triggers.
In true Margaret McHeyzer's form as soon as I read the prologue I had a feeling of trepidation of what was going to follow. Easy to get into, straight away you are dragged into Dakota's world, excited about the prom, anxiety and nervousness as she spoke to her boyfriend, the feeling of disappointment leaking into the silence of the limo, enjoying spending time with her friends on the dance floor, but you get the feeling that something sinister is brewing.
I'll discover how cruel the world can be when TRUST is BRUTALLY torn away
Prom night should've been the happiest moment of her life, carefree, liked by all, a loving caring family, a boyfriend she's crazy about.
I'm on the cheerleading squad
have great grades, and I'm dating Levi Matthews,
who's on the basketball team.
We're the couple everyone wants to be.
BUT in a fleeting moment Dakota's life changes forever..Dancing, carefree and happy, then the unthinkable happens.
A drink of soda, a feeling of sickness, a fuzziness, a rolling stomach, then blackness
All I remember was dancing
feeling weird
then waking up outside near the bleachers.
Waking up hidden behind some shrubs at school, her body feels like it's been run over by a mac truck, a tattered and ruined prom gown.
No recollection of what happened to her
I think this author truly portrays the true essence of a teenage girls feelings with what she endured, ashamed, disgust, mistrust, blame, alienation, remorse.
I think the YA genre is this authors calling, she just gets it so right, the feels, the angst..
Without going more into my review and wrecking it for everyone all I can suggest is go into this book with an open mind, remember it's spoken from Dakota's own POV so how she handles situations may not be how we would which makes this a more powerful believable read that I think every teenager should read, there are so many life lessons to be learn't from this book.
"Margaret McHeyzer" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Mistrust
AUTHOR: Margaret McHeyzer
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 46 | Epilogue
RELEASE DATE: July 29th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
MISTRUST: This is spoken in 16 year old Dakota's own words. It is YA with sensitive, dark elements. Reader discretion is advised as it may cause triggers.
In true Margaret McHeyzer's form as soon as I read the prologue I had a feeling of trepidation of what was going to follow. Easy to get into, straight away you are dragged into Dakota's world, excited about the prom, anxiety and nervousness as she spoke to her boyfriend, the feeling of disappointment leaking into the silence of the limo, enjoying spending time with her friends on the dance floor, but you get the feeling that something sinister is brewing.
I'll discover how cruel the world can be when TRUST is BRUTALLY torn away
Prom night should've been the happiest moment of her life, carefree, liked by all, a loving caring family, a boyfriend she's crazy about.
I'm on the cheerleading squadhave great grades, and I'm dating Levi Matthews,
who's on the basketball team.
We're the couple everyone wants to be.
BUT in a fleeting moment Dakota's life changes forever..Dancing, carefree and happy, then the unthinkable happens.
A drink of soda, a feeling of sickness, a fuzziness, a rolling stomach, then blackness
All I remember was dancingfeeling weird
then waking up outside near the bleachers.
Waking up hidden behind some shrubs at school, her body feels like it's been run over by a mac truck, a tattered and ruined prom gown.
No recollection of what happened to her
I think this author truly portrays the true essence of a teenage girls feelings with what she endured, ashamed, disgust, mistrust, blame, alienation, remorse.
I think the YA genre is this authors calling, she just gets it so right, the feels, the angst..
Without going more into my review and wrecking it for everyone all I can suggest is go into this book with an open mind, remember it's spoken from Dakota's own POV so how she handles situations may not be how we would which makes this a more powerful believable read that I think every teenager should read, there are so many life lessons to be learn't from this book.
August 4, 2016
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Mistrust was a difficult book for me to write, because I had to honor how Dakota would've been feeling. From the turmoil fighting with her in her head space, to the sheer guilt of having to carry this secret.
I love Mistrust, and I adore the relationship Dakota has with her family.
I hope you read this with an open mind, and an open heart for Dakota.
iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/au/book/...
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29Tb2pG
Amazon AUS: http://amzn.to/2abksti
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aacow1
B&N: http://bit.ly/2a0zwh1
Mistrust was a difficult book for me to write, because I had to honor how Dakota would've been feeling. From the turmoil fighting with her in her head space, to the sheer guilt of having to carry this secret.
I love Mistrust, and I adore the relationship Dakota has with her family.
I hope you read this with an open mind, and an open heart for Dakota.
April 11, 2018
http://literary-lion.tumblr.com/
Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota’s life has been blessed. She’d popular, dating the best-looking boy around and everyone loves her. Prom night changes everything. One act destroys everything and Dakota doesn’t know how she’ll go on.
A promising premise with a horribly botched execution. Dakota’s narration is dull and emotionless. She describes everything that happens clinically, there is no emotion or character in how she sees the world. It’s bare bones “my dad wrapped his arm around me”. The narration tells you what happens but barely how Dakota feels about it and the word choice is sterile.
The dialect of the characters is unnatural. Their ages and personality don’t show in their speech; every character speaks the exact same way. Adults throw around curses, Dakota uses “oh my goodness” which is something so rarely in teen dialogue nowadays it was shocking. There are also instances where words like “ain’t” slip in when the characters have never used words like that before and they never do again.
The plot itself is feeble at best. A good portion of this book isn’t about rape at all and in fact focuses on fluffy family scenes and a disgustingly cheesy romance. The book doesn’t really deal with the main issue until near the end, instead it focuses on Rhys who is such a good guy. He does nothing wrong, ever. He loves Dakota so much he would never hurt her. The book is cartoonish in its depiction of good versus evil and that is something that cannot be done in contemporaries. In the real world, people are complex, which is something this book tries to convey but fails at miserably.
It tries to shock the reader, but the conclusion is obvious a few pages into the book. It tries to pull a bait-and-switch technique with the real villain but it’s trying so hard that it sabotages itself. It’s following old formulas, and, as a whole, it’s an unoriginal read. Worst of all it makes the story so black-and-white and slaps on a clean cut ending.
It’s important to deal with issues like rape carefully, this book doesn’t. It spouts statistics and clearly has a message (hard to ignore when the book slaps you in the face with it). Dakota thinks things about rape that you’d read in pamphlets. The rapist is ridiculously sinister, and that's just not how things are usually.
It would have been nice to see a book that dealt with ambiguous rape, rape that doesn’t leave the victim battered and bleeding but instead leaves only deep wounds on the inside. Rape where maybe not everyone believes you because you’re drenched in blood. Rape where maybe the bad guy gets away because he’s been a good kid before this and he’s not a several time offender. The bad guy isn’t always defeated and that’s a more interesting story to read and offers more insight into the struggles of being a survivor than the case being neatly tied with a bow at the end.
Focus, focus, focus. Remove the fluff. This book is twice as long as it needed to be and the story is made incredibly weak because it is weighed down by scenes and characters that add nothing of value. At its core, Mistrust is a cheap love story with unbelievable characters that uses rape as kickoff point to gain interest.
Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota’s life has been blessed. She’d popular, dating the best-looking boy around and everyone loves her. Prom night changes everything. One act destroys everything and Dakota doesn’t know how she’ll go on.
A promising premise with a horribly botched execution. Dakota’s narration is dull and emotionless. She describes everything that happens clinically, there is no emotion or character in how she sees the world. It’s bare bones “my dad wrapped his arm around me”. The narration tells you what happens but barely how Dakota feels about it and the word choice is sterile.
The dialect of the characters is unnatural. Their ages and personality don’t show in their speech; every character speaks the exact same way. Adults throw around curses, Dakota uses “oh my goodness” which is something so rarely in teen dialogue nowadays it was shocking. There are also instances where words like “ain’t” slip in when the characters have never used words like that before and they never do again.
The plot itself is feeble at best. A good portion of this book isn’t about rape at all and in fact focuses on fluffy family scenes and a disgustingly cheesy romance. The book doesn’t really deal with the main issue until near the end, instead it focuses on Rhys who is such a good guy. He does nothing wrong, ever. He loves Dakota so much he would never hurt her. The book is cartoonish in its depiction of good versus evil and that is something that cannot be done in contemporaries. In the real world, people are complex, which is something this book tries to convey but fails at miserably.
It tries to shock the reader, but the conclusion is obvious a few pages into the book. It tries to pull a bait-and-switch technique with the real villain but it’s trying so hard that it sabotages itself. It’s following old formulas, and, as a whole, it’s an unoriginal read. Worst of all it makes the story so black-and-white and slaps on a clean cut ending.
It’s important to deal with issues like rape carefully, this book doesn’t. It spouts statistics and clearly has a message (hard to ignore when the book slaps you in the face with it). Dakota thinks things about rape that you’d read in pamphlets. The rapist is ridiculously sinister, and that's just not how things are usually.
It would have been nice to see a book that dealt with ambiguous rape, rape that doesn’t leave the victim battered and bleeding but instead leaves only deep wounds on the inside. Rape where maybe not everyone believes you because you’re drenched in blood. Rape where maybe the bad guy gets away because he’s been a good kid before this and he’s not a several time offender. The bad guy isn’t always defeated and that’s a more interesting story to read and offers more insight into the struggles of being a survivor than the case being neatly tied with a bow at the end.
Focus, focus, focus. Remove the fluff. This book is twice as long as it needed to be and the story is made incredibly weak because it is weighed down by scenes and characters that add nothing of value. At its core, Mistrust is a cheap love story with unbelievable characters that uses rape as kickoff point to gain interest.
March 17, 2017
Hands down best book I've read this year....this was such an emotional read for me and epilepsy recommend this book to anyone who has middle/high school age children. The emotional state of the heroine in this book is so beyond words and so real that it had me in tears. Absolutely loved this book and such a very powerful story that everyone should read.
August 5, 2016
5 Powerful Stars!
This book may contain triggers for some.
What an emotional ride, a subject more should read about. Margaret McHeyzer tackles the things we don't like to talk about, or even like to acknowledge. This book hit me in the chest. I feel like this was a well written after school special, I think this should be read by most teenage girls. Yes, it's brutal, but reality sucks, and I'd rather school my child, then let history keep repeating itself. The story told from a teenage girl's point of view. I felt her sadness. I felt her in my soul. I felt her. The way she was written. Well, it's spot-on. There is a mystery that shrouds the horrid event. I knew the answer, yet I was sucking the words through a straw, I didn't stop until I had drained the glass. I applaud the author for taking something as disgusting as this and using it to help others.
"A part of me died last night. Something was taken from me, and I know I didn't give permission for it to be taken."
This book may contain triggers for some.
What an emotional ride, a subject more should read about. Margaret McHeyzer tackles the things we don't like to talk about, or even like to acknowledge. This book hit me in the chest. I feel like this was a well written after school special, I think this should be read by most teenage girls. Yes, it's brutal, but reality sucks, and I'd rather school my child, then let history keep repeating itself. The story told from a teenage girl's point of view. I felt her sadness. I felt her in my soul. I felt her. The way she was written. Well, it's spot-on. There is a mystery that shrouds the horrid event. I knew the answer, yet I was sucking the words through a straw, I didn't stop until I had drained the glass. I applaud the author for taking something as disgusting as this and using it to help others.
"A part of me died last night. Something was taken from me, and I know I didn't give permission for it to be taken."
July 31, 2016
I may have just discovered another author!!! This was a one-sit read for me, it wasn't planned on being one.. but just kept on reading and the only time I stopped was to make my first edit for it almost halfway through! I have to get a paperback for my shelf (that speaks volumes)!
***4.5 STARS***
First off, I highly recommend this book to all teenagers as well as parents. This story is told through the eyes of a 16 year old, Dakota. It’s a subject that we constantly hear of and fear, but usually think to ourselves it cannot happen to us or to those that are close to us, until it does.
The way the author have written this book, there are moments where I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for things to not happen a certain way but in the same breath I understand exactly why Dakota made the choices she made along with the choices of the people she trust opted to make. Even though it ripped my heart out, but I understand completely. It doesn’t mean I agreed, but sometimes it’s truly easy to say one thing but when placed in the same exact situation, you may not make the ‘sound’ decision you always thought you would have.
I was going through every emotion Dakota went through, from the torn feeling of not being able to see the light, to the sweet moments of feeling like there is hope. I do not consider this a heavy read even though it deals with a very real and very scary subject. I see this book written as more of alerting us to the threats lurking around us and remind us to be more aware of all things even if it seems minuscule.
After reading Mistrust, it got me thinking and I am still thinking… maybe I am thinking more because I have a daughter and it scares the shit out of me…
Mistrust covers it all from assault, bullying to sexual harassment. All these were mentioned and even though this story covers more on the coping of Dakota after that night, the above mentioned DID NOT feel like it was glossed over but added more substance to the story.
Again, I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults alike.
***4.5 STARS***
First off, I highly recommend this book to all teenagers as well as parents. This story is told through the eyes of a 16 year old, Dakota. It’s a subject that we constantly hear of and fear, but usually think to ourselves it cannot happen to us or to those that are close to us, until it does.
The way the author have written this book, there are moments where I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for things to not happen a certain way but in the same breath I understand exactly why Dakota made the choices she made along with the choices of the people she trust opted to make. Even though it ripped my heart out, but I understand completely. It doesn’t mean I agreed, but sometimes it’s truly easy to say one thing but when placed in the same exact situation, you may not make the ‘sound’ decision you always thought you would have.
I was going through every emotion Dakota went through, from the torn feeling of not being able to see the light, to the sweet moments of feeling like there is hope. I do not consider this a heavy read even though it deals with a very real and very scary subject. I see this book written as more of alerting us to the threats lurking around us and remind us to be more aware of all things even if it seems minuscule.
After reading Mistrust, it got me thinking and I am still thinking… maybe I am thinking more because I have a daughter and it scares the shit out of me…
Mistrust covers it all from assault, bullying to sexual harassment. All these were mentioned and even though this story covers more on the coping of Dakota after that night, the above mentioned DID NOT feel like it was glossed over but added more substance to the story.
Again, I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults alike.
August 17, 2016
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-mi...
If you’re looking for a happy, and everything is great New Adult read, then Mistrust is NOT for you, but if you’re looking for something deep, emotional, powerful and full of tears, then I highly suggest Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer!
Dakota is popular, has everything going for her, until the night of her junior prom, when her life takes a dramatic turn and everything changes for her. Seeing her deal with what happened to her by herself was awful, and my heart broke over and over for her again. I wished and wished she would have opened up to others about what she had gone through, instead of keeping it all inside. I don’t know how she did it! Thankfully her sister Sam figured things out, and was her rock through most of this book.
Watching Dakota deal with everything that happened, and trying to bury it was awful. I cried, and screamed and I just wanted her to be ok. No one should ever go through what she did, and I wished she would have realized sooner how much of a support system she had around her. Watching her friends abandon her made me so angry, but she dealt with it beautifully, and she made a great friend in Sophie, and Reece.
With the help of Sophie, Reece, Sam, Taylor and soon her parents, Dakota finds the strength to try to find a way to put everything behind her and realizes quickly how the trust she had for people is no longer. The people she trusted ended up hurting her, and the people she never thought to trust were the ones who helped her through this awful time in her life. Not only did she go through a horrible experience, but in the end, you can see how much she’s grown since everything happened.
Mistrust is not for the week of heart, as it deals with some pretty hard subjects, but if you’re willing to take a chance on this book, I highly suggest it. It was beautifully written, and I believe Margaret McHeyzer did a beautiful job of getting Dakota’s story out there for all woman to read.
If you’re looking for a happy, and everything is great New Adult read, then Mistrust is NOT for you, but if you’re looking for something deep, emotional, powerful and full of tears, then I highly suggest Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer!
Dakota is popular, has everything going for her, until the night of her junior prom, when her life takes a dramatic turn and everything changes for her. Seeing her deal with what happened to her by herself was awful, and my heart broke over and over for her again. I wished and wished she would have opened up to others about what she had gone through, instead of keeping it all inside. I don’t know how she did it! Thankfully her sister Sam figured things out, and was her rock through most of this book.
Watching Dakota deal with everything that happened, and trying to bury it was awful. I cried, and screamed and I just wanted her to be ok. No one should ever go through what she did, and I wished she would have realized sooner how much of a support system she had around her. Watching her friends abandon her made me so angry, but she dealt with it beautifully, and she made a great friend in Sophie, and Reece.
With the help of Sophie, Reece, Sam, Taylor and soon her parents, Dakota finds the strength to try to find a way to put everything behind her and realizes quickly how the trust she had for people is no longer. The people she trusted ended up hurting her, and the people she never thought to trust were the ones who helped her through this awful time in her life. Not only did she go through a horrible experience, but in the end, you can see how much she’s grown since everything happened.
Mistrust is not for the week of heart, as it deals with some pretty hard subjects, but if you’re willing to take a chance on this book, I highly suggest it. It was beautifully written, and I believe Margaret McHeyzer did a beautiful job of getting Dakota’s story out there for all woman to read.
August 18, 2016
This book tackles a very emotional and sensitive subject that is written in a young sixteen year olds point of view.
Dakota is a junior at school and is excited for her prom. But the night goes nowhere near what she expected to happen. She is so confused and humiliated that she secludes herself from everyone - even her family who she is scared won't love her the same way if they ever found out about "that night". Her sister Sam, notices the difference in Dakota, along with her parents and close friends, but it's not until Sam is sent a picture of Dakota, that she works out what happened at the prom. Being best friends as well as sisters, they make a pact to keep the secret from everyone including their parents - against Sam's better judgement. Dakota feels if she can just bury the secret deep, she will eventually get over it. Of course, this is not the case, as much as she tries.
Even a close knit family with well adjusted kids can go through the horrors of abuse. Dakota was lucky to have a sister who was here for her. Dakota felt broken and unworthy but with a family like hers, she travels the roller coaster of emotions and matures to become an amazing woman.
This book is well written, and you feel like a sixteen year old back at school. Dakota's character is your typical teen until "that night" and unfortunately she is changed forever and even comes out stronger at the end. I can not image what a girl of that age is thinking in a situation like this. My adult / mum mind was screaming for her to seek help from her parents, but I am conscious of the fact not only her age but the shame she was feeling. At the start, I though I had it all worked out, but then with good writing I was steered into a different perspective. My original thought was correct, however I loved that this book took me on a journey that still had me guessing until the reveal. The characters are appealing with Sam and Reece being great support for Dakota. This is a great YA novel that will stay with you for some time to come.
Dakota is a junior at school and is excited for her prom. But the night goes nowhere near what she expected to happen. She is so confused and humiliated that she secludes herself from everyone - even her family who she is scared won't love her the same way if they ever found out about "that night". Her sister Sam, notices the difference in Dakota, along with her parents and close friends, but it's not until Sam is sent a picture of Dakota, that she works out what happened at the prom. Being best friends as well as sisters, they make a pact to keep the secret from everyone including their parents - against Sam's better judgement. Dakota feels if she can just bury the secret deep, she will eventually get over it. Of course, this is not the case, as much as she tries.
Even a close knit family with well adjusted kids can go through the horrors of abuse. Dakota was lucky to have a sister who was here for her. Dakota felt broken and unworthy but with a family like hers, she travels the roller coaster of emotions and matures to become an amazing woman.
This book is well written, and you feel like a sixteen year old back at school. Dakota's character is your typical teen until "that night" and unfortunately she is changed forever and even comes out stronger at the end. I can not image what a girl of that age is thinking in a situation like this. My adult / mum mind was screaming for her to seek help from her parents, but I am conscious of the fact not only her age but the shame she was feeling. At the start, I though I had it all worked out, but then with good writing I was steered into a different perspective. My original thought was correct, however I loved that this book took me on a journey that still had me guessing until the reveal. The characters are appealing with Sam and Reece being great support for Dakota. This is a great YA novel that will stay with you for some time to come.
August 6, 2016
Wow!!! What an emotional rollercoaster ride this one was! Its a nightmare that no one wants to go through, doesnt matter if you are a parent, child or friend...
This book, told through the voice of 16 yr old Dakota, who is the perfect picture of any high school girl going through high school. Cheerleader dating the basketball player....heading to the prom together. What happens the night of the prom is forever going to stay with Dakota. Its brutal, its wrong, its sickens me to read it...but it happens and happens all the time.
What can Dakota do? She cant change what happened, people are talking, friends who she thought were friends are no longer there for her.
Margaret took this taboo subject and wrote it perfectly...in layman's term so that everyone who reads this will understand what happens to an innocent girl on the night of her dreams... of having a great time at the prom with her boyfriend.
This book, told through the voice of 16 yr old Dakota, who is the perfect picture of any high school girl going through high school. Cheerleader dating the basketball player....heading to the prom together. What happens the night of the prom is forever going to stay with Dakota. Its brutal, its wrong, its sickens me to read it...but it happens and happens all the time.
What can Dakota do? She cant change what happened, people are talking, friends who she thought were friends are no longer there for her.
Margaret took this taboo subject and wrote it perfectly...in layman's term so that everyone who reads this will understand what happens to an innocent girl on the night of her dreams... of having a great time at the prom with her boyfriend.
June 26, 2018
Mistrust is a novel that covers some seriously heavy issues with the focus being date rape. The content itself isn't why this novel has received a low rating from me though; if anything, if the subject had been written well and covered properly then it would be a five star important read. But it's not and it's well not and with that in mind, I simply don't understand the high review average rating it has received.
First and foremost, the writing style is clunky. Right from the very beginning it has a heavy, toneless style that keeps you on the outside looking in rather than drawing you into the telling of the tale. It's very much, this happened, that happened, I said, he said, we did this or that. Many of the emotional aspects seemed forced and there is some seriously clunky dialogue, particularly when the author is trying to get a message across. Nothing is subtle or brilliantly written, events and dialogue are just hurled at you. Any explanations of character motives or feelings are blunt and in your face.
In the same light, events which have nothing to do with the main plot take up a huge amount of the middle sections of the novel. When put together with the lacklustre writing style, 100 pages worth of camping trips and dates are tedious and pointless reading. Had I realised just how pointless and free-standing, I would likely have skipped ahead 10 pages at a time. It's slow and mindlessly slow at that. If they had been properly linked into the main story, if perhaps used for adults to put two and two together, then they would be a worthwhile inclusion. As it stands, there was at least 100 pages of pointless filler.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is how unrealistic aspects of the novel are and how two dimensional the characters are...or just plain stupid. The events described are horrific, however I have no trouble disbelieving them. Neither do I have an issues with believing that sixteen year old girls can be catty bitches. Where I run into issues is that a sixteen year old living with her parents can be savagely beaten and raped, yet none of the adults pick this up. If the description was of a minor bearing then maybe, but the way it is described very early on is that she is black and blue. Yet no thought has gone into the limping and protecting oneself that would result from that... or how long such bruises take to heal.
I then run into further issues with Dakota's younger sister being a capable support network who does not run to their parents. If she's capable enough to be a support network then she is capable enough to recognise that this goes beyond her experience. And yet further issues with the fact that pictures start making the rounds and yet an apparently bright sixteen year old thinks she can still keep this secret. Or perhaps that the only adult who seems to be showing any concern is written off as creepy rather than being a potential person to confide in... or in fact that said adult is clearly just as useless as the rest of them because he doesn't do anything...despite having clear suspicions as to what has happened to a minor under his charge. There are just so many things here to get annoyed about!
This is admittedly a pretty scathing review and I can't change that. The only reason I kept reading was because I thought it has a high overall rating here and must get better. It didn't. At all. There were a few more moments of emotional depth perhaps in later chapters but the 'twist' wasn't in the slightest surprising, characters are generally thick witted and two dimensional and the writing style is like listening to the thumping of blunt instruments.
The only thing I can say in its favour is that the author covers some important topics here. However, if you're looking for a truly brilliantly covered read on this kind of topic for adults or teenage readers alike, then try Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson instead. That has realistic characters, events, adults and has a writing style that is stunning rather than the jarring narration of this particular novel.
First and foremost, the writing style is clunky. Right from the very beginning it has a heavy, toneless style that keeps you on the outside looking in rather than drawing you into the telling of the tale. It's very much, this happened, that happened, I said, he said, we did this or that. Many of the emotional aspects seemed forced and there is some seriously clunky dialogue, particularly when the author is trying to get a message across. Nothing is subtle or brilliantly written, events and dialogue are just hurled at you. Any explanations of character motives or feelings are blunt and in your face.
In the same light, events which have nothing to do with the main plot take up a huge amount of the middle sections of the novel. When put together with the lacklustre writing style, 100 pages worth of camping trips and dates are tedious and pointless reading. Had I realised just how pointless and free-standing, I would likely have skipped ahead 10 pages at a time. It's slow and mindlessly slow at that. If they had been properly linked into the main story, if perhaps used for adults to put two and two together, then they would be a worthwhile inclusion. As it stands, there was at least 100 pages of pointless filler.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is how unrealistic aspects of the novel are and how two dimensional the characters are...or just plain stupid. The events described are horrific, however I have no trouble disbelieving them. Neither do I have an issues with believing that sixteen year old girls can be catty bitches. Where I run into issues is that a sixteen year old living with her parents can be savagely beaten and raped, yet none of the adults pick this up. If the description was of a minor bearing then maybe, but the way it is described very early on is that she is black and blue. Yet no thought has gone into the limping and protecting oneself that would result from that... or how long such bruises take to heal.
I then run into further issues with Dakota's younger sister being a capable support network who does not run to their parents. If she's capable enough to be a support network then she is capable enough to recognise that this goes beyond her experience. And yet further issues with the fact that pictures start making the rounds and yet an apparently bright sixteen year old thinks she can still keep this secret. Or perhaps that the only adult who seems to be showing any concern is written off as creepy rather than being a potential person to confide in... or in fact that said adult is clearly just as useless as the rest of them because he doesn't do anything...despite having clear suspicions as to what has happened to a minor under his charge. There are just so many things here to get annoyed about!
This is admittedly a pretty scathing review and I can't change that. The only reason I kept reading was because I thought it has a high overall rating here and must get better. It didn't. At all. There were a few more moments of emotional depth perhaps in later chapters but the 'twist' wasn't in the slightest surprising, characters are generally thick witted and two dimensional and the writing style is like listening to the thumping of blunt instruments.
The only thing I can say in its favour is that the author covers some important topics here. However, if you're looking for a truly brilliantly covered read on this kind of topic for adults or teenage readers alike, then try Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson instead. That has realistic characters, events, adults and has a writing style that is stunning rather than the jarring narration of this particular novel.
July 22, 2016
Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer
I am truly amazed by this author, there is no genre that she will not tackle. I have read just about every book that Ms McHeyzer has written and I am always, blown away by her exceptional talent. Mistrust is one that will make you sit up and questions yourself as a woman. I would highly recommend this book to all teenage girls. What I loved is that we were reading through the eyes of a sixteen year old girl,named Dakota. Dakota was doing the best she could under her circumstance. Often you wanted to scream “go to your parents”, but at the same time you could relate to her choices. What happens when you have it all and wake up the next day to know you have lost part of yourself. Does the blame lay at your own feet, could you have changed the way it played out? Who do you trust? Can you ever trust again? Can you continue to live in a shell that has started to crack? Can you handle how everyone will see you now? You will travel this emotional road with Dakota, you will feel her sorrow and inner turmoil. You will feel her joys, her guilt and you will be in awe of the strength that her sister provides for her. Ms McHeyzer has captured this story which makes you sit up and take notice. She gives you the facts, but most importantly she gives you the strength to become a survivor. Kudos to Margaret McHeyzer.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls Book Blog
I am truly amazed by this author, there is no genre that she will not tackle. I have read just about every book that Ms McHeyzer has written and I am always, blown away by her exceptional talent. Mistrust is one that will make you sit up and questions yourself as a woman. I would highly recommend this book to all teenage girls. What I loved is that we were reading through the eyes of a sixteen year old girl,named Dakota. Dakota was doing the best she could under her circumstance. Often you wanted to scream “go to your parents”, but at the same time you could relate to her choices. What happens when you have it all and wake up the next day to know you have lost part of yourself. Does the blame lay at your own feet, could you have changed the way it played out? Who do you trust? Can you ever trust again? Can you continue to live in a shell that has started to crack? Can you handle how everyone will see you now? You will travel this emotional road with Dakota, you will feel her sorrow and inner turmoil. You will feel her joys, her guilt and you will be in awe of the strength that her sister provides for her. Ms McHeyzer has captured this story which makes you sit up and take notice. She gives you the facts, but most importantly she gives you the strength to become a survivor. Kudos to Margaret McHeyzer.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls Book Blog
July 23, 2016
Omg where do I begin, I really hope my review can do this book justice.
I have to say at the start of this book I wasn't sure I could get through this book as it covers a subject close to my heart but I'm so glad I kept reading and I really believe every teenage girl should read this book. I loved that this book is written through the eyes of a sixteen year old and that the author has managed to give us how 16 year olds think. It's my fault and no one will believe what I'm saying happened that night at the prom. Who do you trust and what happens when even your best friends walk away.
Dakota had all of these feelings and you find yourself feeling her sorrow, her emotions and her inner turmoil. I cried for Dakota and what she was having to deal with.
This story made me realise how we as adults react to situations like this and what is the first thing we think when we are told "I was raped"and it's not always the right thoughts....
This is a amazing well written book and I thank Margaret McHeyzer for giving me a chance to read and review. I was given this book for an honest review
I have to say at the start of this book I wasn't sure I could get through this book as it covers a subject close to my heart but I'm so glad I kept reading and I really believe every teenage girl should read this book. I loved that this book is written through the eyes of a sixteen year old and that the author has managed to give us how 16 year olds think. It's my fault and no one will believe what I'm saying happened that night at the prom. Who do you trust and what happens when even your best friends walk away.
Dakota had all of these feelings and you find yourself feeling her sorrow, her emotions and her inner turmoil. I cried for Dakota and what she was having to deal with.
This story made me realise how we as adults react to situations like this and what is the first thing we think when we are told "I was raped"and it's not always the right thoughts....
This is a amazing well written book and I thank Margaret McHeyzer for giving me a chance to read and review. I was given this book for an honest review
January 11, 2017
This book was an emotional roller coaster, a complete sobbing, gut wrenching story that will require a full box of tissues. I absolutely loved this book. It was very well written and the subject was handled carefully. This book contains the subject of rape so it can cause triggers for some readers.
Dakota has a good family, a high GPA, popular friends and a basketball star boyfriend. It all changed on her junior prom night when her drink was spiked with the date drug and she was raped. She woke up next day not remembering anything that happened to her. She doesn't want to tell her family or friends. She feels like nobody will understand her and everyone will blame her for what happened. This story is Dakota's struggle to find herself, also confiding in her family and friends. The mystery about the rapist was there throughout the book.
This book will put you through an emotional wringer. I just couldn't control my tears. I suggest not reading it in public unless you want to come out as a weirdo. If you love a good gut wrenching emotional story, then be sure to try this book. A big 5stars!!
Dakota has a good family, a high GPA, popular friends and a basketball star boyfriend. It all changed on her junior prom night when her drink was spiked with the date drug and she was raped. She woke up next day not remembering anything that happened to her. She doesn't want to tell her family or friends. She feels like nobody will understand her and everyone will blame her for what happened. This story is Dakota's struggle to find herself, also confiding in her family and friends. The mystery about the rapist was there throughout the book.
This book will put you through an emotional wringer. I just couldn't control my tears. I suggest not reading it in public unless you want to come out as a weirdo. If you love a good gut wrenching emotional story, then be sure to try this book. A big 5stars!!
September 11, 2016
Dakota führt ein unbeschwertes Leben. Sie ist in der Schule beliebt, geht mit dem Star der Footballmannschaft, sie hat ein enges Verhältnis zu ihrer jüngeren Schwester Sam und ihren Eltern, gute Noten, beste Freundinnen und Spaß am Leben.
Die Prom-Nacht soll eigentlich eine der Besten ihres Lebens werden, doch plötzlich kippt Dakotas Welt komplett aus den Fugen und als sie am nächsten Morgen in der Nähe der Schule erwacht, ist nichts mehr so wie es sein sollte, denn Dakota wurde Opfer eines grausamen Verbrechens....
Meinung
Seit ihrem Roman "Ugly", der mich in meinen Grundfesten erschüttert hat und nach wie vor in mir nachhallt, schätze ich die Romane von Margaret McHeyzer wirklich sehr.
Sie scheut nicht im Geringsten davor zurück sich ernsten Themen zu widmen, über die viele lieber schweigen, und sich eingehend damit zu befassen.
Was mir besonders gut gefällt ist, das sie dabei weitestgehend realistisch bleibt.
Oft ist es in Romanen nämlich so, das die Protagonisten erst Schlimmes und dann eine Art Wunderheilung durch Liebe erfahren und ganz ehrlich: Ich hasse es ! Denn so läuft das Leben nicht. Es gibt sie nicht, diese Prinzen die dich aus deinem Elend ziehen und die dir durch einen innigen Kuss all deine Sorgen nehmen. In der Realität musst du für dich selbst kämpfen und nur DU alleine hast die Macht, natürlich mit Hilfe von Therapeuten oder Familie ( falls vorhanden ), schreckliche Erlebnisse zu verarbeiten.
Dies ist der Weg den die Autorin auch ihre Protagonisten einschlagen lässt. Dakota wurde Opfer eines wirklich grausigen Verbrechens, an das sie sich am nächsten Tag nicht erinnern kann. Aus Angst davor das ihr genau deshalb niemand glaubt und auch aus Scham, weil gerade ihr so etwas passiert, schweigt sie und versucht das Erlebte mit sich selbst auszumachen. Sie zieht sich in sich selbst zurück und aus der einst lebenfrohen jungen Frau wird ein unsicheres Mädchen, das niemanden mehr an sich heranlässt. Sie wird zu einer guten Schauspielerin, die nach außen so tut als sei alles in Ordnung, innerlich aber immer mehr zerbricht.
Als sie sich mit ihrem Freund streitet und sich Levi von ihr trennt und dann plötzlich auch noch kompromittierende Fotos aus der besagten Nacht auftauchen, beginnt für Dakota zusätzlich noch ein schulischer Spießroutenlauf, denn Levi der sich betrogen fühlt, lässt keine Gelegenheit aus, sie aufs Übelste zu beschimpfen und auch ihre besten Freundinnen seit Kindertagen wenden sich von ihr ab.
Nachdem man auch ihrer Schwester diese Bilder schickt, vertraut sich Dakota Sam schließlich an, lässt die Jüngere aber schwören, das sie es für sich behält. Sam versucht ihre Schwester so gut es geht zu unterstützen und bittet sie immer wieder sich auch ihren Eltern zu öffnen, da die Sache früher oder später ohnehin ans Licht kommen wird, so lange sie nicht wissen, wer hinter der Veröffentlichung der Fotos steckt.
Die Geschichte ist für ihre "nur" 332 Seiten unglaublich komplex, so das es schwer fällt die Handlung in wenigen Sätzen wiederzugeben. Wie oben schon erwähnt gestaltet Margaret McHeyzer Dakotas "Heilungsprozess" sehr realitätsnah. Sie versucht es erst alleine und mit Vergessen, dann gewährt sie ihrer Schwester Zugang, vertraut sich ihr an. Auch Sophie, in der sie ebenfalls ein Opfer erkennt, wird zu einer großen Stütze und letztlich ist da noch Reece, der als einziger Freund ihrer ehemaligen Clique zu ihr hält, weil er merkt das irgendetwas nicht stimmt und die Dinge hinterfragt.
Zwischen all der Düsternis und all den dramatischen Dingen die in dieser Geschichte geschehen entwickeln sich aber auch enge Freundschaften und es entsteht eine ganz zarte und vorsichtige Liebe, die wie der Rest auch, authentisch und nachvollziehbar wirkt.
Mich hat Dakotas Geschichte sehr berührt und ich musste, wie auch schon bei "Ugly" wieder reichlich Tränen vergießen. Doch es gab auch witzige Momente und herzerfrischende Szenen, so das eine ausgewogene Mischung aus Licht und Finsternis entstand. Nicht zu vergessen, der Fingerzeig, das man mit seinen Problemen niemals alleine klarkommen muss, sondern das es Menschen gibt, denen man sich anvertrauen kann. Dies ist und war eine sehr wichtige Botschaft dieser Geschichte und gibt hoffentlich vielen Mädchen und Frauen, die Ähnliches erlebt haben, wie Dakota, den Mut sich zu öffnen.
Die Prom-Nacht soll eigentlich eine der Besten ihres Lebens werden, doch plötzlich kippt Dakotas Welt komplett aus den Fugen und als sie am nächsten Morgen in der Nähe der Schule erwacht, ist nichts mehr so wie es sein sollte, denn Dakota wurde Opfer eines grausamen Verbrechens....
Meinung
Seit ihrem Roman "Ugly", der mich in meinen Grundfesten erschüttert hat und nach wie vor in mir nachhallt, schätze ich die Romane von Margaret McHeyzer wirklich sehr.
Sie scheut nicht im Geringsten davor zurück sich ernsten Themen zu widmen, über die viele lieber schweigen, und sich eingehend damit zu befassen.
Was mir besonders gut gefällt ist, das sie dabei weitestgehend realistisch bleibt.
Oft ist es in Romanen nämlich so, das die Protagonisten erst Schlimmes und dann eine Art Wunderheilung durch Liebe erfahren und ganz ehrlich: Ich hasse es ! Denn so läuft das Leben nicht. Es gibt sie nicht, diese Prinzen die dich aus deinem Elend ziehen und die dir durch einen innigen Kuss all deine Sorgen nehmen. In der Realität musst du für dich selbst kämpfen und nur DU alleine hast die Macht, natürlich mit Hilfe von Therapeuten oder Familie ( falls vorhanden ), schreckliche Erlebnisse zu verarbeiten.
Dies ist der Weg den die Autorin auch ihre Protagonisten einschlagen lässt. Dakota wurde Opfer eines wirklich grausigen Verbrechens, an das sie sich am nächsten Tag nicht erinnern kann. Aus Angst davor das ihr genau deshalb niemand glaubt und auch aus Scham, weil gerade ihr so etwas passiert, schweigt sie und versucht das Erlebte mit sich selbst auszumachen. Sie zieht sich in sich selbst zurück und aus der einst lebenfrohen jungen Frau wird ein unsicheres Mädchen, das niemanden mehr an sich heranlässt. Sie wird zu einer guten Schauspielerin, die nach außen so tut als sei alles in Ordnung, innerlich aber immer mehr zerbricht.
Als sie sich mit ihrem Freund streitet und sich Levi von ihr trennt und dann plötzlich auch noch kompromittierende Fotos aus der besagten Nacht auftauchen, beginnt für Dakota zusätzlich noch ein schulischer Spießroutenlauf, denn Levi der sich betrogen fühlt, lässt keine Gelegenheit aus, sie aufs Übelste zu beschimpfen und auch ihre besten Freundinnen seit Kindertagen wenden sich von ihr ab.
Nachdem man auch ihrer Schwester diese Bilder schickt, vertraut sich Dakota Sam schließlich an, lässt die Jüngere aber schwören, das sie es für sich behält. Sam versucht ihre Schwester so gut es geht zu unterstützen und bittet sie immer wieder sich auch ihren Eltern zu öffnen, da die Sache früher oder später ohnehin ans Licht kommen wird, so lange sie nicht wissen, wer hinter der Veröffentlichung der Fotos steckt.
Die Geschichte ist für ihre "nur" 332 Seiten unglaublich komplex, so das es schwer fällt die Handlung in wenigen Sätzen wiederzugeben. Wie oben schon erwähnt gestaltet Margaret McHeyzer Dakotas "Heilungsprozess" sehr realitätsnah. Sie versucht es erst alleine und mit Vergessen, dann gewährt sie ihrer Schwester Zugang, vertraut sich ihr an. Auch Sophie, in der sie ebenfalls ein Opfer erkennt, wird zu einer großen Stütze und letztlich ist da noch Reece, der als einziger Freund ihrer ehemaligen Clique zu ihr hält, weil er merkt das irgendetwas nicht stimmt und die Dinge hinterfragt.
Zwischen all der Düsternis und all den dramatischen Dingen die in dieser Geschichte geschehen entwickeln sich aber auch enge Freundschaften und es entsteht eine ganz zarte und vorsichtige Liebe, die wie der Rest auch, authentisch und nachvollziehbar wirkt.
Mich hat Dakotas Geschichte sehr berührt und ich musste, wie auch schon bei "Ugly" wieder reichlich Tränen vergießen. Doch es gab auch witzige Momente und herzerfrischende Szenen, so das eine ausgewogene Mischung aus Licht und Finsternis entstand. Nicht zu vergessen, der Fingerzeig, das man mit seinen Problemen niemals alleine klarkommen muss, sondern das es Menschen gibt, denen man sich anvertrauen kann. Dies ist und war eine sehr wichtige Botschaft dieser Geschichte und gibt hoffentlich vielen Mädchen und Frauen, die Ähnliches erlebt haben, wie Dakota, den Mut sich zu öffnen.
August 9, 2020
So powerful
First book to be read by the author Margaret McHeyzer. I was completely blown away from the beginning to the end. I had my suspicions on who betrayed me and I did not see that conclusion coming. The way the author was able to take you through what Dakota went through. The ups and downs, mentally, physically, emotionally, she nailed it. I was ready to cry. Read it
First book to be read by the author Margaret McHeyzer. I was completely blown away from the beginning to the end. I had my suspicions on who betrayed me and I did not see that conclusion coming. The way the author was able to take you through what Dakota went through. The ups and downs, mentally, physically, emotionally, she nailed it. I was ready to cry. Read it
July 25, 2016
Title:Mistrust
Author: Margaret McHeyzer
Series:
Publisher:Self
Reviewer:JoAnna
Release Date:July 29,2016
Genre(s):Coming of Age
Page Count:401
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This book touches upon some very sensitive subject and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish. I did finish and I am pleased that I did. There is bullying in this book as well. It starts out with sixteen year old Dakota getting ready for prom. What girl isn’t looking forward to her prom? She is so excited and feels beautiful, though she is worried and has been agonizing over whether she should have sex or not. It was all planned out. Though she comes to the conclusion she is not ready to move forward in her relationship with her boyfriend Levi at this time.
Let me put in right here that this is a book that should be read by all teenage girls. You know what? I changed my mind I think every female should read this book. There are dangers out there and some you see and some you don’t. It had so many twists and turns and poor Dakota did not know who to believe or what to do. She was lucky she had her sister Sam in her corner. Sam was there every stop of the way. When everything goes to the dumps in her world, she finds out who her true friends are. I wanted to hug her, I wanted to scream at her, I wanted her to talk to her parents, or someone, anyone. The supporting players in this book are excellent. Everyone here has a story and you will be surprised by it.
I’m a mom and I have a grown adult daughter, but I want her to read this book as well. It is informative and highly recommend it.
Review Copy of Mistrust provided by Margaret McHeyzer/Self for an honest Review.
Author: Margaret McHeyzer
Series:
Publisher:Self
Reviewer:JoAnna
Release Date:July 29,2016
Genre(s):Coming of Age
Page Count:401
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I’m the popular girl at school.
The one everyone wants to be friends with.
I have the best boyfriend in the world, who’s on the basketball team.
My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. My sister and I have a great relationship too.
I’m a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I’m liked even by the teachers.
It was a night which promised to be filled with love and fun until…something happened which changed everything.
This is a darker, YA full-length novel.
Review:
This book touches upon some very sensitive subject and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish. I did finish and I am pleased that I did. There is bullying in this book as well. It starts out with sixteen year old Dakota getting ready for prom. What girl isn’t looking forward to her prom? She is so excited and feels beautiful, though she is worried and has been agonizing over whether she should have sex or not. It was all planned out. Though she comes to the conclusion she is not ready to move forward in her relationship with her boyfriend Levi at this time.
Let me put in right here that this is a book that should be read by all teenage girls. You know what? I changed my mind I think every female should read this book. There are dangers out there and some you see and some you don’t. It had so many twists and turns and poor Dakota did not know who to believe or what to do. She was lucky she had her sister Sam in her corner. Sam was there every stop of the way. When everything goes to the dumps in her world, she finds out who her true friends are. I wanted to hug her, I wanted to scream at her, I wanted her to talk to her parents, or someone, anyone. The supporting players in this book are excellent. Everyone here has a story and you will be surprised by it.
I’m a mom and I have a grown adult daughter, but I want her to read this book as well. It is informative and highly recommend it.
Review Copy of Mistrust provided by Margaret McHeyzer/Self for an honest Review.
September 19, 2016
Should you judge a book on its storytelling merit or on the subject it deals with? Rape culture is a reality. Teenage girls are growing up in an environment where their self-worth is measured against a toxic notion of women as commodities served for male consumption. This is why rape is seen as a matter of shame for the victim not the perpetrator. In this context, Margaret McHeyzer's book must be lauded for attempting an honest story about sexual assault and its repercussions for a sixteen-year-old girl. Of course, it's not a story that will -- and neither should it -- leave you feeling good. And not just because of the subject matter. In short, a terribly important story, told in a terribly disappointing fashion.
Dakota Bennett is your quintessential Mary Sue (though, to be fair, so is everyone else in the book), but her perfect life gets disrupted when an unknown person drugs and rapes her on the night of her junior prom. Overcome with shame, Dakota doesn't tell anyone, not even her parents. It doesn't help that she doesn't remember anything, not even the identity of the rapist. The story goes on to narrate what happens after the event.
There are sparks of brilliance in the story, specially just after the rape, when we see Dakota unravelling, but overall, the book is -- and there is no polite way to say this -- terribly written. It starts with a bizarre prologue on trust, that adds nothing to the story. Then, it gets on the wrong foot right from the first page, opening with Dakota looking at herself in the mirror just so she can be described to the readers. Then her mother walks in and, with tears in her eyes, tells her how beautiful she is: "You are the most beautiful sixteen-year-old young lady my eyes have ever seen" (!). And that, unfortunately, sets the tone for the rest of the book. None of the characters has any personality, and everyone speaks like they're straight out of a cringeworthy self-help book. The narrator's voice too is bland and unconvincing, and the writing is lazy. Sample:
- "In an innocent move, he engulfs me in a hug"
- "... she gave her a small look"
- "...there's a gorgeous silver chain inside it. 'Oh wow,' I say. 'That's gorgeous!'"
There is overuse of the word "grab" (as in "grab something") and head ("head somewhere), to the point that it gets annoying.
The only reason I kept reading till the end was because there is a big question mark on who the rapist is. Oddly enough, for a book dealing with this subject, there is an alarming amount of slut-shaming. There is also an uncomfortable focus on virginity and I didn't like the moralizing about how sex is great but only with someone you love.
I received a review copy from NetGalley.
Dakota Bennett is your quintessential Mary Sue (though, to be fair, so is everyone else in the book), but her perfect life gets disrupted when an unknown person drugs and rapes her on the night of her junior prom. Overcome with shame, Dakota doesn't tell anyone, not even her parents. It doesn't help that she doesn't remember anything, not even the identity of the rapist. The story goes on to narrate what happens after the event.
There are sparks of brilliance in the story, specially just after the rape, when we see Dakota unravelling, but overall, the book is -- and there is no polite way to say this -- terribly written. It starts with a bizarre prologue on trust, that adds nothing to the story. Then, it gets on the wrong foot right from the first page, opening with Dakota looking at herself in the mirror just so she can be described to the readers. Then her mother walks in and, with tears in her eyes, tells her how beautiful she is: "You are the most beautiful sixteen-year-old young lady my eyes have ever seen" (!). And that, unfortunately, sets the tone for the rest of the book. None of the characters has any personality, and everyone speaks like they're straight out of a cringeworthy self-help book. The narrator's voice too is bland and unconvincing, and the writing is lazy. Sample:
- "In an innocent move, he engulfs me in a hug"
- "... she gave her a small look"
- "...there's a gorgeous silver chain inside it. 'Oh wow,' I say. 'That's gorgeous!'"
There is overuse of the word "grab" (as in "grab something") and head ("head somewhere), to the point that it gets annoying.
The only reason I kept reading till the end was because there is a big question mark on who the rapist is. Oddly enough, for a book dealing with this subject, there is an alarming amount of slut-shaming. There is also an uncomfortable focus on virginity and I didn't like the moralizing about how sex is great but only with someone you love.
I received a review copy from NetGalley.
August 23, 2016
Book: Mistrust
Author: Margaret McHeyer
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this galley in exchange for an honest review.
Margaret has given us a simply beautiful story with an emotional echo that is very similar to those of Ellen Hopkins. She takes the very serious issue of sexual assault and brings all of its terror to the young adult crowd. Sexual assault is something that needs to be addressed in a way that reaches out to teenagers and Margaret does just that. Dakota's voice gives us the prefect view of a girl's life that has been turned upside down by a single event. Through Margaret's gifted storytelling and beautiful words, we step into Dakota's world as she tries to figure out just what male in her life would do something so awful to her.
Right away, you get pulled into Dakota's world. She is looking forward to prom, to enjoying her time with her friends, and other normal high school activities. Then, in a blink of an eye, all of that changes. She finds that her world is not as it first seemed. Just from the way she was acting early on in the book, you can tell that something bad is on the horizon. For a girl like Dakota, the girl who has it all in high school, prom night is supposed to be the night to remember, but instead, it ends up being the one night she wishes that she could erase from her mind. She wakes up, not remembering what happened-she has nothing more than an emotional roller coaster.
There simply are not a lot of authors out there who could bring Dakota's voice home. There are not a lot of authors out there who tackle this very touchy issue with such prose as Margaret. Yes, this book does tell with a serious issue, but Margaret remains us that there is hope, even in the darkest of times. I just really don't know how to explain it. There was so much emotion in this one. It was like I was experiencing what was happening to Dakota as she tries to hold on to herself. It's probably just a good thing that she had so much support and understanding-it just reminds us of the better side of the human race in rough and difficult times.
Mistrust is an amazing and beautiful read. Due to the issues the book addresses, I will say that this one may not be suitable for younger or/and immature teens.
Author: Margaret McHeyer
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this galley in exchange for an honest review.
Margaret has given us a simply beautiful story with an emotional echo that is very similar to those of Ellen Hopkins. She takes the very serious issue of sexual assault and brings all of its terror to the young adult crowd. Sexual assault is something that needs to be addressed in a way that reaches out to teenagers and Margaret does just that. Dakota's voice gives us the prefect view of a girl's life that has been turned upside down by a single event. Through Margaret's gifted storytelling and beautiful words, we step into Dakota's world as she tries to figure out just what male in her life would do something so awful to her.
Right away, you get pulled into Dakota's world. She is looking forward to prom, to enjoying her time with her friends, and other normal high school activities. Then, in a blink of an eye, all of that changes. She finds that her world is not as it first seemed. Just from the way she was acting early on in the book, you can tell that something bad is on the horizon. For a girl like Dakota, the girl who has it all in high school, prom night is supposed to be the night to remember, but instead, it ends up being the one night she wishes that she could erase from her mind. She wakes up, not remembering what happened-she has nothing more than an emotional roller coaster.
There simply are not a lot of authors out there who could bring Dakota's voice home. There are not a lot of authors out there who tackle this very touchy issue with such prose as Margaret. Yes, this book does tell with a serious issue, but Margaret remains us that there is hope, even in the darkest of times. I just really don't know how to explain it. There was so much emotion in this one. It was like I was experiencing what was happening to Dakota as she tries to hold on to herself. It's probably just a good thing that she had so much support and understanding-it just reminds us of the better side of the human race in rough and difficult times.
Mistrust is an amazing and beautiful read. Due to the issues the book addresses, I will say that this one may not be suitable for younger or/and immature teens.
August 4, 2016
TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual abuse and harassment and bullying.
I received this book in exchange from NetGalley and the publisher.
Dakota is the popular cheerleader. The one everyone wants to be friends with. Her boyfriend also has to be one of the most popular guys in the school and he is of course on the Basketball team. She has the most supportive parents and a sister who would do anything for her. Dakota’s life is looking up and prom is the most anticipated event of the year until something happens that changes everything.
Oh my gosh! This book was so heartbreaking, emotional and life changing. It took me no time to get into it and to finish it. There were so many twists and turns that kept me reading more and more, I was so addicted into finding out the truth. This book explores how cruel the world can be and how important trust is to everyone.
There is no doubt that this was an easy read, it was challenging and sad but this book brings to light the reality of these types of situations (I can’t say what situation because it would really give it away). You do have to have an open mind to read this, it does come with great difficulty, especially if you can make connections between them.
First of all, these characters were thought out well. Dakota is such a strong girl and so is her sister. Her emotions are so raw and honest and I enjoyed reading the way each of the characters deal with what has happened.
Secondly, the author wrote this very well. Some parts of this book were hard to read but I understand why the author wrote these scenes in such a way. It is about telling the truth and showing the audience what it is like to be someone who is in the same position that Dakota is in.
This book makes you think, it makes you want to cry out from anger and also sadness. All of the themes that were explored in this book were not at all sugar coated and even though it was quite confronting it had to be.
I highly recommend this book to parents and teenagers as this is an issue which affects many people although it may be unknown.
THIS REVIEW ALSO APPEARS ON https://loadsofbooksreviews.wordpress...
I received this book in exchange from NetGalley and the publisher.
Dakota is the popular cheerleader. The one everyone wants to be friends with. Her boyfriend also has to be one of the most popular guys in the school and he is of course on the Basketball team. She has the most supportive parents and a sister who would do anything for her. Dakota’s life is looking up and prom is the most anticipated event of the year until something happens that changes everything.
Oh my gosh! This book was so heartbreaking, emotional and life changing. It took me no time to get into it and to finish it. There were so many twists and turns that kept me reading more and more, I was so addicted into finding out the truth. This book explores how cruel the world can be and how important trust is to everyone.
There is no doubt that this was an easy read, it was challenging and sad but this book brings to light the reality of these types of situations (I can’t say what situation because it would really give it away). You do have to have an open mind to read this, it does come with great difficulty, especially if you can make connections between them.
First of all, these characters were thought out well. Dakota is such a strong girl and so is her sister. Her emotions are so raw and honest and I enjoyed reading the way each of the characters deal with what has happened.
Secondly, the author wrote this very well. Some parts of this book were hard to read but I understand why the author wrote these scenes in such a way. It is about telling the truth and showing the audience what it is like to be someone who is in the same position that Dakota is in.
This book makes you think, it makes you want to cry out from anger and also sadness. All of the themes that were explored in this book were not at all sugar coated and even though it was quite confronting it had to be.
I highly recommend this book to parents and teenagers as this is an issue which affects many people although it may be unknown.
THIS REVIEW ALSO APPEARS ON https://loadsofbooksreviews.wordpress...
July 28, 2016
The rating is really closer to a 4.5 but the few things that were missing in the book for me brought it down from a 5 star rating.
This is my second book by Margaret and I have to say she handles tough subjects really well. She doesn't shy over the terrible parts. They are terrible and she makes us feel them, you can feel what the character is feeling and it's intense.
Dakota came full circle for me and I adored her for it. She may have broken but she didn't shatter. She had moments that she started to but through her own strength and the strength and love of those around her the pieces never stayed on the floor.
I had a few good laughs and was on the verge of sobbing a few times. I can't say much without giving away details but Sammy is my hero. It's hard to love a book that deals with such sensitive material but it was written so well. The reasons Dakota had for not saying anything are as real as they come.
I had an inkling about Mr. C from the beginning, call it booktuition. Even given what I thought I knew I didn't have any solid theories until probably 80% into the book, and even then I was second guessing.
I LOVED the Hendricks brothers! Can I find a Reece please!?!
There were a few things I missed in the book.
This is my second book by Margaret and I have to say she handles tough subjects really well. She doesn't shy over the terrible parts. They are terrible and she makes us feel them, you can feel what the character is feeling and it's intense.
Dakota came full circle for me and I adored her for it. She may have broken but she didn't shatter. She had moments that she started to but through her own strength and the strength and love of those around her the pieces never stayed on the floor.
I had a few good laughs and was on the verge of sobbing a few times. I can't say much without giving away details but Sammy is my hero. It's hard to love a book that deals with such sensitive material but it was written so well. The reasons Dakota had for not saying anything are as real as they come.
I had an inkling about Mr. C from the beginning, call it booktuition. Even given what I thought I knew I didn't have any solid theories until probably 80% into the book, and even then I was second guessing.
I LOVED the Hendricks brothers! Can I find a Reece please!?!
There were a few things I missed in the book.
August 2, 2016
Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer
This is another gripping, thought-proving, at times chilling book by Margaret McHeyzer. It's written using the voice of 16 year old Dakota and follows through a shocking attack and how it changes her life. It's also a story about relationships and friendships and how it can all be ripped away from you in an instance.
I won't go into the storyline because I simply won't do it any justice but I will say that McHeyzer delivers a gripping book with real characters and a plot that will keep you thinking long after the last page is turned. The author has chosen an extremely sensitive topic for this book and I felt that it was handled with respect (note that it may contain triggers for some).
Highly recommended for lovers of YA and teenage girls should definitely take the time to read this.
*arc received in exchange for honest review.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
This is another gripping, thought-proving, at times chilling book by Margaret McHeyzer. It's written using the voice of 16 year old Dakota and follows through a shocking attack and how it changes her life. It's also a story about relationships and friendships and how it can all be ripped away from you in an instance.
I won't go into the storyline because I simply won't do it any justice but I will say that McHeyzer delivers a gripping book with real characters and a plot that will keep you thinking long after the last page is turned. The author has chosen an extremely sensitive topic for this book and I felt that it was handled with respect (note that it may contain triggers for some).
Highly recommended for lovers of YA and teenage girls should definitely take the time to read this.
*arc received in exchange for honest review.
**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
August 2, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this for review.
Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer is a young adult contemporary novel surrounding the darker topic of sexual assault.
I commend the author for bringing to light such an important topic to YA fiction. I enjoyed her insight as I thought it was very influential. Following Dakota's inner turmoil as she dealt with the aftermath was heartbreaking, yet so important to the story. I loved the family relationships in this story (in particular Sam) and thought the character development was great. I think it is important to take away from this novel that sexual assault can happen to anyone, by anyone (even individuals the victim knows personally).
I was pleasantly surprised by this and anticipate reading more from this author.
Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer is a young adult contemporary novel surrounding the darker topic of sexual assault.
I commend the author for bringing to light such an important topic to YA fiction. I enjoyed her insight as I thought it was very influential. Following Dakota's inner turmoil as she dealt with the aftermath was heartbreaking, yet so important to the story. I loved the family relationships in this story (in particular Sam) and thought the character development was great. I think it is important to take away from this novel that sexual assault can happen to anyone, by anyone (even individuals the victim knows personally).
I was pleasantly surprised by this and anticipate reading more from this author.
July 10, 2021
i recieved a copy of this book in return for an honest review from netgalley.com
i can tell a book is a favorite for me when i stop reading at the end to prolonge the story. i did this with Mistrust.
this was a very fast paced easy read. i wanted to finish it but i never wanted it to end. i fell in love with the characters and i dont think ill be able to pick up another book right away.
this is a story about a young girl who has everything in her life. popularity, a great boyfriend, an awesome family that loves her but after one dreadful night her whole world changes. she doesnt know who she can trust because she has no idea who did this awful thing to her.
this was an awesome book and i feel as if it should be part of high school reading. its a topic that we all think it couldn't happen to us and teenagers should have awareness that it could
i can tell a book is a favorite for me when i stop reading at the end to prolonge the story. i did this with Mistrust.
this was a very fast paced easy read. i wanted to finish it but i never wanted it to end. i fell in love with the characters and i dont think ill be able to pick up another book right away.
this is a story about a young girl who has everything in her life. popularity, a great boyfriend, an awesome family that loves her but after one dreadful night her whole world changes. she doesnt know who she can trust because she has no idea who did this awful thing to her.
this was an awesome book and i feel as if it should be part of high school reading. its a topic that we all think it couldn't happen to us and teenagers should have awareness that it could
August 13, 2016
Wow!
Wow, I really have no words. I have never read a book that I had to put down for a little bit, too process and take a break, until this book. Just unbelievable. Dakotas story was heartbreaking, but beautiful at the end. I mean the way her family and friends rallied around her, just beautiful. And her sister!! Reminds me of my sister and me. Her sister and Sophie were wonderful and Reece, he was such a wonderful character. Wow, this was such a great yet sad book, I rarely get emotional but I was in the feels big time with this book. I literally cried and had to put it down for a little because my heart hurt for Dakota. Seriously, 10 stars. 5 is not enough!
Wow, I really have no words. I have never read a book that I had to put down for a little bit, too process and take a break, until this book. Just unbelievable. Dakotas story was heartbreaking, but beautiful at the end. I mean the way her family and friends rallied around her, just beautiful. And her sister!! Reminds me of my sister and me. Her sister and Sophie were wonderful and Reece, he was such a wonderful character. Wow, this was such a great yet sad book, I rarely get emotional but I was in the feels big time with this book. I literally cried and had to put it down for a little because my heart hurt for Dakota. Seriously, 10 stars. 5 is not enough!
August 14, 2016
Wow, gonna have a book hangover for a week. What a griping, thought provoking, senses overload read! I recommend this book for Jr high aged girls on up as well as mothers and fathers. Margaret did an outstanding job as usual. A single event shows Dakota just who her true friends are. She had more strength then she really knew she had. I love Dakota. And her sister was an amazing rock for her. Reese was an amazing guy to show her how men really are. You'll definitely need tissues to read this story. Margaret definitely got the title spot on with this one. I can't wait to see whats next.
July 19, 2016
Wow! I could not put this book down. One week later and I'm still suffering a huge book hangover.
Another fantastic book that is a "Must read" for Teenagers and Adults alike.
This is a book full of life lessons. I highly recommend reading this,you will not be disappointed.
As with "Ugly" Margarets last book,which became a USA best seller. I believe these books should be a Must Read for ALL young women. They could literally help prevent teenagers putting themselves in harms way.
Another fantastic book that is a "Must read" for Teenagers and Adults alike.
This is a book full of life lessons. I highly recommend reading this,you will not be disappointed.
As with "Ugly" Margarets last book,which became a USA best seller. I believe these books should be a Must Read for ALL young women. They could literally help prevent teenagers putting themselves in harms way.
August 17, 2016
I'm new to Margaret's work and wasn't sure what to expect!
Margaret walked you through Dakota's story and you felt all her thoughts and emotions!
I have an impressionable 14year old daughter and I have asked her to read this! A must book for all, especially as an eye opener for our kids to see that what's in front of you isn't always as it seems!
Love your work Margaret! Can't wait to get stuck into more!!❤️
Margaret walked you through Dakota's story and you felt all her thoughts and emotions!
I have an impressionable 14year old daughter and I have asked her to read this! A must book for all, especially as an eye opener for our kids to see that what's in front of you isn't always as it seems!
Love your work Margaret! Can't wait to get stuck into more!!❤️
October 18, 2016
OH MY what a perfectly emotional story that drags you through hell and back out the other side filled with hope. So beautifully written you feel every emotion as this girl is degraded and humiliated for something that isn’t her fault and she cant even remember. How can someone be so broken but built back up by the love of their family and friends. It might be a story of rape and evil but the true beauty is in the friendship and family that make this a beautiful story of hope.
August 3, 2016
What a great story! Hard subject to read about. heartbreaking.
I will write more when I can find the right words. to do the story justice.
But I would recommended it. :)
I will write more when I can find the right words. to do the story justice.
But I would recommended it. :)
July 25, 2016
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this Fantastic book.
HOLY COW THAT WAS INTENSE !
A dark subject but so incredibly written.
I couldn't put it down.
HOLY COW THAT WAS INTENSE !
A dark subject but so incredibly written.
I couldn't put it down.
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