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Everything I Knew to be True
It was never easy for Cassie and her mother, struggling to make ends meet in their tiny apartment in The Bronx, but they had each other and that was enough. When her mother dies suddenly from an aggressive form of cancer, Cassie is forced to finish high school in California while living with the wealthy family of her mother's closest friend--a women she never knew existed.
Living with the Stantons is the complete opposite of what she's used to--the massive house, a father figure, and Cody, the spoiled, insanely good-looking son with the bedroom across the hall.
Broken with grief and struggling to fit in, Cassie meets Mila, a female powerhouse that helps her cope with a hidden past, the overwhelming present, and a shared experience no one should have to endure--a nightmare they both thought was over.
Warning: Although this book is classified as Young Adult, I recommended it for mature readers due to explicit language.
Living with the Stantons is the complete opposite of what she's used to--the massive house, a father figure, and Cody, the spoiled, insanely good-looking son with the bedroom across the hall.
Broken with grief and struggling to fit in, Cassie meets Mila, a female powerhouse that helps her cope with a hidden past, the overwhelming present, and a shared experience no one should have to endure--a nightmare they both thought was over.
Warning: Although this book is classified as Young Adult, I recommended it for mature readers due to explicit language.
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
362 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2019
12 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Rayna York
4 books62 followersRayna York grew up with hippie parents that moved a lot. Where change was the norm, books were her constant—a way to escape. As an adult, many careers came and went, but writing has always been her passion. Her books tend to be based on dreams, and since that’s the way inspiration strikes, she wakes up every morning and writes them in her notebook with barely an eye open. When she’s not tucked away in her writing shack, she’s pursuing other passions, like chocolate, reading, or movies/TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 30, 2024
Spoilers!
If Lifetime TV made a melodramatic movie about a high school rapist, created an unbelievable villain and girl with a tragic backstory and hired terrible, but pretty actors, that movie might be EVERYTHING WE KNEW TO BE TRUE.
EVERYTHING I KNEW TO BE TRUE is a story with many Big Issues. Few are handled well and sexual assault is handled worst of all. I almost felt like Rayna York wrote a “what not to do if you’re assaulted” primer, not just for Josh’s victims, also the bystanders.
-Don’t tell any adults who might be able to help you.
-Don’t report the abuse.
-Blame a girl for allegedly setting it up, don’t blame the boy who attacked you.
-Vandalize the girl’s car, because if you spray paint the attacker’s car, he might know you’re responsible.
-When the would-be-rapist attacks the girl, feel bad for thirty seconds and then ignore her. She deserves to hurt even though she can help adding another victim’s voice.
-Finally go to the police, but be vague and don’t give helpful info.
-Set up a trap for the attacker, but don’t tell any adults.
York word-builds in an engaging style. Her characters had nuance and personality. However Josh, the rapist, was an unrealistic and unbelievable person, almost as if a teenager with no experience in sexual,assault who has never met a victim or offender created him. Josh practically walks around attacking girl after girl, threatening them in school and at parties. Near the end, he throws out the excuse that his father beat his mother and Josh telling his sin women deserved to be knocked around.
I like York’s writing style and hated the way she handled the topic.
If Lifetime TV made a melodramatic movie about a high school rapist, created an unbelievable villain and girl with a tragic backstory and hired terrible, but pretty actors, that movie might be EVERYTHING WE KNEW TO BE TRUE.
EVERYTHING I KNEW TO BE TRUE is a story with many Big Issues. Few are handled well and sexual assault is handled worst of all. I almost felt like Rayna York wrote a “what not to do if you’re assaulted” primer, not just for Josh’s victims, also the bystanders.
-Don’t tell any adults who might be able to help you.
-Don’t report the abuse.
-Blame a girl for allegedly setting it up, don’t blame the boy who attacked you.
-Vandalize the girl’s car, because if you spray paint the attacker’s car, he might know you’re responsible.
-When the would-be-rapist attacks the girl, feel bad for thirty seconds and then ignore her. She deserves to hurt even though she can help adding another victim’s voice.
-Finally go to the police, but be vague and don’t give helpful info.
-Set up a trap for the attacker, but don’t tell any adults.
York word-builds in an engaging style. Her characters had nuance and personality. However Josh, the rapist, was an unrealistic and unbelievable person, almost as if a teenager with no experience in sexual,assault who has never met a victim or offender created him. Josh practically walks around attacking girl after girl, threatening them in school and at parties. Near the end, he throws out the excuse that his father beat his mother and Josh telling his sin women deserved to be knocked around.
I like York’s writing style and hated the way she handled the topic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
EVERYTHING I KNEW TO BE TRUE is a powerful story about finding your inner strength even when everything around you seems to be falling apart. When Cassie’s mom dies of cancer, she moves from New York, the only home she knows, to the west coast to live with a family she barely remembers, a family that is not her own. Barely scraping by in New York, Cassie’s new life in Northern California couldn’t be more different, from the large sprawling homes to the intact nuclear family she comes to live with, including Cody, a boy from her childhood who has blossomed into a serious heartthrob with a room across the hall from hers. As she adjusts to a new life that does not involve wondering how they’re going to pay the bills, she is also thrust into high school drama she is totally unprepared to handle. Her east coast upbringing has given her a hard outer shell and the wit to hold her own, but only on the outside. Inside she’s crumbling from grief and feeling like a fish out of water. With the help of Cody, his parents, and new friends, she tenuously navigates her new world until secrets from her past and a cruel event at a party turn her world upside down once again, leaving her wondering if everything she thought was true is really just one more lie.
Plot
The story is about Cassie learning who she is and coming to terms with the truths she discovers about herself, her family, and life itself. But it’s also about friendship, family, revenge and romance. The author weaves everything together in a well-plotted tale with a few surprises.
Characters
I love Cassie. She’s snarky thanks to her childhood in the Bronx, strong, but not immune to the crap high school throws at you. Mila is hysterical as the new friend with a verbal stream of consciousness, and Cody is adorable as the quasi step-brother/love interest that creates a lot of the best conflict in the story. Cody’s parents and Cassie’s guardians are everything she needs and what we hope all parents would be. The antagonists are bit more stereotypical, but also different enough that I wasn’t always sure what to expect from them.
What I Enjoyed About EVERYTHING I KNEW TO BE TRUE
1. Mila. She is the vibrant colorful yin to Cassie’s dark and withdrawn yang
2. Cassie. It took me a little bit to warm up to her, but once I did, I absolutely loved her spunk.
3. Cody. Completely swoonworthy.
4. Surprises. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming that helped keep my interest when I felt the story was slowing down a bit.
5. Revenge. A dish best served deliciously cold.
Bottom Line
A sold young adult tale with interesting characters who are easy to root for.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Plot
The story is about Cassie learning who she is and coming to terms with the truths she discovers about herself, her family, and life itself. But it’s also about friendship, family, revenge and romance. The author weaves everything together in a well-plotted tale with a few surprises.
Characters
I love Cassie. She’s snarky thanks to her childhood in the Bronx, strong, but not immune to the crap high school throws at you. Mila is hysterical as the new friend with a verbal stream of consciousness, and Cody is adorable as the quasi step-brother/love interest that creates a lot of the best conflict in the story. Cody’s parents and Cassie’s guardians are everything she needs and what we hope all parents would be. The antagonists are bit more stereotypical, but also different enough that I wasn’t always sure what to expect from them.
What I Enjoyed About EVERYTHING I KNEW TO BE TRUE
1. Mila. She is the vibrant colorful yin to Cassie’s dark and withdrawn yang
2. Cassie. It took me a little bit to warm up to her, but once I did, I absolutely loved her spunk.
3. Cody. Completely swoonworthy.
4. Surprises. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming that helped keep my interest when I felt the story was slowing down a bit.
5. Revenge. A dish best served deliciously cold.
Bottom Line
A sold young adult tale with interesting characters who are easy to root for.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
Part of the reason I didn't enjoy this book much was because I felt it was for younger audiences, early to mid-teens. Small things irritated me, like the excessive use of "eff!" I understand that a huge amount of swearing would be inappropriate, but really, who swears like that? Who exclaims "eff!" multiple times in a conversation? That's just a petty complaint, though. I also have some deep issues with the book.
The way people in Cassie's life pushed her to meet with her abusive father was absolutely disgusting. Nobody should be pressured into meeting with an abuser like that. It was treated as though meeting with he father was a necessary event that she would have to get to, which is a horrible, horrible mindset. Cassie didn't want her father in her life, which is completely valid and understandable. But both Cody and Mila brought him up frequently until Mila eventually took it into her own hands to arrange a meet up for them. It made me very uncomfortable.
Additionally, the comments about Cassie's mother not getting back in touch with her father because she "let her fear dominate her" were vile. The idea that a victim owes an abuser anything - their time, a relationship, anything - is completely toxic. A victim should never be shamed for not wanting their abuser in their life. I can't believe that even has to be said.
Cassie and her mother would have been well within their rights to never speak to him. The views that this book shares are awful, and not something that should be spread around, especially in a book that seems so geared to a young, impressionable audience.
The way people in Cassie's life pushed her to meet with her abusive father was absolutely disgusting. Nobody should be pressured into meeting with an abuser like that. It was treated as though meeting with he father was a necessary event that she would have to get to, which is a horrible, horrible mindset. Cassie didn't want her father in her life, which is completely valid and understandable. But both Cody and Mila brought him up frequently until Mila eventually took it into her own hands to arrange a meet up for them. It made me very uncomfortable.
Additionally, the comments about Cassie's mother not getting back in touch with her father because she "let her fear dominate her" were vile. The idea that a victim owes an abuser anything - their time, a relationship, anything - is completely toxic. A victim should never be shamed for not wanting their abuser in their life. I can't believe that even has to be said.
Cassie and her mother would have been well within their rights to never speak to him. The views that this book shares are awful, and not something that should be spread around, especially in a book that seems so geared to a young, impressionable audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review.
I really do love the book's concept. When I first read the synopsis, I was so excited because it seems to include so many of my personal favorite tropes (hate-love, starting a new life, etc). But I am quite disappointed with the results because there were several things in the book that ruined the reading experience for me. However, I would not give it a 1/5 because despite me not enjoying the book, since the writing was still acceptable and I appreciate the effort.
So what ruined the experiences for me?
The cliched villain and high school setting.
"'Oh, me?' Shandler places her hand on her chest. 'No way... too much fat. Can I just get the antipasto salad with the dressing on the side?'"
I think all of us to some extent has been exposed to the over-used "cliched" version of high schools (with the mean girls/jocks, and all). This book checks out (unfortunately). I don't think much elaboration is needed for me to explain why I hate this aspect of the book. To understand how I felt, I recommend going through the worst high school movies you can find - those will do the trick.
Stiff Dialogues.
Almost all of the dialogues are extremely stiff making the character dynamics and interactions extremely unrealistic. I think the best way to describe why and "how" the dialogues are so stiff is that the dialogues "told" so many things that should've been "written out" instead. The speaking style is the equivalent to when you see a movie and can just feel how scripted these scripts are. They make me feel like they are dialogues and not a real conversation.
Unsuccessful attempt and bickering couple.
This is a lot of ways is a direct extension of the "stiff dialogues". The because dialogues in books arguably make up 90% of the chemistry/dynamic quality, bad dialogues will directly negatively influence that aspect.
An unsuccessful attempt at making the guy seem like the jerk (when he is not), resulting in the girl looking a bit like a...idiot.
An extension to further explain "unsuccessful attempt and bickering couple". It's like a whole chain of events: the bad dialogues lead to bad couple chemistry, which leads to the bad representation of the characters, failing the originally intended "trope effect" (jerk/popular guy with the nice girl.
In other words, It's clear what the author is aiming for: the bad/popular/jerk boy who is "not as bad as he seems" with our (quite standardized) female protagonist of this YA contemporary novel. However, the author failed at that because the awkward dialogues ruined the dynamics and failed to portray the guy as the "golden-heart jerk". So if the guy is obviously not a jerk from his behavior, if the girl still treats and reacts as if hew as being a jerk, this makes the girl looks like a jerk.
It's kind of a mess.
There were also some technical issues such as typos, but I don't mind it as much because mistakes happen and I did receive an advance review copy but I do hope that they were able to recognize it and review it before they publish it.
I'm quite disappointed with my reading experience, but I appreciate the effort and concept so I'm still going to give it a rating of 3/5.
I really do love the book's concept. When I first read the synopsis, I was so excited because it seems to include so many of my personal favorite tropes (hate-love, starting a new life, etc). But I am quite disappointed with the results because there were several things in the book that ruined the reading experience for me. However, I would not give it a 1/5 because despite me not enjoying the book, since the writing was still acceptable and I appreciate the effort.
So what ruined the experiences for me?
The cliched villain and high school setting.
"'Oh, me?' Shandler places her hand on her chest. 'No way... too much fat. Can I just get the antipasto salad with the dressing on the side?'"
I think all of us to some extent has been exposed to the over-used "cliched" version of high schools (with the mean girls/jocks, and all). This book checks out (unfortunately). I don't think much elaboration is needed for me to explain why I hate this aspect of the book. To understand how I felt, I recommend going through the worst high school movies you can find - those will do the trick.
Stiff Dialogues.
Almost all of the dialogues are extremely stiff making the character dynamics and interactions extremely unrealistic. I think the best way to describe why and "how" the dialogues are so stiff is that the dialogues "told" so many things that should've been "written out" instead. The speaking style is the equivalent to when you see a movie and can just feel how scripted these scripts are. They make me feel like they are dialogues and not a real conversation.
Unsuccessful attempt and bickering couple.
This is a lot of ways is a direct extension of the "stiff dialogues". The because dialogues in books arguably make up 90% of the chemistry/dynamic quality, bad dialogues will directly negatively influence that aspect.
An unsuccessful attempt at making the guy seem like the jerk (when he is not), resulting in the girl looking a bit like a...idiot.
An extension to further explain "unsuccessful attempt and bickering couple". It's like a whole chain of events: the bad dialogues lead to bad couple chemistry, which leads to the bad representation of the characters, failing the originally intended "trope effect" (jerk/popular guy with the nice girl.
In other words, It's clear what the author is aiming for: the bad/popular/jerk boy who is "not as bad as he seems" with our (quite standardized) female protagonist of this YA contemporary novel. However, the author failed at that because the awkward dialogues ruined the dynamics and failed to portray the guy as the "golden-heart jerk". So if the guy is obviously not a jerk from his behavior, if the girl still treats and reacts as if hew as being a jerk, this makes the girl looks like a jerk.
It's kind of a mess.
There were also some technical issues such as typos, but I don't mind it as much because mistakes happen and I did receive an advance review copy but I do hope that they were able to recognize it and review it before they publish it.
I'm quite disappointed with my reading experience, but I appreciate the effort and concept so I'm still going to give it a rating of 3/5.
August 4, 2019
Seventeen-year-old Cassie is forced to leave her home, her city, and school after her mother’s death and live with a family friend in California. The trauma of leaving everything behind is too much to bear, but when shocking secrets from her mother’s past surface, they bring chaos in Cassie’s life. Struggling to make sense of the things, Cassie can’t help but fall in love with her childhood friend.
York puts a quirky spin on the familiar story of a teenager’s struggles to fit in and the feelings of falling in love for the first time. Cassie and Cody’s love story is wrought with delicious sexual tension. York beautifully depicts the hope, the fears, and the vulnerabilities of first love. Sentimental without being overly cloying, the book is highly engrossing and will delight romance readers.
A consuming story!
York puts a quirky spin on the familiar story of a teenager’s struggles to fit in and the feelings of falling in love for the first time. Cassie and Cody’s love story is wrought with delicious sexual tension. York beautifully depicts the hope, the fears, and the vulnerabilities of first love. Sentimental without being overly cloying, the book is highly engrossing and will delight romance readers.
A consuming story!
March 18, 2025
This book was a great read, filled with endearing characters and some you would like to hate. My daughter suggested that I read it because she loved it so much. It has everything to draw you into the unfolding life of a young teenager who has to cope with the death of her mother and live with strangers. Cassie discovers that the mother she knew and loved had a secret past that brought up mixed emotions and feelings of betrayal. The twists and turns of unexpected circumstances, kept me interested, especially when she was so determined to right a wrong that put her life in danger. There is so much more that I would like to rave about, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
January 8, 2021
A read outside my normal genre, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it and how much it gripped me from the very first page. When teenage Cassie loses her mother suddenly, her life is thrown into total disarray. Forced to relocate to the other side of the country to live with strangers, she must leave everything she has ever known or loved behind.
The book’s early scenes are painful and raw, but so very relatable, and we can really feel Cassie’s anguish and sense of disconnection. Gradually, she learns to like her new family and to accept that this is her life now – but then skeletons come tumbling out of her deceased mother’s closet and Cassie learns that absolutely nothing about her life – or her mother’s past – is what she believed it to be.
A well-written and thoughtful book, the perspective is firmly that of a teenage girl’s – to such an extent that as a more mature woman and a mother, I often found myself rolling my eyes at some of the reckless and downright stupid decisions Cassie and her friends make. But the book deals with some hard-hitting subjects that impact on many youngsters in society today, and these were handled well, and sensitively.
An engrossing read for those who enjoy teenage literature with a little more to it than the usual, YA, fare. Very enjoyable, and a solid five stars from me.
The book’s early scenes are painful and raw, but so very relatable, and we can really feel Cassie’s anguish and sense of disconnection. Gradually, she learns to like her new family and to accept that this is her life now – but then skeletons come tumbling out of her deceased mother’s closet and Cassie learns that absolutely nothing about her life – or her mother’s past – is what she believed it to be.
A well-written and thoughtful book, the perspective is firmly that of a teenage girl’s – to such an extent that as a more mature woman and a mother, I often found myself rolling my eyes at some of the reckless and downright stupid decisions Cassie and her friends make. But the book deals with some hard-hitting subjects that impact on many youngsters in society today, and these were handled well, and sensitively.
An engrossing read for those who enjoy teenage literature with a little more to it than the usual, YA, fare. Very enjoyable, and a solid five stars from me.
January 20, 2020
Brilliant debut novel. The plot is great, cool characters that are relatable to both, teenagers and parents. The story was realistic and had a great love story with enough twist and turns to keep it suspenseful right to the end. A refreshing read which I devoured within two sittings. I look forward to seeing more work of this author in future.
March 10, 2020
Cassie’s teenage world is turned upside down when her mother dies, entrusting her care to old friends from California whom Cassie has no memory of. The affluent and comfortable lifestyle of her new family is in stark contrast to the financial difficulties she has experienced for as long as she can remember, having spent her childhood sharing a tiny New York apartment with her mother and working at an Italian restaurant to help make ends meet.
Her new guardians are very supportive, and she is also made welcome by their son Cody – who she must now attend school with and just happens to be the most popular guy in class. Despite these promising conditions for her new life, teenage years are rarely that simple, and Cassie finds herself facing not just the usual pressures of conflict with family and fitting in at a new school, but also problems of a more sinister nature. Can she finally put the past behind her and confront her demons in the present?
I found a lot to like in this book, which is perhaps most suitable for older teens given some of the mature subjects explored. Cassie makes an excellent central character, and her voice feels very authentic throughout. She is far from a perfect princess, making a lot of bad decisions from start to finish and acting very impulsively at times, with little regard for the feelings of others. For me these mistakes give her the air of a more genuine teen than many more flawless heroines, and it’s easy to warm to her staunch independence and desire to work to help support herself.
At times the book touches on very serious events which a teenager may experience in their lives, but my favourite parts of the story were concerned with the more day-to-day scenes in Cassie’s journey, as she tries to adjust to her new surroundings and work out how to handle Cody, the boy she finds herself thrown together with in such difficult circumstances.
Overall, I really enjoyed the insightful way this book captures an eventful slice of teenage life, and I highly recommend it for older teens.
Her new guardians are very supportive, and she is also made welcome by their son Cody – who she must now attend school with and just happens to be the most popular guy in class. Despite these promising conditions for her new life, teenage years are rarely that simple, and Cassie finds herself facing not just the usual pressures of conflict with family and fitting in at a new school, but also problems of a more sinister nature. Can she finally put the past behind her and confront her demons in the present?
I found a lot to like in this book, which is perhaps most suitable for older teens given some of the mature subjects explored. Cassie makes an excellent central character, and her voice feels very authentic throughout. She is far from a perfect princess, making a lot of bad decisions from start to finish and acting very impulsively at times, with little regard for the feelings of others. For me these mistakes give her the air of a more genuine teen than many more flawless heroines, and it’s easy to warm to her staunch independence and desire to work to help support herself.
At times the book touches on very serious events which a teenager may experience in their lives, but my favourite parts of the story were concerned with the more day-to-day scenes in Cassie’s journey, as she tries to adjust to her new surroundings and work out how to handle Cody, the boy she finds herself thrown together with in such difficult circumstances.
Overall, I really enjoyed the insightful way this book captures an eventful slice of teenage life, and I highly recommend it for older teens.
August 7, 2019
Have you ever read a book and it just clicked? This is one of those books. The characters, the plot line, and the theme are written so superbly.
"No one at school will say anything against him—fear of retribution and all. No one wants to be on the wrong side of popular."
Cassie’s life changed in an instant from losing her mother to cancer, to moving across the country living with strangers and completing her last year of high school at a new school. But that isn’t all, a boy she trusts attacks her and she finds out she has family she didn’t know about. It seems like a lot to cover, but Ms. York does a great job which had me reading this book in one sitting. A wonderful feat for a first novel!
"I went through it all as well. But dirt can be washed away, and violation is a state of mind, as is feeling like a victim. Like I said, it all makes us who we are. Who you choose to be is up to you—weak, beaten, or kick ass strong!"
The relationship between Cassie and the family she moves in with is cherished and endearing. Roxanne and Jeff are caring people who care for her unconditionally. But the bond between Cassie and Cody is what captivated me with their hilarious banter which grows from friendship to much more.
Ms. York tackles the difficult subjects of death, alcoholism, and teen sexual abuse with effectiveness and polished skill. I highly recommend this excellent book for young adults and parents! One of my top picks for 2019.
Thank you to Ms. York and YA Bound Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to review this book without expectation of a positive review.
"No one at school will say anything against him—fear of retribution and all. No one wants to be on the wrong side of popular."
Cassie’s life changed in an instant from losing her mother to cancer, to moving across the country living with strangers and completing her last year of high school at a new school. But that isn’t all, a boy she trusts attacks her and she finds out she has family she didn’t know about. It seems like a lot to cover, but Ms. York does a great job which had me reading this book in one sitting. A wonderful feat for a first novel!
"I went through it all as well. But dirt can be washed away, and violation is a state of mind, as is feeling like a victim. Like I said, it all makes us who we are. Who you choose to be is up to you—weak, beaten, or kick ass strong!"
The relationship between Cassie and the family she moves in with is cherished and endearing. Roxanne and Jeff are caring people who care for her unconditionally. But the bond between Cassie and Cody is what captivated me with their hilarious banter which grows from friendship to much more.
Ms. York tackles the difficult subjects of death, alcoholism, and teen sexual abuse with effectiveness and polished skill. I highly recommend this excellent book for young adults and parents! One of my top picks for 2019.
Thank you to Ms. York and YA Bound Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to review this book without expectation of a positive review.
February 5, 2020
Everything I Knew to be True is a compelling and thrilling story about a girl who has to overcome the death of her mother and her new life with people she doesn’t know. More specifically, the main character, Cassie, is a well developed and complex character that has to put the pieces of her life back together as she tries to fit in and adjust to the new life she’s thrown into. There are unexpected twists and turns throughout the story that will have the reader trying to figure out what Cassie will do next. The author’s dialogue flows effortlessly and transports the reader into the story in such a way that the reader is intrigued from the very beginning of the story. The author’s story telling allows readers to feel like they’re living in the story experiencing the highs and lows that Cassie has to endure. The story deals with traumatic situations and events, and the reader is left anxiously reading faster to see what will happen next and to see if justice will be served. One can appreciate the author’s message to victims of abuse, and one can sense her heart for not wanting others to suffer or to stay silent, “No one has a right to violate you—No one—Ever!”
This is an engaging book that will keep one interested from the start of the book until the end. There’s never a dull moment, and the reader is transported into the roller coaster lives of the characters. This is a must read!
This is an engaging book that will keep one interested from the start of the book until the end. There’s never a dull moment, and the reader is transported into the roller coaster lives of the characters. This is a must read!
August 9, 2019
Rayna York, tackles the difficult subjects of death, alcoholism, and teen sexual abuse with effectiveness and polished skill. I highly recommend this excellent book for young adults and parents! One of my top picks for 2019.
After losing her mother, Cassie is forced to leave the only life she's ever known and travel across the country to live with her mother's close friend, a women Cassie only recently met. It doesn't take long for Cassie to realize she didn't really know her mom like she thought she did.
Secrets come to light and much of what she believed was a lie.
Cassie is full of bitterness and resentment and is struggling with inner turmoil.
Cassie struggles to let anyone get close to her. Will she be able to overcome her emotions before she pushes everyone away, including those who genuinely care?
The author has written a captivating storyline has a with a slow burn romance, blossoming friendship, and a twist that will keep glued to the pages.
The characters are vibrant and well developed and I found myself deeply invested in their lives and the decisions they make.
Everything I Knew to be True is definitely a must read for teens and fans of young adult stories. I recommend picking up a copy, and read this book 📖
No one at school will say anything against him—fear of retribution and all. No one wants to be on the wrong side of popular.
After losing her mother, Cassie is forced to leave the only life she's ever known and travel across the country to live with her mother's close friend, a women Cassie only recently met. It doesn't take long for Cassie to realize she didn't really know her mom like she thought she did.
Secrets come to light and much of what she believed was a lie.
Cassie is full of bitterness and resentment and is struggling with inner turmoil.
Cassie struggles to let anyone get close to her. Will she be able to overcome her emotions before she pushes everyone away, including those who genuinely care?
The author has written a captivating storyline has a with a slow burn romance, blossoming friendship, and a twist that will keep glued to the pages.
The characters are vibrant and well developed and I found myself deeply invested in their lives and the decisions they make.
Everything I Knew to be True is definitely a must read for teens and fans of young adult stories. I recommend picking up a copy, and read this book 📖
No one at school will say anything against him—fear of retribution and all. No one wants to be on the wrong side of popular.
April 26, 2020
It's totally a 4.5
Wow, for a first novel this is a terrific book!! It had me sucked in right away and I couldn't put it down. The pages just flew by in no time at all. It hit on some very real, very difficult situations without being too detailed or grotesque. And it also taught quite a lesson about these situations and how to handle them. It says it's a YA book, but really I think anyone YA and above will enjoy it. I'm 40 and highly enjoyed it. This book left me wanting so much more too!! I would love a college adventure with these characters that I've came to love so much...just not quite so dramatic or serious. I do highly recommend this though!!
Wow, for a first novel this is a terrific book!! It had me sucked in right away and I couldn't put it down. The pages just flew by in no time at all. It hit on some very real, very difficult situations without being too detailed or grotesque. And it also taught quite a lesson about these situations and how to handle them. It says it's a YA book, but really I think anyone YA and above will enjoy it. I'm 40 and highly enjoyed it. This book left me wanting so much more too!! I would love a college adventure with these characters that I've came to love so much...just not quite so dramatic or serious. I do highly recommend this though!!
August 5, 2019
I truly loved this book, I was unable to put it down for one second - so much so that I finished it all in one day! One thing I loved about it was how unique each character in this book was, the author writes in such a way that automatically invests you in the story from start to finish. I really liked how you had to pay attention while reading, as sometimes it would pick up in a new place. As someone who reads fast and often skims, this allowed me to take my time and make sure I got every word. I highly recommend reading as it’s a wonderful story. In fact, as soon as I was done my sister grabbed it from me as she saw how engaged I was. I was laughing, gasping, and making comments to myself the whole way through. You won’t be disappointed!
March 14, 2020
This is vivid YA fiction, faithfully exploring both light and dark episodes in the life of Cassie, the main character. The author skilfully weaves together disparate themes such as first love and friendship on the one hand and bereavement and abuse on the other.
Both characters and setting are clearly established, with the two leads being three-dimensional, and realistic - they're good people, but capable of messing up.
Excellent work!
Both characters and setting are clearly established, with the two leads being three-dimensional, and realistic - they're good people, but capable of messing up.
Excellent work!
March 29, 2020
This book checks all the boxes: upbeat and humorous while tackling serious themes; engaging page-turner; believable love story that tactfully depicts hormonally-charged teenage love without engaging in cringe-inducing descriptions; at least one unexpected plot twist just when I needed it; and smart, well-defined characters that come alive, thanks to the author's gift for dialogue and scene building. I would highly recommend this book to older teens and parents of older teens.
February 2, 2020
Fast-paced, intense YA debut novel that engages with difficult issues.
After the death of her mother, Cassie leaves the Bronx to move in with her mother’s friend in Southern California and starts learning the truth about her parents When Cassie experiences a crisis, she finds out who her friends are and what she must do to find her strength.
After the death of her mother, Cassie leaves the Bronx to move in with her mother’s friend in Southern California and starts learning the truth about her parents When Cassie experiences a crisis, she finds out who her friends are and what she must do to find her strength.
July 7, 2022
This story of the developing relationship between teens Cassie and Cody is way more than a YA romance. The author covers difficult subjects with skill and aplomb; we get to where we’re going but are taken on a journey that’s far from straightforward or clichéd.
New Yorker Cassie loses her Mom and is taken to live with Mom’s childhood best friend in California. New school, new family, new life. But her challenges don’t end there …
Cassie is a strong, big-hearted main character whose spirited attitude carries her through some difficult situations. She goes on more than just the East to West Coast journey and really develops through her experiences.
Some of the subject matter might seem heavy, but the author’s talent and her main character’s punchy wit more than carry us through.
A terrific first novel had me picking up the author’s second book the moment I finished.
Highly recommended as a YA novel with real depth and insight.
New Yorker Cassie loses her Mom and is taken to live with Mom’s childhood best friend in California. New school, new family, new life. But her challenges don’t end there …
Cassie is a strong, big-hearted main character whose spirited attitude carries her through some difficult situations. She goes on more than just the East to West Coast journey and really develops through her experiences.
Some of the subject matter might seem heavy, but the author’s talent and her main character’s punchy wit more than carry us through.
A terrific first novel had me picking up the author’s second book the moment I finished.
Highly recommended as a YA novel with real depth and insight.
January 4, 2021
I feel like York had a vision where she was going to tackle all of these big issues that teenagers might encounter, but that she somewhere along the way just lost that completely.
This book is trying to do too much and succeeds with very little. The way the women in this book talk down to one another is tiring, our main character Cassie says that women are pathetic and sluts if they are intrested in the guy she has her eyes on. Even when they notice that a character suddenly has become depressed and changed they still won't ask her about how she is doing because "she is an awful person". They will also just stand by when other girls gets assaulted. It's hard to watch and doesn't set a good example.
Everything else is very meh, the writing is okay, the characters aren't fleshed out enough and it sadly falls very flat.
This book is trying to do too much and succeeds with very little. The way the women in this book talk down to one another is tiring, our main character Cassie says that women are pathetic and sluts if they are intrested in the guy she has her eyes on. Even when they notice that a character suddenly has become depressed and changed they still won't ask her about how she is doing because "she is an awful person". They will also just stand by when other girls gets assaulted. It's hard to watch and doesn't set a good example.
Everything else is very meh, the writing is okay, the characters aren't fleshed out enough and it sadly falls very flat.
July 10, 2020
Rayna York’s debut indie novel has a lot of promise. Teen drama and angst, romantic tension and navigating complicated relationships. Cassie’s journey to understand the past her mother kept from her which includes a father she never knew amidst the dangers of an unhinged classmate make this story a twisty path.
There are story issues I would love to have seen tightened (Cassie’s motivation isn’t ever very clear, and parts of the storyline, at times, feels extraneous because of that missing drive; over simplified and stereotypical characterization and situations; stilted dialogue in places). There are minor copy-editorial issues, but overall, these things don’t distract from the fact that York has promise as a new author. It will be fun watching her grow as an artist.
There are story issues I would love to have seen tightened (Cassie’s motivation isn’t ever very clear, and parts of the storyline, at times, feels extraneous because of that missing drive; over simplified and stereotypical characterization and situations; stilted dialogue in places). There are minor copy-editorial issues, but overall, these things don’t distract from the fact that York has promise as a new author. It will be fun watching her grow as an artist.
April 10, 2022
This was a terrific story with such believable, memorable characters. Rayna York's first novel is extraordinary good, I felt transported into Cassie's world and wanted things to work out for her from the start.
She's had a tough time with her Mum passing then life gets more complicated as her estranged Father enters the frame along with Cody, someone she couldn't possibly fall for. Could she? Other characters in her life are both allies and adversaries as she tries to get her life back on track.
This novel is based on a dream which may explain why it's so vivid and the world it paints so engaging. The writing style is punchy and sharp and the narrative well worth your time. Highly recommended.
She's had a tough time with her Mum passing then life gets more complicated as her estranged Father enters the frame along with Cody, someone she couldn't possibly fall for. Could she? Other characters in her life are both allies and adversaries as she tries to get her life back on track.
This novel is based on a dream which may explain why it's so vivid and the world it paints so engaging. The writing style is punchy and sharp and the narrative well worth your time. Highly recommended.
August 11, 2019
This is a heavier, emotional contemporary that I think is great for YA readers.
We are thrown into a tragic situation when the main character's mother passes causing her to move with a strange, family friend. But when her mother's secret past comes to light, everything she thought she knew is thrown into the air.
I think this is a great story that encompasses grief, discovery, and a bit of romance. The writing is engaging and will tug at your emotions throughout the book.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
We are thrown into a tragic situation when the main character's mother passes causing her to move with a strange, family friend. But when her mother's secret past comes to light, everything she thought she knew is thrown into the air.
I think this is a great story that encompasses grief, discovery, and a bit of romance. The writing is engaging and will tug at your emotions throughout the book.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
March 28, 2021
Teen drama and romance. Along with the main character, Cassie, having to navigate through loss, complicating issues and relationships.
I enjoyed the storyline, theme and romance. For a first novel it was intriguing and quite promising.
However, I felt the story was bit rushed. I didn't feel like Cassie's drive and motivation was quite fully developed. I'd like for Shandler and Josh story arc to have more exposure.
There were some copy and developmental editing issues, still I managed to enjoy York's debut novel. Looking forward to see her grow and evolve as an author.
I enjoyed the storyline, theme and romance. For a first novel it was intriguing and quite promising.
However, I felt the story was bit rushed. I didn't feel like Cassie's drive and motivation was quite fully developed. I'd like for Shandler and Josh story arc to have more exposure.
There were some copy and developmental editing issues, still I managed to enjoy York's debut novel. Looking forward to see her grow and evolve as an author.
Read
October 14, 2019DNF@18%.
April 27, 2020
An attempt to tackle so many huge issues and failing miserably.
May 11, 2021
I couldn’t put It down. The flow was on point. It grabbed my attention from the beginning. I was emotional invested as I love to be.
November 25, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. I’ll check out her other titles
August 8, 2019
Being a teenager is hard enough but how much worse must it be when you've lost your mom, the only parent you had, and then get shipped off to people you don't know in a place that's so different from your home? Cassie is---was---a normal teen but now she doesn't even understand what "normal" is.
I had so much sympathy for this young girl who is faced with more upheaval than anyone can take gracefully and then even more is piled on when Cassie learns about secrets in her mom's past that affect her directly. She's lucky, though, that her mother's friend and her family are so caring and that they welcome her into their home, offering it to her for her own.
While heartache and troubles certainly run through this story, I thought it was much more than that. It's also a story of a girl's psychological and emotional growth and how the people around her can make such a journey one that's buffered by compassion. Nicely done, Ms. York!
I had so much sympathy for this young girl who is faced with more upheaval than anyone can take gracefully and then even more is piled on when Cassie learns about secrets in her mom's past that affect her directly. She's lucky, though, that her mother's friend and her family are so caring and that they welcome her into their home, offering it to her for her own.
While heartache and troubles certainly run through this story, I thought it was much more than that. It's also a story of a girl's psychological and emotional growth and how the people around her can make such a journey one that's buffered by compassion. Nicely done, Ms. York!
October 20, 2019
"Everything I Knew to be True" was a captivating novel that perfectly portrayed the challenges of navigating through some very tough times.
Between the death of Cassie’s mother, moving to a new city with people she didn’t know, the difficulties of going to a new school and the topic of teen sexual abuse, Rayna York was able to keep the story a perfect mix of light-heartedness and intensity.
I was quickly entranced by the book with Rayna York’s skill of describing the characters in a way that was easy to feel like I knew them and sympathize with them. I loved the twists and turns that kept me interested and made the book hard to put down. Would definitely recommend this book!
Between the death of Cassie’s mother, moving to a new city with people she didn’t know, the difficulties of going to a new school and the topic of teen sexual abuse, Rayna York was able to keep the story a perfect mix of light-heartedness and intensity.
I was quickly entranced by the book with Rayna York’s skill of describing the characters in a way that was easy to feel like I knew them and sympathize with them. I loved the twists and turns that kept me interested and made the book hard to put down. Would definitely recommend this book!
July 23, 2019
While typically reading non-fiction books, I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and enticing storyline that consistently had me turning pages until the very end. Would highly recommend to all young adults and anyone beyond!
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