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Shallow
Fake.
Shallow.
Brinley Crassus
Sedlacek College Preparatory High School's princess.
She belittled the weak, the easy prey, using her victims to cover her own wounds.
Loner.
Outsider.
Roderick Roher
Sedlacek College Preparatory High School's freak.
He didn’t need anyone, only the script that bled from his soul.
He was the boy she turned her back on when he needed her the most.
When she needed him the most.
Words tore them apart, and ultimately brought them back together. But once again, callous whispers fell from betrayed lips, threatening to destroy what they’d vowed to protect.
When the echo of their argument leaves their relationship in turmoil, Brinley and Roderick are faced with the ultimate decision – fight desperately together or surrender to lives apart.
Shallow.
Brinley Crassus
Sedlacek College Preparatory High School's princess.
She belittled the weak, the easy prey, using her victims to cover her own wounds.
Loner.
Outsider.
Roderick Roher
Sedlacek College Preparatory High School's freak.
He didn’t need anyone, only the script that bled from his soul.
He was the boy she turned her back on when he needed her the most.
When she needed him the most.
Words tore them apart, and ultimately brought them back together. But once again, callous whispers fell from betrayed lips, threatening to destroy what they’d vowed to protect.
When the echo of their argument leaves their relationship in turmoil, Brinley and Roderick are faced with the ultimate decision – fight desperately together or surrender to lives apart.
Unknown Binding
First published June 13, 2018
27 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Yessi Smith
14 books494 followersYessi Smith is a South Florida girl living in Texas with her husband and two sons.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Human Resource Management and has held several jobs, from picking up dog poop to upper management positions. And now she hopes to leave the business world behind so she can live full time in a world that does not exist until she places her fingers on a keyboard and brings them to fruition.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Human Resource Management and has held several jobs, from picking up dog poop to upper management positions. And now she hopes to leave the business world behind so she can live full time in a world that does not exist until she places her fingers on a keyboard and brings them to fruition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 3, 2018
He saw me today, saw past the words I use like a harsh cord, past the ugly exterior I hide behind. He saw me today I was his princess, not the vain one, but a beautiful queen to his noble king. And he loved me.
A story about being yourself, finding your true love and fight for it like there's no tomorrow.
Shallow is a bittersweet story, it moved me to tears, but it also put a big smile on my face.
A story about being yourself, finding your true love and fight for it like there's no tomorrow.
Shallow is a bittersweet story, it moved me to tears, but it also put a big smile on my face.
June 13, 2018
I have two things to say...
Roderick basically killed me at certain points in the story...
And I want Brinley's dad for myself. Please.
:)
Roderick basically killed me at certain points in the story...
And I want Brinley's dad for myself. Please.
:)
May 8, 2018
“Alone isn’t such a tragedy when you’re trapped in a past that holds no future.”
Shallow was an interesting read for me. I’m not typically one to jump for a YA novel but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book much more than I thought that I would (which is always a treat in itself).
Yessi’s writing has transformed tremendously. That is the first thing I noticed with Shallow. I think this genre is for her because her writing is the strongest than it has been before, in my opinion. The flow and the punch of the words was fantastic.
I can honestly say I haven’t read a book like this before. The way Yessi incorporated all of the poetry into the story was just another added bonus for me. Not to mention the way the characters went from shallow to characters full of depth. I love seeing character growth and both of the main characters transformed in an awesome way.
For being the first YA novel that Yessi has wrote, I think she has found her calling. The hugest thing that impressed me with Shallow was her writing, I cannot stress that enough. It bled off the pages and onto these characters which in return brought them to life for me.
Shallow was an interesting read for me. I’m not typically one to jump for a YA novel but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book much more than I thought that I would (which is always a treat in itself).
Yessi’s writing has transformed tremendously. That is the first thing I noticed with Shallow. I think this genre is for her because her writing is the strongest than it has been before, in my opinion. The flow and the punch of the words was fantastic.
I can honestly say I haven’t read a book like this before. The way Yessi incorporated all of the poetry into the story was just another added bonus for me. Not to mention the way the characters went from shallow to characters full of depth. I love seeing character growth and both of the main characters transformed in an awesome way.
For being the first YA novel that Yessi has wrote, I think she has found her calling. The hugest thing that impressed me with Shallow was her writing, I cannot stress that enough. It bled off the pages and onto these characters which in return brought them to life for me.
June 15, 2018
Yessi Smith dives into the world of YA and does it beautifully.
Shallow is a story of self discovery, self doubt, and finding out what is truly important in life. High School can be a wonderful as well as a scary place and Yessi shows just that in this story.
This was your typical high school story though and it had so much depth within it. I immediately fell in love with it. The friendships formed in this one melted my heart and had me smiling. The characters in this were so different from one another yet form a bond that is amazing.
This story deals with multiple social issues. Some of it is raw and painful but these characters show how you can overcome. At the heart of it all we have a romance between two of them that is sweet and endearing.
I think this was a wonderful story and while YA is not usually my go to genre this is definitely one that I loved reading about.
Also side note Brinleys Dad has to get a shout out in this because he was simply amazing. I freaking loved him.
Shallow is a story of self discovery, self doubt, and finding out what is truly important in life. High School can be a wonderful as well as a scary place and Yessi shows just that in this story.
This was your typical high school story though and it had so much depth within it. I immediately fell in love with it. The friendships formed in this one melted my heart and had me smiling. The characters in this were so different from one another yet form a bond that is amazing.
This story deals with multiple social issues. Some of it is raw and painful but these characters show how you can overcome. At the heart of it all we have a romance between two of them that is sweet and endearing.
I think this was a wonderful story and while YA is not usually my go to genre this is definitely one that I loved reading about.
Also side note Brinleys Dad has to get a shout out in this because he was simply amazing. I freaking loved him.
May 27, 2018
Shallow pieces together grief, loss, and hope, creating a story that is far deeper than its title. Together, Roderick and Brinley challenge the boundaries of high school cliques while working to overcome the scars in his past and the fears about her future. Equal parts introspective and romantic, Shallow takes readers on a journey to discover the truth behind the masks we wear and the power of our words.
April 6, 2018
WOW This is Yessi Smith’s first YA novel and i think she has found her home! I read this book in one sitting!
“Alone isn’t such a tragedy when you’re trapped in a past that holds no future.”
Words can destroy just as much as they can heal.
Brinley, the school princess, does whatever she needs to do to fit in at high school. Roderick, the school loner, does whatever he needs to do to survive and graduate. Their worlds could not be farther apart until circumstances change everything and their lives collide.
Brinley needs to decide if she is strong enough to be her true self, or if she will continue to hide behind being shallow.
“Alone isn’t such a tragedy when you’re trapped in a past that holds no future.”
Words can destroy just as much as they can heal.
Brinley, the school princess, does whatever she needs to do to fit in at high school. Roderick, the school loner, does whatever he needs to do to survive and graduate. Their worlds could not be farther apart until circumstances change everything and their lives collide.
Brinley needs to decide if she is strong enough to be her true self, or if she will continue to hide behind being shallow.
June 11, 2018
Beautifully written sorry of enemies to lovers 💜💜
June 4, 2018
Shallow is a journey of turmoil, hope, loss and love. Overcoming fears from the past, and fighting for a future in a beautifully written story that bled of its pages and came to life.
April 4, 2020
“Don’t be afraid to show your depth. Don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are.”
Here I still sit, simply WOWED by Yessi Smith’s Shallow, a beautifully broken journey of heartbreak and healing that defines depth and devotion. A story that sank itself into my soul from the very first page and never stopped. So emotionally deep with words that wrapped around my heart, bursting with light and life. I loved this touching tale of truths!
A childhood hero and heroine embark collide on a soul-searing journey of self-discovery, humanity, heart, and healing. Broken sees broken, and Brinkley and Roderick are two kindred spirits with beautiful hearts beneath the hardness, fated together in the most messy but meaningful of ways. Two shattered souls with joined hearts navigating the weight of the world.
Shallow is pure passion and poetry that made my heart feel so heavy yet so full. This story made me melt . . . made me break . . . made me think . . . made me feel. Shallow made my HEART BLEED and my SOUL SOAR in a romance I felt everywhere. This journey of heartbreak and healing is ALL THE FEELS. So meaningful. So emotional. So everything.
💋💋💋💋💋 devastatingly beautiful and deep kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/2UxyfCm
Here I still sit, simply WOWED by Yessi Smith’s Shallow, a beautifully broken journey of heartbreak and healing that defines depth and devotion. A story that sank itself into my soul from the very first page and never stopped. So emotionally deep with words that wrapped around my heart, bursting with light and life. I loved this touching tale of truths!
A childhood hero and heroine embark collide on a soul-searing journey of self-discovery, humanity, heart, and healing. Broken sees broken, and Brinkley and Roderick are two kindred spirits with beautiful hearts beneath the hardness, fated together in the most messy but meaningful of ways. Two shattered souls with joined hearts navigating the weight of the world.
Shallow is pure passion and poetry that made my heart feel so heavy yet so full. This story made me melt . . . made me break . . . made me think . . . made me feel. Shallow made my HEART BLEED and my SOUL SOAR in a romance I felt everywhere. This journey of heartbreak and healing is ALL THE FEELS. So meaningful. So emotional. So everything.
💋💋💋💋💋 devastatingly beautiful and deep kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/2UxyfCm
June 4, 2018
Yessi knocked this book out of the park!! I could not put it down. From the beginning to the end, this book will keep you engaged and wondering all about each character. Yessi is an amazing author and its shows in this book. She puts her heart and soul, into this book and doesn't skimp on pulling at your heart. Enjoy everyone :)
July 27, 2019
**1 estrella (superficial)
Muy meh... no me convenció... muy cliclé en casi todo y mojoneeeera..... el planteamiento al comienzo prometía pero después se desinfló todo.
Y en muchas partes la incoherencia fue total!!
Me encantan los libros Young Adult, pero este de verdad que fue muy x, no me engancharon los personajes... muy estereotipados y la autora como que quiso salirse un poco del marco pero no le salió tan bien.
Muy meh... no me convenció... muy cliclé en casi todo y mojoneeeera..... el planteamiento al comienzo prometía pero después se desinfló todo.
Y en muchas partes la incoherencia fue total!!
Me encantan los libros Young Adult, pero este de verdad que fue muy x, no me engancharon los personajes... muy estereotipados y la autora como que quiso salirse un poco del marco pero no le salió tan bien.
September 4, 2019
Me fue algo aburrido el argumento y la manera en que muchas escenas y principalmente diálogos se desarrollaron.
June 13, 2018
I love love love Yessi’s writing. I was pumped when she said she was writing a young adult book, and she did not disappoint. It made me nostalgic for the writing style that many have deviated from over the years. The writing, the characters growing, and the overall flow of the book were great. I seriously hope Yessi continues to write in this genre or any to be honest, because her writing just gets better and better.
July 9, 2018
Definitely a YA book, but still relateable. Raw emotions of loss, grief, hope. Definitely a story that would be good for all teens to read. Great example of teens drawing into themselves and either becoming a "loner" or a "mean" kid as they try to cope with the issues in their own lives. As a mom of a teen and also someone who works at a JH, this book definitely made me stop and think about what makes kids "tick"!
July 13, 2018
This book is absolutely amazing! I don’t have the words to put together my review just yet, but as soon as I do, I will!!!
September 14, 2019
Beautifully written.
July 23, 2018
This book was such a pleasant surprise. I didn't know what I was getting into when I picked this book since I didn't read any of the reviews. Such a great story about growth, friendship, bullying and overcoming challenges. Yessi Smith did a phenomenal job on this story.
June 13, 2018
What a great coming of age story about second chances and shredding masks. While reading this I found the characters and their life dilemmas so easy to relate to (back when I was their age and the life lessons this book gave amounted to amazing sound advice for everyone. I loved how everything was woven together and the dynamics of the friendships despite all the trials was something that I think everyone hopes and wishes for.
Truly a great read and one I know will find my self going back to. A thousand thank yous will never be enough for bringing this amazing story to life.
Truly a great read and one I know will find my self going back to. A thousand thank yous will never be enough for bringing this amazing story to life.
June 13, 2018
This isn’t just a beautiful story of young love, it’s a book of poetry!
This wasn’t an easy read for me, not because it wasn’t amazing, but because there were bits of my life in the pages making it emotional, yet cathartic. Yessi’s words do it to me every time as her writing has a way of making the reader feel and experience and relate to the characters on a whole other level...words that made me mad, warmed my heart, made me cry, broke my heart, and made me smile. You can feel the emotion poured into each and every chapter.
Yessi does a great job of initially only letting us know bits and pieces about Brinley, keeping us at arms length, just like Brinley does with the people in her life. Part of her school persona is being downright mean to kids who are deemed beneath her, being the perfect school princess, surrounded by a group of popular kids but never really letting anyone in.
Roderick loves the peace of being invisible. He’s a loner and there is nothing about his life that’s perfect. Roderick doesn’t bow down to Brinley and often calls her out on her nastiness...he can see through her, knows she’s playing a part. Through Roderick’s thoughts, we get a glimpse of what Brinley was like when she was younger...she wasn’t always heartless and shallow.
I initially wasn’t sure about reading a YA book, but I’m so glad I did. Every time Yessi writes a book, it becomes my new fave and this one is no exception!
This wasn’t an easy read for me, not because it wasn’t amazing, but because there were bits of my life in the pages making it emotional, yet cathartic. Yessi’s words do it to me every time as her writing has a way of making the reader feel and experience and relate to the characters on a whole other level...words that made me mad, warmed my heart, made me cry, broke my heart, and made me smile. You can feel the emotion poured into each and every chapter.
Yessi does a great job of initially only letting us know bits and pieces about Brinley, keeping us at arms length, just like Brinley does with the people in her life. Part of her school persona is being downright mean to kids who are deemed beneath her, being the perfect school princess, surrounded by a group of popular kids but never really letting anyone in.
Roderick loves the peace of being invisible. He’s a loner and there is nothing about his life that’s perfect. Roderick doesn’t bow down to Brinley and often calls her out on her nastiness...he can see through her, knows she’s playing a part. Through Roderick’s thoughts, we get a glimpse of what Brinley was like when she was younger...she wasn’t always heartless and shallow.
I initially wasn’t sure about reading a YA book, but I’m so glad I did. Every time Yessi writes a book, it becomes my new fave and this one is no exception!
June 14, 2018
10 million unicorn stars
To say I am enamored, broken, elated, gut-wretched by Brin and Rod's story would be an utter understatement. I've been in love with Yessi Smith's storytelling since I read Life Interrupted. Over the years she has made me fall even more in love with her writing. However, Shallow is without a doubt on another level of writing from her part. It is one of the most beautifully written truths about life.
I have always found solace in words. I made friends and traveled to places because of these words. I have wept, giggled, cried and fallen in love.. All these because of words. This story about a young girl and a boy reminded me yet again why life is full of struggles and hope. Why because of the struggles of our pasts, we end up being the person the world sees. Why when you cannot share your truths with others, it is sometimes easy to leave a part of your soul in words. Words that can build you. Words that can break you. Words you write because you are lonely, without hope or the shelter of a home. Words that heal your heart. And words that become your haven.
While the storm rages outside, sometimes you can find solace in simple words. So please, please, pleaaaaaasssseeeee read this story. Because without Shallow life would just be colorless and wordless.
To say I am enamored, broken, elated, gut-wretched by Brin and Rod's story would be an utter understatement. I've been in love with Yessi Smith's storytelling since I read Life Interrupted. Over the years she has made me fall even more in love with her writing. However, Shallow is without a doubt on another level of writing from her part. It is one of the most beautifully written truths about life.
I have always found solace in words. I made friends and traveled to places because of these words. I have wept, giggled, cried and fallen in love.. All these because of words. This story about a young girl and a boy reminded me yet again why life is full of struggles and hope. Why because of the struggles of our pasts, we end up being the person the world sees. Why when you cannot share your truths with others, it is sometimes easy to leave a part of your soul in words. Words that can build you. Words that can break you. Words you write because you are lonely, without hope or the shelter of a home. Words that heal your heart. And words that become your haven.
While the storm rages outside, sometimes you can find solace in simple words. So please, please, pleaaaaaasssseeeee read this story. Because without Shallow life would just be colorless and wordless.
June 14, 2018
Absolutely loved it!
Brinley, what people call the school's "princess", is the captain of the cheer squad and the most popular girl in school. Roderick is the "freak" who no one wants to be around and everyone makes fun of a daily basis. But what happens when they cross paths once again, something that hasn't really happened in several years, when they were the best of friends in their childhood years? They may go to the same school but it's not like they hang out in the same circles. But what they don't know..is that they are both hiding something from everybody that they don't want anybody to know. The hurt, the meanness, the love, the hate, the friendship all come together wonderfully in this magnificent YA book.
On a more personal note, there were times that I wanted to say "What is wrong with you?" And there were times that I was on the verge of tears. Shallow has such a strong love/hate/love relationship throughout the book. It is absolutely beautiful. I had so much of a relationship with this book in so many ways. There are so many areas that every reader can probably relate to in one way or another. Shallow is such an amazing book and is a definite read for any age. Yessi has definitely written a wonderful book.
Brinley, what people call the school's "princess", is the captain of the cheer squad and the most popular girl in school. Roderick is the "freak" who no one wants to be around and everyone makes fun of a daily basis. But what happens when they cross paths once again, something that hasn't really happened in several years, when they were the best of friends in their childhood years? They may go to the same school but it's not like they hang out in the same circles. But what they don't know..is that they are both hiding something from everybody that they don't want anybody to know. The hurt, the meanness, the love, the hate, the friendship all come together wonderfully in this magnificent YA book.
On a more personal note, there were times that I wanted to say "What is wrong with you?" And there were times that I was on the verge of tears. Shallow has such a strong love/hate/love relationship throughout the book. It is absolutely beautiful. I had so much of a relationship with this book in so many ways. There are so many areas that every reader can probably relate to in one way or another. Shallow is such an amazing book and is a definite read for any age. Yessi has definitely written a wonderful book.
June 26, 2018
Shallow is the first YA book for this author and just like her other
books, she wrote another draw you in, can’t put down book. Brinley
and Roderick are two people with troubles, yet do what they can to
hide so others can’t see what is really going on. These teens struggle
with how to deal with their issues and the author does a fabulous job
that you truly feel you are there with the characters. She has you
experiences loss and hope, teenage high school issues, as well as past
scars and future fears. This author did a wonderful job for her first
YA book and I hope she will write more in this area, as well as her
other genres, in the future but whatever she writes, I look forward
to reading more from her in the future.
books, she wrote another draw you in, can’t put down book. Brinley
and Roderick are two people with troubles, yet do what they can to
hide so others can’t see what is really going on. These teens struggle
with how to deal with their issues and the author does a fabulous job
that you truly feel you are there with the characters. She has you
experiences loss and hope, teenage high school issues, as well as past
scars and future fears. This author did a wonderful job for her first
YA book and I hope she will write more in this area, as well as her
other genres, in the future but whatever she writes, I look forward
to reading more from her in the future.
July 23, 2018
I really enjoyed the concept for the book; it was a different story that had a few storylines that intermingled. The first portion of the book, I was completely invested and interested in. After about 30%, it seemed to lose much of its steam. There were plenty of things happening in the book, but they seemed to drag on a bit or circle around. It just felt a bit long. I was pleased with how it all wrapped up in the end, and it definitely made me think about the fact that my children will growing up sooner than I may be ready for, and there are so many potential issues that they could have, like characters in this story, if I'm not attuned enough to what is going on in their lives.
June 5, 2018
This is NOT your typical high school romance by any stretch of the imagination. The main characters are deep, emotional, thought and feeling inducing, and truly heart touching. This is a very, very deep book that is not for the weak at heart. So many real life issues worked through and dealt with by the main characters that your heart truly bleeds for them all. Truly proud of the person Brinley let shine even when it wasn’t easy. Have the characters found their village to be their family? Have to read to find out.
June 12, 2018
A perfect read for a sucker for romance. Shallow is both a comedic and emotional story of two teenagers; completely opposite on the outside, but both broken and hidden on the inside.
Brinley and Rodrick have a strong and powerful connection from the very beginning. You see Brinley grow as a person and become the best version of herself, and you see both characters open up and break down walls they never planned to let down.
Overall the story is very beautiful and realistic and the audience can relate to it in at least one way or another. I would definitely recommend this book!
Brinley and Rodrick have a strong and powerful connection from the very beginning. You see Brinley grow as a person and become the best version of herself, and you see both characters open up and break down walls they never planned to let down.
Overall the story is very beautiful and realistic and the audience can relate to it in at least one way or another. I would definitely recommend this book!
July 31, 2018
Everyone should read this!
It goes without saying you never know what someone is going through.People cover their fears and insecurities up by sometimes acting in the most horrific ways towards others.Everyone wears a certain mask for different people in their lives.They fear that they have to be a certain way to be accepted
It goes without saying you never know what someone is going through.People cover their fears and insecurities up by sometimes acting in the most horrific ways towards others.Everyone wears a certain mask for different people in their lives.They fear that they have to be a certain way to be accepted
July 18, 2018
Amazing Read!
Shallow.... This YA is everything. It is filled with so many emotions. I cried, i got mad, and i laughed. Honeslty Shallow shows you what true friendship really is. Loyalty. Its about making your own family💜 i won't say more because this book deserves to be read without spoilers.
Shallow.... This YA is everything. It is filled with so many emotions. I cried, i got mad, and i laughed. Honeslty Shallow shows you what true friendship really is. Loyalty. Its about making your own family💜 i won't say more because this book deserves to be read without spoilers.
March 2, 2021
Solo llegué hasta la página 226 pero la verdad es que no me estaba gustando mucho. Todo pasa excesivamente rápido el libro acaba de empezar y los protagonistas (que en teoría se odian) ya se están besando. Y aunque es cierto que ya se conocían de antes no tiene sentido que pase todo tan pronto, así que a pesar de tener una premisa interesante no me gustó el libro y lo dejé sin terminar
July 5, 2018
Cute!
This is a cute book full of love, angst, drama, and cuteness! I love the story of these two and the friends they make along the way. I have to say o started this book and couldn’t put it down. Such a good read!
This is a cute book full of love, angst, drama, and cuteness! I love the story of these two and the friends they make along the way. I have to say o started this book and couldn’t put it down. Such a good read!
July 29, 2018
A great coming of age and first love story! The characters were well developed and the story line was great and original. Hurt often makes us do crazy things and love makes us do stupid things but love ultimately wins.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews