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Reinventing Hannah
16-year-old Hannah longs to be someone bold and fearless, but her fear of rocking the boat gets in the way after she is raped at a house party she only attends to protect her friend.
Keeping quiet after the rape leaves Hannah stuck in depression, fear, and self-blame, creates an ever-widening rift between her and her best friend, and reinforces the lie that she is a hypocrite who gets drunk and sleeps around.
Hannah's friends want her to go back to being the sweet, quiet girl she used to be and her enemies want to intimidate her into silence, but she must find the courage to stand up for herself and other survivors or lose the opportunity to reclaim her happiness.
Keeping quiet after the rape leaves Hannah stuck in depression, fear, and self-blame, creates an ever-widening rift between her and her best friend, and reinforces the lie that she is a hypocrite who gets drunk and sleeps around.
Hannah's friends want her to go back to being the sweet, quiet girl she used to be and her enemies want to intimidate her into silence, but she must find the courage to stand up for herself and other survivors or lose the opportunity to reclaim her happiness.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
ebook
Published April 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 4, 2020
This is a great and wonderful book to read. Not many authors would write about teenage rape. This book took me about a month to read because of the triggers. I am trying hard to overcome these triggers and reading these kinds of books are helping. . I loved this book and it was quite emotional for me. This is well worth your time to read especially if you know someone who went through this or yourself. It's educational also. Thank you Jack A. Ori for writing this wonderful book.
May 31, 2020
The story starts with Hannah and her two friends Molly and Sierra, sitting in a library and talking about the plans for partying
Against her wishes, Hannah agrees to go to a party with Sierra but then soon also gets invited to a party with Brad, her classmate, and her secret crush. Even though Sierra refuses her to go out with him Hannah, on the other hand, was thinking to go out with him but didn't and instead went with Sierra as promised.
Everyone was drinking alcohol at the party and even though Hannah didn't drink anything apart from Ice tea ends up being hammered and wasted. Getting up next morning she doesn't remember what happened but her body hurts, sees bruises all over her chest and pains in her stomach, and between her legs made her feel uneasy.
Soon she starts to share the same with Sierra's brother who informs her that she was drugged with date rape drug and he thinks she was sexually assaulted also force her to go to a hospital in which he would a company her along with Sierra.
So the story continues with shock and emotional ride so what happened next? What happened at the party? What will the doctor say? How will Hannah's life change and what will she do next? And how will she change her life and forget this incident?
My Take:
Reinventing Hannah is the debut novel written by Jack Ori and it is a very emotional and heart touching story.
The story is about a teenager and how her life changed after one party and what happens after being raped at the first party she ever went to.
The author Jack Ori has written this book in a very creative and lucid language that kept my interest in reading the book from the very start. All the characters are described in details and their personalities are perfectly elaborated. This book can be a bit sensitive for some and it is also the book that will help you emotionally.
I liked the way author Jack Ori has written at the start of the story the emergency numbers for the USA resident which is personally a very nice thing to do and clever work. Also at the end of the book, there are few chapters that will help you and if you are a survivor this book is very helpful.
The highlight of the book is the storyline that is very well expressed with emotions and has a realistic touch that will make you imagine what author Jack Ori has written. A very well written book and very thoughtful.
Overall an impressive and must-read book. I would recommend others to read as well for awareness.
Against her wishes, Hannah agrees to go to a party with Sierra but then soon also gets invited to a party with Brad, her classmate, and her secret crush. Even though Sierra refuses her to go out with him Hannah, on the other hand, was thinking to go out with him but didn't and instead went with Sierra as promised.
Everyone was drinking alcohol at the party and even though Hannah didn't drink anything apart from Ice tea ends up being hammered and wasted. Getting up next morning she doesn't remember what happened but her body hurts, sees bruises all over her chest and pains in her stomach, and between her legs made her feel uneasy.
Soon she starts to share the same with Sierra's brother who informs her that she was drugged with date rape drug and he thinks she was sexually assaulted also force her to go to a hospital in which he would a company her along with Sierra.
So the story continues with shock and emotional ride so what happened next? What happened at the party? What will the doctor say? How will Hannah's life change and what will she do next? And how will she change her life and forget this incident?
My Take:
Reinventing Hannah is the debut novel written by Jack Ori and it is a very emotional and heart touching story.
The story is about a teenager and how her life changed after one party and what happens after being raped at the first party she ever went to.
The author Jack Ori has written this book in a very creative and lucid language that kept my interest in reading the book from the very start. All the characters are described in details and their personalities are perfectly elaborated. This book can be a bit sensitive for some and it is also the book that will help you emotionally.
I liked the way author Jack Ori has written at the start of the story the emergency numbers for the USA resident which is personally a very nice thing to do and clever work. Also at the end of the book, there are few chapters that will help you and if you are a survivor this book is very helpful.
The highlight of the book is the storyline that is very well expressed with emotions and has a realistic touch that will make you imagine what author Jack Ori has written. A very well written book and very thoughtful.
Overall an impressive and must-read book. I would recommend others to read as well for awareness.
February 20, 2020
This is the book our teenagers need to be reading.
Reinventing Hannah gets inside your head and your heart as we follow the people-pleasing, soft-spoken Hannah, a high school girl who puts her friends' needs above her own, who listens to every voice except the one in her own heart. Despite making good choices--sober Hannah doesn't even sip a wine cooler--she ends up the victim of a drugged drink, and wakes up to find she's been sexually assaulted by a stranger at a party. Worse, her own friends are more concerned about how her trauma impacts them instead of caring about how Hannah will move forward after the assault.
Hannah's journey from the mousy girl everyone else can mold to their own liking to become the young woman who not only overcomes her trauma, but advocates for others, shows how beauty can come from ashes, without ever becoming saccharine or preachy. Highly recommend, both for young readers and their parents.
Reinventing Hannah gets inside your head and your heart as we follow the people-pleasing, soft-spoken Hannah, a high school girl who puts her friends' needs above her own, who listens to every voice except the one in her own heart. Despite making good choices--sober Hannah doesn't even sip a wine cooler--she ends up the victim of a drugged drink, and wakes up to find she's been sexually assaulted by a stranger at a party. Worse, her own friends are more concerned about how her trauma impacts them instead of caring about how Hannah will move forward after the assault.
Hannah's journey from the mousy girl everyone else can mold to their own liking to become the young woman who not only overcomes her trauma, but advocates for others, shows how beauty can come from ashes, without ever becoming saccharine or preachy. Highly recommend, both for young readers and their parents.
April 12, 2020
Hannah, a bright young women, goes to a party where she is drugged and raped. Initially, she doesn’t even know what’s happened to her. Her journey takes us through accepting the reality of what has happened to her, navigating a difficult course through the medical and legal system, her friends’ and family’s reactions, and (yes) falling in love.
I love that Hannah and her friends are not perfect – they are smart, complex, introspective and interesting, but not perfect. They get mad, make bad decisions, succeed, fail, survive and recover with little more than honesty, a clear sense of right and wrong, and the support of each other and other women. And along the way she confronts and destroys many of the myths about rape so thoroughly that I wanted to tie a few select people to a chair and make them read it too!
All this happens against the insanity of teenage high-school life where judgment and evaluation loom around every corner. The same compassionate, rational standpoint is brought to bear on the many other "business as usual" challenges that Hannah and her friends also face, like competition, sexism, bullying, emotional abuse, and relationship violence. More importantly, "Hanna" faces these challenges without sinking into despair or turning to some sun-shiny self-deception
Most stories about rape are about rape. This book isn’t. Without diminishing the horror of rape (and without graphic details, which I think parents of younger readers will appreciate), this is most of all a coming of age story. A grueling, unfair, horrible, all-too-common rite of passage where these young women discover who they are and get a glimpse of who they will be. This is a book about finding the best parts of ourselves, celebrating them, and silencing the inner and outer voices trying to keep us in shamed silence.
I love that Hannah and her friends are not perfect – they are smart, complex, introspective and interesting, but not perfect. They get mad, make bad decisions, succeed, fail, survive and recover with little more than honesty, a clear sense of right and wrong, and the support of each other and other women. And along the way she confronts and destroys many of the myths about rape so thoroughly that I wanted to tie a few select people to a chair and make them read it too!
All this happens against the insanity of teenage high-school life where judgment and evaluation loom around every corner. The same compassionate, rational standpoint is brought to bear on the many other "business as usual" challenges that Hannah and her friends also face, like competition, sexism, bullying, emotional abuse, and relationship violence. More importantly, "Hanna" faces these challenges without sinking into despair or turning to some sun-shiny self-deception
Most stories about rape are about rape. This book isn’t. Without diminishing the horror of rape (and without graphic details, which I think parents of younger readers will appreciate), this is most of all a coming of age story. A grueling, unfair, horrible, all-too-common rite of passage where these young women discover who they are and get a glimpse of who they will be. This is a book about finding the best parts of ourselves, celebrating them, and silencing the inner and outer voices trying to keep us in shamed silence.
April 10, 2020
A powerful and compelling read!
Jack Ori hits it out of the park with this one!
This is a story of the aftermath of rape and may be too intense or triggering to survivors and sensitive readers.
Hannah is a teenager who is the “good girl,” the one expected to be a role model for her peers. Often called “mouse” by her friends, she strives to play nice with others and not rock the boat.
When her friend is headed to a party, Hannah goes too, to watch out for her friend.
Unbeknownst to Hannah, her drink is spiked and she is raped at the party.
This story moved me on so many levels. The character of Hannah, in fact, all the characters, are so rich and realistic. Moreover, the portrayal of relationships between the characters gave this story an even more relatable feel - from the dynamics of Hannah’s family to how her group of friends relates to her and each other when the rape comes to light.
As news of the rape spreads around the school, Hannah deals with harassment and bullying as some attempt to intimidate her into silence. But Hannah refuses to be silent, refuses to be “mouse” anymore.
This story is powerful and compelling as we follow Hannah on her journey to not only begin healing from the rape, but to reinvent herself, leaving “mouse” behind.
Determined to stand up for herself and other victims, despite pressure from others to stay safe out of the limelight, Hannah begins a course of growth from mouse to a strong advocate for sexual assault survivors.
A touching subplot involves Hannah’s budding relationship with Brad, the boy she likes, as she struggles with the combination of fear of getting close and the desire to develop the relationship.
I strongly recommend this novel, a story of strength, determination, and transformation.
Jack Ori hits it out of the park with this one!
This is a story of the aftermath of rape and may be too intense or triggering to survivors and sensitive readers.
Hannah is a teenager who is the “good girl,” the one expected to be a role model for her peers. Often called “mouse” by her friends, she strives to play nice with others and not rock the boat.
When her friend is headed to a party, Hannah goes too, to watch out for her friend.
Unbeknownst to Hannah, her drink is spiked and she is raped at the party.
This story moved me on so many levels. The character of Hannah, in fact, all the characters, are so rich and realistic. Moreover, the portrayal of relationships between the characters gave this story an even more relatable feel - from the dynamics of Hannah’s family to how her group of friends relates to her and each other when the rape comes to light.
As news of the rape spreads around the school, Hannah deals with harassment and bullying as some attempt to intimidate her into silence. But Hannah refuses to be silent, refuses to be “mouse” anymore.
This story is powerful and compelling as we follow Hannah on her journey to not only begin healing from the rape, but to reinvent herself, leaving “mouse” behind.
Determined to stand up for herself and other victims, despite pressure from others to stay safe out of the limelight, Hannah begins a course of growth from mouse to a strong advocate for sexual assault survivors.
A touching subplot involves Hannah’s budding relationship with Brad, the boy she likes, as she struggles with the combination of fear of getting close and the desire to develop the relationship.
I strongly recommend this novel, a story of strength, determination, and transformation.
April 24, 2020
Contradictions are the defining characteristic of adolescence and Hannah isn’t spared any of the conflict and confusion. She’s the smart kid who, when it comes to understanding others, often gets it all wrong. In trying to please everyone else, she hasn’t yet figured out what she herself wants and wouldn’t be able to ask for it anyway. From early in the story, she’s torn between a potential boyfriend and her two best friends - and torn between the two friends, who are pretty much polar opposites. Learning to navigate these conflicts is part of her growth.
At the start, author Jack Ori deftly sets up Hannah’s position as the role model with the spotless image who is too shy to stand up for herself. Her desire to please a friend leads her to a party where she is drugged and raped. The rest of the events of the novel ripple out from this moment as each chapter propels the story - and Hannah’s reinvention - forward.
The sexual assault is handled with sensitivity and insight. The fact that it happened while Hannah was blacked out means that both she and the reader are spared the details of the act itself. This serves to emphasize what too many have learned — that victimization doesn’t end with the crime. It’s only the beginning.
The trauma sets in immediately with Hannah’s dawning realization of everything that had happened to her. Every decision from the point on is excruciating as she decides who to confide in and where to turn for help. Along the way, she is subjected to a mortifying barrage of gossip, bullying, and threats.
Someone once told me that I should take a character at the end of a novel and drop her into the first chapter. Would she handle things differently? In Hannah’s case, the answer is decidedly “yes.”
At the start, author Jack Ori deftly sets up Hannah’s position as the role model with the spotless image who is too shy to stand up for herself. Her desire to please a friend leads her to a party where she is drugged and raped. The rest of the events of the novel ripple out from this moment as each chapter propels the story - and Hannah’s reinvention - forward.
The sexual assault is handled with sensitivity and insight. The fact that it happened while Hannah was blacked out means that both she and the reader are spared the details of the act itself. This serves to emphasize what too many have learned — that victimization doesn’t end with the crime. It’s only the beginning.
The trauma sets in immediately with Hannah’s dawning realization of everything that had happened to her. Every decision from the point on is excruciating as she decides who to confide in and where to turn for help. Along the way, she is subjected to a mortifying barrage of gossip, bullying, and threats.
Someone once told me that I should take a character at the end of a novel and drop her into the first chapter. Would she handle things differently? In Hannah’s case, the answer is decidedly “yes.”
August 5, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only
I started reading this at midnight and finished around 2.30am. I couldn't put this book down. This book reminded me of a special woman I know who caught HIV through a needle accident in a hospital. She chose to reinvent herself and is a strong woman who has helped so many people with HIV/Aids. Hannah reminded me a lot if her. She took a terrible awful situation and became strong and resilient and helped so many others. Throughout her journey she lost and found friends, family, herself. This book was so relevant in today's society and although parts were hard to stomach - I am glad I read this story and I'm glad it had the outcome it did. A book every teen should read
I started reading this at midnight and finished around 2.30am. I couldn't put this book down. This book reminded me of a special woman I know who caught HIV through a needle accident in a hospital. She chose to reinvent herself and is a strong woman who has helped so many people with HIV/Aids. Hannah reminded me a lot if her. She took a terrible awful situation and became strong and resilient and helped so many others. Throughout her journey she lost and found friends, family, herself. This book was so relevant in today's society and although parts were hard to stomach - I am glad I read this story and I'm glad it had the outcome it did. A book every teen should read
April 14, 2020
I found this book very real while I felt great empathy for Hannah I was also inspired by her struggle and determination to find her own way through problems not being pushed by anyone professional or friend. If I still had a teenage daughter I would want her to read this book hoping it would explain the dangers that are lurking when you least expect it also that you don't have to join in with the party makers to be taken advantage of and also so they learn not to judge because they may not know the full story.
March 2, 2020
Hannah was a teenager whose life was turned over from the abuse she suffered. This gives a realistic chain of events about the conflicts she faced. This speaks of friendship, struggles with friends, trust and healing. Excellent book which teens and parents would benefit from, especially, as well as professionals.
July 23, 2020
I read this in one day. I was hooked. As someone who was assaulted when I was younger this really spoke to me. It is good to see this addressed in a YA novel and hopefully this will help others too.
November 2, 2020
I'm not in a place where I can read this right now, but I am so so so glad it exists.
Thank you, Jack A. Ori, for existing and creating Hannah and her world.
Thank you, Jack A. Ori, for existing and creating Hannah and her world.
September 21, 2025
I'll be honest—I've been struggling with romance novels lately. The meet-cutes and happily-ever-afters have felt hollow, so I've been gravitating toward my collection of edgier reads that have been gathering digital dust on my Kindle. That's how I rediscovered Reinventing Hannah by Jack A. Ori, and I'm grateful I did.
Hannah starts as the archetypal "good girl"—student council member, rule-follower, someone waiting for marriage (or at least the right person) before having sex. She doesn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. She's the perfect student, the one parents point to as an example. But perfection, as we learn, offers no protection from the worst humanity can offer.
When Hannah agrees to be the designated driver for her friend Sasha's party, she's still the responsible one—having fun but staying sober. The next morning, though, she wakes up with no memory of the previous night and the devastating realization that she's been raped and sexually assaulted.
What follows is a raw, unflinching exploration of trauma's aftermath. Hannah struggles with anger, acts out in ways that shock those around her, and finds herself unable to trust even her own instincts. Her established friendships crumble as people retreat from this new version of Hannah—one who's finally learned to stand up for herself.
Jack A. Ori masterfully captures the cruel irony: the very assertiveness that Hannah's assault awakens in her is what she needed all along. The tragedy becomes a twisted catalyst for her to become who she always wanted to be—someone who refuses to be silenced, someone who wants to help others, someone who understands that life is precious and short.
The pressure Hannah faces to stay quiet feels painfully authentic. Friends and enemies alike want her silence for different reasons. Her parents' well-meaning fragility only adds another layer of isolation. Most devastating are her own fears, constantly pulling her back toward the safety of silence.
The central question—whether Hannah can find the strength to advocate for herself and other survivors—drives the narrative with genuine tension. This isn't just about one woman's recovery; it's about finding voice in a world that often prefers victims stay voiceless.
Reinventing Hannah resonates because most of us know this story intimately—whether through personal experience, someone we love, or countless news stories. We understand how fleeting life can be and how powerful it is when someone simply says, "I am here for you."
Jack A. Ori has crafted a story that's both heartbreaking and hopeful, showing how sometimes our greatest wounds can become sources of unexpected strength.
Hannah starts as the archetypal "good girl"—student council member, rule-follower, someone waiting for marriage (or at least the right person) before having sex. She doesn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. She's the perfect student, the one parents point to as an example. But perfection, as we learn, offers no protection from the worst humanity can offer.
When Hannah agrees to be the designated driver for her friend Sasha's party, she's still the responsible one—having fun but staying sober. The next morning, though, she wakes up with no memory of the previous night and the devastating realization that she's been raped and sexually assaulted.
What follows is a raw, unflinching exploration of trauma's aftermath. Hannah struggles with anger, acts out in ways that shock those around her, and finds herself unable to trust even her own instincts. Her established friendships crumble as people retreat from this new version of Hannah—one who's finally learned to stand up for herself.
Jack A. Ori masterfully captures the cruel irony: the very assertiveness that Hannah's assault awakens in her is what she needed all along. The tragedy becomes a twisted catalyst for her to become who she always wanted to be—someone who refuses to be silenced, someone who wants to help others, someone who understands that life is precious and short.
The pressure Hannah faces to stay quiet feels painfully authentic. Friends and enemies alike want her silence for different reasons. Her parents' well-meaning fragility only adds another layer of isolation. Most devastating are her own fears, constantly pulling her back toward the safety of silence.
The central question—whether Hannah can find the strength to advocate for herself and other survivors—drives the narrative with genuine tension. This isn't just about one woman's recovery; it's about finding voice in a world that often prefers victims stay voiceless.
Reinventing Hannah resonates because most of us know this story intimately—whether through personal experience, someone we love, or countless news stories. We understand how fleeting life can be and how powerful it is when someone simply says, "I am here for you."
Jack A. Ori has crafted a story that's both heartbreaking and hopeful, showing how sometimes our greatest wounds can become sources of unexpected strength.
October 5, 2021
Love, love, loved this book. Powerful and deeply compelling, this was a fantastic read.
Hannah Kollman is quiet, and shy, and struggles to do things outside of her comfort zone, so it makes sense that her nickname is Mouse. Known as a “good girl” and a near-perfect role model, her entire life is turned upside down when one night, she is drugged and raped at a party. What follows is series of events that challenges both her, and the people around her as Hannah finds the inner strength she never knew she had.
Ugh, this novel nearly broke my heart, but I am so glad got the chance to read this. Rape is never a pleasant subject, and I thought the author handled it with care and sensitivity. I am glad that he didn’t dwell on the evening of the party, but rather, focused on the events that comes after such a life changing experience. I loved that the characters were flawed, and sometimes hypocritical, and made mistakes. In my view, this was what made them realistic, and human; especially since the main characters are teenagers. It was great to see how they grew with each other, discovering their own minds, rethinking past beliefs, and navigating the aftershocks of that horrible night. More than anything though, I loved how Hannah found it in herself to not only find her voice, but to also be a voice for others who fell to victim to the same misfortune. An excellent read and highly recommended for any teen or adult.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Jack Ori for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hannah Kollman is quiet, and shy, and struggles to do things outside of her comfort zone, so it makes sense that her nickname is Mouse. Known as a “good girl” and a near-perfect role model, her entire life is turned upside down when one night, she is drugged and raped at a party. What follows is series of events that challenges both her, and the people around her as Hannah finds the inner strength she never knew she had.
Ugh, this novel nearly broke my heart, but I am so glad got the chance to read this. Rape is never a pleasant subject, and I thought the author handled it with care and sensitivity. I am glad that he didn’t dwell on the evening of the party, but rather, focused on the events that comes after such a life changing experience. I loved that the characters were flawed, and sometimes hypocritical, and made mistakes. In my view, this was what made them realistic, and human; especially since the main characters are teenagers. It was great to see how they grew with each other, discovering their own minds, rethinking past beliefs, and navigating the aftershocks of that horrible night. More than anything though, I loved how Hannah found it in herself to not only find her voice, but to also be a voice for others who fell to victim to the same misfortune. An excellent read and highly recommended for any teen or adult.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Jack Ori for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2020
While a rape is the catalyst for Jack Ori's Reinventing Hannah, the story of sixteen-year-old Hannah Kollman is much more than that. It is about a girl whose terrible and unexpected experience leads her on a journey to becoming her true self. Before she attends the Halloween party that changes her life in a terrible way, Hannah is a shy young woman who tries her best to avoid situations that could result in very bad decisions. However, after the disastrous consequences of that night, she decides that she no longer wants to be Mouse, the nickname her friends have given her because she's so quiet. Her decision to reinvent herself and stand up against challenges such as the loss of friends, merciless bullying, and police and medical professionals who seem to regard her situation with nonchalance makes for a compelling story that urges the reader to follow Hannah from the beginning of her journey up until the end. Even if the reader has never been a rape victim, Ori includes countless other situations that make Hannah a relatable character for anyone who has ever struggled with the high-school social scene. Due to his background in social work, he writes with a flawless realness that makes Hannah's story both believable and relevant for teens and adults alike in today's world. It is definitely worth a read!
February 8, 2021
Very flat, detached, and disjointed...
So.
The main character's POV was not engaging. Like at all.
An occasional word would find it's way in to the story (like who in the hell wriggles?) that no one would ever use or use to describe anything in real life.
Plus there were lots of turning red and her face growing hot, but then saying on the next page that she blushed for once. Lots of whining about people not standing up for her, and then getting mad/angry when people do, because "she could stand/speak up for herself. The main character is annoying, her friends are awful, her mom is obnoxious and victim-blamey, and despite saying over and over again that "an angry friend is better than a dead one," she forgets this frequently and then regrets fiiiiiinally doing the right thing. I don't know. This was definitively an annoying read that I could barely finish- but I can see how it might be helpful for people that are...young, and massively immature?
Either way this book definitely isn't for anyone over the age of 18.
So.
The main character's POV was not engaging. Like at all.
An occasional word would find it's way in to the story (like who in the hell wriggles?) that no one would ever use or use to describe anything in real life.
Plus there were lots of turning red and her face growing hot, but then saying on the next page that she blushed for once. Lots of whining about people not standing up for her, and then getting mad/angry when people do, because "she could stand/speak up for herself. The main character is annoying, her friends are awful, her mom is obnoxious and victim-blamey, and despite saying over and over again that "an angry friend is better than a dead one," she forgets this frequently and then regrets fiiiiiinally doing the right thing. I don't know. This was definitively an annoying read that I could barely finish- but I can see how it might be helpful for people that are...young, and massively immature?
Either way this book definitely isn't for anyone over the age of 18.
April 16, 2020
Captivating prose and poignant emotions illuminate Ori’s sharp debut about a sexual-attack victim’s harrowing emotional journey.
When 16-year-old Hannah decides to go to a house party to protect her best friend, she has no idea her life would unravel in a worst possible way. Drugged and raped at the party by a stranger, Hannah finds herself burdened with guilt as depression and fear sets in. But she must find the courage to stand up for herself or risk losing her own sanity.
Ori sensitively portrays a spiral of bullying that a teenager has to face as a victim of sexual attack, skillfully depicting the unforgiving mind-set of high schoolers. Hannah’s repressed rage and relentless agony is portrayed without any melodrama, strengthening the impact of her riveting story as the survivor of a sexual attack.
A powerful YA book that deserves to be placed at school and library shelves.
When 16-year-old Hannah decides to go to a house party to protect her best friend, she has no idea her life would unravel in a worst possible way. Drugged and raped at the party by a stranger, Hannah finds herself burdened with guilt as depression and fear sets in. But she must find the courage to stand up for herself or risk losing her own sanity.
Ori sensitively portrays a spiral of bullying that a teenager has to face as a victim of sexual attack, skillfully depicting the unforgiving mind-set of high schoolers. Hannah’s repressed rage and relentless agony is portrayed without any melodrama, strengthening the impact of her riveting story as the survivor of a sexual attack.
A powerful YA book that deserves to be placed at school and library shelves.
October 4, 2022
[I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]
This was both a very heartwrenching yet inspiring young adult novel! Hannah felt like a very real and relatable protagonist and I felt like I got to experience her journey with her of experiencing trauma and then healing in the aftermath of her rape. I also loved seeing her character develop and grow into becoming her own person with her own identity despite all of her anguish and I kept rooting for her to not sink into despair and keep being strong, even when she doesn't know she is. Brad is also a great character as well and seeing how Hannah's friendship and relationship with him developed was heartwarming. I really enjoyed this beautifully written and realistic story about sexual assault and bullying in high school and readers who enjoyed Speak, Thirteen Reasons Why, and/or Anne likely will as well.
This was both a very heartwrenching yet inspiring young adult novel! Hannah felt like a very real and relatable protagonist and I felt like I got to experience her journey with her of experiencing trauma and then healing in the aftermath of her rape. I also loved seeing her character develop and grow into becoming her own person with her own identity despite all of her anguish and I kept rooting for her to not sink into despair and keep being strong, even when she doesn't know she is. Brad is also a great character as well and seeing how Hannah's friendship and relationship with him developed was heartwarming. I really enjoyed this beautifully written and realistic story about sexual assault and bullying in high school and readers who enjoyed Speak, Thirteen Reasons Why, and/or Anne likely will as well.
April 18, 2022
This was a hard book to read ! I felt such empathy for Hannah. What teenage doesn’t want to fit in and go to parties ?
Hannah really likes Brad, although her friends think he is unpopular. Listening to her friends, she attends a party with her friend Sierra. Sierra asks Hannah to not drink and watch her back. Sierra Is fine but Hannah ends up with a drugged drink.
Later on she realizes she was date raped. Hannah is a shy girl and is afraid of what would happen if others at her school knew what happened.
Hannah grows strong and reinvents herself as an advocate for other teens. She was bullied for what happened to her and wants to help others.
A strong story that should be read by teens. Both male and female.
Thank you NetGalley and the author to allow me to read this ARC for my honest opinion
Hannah really likes Brad, although her friends think he is unpopular. Listening to her friends, she attends a party with her friend Sierra. Sierra asks Hannah to not drink and watch her back. Sierra Is fine but Hannah ends up with a drugged drink.
Later on she realizes she was date raped. Hannah is a shy girl and is afraid of what would happen if others at her school knew what happened.
Hannah grows strong and reinvents herself as an advocate for other teens. She was bullied for what happened to her and wants to help others.
A strong story that should be read by teens. Both male and female.
Thank you NetGalley and the author to allow me to read this ARC for my honest opinion
April 16, 2020
INTRIGUING
Turning a horrible traumatic situation into good. This story definitely grabs my attention and kept me intrigued throughout the daunting suspense. The awareness that this amazing read instills in the reader is eye awakening especially the way this story is laid out with all the negative obstacles and all the positive encouragement I really appreciated how it all unfold. The writer did a great job with this story.
Turning a horrible traumatic situation into good. This story definitely grabs my attention and kept me intrigued throughout the daunting suspense. The awareness that this amazing read instills in the reader is eye awakening especially the way this story is laid out with all the negative obstacles and all the positive encouragement I really appreciated how it all unfold. The writer did a great job with this story.
November 1, 2024
Jack, this is an open letter to you - that I hope those considering this book will read and feel compelled to read Reinventing Hannah.
This book is important. It's important in the way that it doesn't show a victim of SA falling to pieces, irreparable and tragic. It shows hope, and character development, and hope and possibilities. It shows Hannah as a survivor, someone who was able to bounce back and be better. It helped me to know that there are SA survivors represented in fiction (I'm sure that there are others but I haven't read many because books around this subject are usually uncomfortable for me to read) that inspire strength and tenacity.
As well as this, you've created an interesting story with friendships and complex relationships, letting us peer in to minds of your characters and helping us understand their motivations to create a compelling and truly enjoyable book.
Thank you for writing this Jack. You are truly a treasure.
This book is important. It's important in the way that it doesn't show a victim of SA falling to pieces, irreparable and tragic. It shows hope, and character development, and hope and possibilities. It shows Hannah as a survivor, someone who was able to bounce back and be better. It helped me to know that there are SA survivors represented in fiction (I'm sure that there are others but I haven't read many because books around this subject are usually uncomfortable for me to read) that inspire strength and tenacity.
As well as this, you've created an interesting story with friendships and complex relationships, letting us peer in to minds of your characters and helping us understand their motivations to create a compelling and truly enjoyable book.
Thank you for writing this Jack. You are truly a treasure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
This book tackles the tough topic of teenage rape at a party. I had high hopes for it. However, the writing is very simplistic and it read like a book version of the early 1980’s after school special. Many of the characters were extreme caricatures. Brad seemed to be the only character with any depth.
February 4, 2023
Powerful
This book covers some difficult subjects, but does it in a way that is sympathetic to those who have been hurt in such situations. It gives an empowering message, and provides relatable characters. It isn’t an easy read, and it shouldn’t be, but it does show that it’s okay to speak up and okay to struggle with normal, everyday life after a sexual assault.
This book covers some difficult subjects, but does it in a way that is sympathetic to those who have been hurt in such situations. It gives an empowering message, and provides relatable characters. It isn’t an easy read, and it shouldn’t be, but it does show that it’s okay to speak up and okay to struggle with normal, everyday life after a sexual assault.
Read
December 11, 2023I can't lie, this was a tough read in places. Not because of the writing, but the topic. It brought tears to my eyes several times and I think Jack A.Ori handled a delicate subject matter brilliantly.
I felt for Hannah, I really did. I have read books with the same topic before and never have I felt so much for the main character before - which is why it was tough as a reader because Jack really makes you care for her and it's so emotional seeing what she goes through.
Each character is very well developed and none of them seemed like "filler", I also didn't find that any of the story dragged and kept me interested throughout.
I think everyone should read this, it gives a raw and open view into sexual assault without being graphic or crude. The way it is handled is masterful.
I look forward to seeing what Jack comes up with next and can't wait to read more of his work.
Highly recommended.
I felt for Hannah, I really did. I have read books with the same topic before and never have I felt so much for the main character before - which is why it was tough as a reader because Jack really makes you care for her and it's so emotional seeing what she goes through.
Each character is very well developed and none of them seemed like "filler", I also didn't find that any of the story dragged and kept me interested throughout.
I think everyone should read this, it gives a raw and open view into sexual assault without being graphic or crude. The way it is handled is masterful.
I look forward to seeing what Jack comes up with next and can't wait to read more of his work.
Highly recommended.
August 9, 2023
It took me a while to read this. I am a survivor of multiple times from a very young age. This book hit home, hard for me.
Hannah's resilience in the face of a traumatic event was inspirational. I feel like this should be required reading for all teenagers.
The information at the end of the book is crucial and should definitely be read.
Hannah is right in that we keep telling girls and women what not to do, but never tell men and boys how their actions are not ok.
Hannah's resilience in the face of a traumatic event was inspirational. I feel like this should be required reading for all teenagers.
The information at the end of the book is crucial and should definitely be read.
Hannah is right in that we keep telling girls and women what not to do, but never tell men and boys how their actions are not ok.
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