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The Mockingbirds #1
The Mockingbirds
Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
From the glossy pages of its admissions brochure, the prestigious Themis Academy appears perfect in every way: exceptional academics, extraordinary students, the kind of extracurriculars to make an Ivy League proud, and zero instances of student misbehavior. But this boarding school isn't as pristine as it appears. There's a dark underbelly to the perfect record the Themis administration flaunts. Student infractions are rampant, and it's up to a secret vigilante society, the Mockingbirds, to maintain order on campus--a responsibility their members take very seriously.
Alex Patrick never thought she would need the Mockingbirds. But when she's date-raped by another student, she doesn't know where else to go. As much as she'd like to forget what happened, she can't escape the daily reminders of what went wrong that terrible night. Before she can summon the courage to take a stand, she'll have to accept that her battle for justice is not hers alone. Standing up for someone, especially yourself, is worth the fight.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
From the glossy pages of its admissions brochure, the prestigious Themis Academy appears perfect in every way: exceptional academics, extraordinary students, the kind of extracurriculars to make an Ivy League proud, and zero instances of student misbehavior. But this boarding school isn't as pristine as it appears. There's a dark underbelly to the perfect record the Themis administration flaunts. Student infractions are rampant, and it's up to a secret vigilante society, the Mockingbirds, to maintain order on campus--a responsibility their members take very seriously.
Alex Patrick never thought she would need the Mockingbirds. But when she's date-raped by another student, she doesn't know where else to go. As much as she'd like to forget what happened, she can't escape the daily reminders of what went wrong that terrible night. Before she can summon the courage to take a stand, she'll have to accept that her battle for justice is not hers alone. Standing up for someone, especially yourself, is worth the fight.
339 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2010
91 people are currently reading
11139 people want to read
About the author
Daisy Whitney
10 books464 followersBy day, Daisy Whitney is a reporter and ghostwriter. At night, she writes novels for teens and is the author of THE MOCKINGBIRDS and its sequel THE RIVALS (Little, Brown). Her third novel WHEN YOU WERE HERE releases in June 2013 (Little, Brown), and her fourth novel STARRY NIGHTS (Bloomsbury) hits shelves in September 2013. When Daisy's not inventing fictional high school worlds, she can be found somewhere north of San Francisco walking her adorable dog, watching online TV with her fabulous husband or playing with her fantastic kids. A graduate of Brown University, she believes in shoes, chocolate chip cookies and karma. You can follow her writing blog and new media adventures at DaisyWhitney.com. (I don't rate books on GoodReads, nor do I check the site so please friend me on Facebook instead.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 950 reviews
March 5, 2011
This is what I thought The Mockingbirds would be: a powerful, heart-felt, intriguing and emotional read. It has a lot of components that appeal to me like mad: boarding school, mysterious society, fierce vigilante justice with a traumatised but strong and sympathetic main character.
I was SO thrilled to finally have a copy, especially after reading so many fab reviews.
Unfortunately, I found myself... kinda bored while reading this.
First off ~ the first chapter is intriguing. The prose utterly appealing ~ kind of sparse and sharp and a little bit ache-y. I liked that.
I also loved all the little references to ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and I adored the music stuff ~ the Mozart, the piano playing and the passion for classical music. It was really well-expressed and very cool.
However, as the book progressed, I found myself not caring much due to not being able to connect to the characters. I don’t know what it was about Alex that just made not feel anything, really, about her plight. Because I think date rape is horrific (as anyone would). Yet she was so distanced from me, I couldn’t feel her emotions. I didn’t feel compelled by her story.
The other characters all seemed interchangeable with each other ~ none of them rose above just being characters in a book. They felt flat and one dimensional. The love interest had no real spark ~ but, hey, he was a great sensitive guy.
Because I didn’t connect to the characters, I wasn’t whisked into the story and it made it harder for me to suspend my disbelief regarding the set-up of the novel. For this kind of premise ~ I really need to be engaged and rooting for the main character which unfortunately didn’t happen for me. Little things regarding the plot snuck in and bugged me. Sigh...
I am obviously in the minority here. There’s mostly high ratings and glowing reviews ~ yet reading through a lot of them it seems some people are all pumped up about the importance of this book in addressing date rape. It makes me wonder if people liked the book due to the powerful message or if they genuinely had a brilliant time reading it, you know?
Overall, I found it to be a stark kind of dull read. Yet, it really is just my objective opinion. I did like the idea and kudos to the author for tackling such an intense and relevant subject. The prose was well written (perhaps a similar vibe to Courtney Summers) so I’d still consider reading Daisy Whitney’s future books ~ I guess I’m just disappointed I didn’t connect more to this title.
I give this two stars because, for me, it was just okay.
August 31, 2011
Added this book a few days ago.
Bought it yesterday.
Decided it was crap. Returned it.
I had a "review" on here, but I took it down because in reality, it was an open invitation for trolls to gripe me out. No thank you.
The end.
Most of the reviews I've posted haven't been getting a lot of attention, so I doubt this one will matter, either.
Bought it yesterday.
Decided it was crap. Returned it.
I had a "review" on here, but I took it down because in reality, it was an open invitation for trolls to gripe me out. No thank you.
The end.
Most of the reviews I've posted haven't been getting a lot of attention, so I doubt this one will matter, either.
May 23, 2011
I really hate when I wait so long to review a book after I read it. I don't even have a copy of it here to refer to, so I'm really just giving my impression of what I could remember from this book.
If I remember correctly, this was Daisy Whitney's first novel, and frankly, I felt like it showed. I found the story idea really interesting, but the execution of the plot and the writing itself was a bit so-so. The basic premise is that at an elite boarding school, a small group of students called the Mockingbirds have taken it upon themselves to administer justice to those who were wronged and punish those students who otherwise went unpunished for their crimes. Sounds pretty exciting, huh? Like a small group of Batmans or something.
And yet, the author managed to make it boring. The main character, Alex, wakes up one morning to discover she has been date raped while she was too drunk to even remember what happened. So she goes to the Mockingbirds for help. The rest of the story is the long, drawn-out process of the court-like proceedings the Mockingbirds enact to hear the case and determine the guilt (if any) of the accused. It felt a bit like watching a court case on TV or something where you're expecting it to be exciting, like in the movies, but it's actually very tedious and dull.
Maybe my problem was that I didn't like the main character very much. I can't even remember what it was that bugged me about her, but I kept wanting to thump her for the dumb things she said/did/thought. And many parts of the story felt too unrealistic . . . like I could just feel the author making them up instead of becoming immersed in the story itself and forgetting there IS an author behind it, you know? One thing that particularly bothered me was how the students hated ALL the teachers, and every last one of these teachers was a complete idiot. It felt like the author did this to justify the existence of a group like the Mockingbirds. The students clearly couldn't get any help from the moron teachers (at this elite school for only the most brilliant and gifted), so their only choice was to do it themselves.
Final verdict: cool idea, boring writing, annoying characters. Blah.
If I remember correctly, this was Daisy Whitney's first novel, and frankly, I felt like it showed. I found the story idea really interesting, but the execution of the plot and the writing itself was a bit so-so. The basic premise is that at an elite boarding school, a small group of students called the Mockingbirds have taken it upon themselves to administer justice to those who were wronged and punish those students who otherwise went unpunished for their crimes. Sounds pretty exciting, huh? Like a small group of Batmans or something.
And yet, the author managed to make it boring. The main character, Alex, wakes up one morning to discover she has been date raped while she was too drunk to even remember what happened. So she goes to the Mockingbirds for help. The rest of the story is the long, drawn-out process of the court-like proceedings the Mockingbirds enact to hear the case and determine the guilt (if any) of the accused. It felt a bit like watching a court case on TV or something where you're expecting it to be exciting, like in the movies, but it's actually very tedious and dull.
Maybe my problem was that I didn't like the main character very much. I can't even remember what it was that bugged me about her, but I kept wanting to thump her for the dumb things she said/did/thought. And many parts of the story felt too unrealistic . . . like I could just feel the author making them up instead of becoming immersed in the story itself and forgetting there IS an author behind it, you know? One thing that particularly bothered me was how the students hated ALL the teachers, and every last one of these teachers was a complete idiot. It felt like the author did this to justify the existence of a group like the Mockingbirds. The students clearly couldn't get any help from the moron teachers (at this elite school for only the most brilliant and gifted), so their only choice was to do it themselves.
Final verdict: cool idea, boring writing, annoying characters. Blah.
July 20, 2014
What happens when, being a hater of Issues Books, you're confronted with an Issues Book concerning an issue you actually feel strongly about?
Every element of plot in The Mockingbirds -- every character -- has some function in the task of showing that sex without explicit consent or ability to consent is rape; that though rape may be a difficult crime to prosecute and so humiliating to the victim going through the process, those victims who speak out are validating victims everywhere. I agree with all of that, passionately.
But there is no character who feels like a whole, complex, spontaneous and individual person, which made it tough for me to enjoy as a piece of literature. Every character is an avatar for a stance or a stage in our main character's coping process. All of Alex's friends understand what she's feeling immediately in the aftermath of her being raped twice by a water polo player she met at a show while drunk, and they hop in line to help seek justice for her. There's a boy who has a crush on her and is respectful of her, who helps her build back up her comfort level with sexuality. Her unmarried female teacher explains that having a physical response to the sex doesn't mean consent. The date rapist is a complete villain who taunts his victim and lies to evade conviction.
Are there rapists who make the lives of their victims hell? Sure. There are also many date rapists who are not mustache twirling, dastardly liars. They're men who, for lack of self restraint or poor decision making or selfishness, proceed with what they were doing without regard for their partner. That doesn't make their actions any less wrong or any less a case of rape. But it does mean that rape happens with nuance, too, and that's something that young women especially have to be aware of. With all of the focus that Whitney gives to consent and to the thoughts and actions that blur the line of what we call "rape," I think that nuance is important to her too, that nuance in rape is something she wishes to convey to her teenage readers for the purpose of empowerment. That's great. But I only wish it had come through in her characters.
It's hard to write a book for teenagers about date rape, I'm sure. It wasn't until college that I started exploring feminist thought and truly comprehending how deeply entrenched sexism and victim blaming is in popular culture. Given how thoroughly exposure to feminism shakes up your worldview as a young woman (and gives you a feeling of worth, which is why it's important), maybe a plot like The Mockingbirds needs to be written in an obvious way for this age group. But I also think...maybe it doesn't? I don't know.
Every element of plot in The Mockingbirds -- every character -- has some function in the task of showing that sex without explicit consent or ability to consent is rape; that though rape may be a difficult crime to prosecute and so humiliating to the victim going through the process, those victims who speak out are validating victims everywhere. I agree with all of that, passionately.
But there is no character who feels like a whole, complex, spontaneous and individual person, which made it tough for me to enjoy as a piece of literature. Every character is an avatar for a stance or a stage in our main character's coping process. All of Alex's friends understand what she's feeling immediately in the aftermath of her being raped twice by a water polo player she met at a show while drunk, and they hop in line to help seek justice for her. There's a boy who has a crush on her and is respectful of her, who helps her build back up her comfort level with sexuality. Her unmarried female teacher explains that having a physical response to the sex doesn't mean consent. The date rapist is a complete villain who taunts his victim and lies to evade conviction.
Are there rapists who make the lives of their victims hell? Sure. There are also many date rapists who are not mustache twirling, dastardly liars. They're men who, for lack of self restraint or poor decision making or selfishness, proceed with what they were doing without regard for their partner. That doesn't make their actions any less wrong or any less a case of rape. But it does mean that rape happens with nuance, too, and that's something that young women especially have to be aware of. With all of the focus that Whitney gives to consent and to the thoughts and actions that blur the line of what we call "rape," I think that nuance is important to her too, that nuance in rape is something she wishes to convey to her teenage readers for the purpose of empowerment. That's great. But I only wish it had come through in her characters.
It's hard to write a book for teenagers about date rape, I'm sure. It wasn't until college that I started exploring feminist thought and truly comprehending how deeply entrenched sexism and victim blaming is in popular culture. Given how thoroughly exposure to feminism shakes up your worldview as a young woman (and gives you a feeling of worth, which is why it's important), maybe a plot like The Mockingbirds needs to be written in an obvious way for this age group. But I also think...maybe it doesn't? I don't know.
June 19, 2013
Rating: 2 Stars/DNF
Here's the thing about Daisy Whitney's The Mockingbirds - if you aren't invested in the characters and if you aren't a fan of the way this issue is handled, you'll likely not enjoy this book. Now, that isn't to say it's a bad book - at all. In fact, I'm more than a little thrilled that Whitney wrote a book about date rape, set in a boarding school, all with a secret society who takes matters into their own hands. From the surface, it sounds fantastic. When you dig a little deeper and really stop to think about this, though. I can't say I was wholly sold on the idea.
Alex, our protagonist, really is one of those characters you connect with from the beginning itself. Her horror at waking up in a strange boy's bed, at not remembered what happened to her the night before, at realizing she was raped while passed out and unconscious...it's all so frightening and real. Whitney does an amazing job of giving us a character who can't remember her rape, whose act of rape seems almost ambiguous but truly isn't. Yet, though these events are shockingly realistic, Alex herself and her dialogue and conversations with others, from her best friends to her older sister, felt very flat. For me, the main issue stemmed from the fact that the surrounding facts behind this story didn't feel real at all. I was unable to buy into the fact that all the teachers and adults at the prestigious academy Alex attends believe that because they teach highly intelligent and motivated students, bad things cannot happen. I'm sorry, but not even one teacher thought, "Huh, you know, there might be just ONE kid who gets bullied in this school..."?
The Mockingbirds requires this type of suspension of belief, for without the lack of adults in this story, how would we have a secret society on our hands? And still, this society disappoints. The Mockingbirds only operate if/when they've been asked to, which means they don't help people unless they want help. Which I think is ridiculous. If a member of this club saw someone being bullied, they wouldn't be able to actively help them unless that person themselves asked for help. In one way, I almost admire this concept - I love the fact that people have to want to stand up for themselves to be helped and I also love the idea that teens can find strength after horrible events such as rape and bullying without having to rely on adults. Yet, this book was hardly written in that manner; instead, it blatantly forces you to suspend your belief to enjoy it, which is something I find very difficult to do as a reader.
Additionally, the secondary characters in this novel were very flat. Not only did the dialogue seem forced in some parts, but the friendships in this also seemed highly superficial and a bit too perfect. I do think Whitney did an amazing job of portraying the horror and fear that a victim of rape feels - especially the acknowledgment that they suddenly are a victim - but truly, I can't say I enjoyed this book. I went into The Mockingbirds looking for a book that was more about coping with rape than dealing out punishments; a book that was more introspective than a mock trial by teens. I'm sure the idea of The Mockingbirds appeals to many readers and doubtless this book has - and will - resonate with many readers, but my idea of an issue book isn't this. If you go into The Mockingbirds with the right mindset, though, Whitney doesn't fail; on the other hand, she may sometimes disappoint.
Here's the thing about Daisy Whitney's The Mockingbirds - if you aren't invested in the characters and if you aren't a fan of the way this issue is handled, you'll likely not enjoy this book. Now, that isn't to say it's a bad book - at all. In fact, I'm more than a little thrilled that Whitney wrote a book about date rape, set in a boarding school, all with a secret society who takes matters into their own hands. From the surface, it sounds fantastic. When you dig a little deeper and really stop to think about this, though. I can't say I was wholly sold on the idea.
Alex, our protagonist, really is one of those characters you connect with from the beginning itself. Her horror at waking up in a strange boy's bed, at not remembered what happened to her the night before, at realizing she was raped while passed out and unconscious...it's all so frightening and real. Whitney does an amazing job of giving us a character who can't remember her rape, whose act of rape seems almost ambiguous but truly isn't. Yet, though these events are shockingly realistic, Alex herself and her dialogue and conversations with others, from her best friends to her older sister, felt very flat. For me, the main issue stemmed from the fact that the surrounding facts behind this story didn't feel real at all. I was unable to buy into the fact that all the teachers and adults at the prestigious academy Alex attends believe that because they teach highly intelligent and motivated students, bad things cannot happen. I'm sorry, but not even one teacher thought, "Huh, you know, there might be just ONE kid who gets bullied in this school..."?
The Mockingbirds requires this type of suspension of belief, for without the lack of adults in this story, how would we have a secret society on our hands? And still, this society disappoints. The Mockingbirds only operate if/when they've been asked to, which means they don't help people unless they want help. Which I think is ridiculous. If a member of this club saw someone being bullied, they wouldn't be able to actively help them unless that person themselves asked for help. In one way, I almost admire this concept - I love the fact that people have to want to stand up for themselves to be helped and I also love the idea that teens can find strength after horrible events such as rape and bullying without having to rely on adults. Yet, this book was hardly written in that manner; instead, it blatantly forces you to suspend your belief to enjoy it, which is something I find very difficult to do as a reader.
Additionally, the secondary characters in this novel were very flat. Not only did the dialogue seem forced in some parts, but the friendships in this also seemed highly superficial and a bit too perfect. I do think Whitney did an amazing job of portraying the horror and fear that a victim of rape feels - especially the acknowledgment that they suddenly are a victim - but truly, I can't say I enjoyed this book. I went into The Mockingbirds looking for a book that was more about coping with rape than dealing out punishments; a book that was more introspective than a mock trial by teens. I'm sure the idea of The Mockingbirds appeals to many readers and doubtless this book has - and will - resonate with many readers, but my idea of an issue book isn't this. If you go into The Mockingbirds with the right mindset, though, Whitney doesn't fail; on the other hand, she may sometimes disappoint.
November 29, 2010
4.5 stars. Although I had a minor issue with this book, overall it coveys a serious message with an unforgettable tone.
I loved the Mockingbirds. Their system fascinated me and I wanted to know more about them just like Alex did. It intrigued me that the students took it upon themselves to organize a system to deal out justice, as opposed to pleading with the teachers or administration to aid them.
The issue of date-rape is austere and genuine - I realize that even though it is not reported often, it does happen more than it should. The fact that Daisy Whitney was a victim of such a horrible deed herself is unfortunate, but I am glad she wrote such a powerful novel to help others learn about it.
One thing that peeved me a bit was how the students refused to contact the police. I understand how blinded the school administration might have been, but I hope individuals who read this book will not be afraid to call the authorities - it is their job, after all.
I loved the Mockingbirds. Their system fascinated me and I wanted to know more about them just like Alex did. It intrigued me that the students took it upon themselves to organize a system to deal out justice, as opposed to pleading with the teachers or administration to aid them.
The issue of date-rape is austere and genuine - I realize that even though it is not reported often, it does happen more than it should. The fact that Daisy Whitney was a victim of such a horrible deed herself is unfortunate, but I am glad she wrote such a powerful novel to help others learn about it.
One thing that peeved me a bit was how the students refused to contact the police. I understand how blinded the school administration might have been, but I hope individuals who read this book will not be afraid to call the authorities - it is their job, after all.
August 19, 2010
I was a little nervous about reading THE MOCKINGBIRDS. For one thing, there’s no magic. No time travel. And no spunky, sarcastic, trash-talking, slang-flinging main characters. There are no crazy action sequences. No monsters, demons, angels, or shapeshifting whatevers in sight. It’s not like any YA I’ve read recently, especially because it deals with the very difficult subject of date rape.
And yet?
I couldn’t put the frigging book down. I simply had to know how it would end. I felt so attached to Alex, the main character, like she could be my best friend, my daughter…me. I felt invested in what happened to her—and let’s be honest, that’s hard to come by in books nowadays.
The thing is, the really bad stuff happens even before the book starts. So the reader doesn’t have to face the live action horror—only the aftermath. And while this makes the rape easier to bear, it makes it, well, more difficult—because we get to know Alex, like really get inside her head and fall in love with her, before she relives the rape inside her mind and for others. It’s downright gut-wrenching.
But pure effing genius.
I love that Alex is level-headed and intelligent and put together—but also real. She’s a smart teenager, with normal angst and expectations and dreams, thrust into an unbearable situation. And though I’ve never gone through what she did, the phases of her emotions felt genuine to me. But as much as the date rape monopolizes the premise, it doesn’t monopolize all the action in the book—or even the experience of the reader. Alex continues to live her life, fall in love, worry about normal teen stuff…hope.
Indeed, it’s hope that drives the book—it’s what sucked me in. This is not one of those books where bad things happen and then happen and continue to happen. You don’t get to the last page thinking, WTF? The secret society of The Mockingbirds offers a lot of hope, but most of it comes from inside Alex herself. While they might seek justice on her behalf, it is the strength inside Alex that makes everything okay, no matter what the outcome is. And this is the true beauty, the true gift of THE MOCKINGBIRDS. It is sweet, poignant, gut-twisting, sad, frustrating, funny, and hopeful. It is strength embodied—courage up for grabs.
And yet?
I couldn’t put the frigging book down. I simply had to know how it would end. I felt so attached to Alex, the main character, like she could be my best friend, my daughter…me. I felt invested in what happened to her—and let’s be honest, that’s hard to come by in books nowadays.
The thing is, the really bad stuff happens even before the book starts. So the reader doesn’t have to face the live action horror—only the aftermath. And while this makes the rape easier to bear, it makes it, well, more difficult—because we get to know Alex, like really get inside her head and fall in love with her, before she relives the rape inside her mind and for others. It’s downright gut-wrenching.
But pure effing genius.
I love that Alex is level-headed and intelligent and put together—but also real. She’s a smart teenager, with normal angst and expectations and dreams, thrust into an unbearable situation. And though I’ve never gone through what she did, the phases of her emotions felt genuine to me. But as much as the date rape monopolizes the premise, it doesn’t monopolize all the action in the book—or even the experience of the reader. Alex continues to live her life, fall in love, worry about normal teen stuff…hope.
Indeed, it’s hope that drives the book—it’s what sucked me in. This is not one of those books where bad things happen and then happen and continue to happen. You don’t get to the last page thinking, WTF? The secret society of The Mockingbirds offers a lot of hope, but most of it comes from inside Alex herself. While they might seek justice on her behalf, it is the strength inside Alex that makes everything okay, no matter what the outcome is. And this is the true beauty, the true gift of THE MOCKINGBIRDS. It is sweet, poignant, gut-twisting, sad, frustrating, funny, and hopeful. It is strength embodied—courage up for grabs.
July 28, 2010
My Thoughts: Whoa Daisy Whitney, you sure do know how to get to us! This was a wonderful novel, so insightful and emotional. We meet Alex who is your typical student. She gets good grades and wants to do something with her life. She goes out with some friends one night, drinks a little too much, goes back to a guy's room, and gets date raped. She knows she drank a little but didn't think she drank enough to really hurt her. This book opens up the next day where Alex wakes up in a strange room, naked, with a strange guy laying next to her. She can't remember what really happened. He alerts her that they had sex, twice, and she was all over him.
Well, she goes back to her room and talks to her friends and realizes she was date raped. The guy who date raped her is a popular jock named Carter who thinks nothing can touch him. Carter starts rumors about Alex and how she is "easy." Alex gets help from The Mockingbirds, a secret society set up by students to enforce justice throughout the student body.
This was such an emotional and gripping novel. Whitney really knows how to make you want to beat up the jock and want to cry for Alex. Alex also has a friend throughout the book named Martin. I really liked him and I'm glad there was a forming relationship between Alex and Martin. He was also part of the Mockingbirds so we bond with him throughout the book.
Alex was brave for standing up to Carter but I felt like she needed to go to an adult and take this further but as many women are, Alex was scared and at least she turned to The Mockingbirds for help.
Overall: This is a wonderful novel. It's also raw and full of emotions. If you've been anywhere near this situation (date rape) than you will appreciate the book a lot more than the normal person. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though there were a few times I wanted to kick the guy who treated Alex like crap, and a few times I wanted to kiss Martin! I also wanted to let Alex cry on my shoulder. Daisy Whitney wrote a brilliant novel.
Cover: Like it. I like the bird and the black and red colors together.
Well, she goes back to her room and talks to her friends and realizes she was date raped. The guy who date raped her is a popular jock named Carter who thinks nothing can touch him. Carter starts rumors about Alex and how she is "easy." Alex gets help from The Mockingbirds, a secret society set up by students to enforce justice throughout the student body.
This was such an emotional and gripping novel. Whitney really knows how to make you want to beat up the jock and want to cry for Alex. Alex also has a friend throughout the book named Martin. I really liked him and I'm glad there was a forming relationship between Alex and Martin. He was also part of the Mockingbirds so we bond with him throughout the book.
Alex was brave for standing up to Carter but I felt like she needed to go to an adult and take this further but as many women are, Alex was scared and at least she turned to The Mockingbirds for help.
Overall: This is a wonderful novel. It's also raw and full of emotions. If you've been anywhere near this situation (date rape) than you will appreciate the book a lot more than the normal person. I really enjoyed reading this book, even though there were a few times I wanted to kick the guy who treated Alex like crap, and a few times I wanted to kiss Martin! I also wanted to let Alex cry on my shoulder. Daisy Whitney wrote a brilliant novel.
Cover: Like it. I like the bird and the black and red colors together.
April 9, 2015
I was going to go with 2.5, but I am rounding up due to the realistic struggles in the novel.
My biggest issue was that a lot of the plot depended on some unrealistic events, such as the delusional adults (an entire school filled with IDIOT TEACHERS??), bullying of the accused previous of the trail and charges (the pool scene? Really, REALLY? I found it more immature than anything) and how wrong it is to lie to the staff to get even with the accused.
However, Alex's feelings and conflicting thoughts and ideas helped carry the story along.
After reading the note at the back of the book, I came to realize I would have rather read the real-life story than this one.
My biggest issue was that a lot of the plot depended on some unrealistic events, such as the delusional adults (an entire school filled with IDIOT TEACHERS??), bullying of the accused previous of the trail and charges (the pool scene? Really, REALLY? I found it more immature than anything) and how wrong it is to lie to the staff to get even with the accused.
However, Alex's feelings and conflicting thoughts and ideas helped carry the story along.
After reading the note at the back of the book, I came to realize I would have rather read the real-life story than this one.
March 3, 2024
I picked up a copy of The Mockingbirds at ALA this summer, and I've been trying to wait patiently for it to release. I "met" Daisy Whitney on Twitter a couple of months ago, and I think she's one of the nicest people I've ever talked to, so when she mentioned that her book was about date-rape, and that she had experience date-rape herself, I knew this was a book that was going to be important.
The story starts off in the midst of things, when Alex wakes up in a bed that isn't her own. She doesn't know how she got there, and she's not even sure what the name of the boy she's laying next to is. At first she gets angry at herself, thinking that she must have gotten too drunk and just made a stupid decision, wondering how on earth she could have done something so rash when she was a virgin who had always said "no" in the past. But with the support of her incredible friends and sister, she realizes that what actually happened to her was date-rape, and that it was wrong. Unfortunately, Alex attends Themis boarding school, where everything is perfect and no student ever does any wrong, so finding support from the "powers that be", just isn't going to happen. That's when she turns to The Mockingbirds, a group of students that are fed up with the way injustices are dealt with, or rather not dealt with, by the teachers, and have come up with a way to deal out a justice of their own.
So often when I talk to teens about "issue" books, especially ones that deal with rape, they appreciate what the book was about, but think that the book is really depressing, or even boring. (I know that sounds harsh, but teens are honest....that's what I love about their reviews!) The thing that makes this book (that deals with a horrible act of violence) different, is that it isn't like that at all. While Alex still deals with the trauma, the guilt, the self-hatred, and the fear of a victim of rape, she is also just the "girl-next-door." She's funny, caring, resilient, and loves the piano and her friends. Although she is deeply affected by what has happened to her, she doesn't let it become her. I think a lot of that has to do with her inner strength, and a lot also has to do with the fantastic support of her friends. When she couldn't face the hard things, they were there to face them with her. I LOVED her friends!!
I also found the concept of a student-led justice system fascinating. Just imagine the change that could occur if students banded together and stood up to things like bullying, cheating and the like in high schools. The effect could be amazing. Not to say that I think that Alex made the right decision, not going to the police, I don't. Rape is far too serious an issue to not press charges against. But if she didn't feel like she could, at least there was a support system that she did feel comfortable with.
I loved the idea that The Mockingbirds got their name from To Kill A Mockingbird. Whitney used little pieces from the original book as procedures and secret codes for the group. I thought this was so clever, and just added such a fun and exciting twist to the book.
Slight Soapbox
The only thing that I didn't care for was the amount of language in the book. There are a lot of teens and parents that ask us about book content and I would hate for teens to not be able to read this book because of the language that is in it. I know that Daisy wanted to keep it relate-able to teens, but it's such an important issue, that I would hate for it to be missed by anyone because of the language. It seems like there aren't really any books out there that deal with these issues that don't also have a lot of language or other content in them, and although there are a lot of teens out there who won't be bothered by this, there are also teens out there who don't use profanity, and don't want to read it, who could really benefit from reading this book, and that makes me sad.
End of Soapbox :)
Overall, I really loved this book! I thought Daisy did an amazing job of explaining what a girl who had been date-raped was feeling. I felt like I could have been in her shoes (which I know I could have been). The amazing thing about The Mockingbirds is that it is a heartbreaking story that is also funny, sweet, sad, encouraging and most of all, hopeful.
Andye
The story starts off in the midst of things, when Alex wakes up in a bed that isn't her own. She doesn't know how she got there, and she's not even sure what the name of the boy she's laying next to is. At first she gets angry at herself, thinking that she must have gotten too drunk and just made a stupid decision, wondering how on earth she could have done something so rash when she was a virgin who had always said "no" in the past. But with the support of her incredible friends and sister, she realizes that what actually happened to her was date-rape, and that it was wrong. Unfortunately, Alex attends Themis boarding school, where everything is perfect and no student ever does any wrong, so finding support from the "powers that be", just isn't going to happen. That's when she turns to The Mockingbirds, a group of students that are fed up with the way injustices are dealt with, or rather not dealt with, by the teachers, and have come up with a way to deal out a justice of their own.
So often when I talk to teens about "issue" books, especially ones that deal with rape, they appreciate what the book was about, but think that the book is really depressing, or even boring. (I know that sounds harsh, but teens are honest....that's what I love about their reviews!) The thing that makes this book (that deals with a horrible act of violence) different, is that it isn't like that at all. While Alex still deals with the trauma, the guilt, the self-hatred, and the fear of a victim of rape, she is also just the "girl-next-door." She's funny, caring, resilient, and loves the piano and her friends. Although she is deeply affected by what has happened to her, she doesn't let it become her. I think a lot of that has to do with her inner strength, and a lot also has to do with the fantastic support of her friends. When she couldn't face the hard things, they were there to face them with her. I LOVED her friends!!
I also found the concept of a student-led justice system fascinating. Just imagine the change that could occur if students banded together and stood up to things like bullying, cheating and the like in high schools. The effect could be amazing. Not to say that I think that Alex made the right decision, not going to the police, I don't. Rape is far too serious an issue to not press charges against. But if she didn't feel like she could, at least there was a support system that she did feel comfortable with.
I loved the idea that The Mockingbirds got their name from To Kill A Mockingbird. Whitney used little pieces from the original book as procedures and secret codes for the group. I thought this was so clever, and just added such a fun and exciting twist to the book.
Slight Soapbox
The only thing that I didn't care for was the amount of language in the book. There are a lot of teens and parents that ask us about book content and I would hate for teens to not be able to read this book because of the language that is in it. I know that Daisy wanted to keep it relate-able to teens, but it's such an important issue, that I would hate for it to be missed by anyone because of the language. It seems like there aren't really any books out there that deal with these issues that don't also have a lot of language or other content in them, and although there are a lot of teens out there who won't be bothered by this, there are also teens out there who don't use profanity, and don't want to read it, who could really benefit from reading this book, and that makes me sad.
End of Soapbox :)
Overall, I really loved this book! I thought Daisy did an amazing job of explaining what a girl who had been date-raped was feeling. I felt like I could have been in her shoes (which I know I could have been). The amazing thing about The Mockingbirds is that it is a heartbreaking story that is also funny, sweet, sad, encouraging and most of all, hopeful.
Andye
June 17, 2011
I'm finding it really difficult to write a review for The Mockingbirds because I have such mixed feelings about the story. Although I'm usually very careful to avoid spoilers in my reviews I'm going to warn you now there will be spoilers here because I can't talk about what I disliked without going into detail. I'll start by saying that I applaud the author for tackling such a hard topic as date rape, this is something that she suffered herself when she was at college and she has done a great job of capturing the emotions that Alex goes through when she realises what happened to her. It is easy to sympathise with Alex and what she has suffered, she goes through phases of confusion, doubt and worrying that it was her fault. She is embarrassed that something like this could have happened especially when Carter starts spreading rumors that she was desperate for it and other students start acting as if she is easy. It takes a lot of convincing from her friends to make Alex speak out and tell people what happened to her but although I was glad she found the courage to talk this is where the story started to fall down for me.
If her friends had encouraged her to go to the police or a teacher at her school it could have been a powerful message to other teens who may find themselves in a similar situation. In reality she was convinced to take her case to the Mockingbirds - a group of students who are there to stop injustices happening on campus. We are expected to believe that although all of the students at school are aware the Mockingbirds exist not a single teacher knows anything about them. I was horrified by the lack of adult supervision in the story, the teachers are shown as ignorant and oblivious and refuse to accept that their gifted students could possibly do anything wrong. Despite the fact that the story is told over several months Alex doesn't once mention a phone call from her parents, even though Alex hasn't told them about the rape surely they would want to know how she was getting on at school?
When it comes to the Mockingbirds I actually thought that the idea of a justice system run by students was really interesting. If the group had a teacher involved and dealt with more minor issues then I think it could have been really effective, the way they run a trial and decide on a suitable punishment was a great idea. However, I didn't think this was a suitable way to deal with a rape on campus - in my opinion this was definitely something that needed police involvement. I was uncomfortable with some of the actions taken by the Mockingbirds too, when they agree to take Alex's case they immediately start revoking Carter's privileges (how they were able to do this without the teachers realising something was up is beyond me!). Rumors are spread about Carter, problems are caused for the whole water polo team and his life is made miserable - all before the "trial" that proves his guilt. If Carter had actually been found innocent he would have suffered the worst kind of bullying by the very people who are supposed to protect the other students. Just because he is eventually found guilty doesn't make their actions any better!
The main reason I don't think the Mockingbirds work for a case like rape is that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. As there is no police (or adult) involvement there will be no record of Carter's offence and as soon as he leaves school his punishment is finished. What happens if he re-offends in the future? I'm horrified by the message that sends to teenagers! In another of the cases taken on by the Mockingbirds a student who took a knife to someone received no punishment at all because the case was tried just before graduation. The victim states that they were pleased with the outcome because although nothing came of it the case proved that the other person was in the wrong - I'm sorry but I was disgusted by that attitude.
While I understand that the author was trying to encourage victims to find their voice and speak out I think this powerful and important message was lost in the way the case was handled. While I have no problem with literature about date rape being aimed at teenagers, in fact I think there should be more about this topic, I do think it should encourage victims to talk to a trusted adult and hopefully take the case to the police.
If her friends had encouraged her to go to the police or a teacher at her school it could have been a powerful message to other teens who may find themselves in a similar situation. In reality she was convinced to take her case to the Mockingbirds - a group of students who are there to stop injustices happening on campus. We are expected to believe that although all of the students at school are aware the Mockingbirds exist not a single teacher knows anything about them. I was horrified by the lack of adult supervision in the story, the teachers are shown as ignorant and oblivious and refuse to accept that their gifted students could possibly do anything wrong. Despite the fact that the story is told over several months Alex doesn't once mention a phone call from her parents, even though Alex hasn't told them about the rape surely they would want to know how she was getting on at school?
When it comes to the Mockingbirds I actually thought that the idea of a justice system run by students was really interesting. If the group had a teacher involved and dealt with more minor issues then I think it could have been really effective, the way they run a trial and decide on a suitable punishment was a great idea. However, I didn't think this was a suitable way to deal with a rape on campus - in my opinion this was definitely something that needed police involvement. I was uncomfortable with some of the actions taken by the Mockingbirds too, when they agree to take Alex's case they immediately start revoking Carter's privileges (how they were able to do this without the teachers realising something was up is beyond me!). Rumors are spread about Carter, problems are caused for the whole water polo team and his life is made miserable - all before the "trial" that proves his guilt. If Carter had actually been found innocent he would have suffered the worst kind of bullying by the very people who are supposed to protect the other students. Just because he is eventually found guilty doesn't make their actions any better!
The main reason I don't think the Mockingbirds work for a case like rape is that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. As there is no police (or adult) involvement there will be no record of Carter's offence and as soon as he leaves school his punishment is finished. What happens if he re-offends in the future? I'm horrified by the message that sends to teenagers! In another of the cases taken on by the Mockingbirds a student who took a knife to someone received no punishment at all because the case was tried just before graduation. The victim states that they were pleased with the outcome because although nothing came of it the case proved that the other person was in the wrong - I'm sorry but I was disgusted by that attitude.
While I understand that the author was trying to encourage victims to find their voice and speak out I think this powerful and important message was lost in the way the case was handled. While I have no problem with literature about date rape being aimed at teenagers, in fact I think there should be more about this topic, I do think it should encourage victims to talk to a trusted adult and hopefully take the case to the police.
March 7, 2012
Let me first say that this book had me compelled at points. I was sneaking off to read it, wanting to know what happened next. I felt for the main character and her problems. It's also a book that got me thinking, which is always a good thing. I talked about it with friends and family, I really had to work it out. Despite my low rating, I do not think I would say I don't recommend the book just because of all those factors. However, there are just too many flaws for me to be able to say this was a good book.
(May contain spoilers)
Alex is date raped. We know this from the beginning and it is made very clear to us as an audience. She does not go to the police. She is so against this idea that there isn't even a debate. She simply will not do it. This is the first moment that my unease begins. I wish she had even struggled with this idea a little more but it's just never in the cards. She also doesn't tell school administration. Why not? Well, we are told the administration is out of touch with reality and will never understand. That something about the particular environment of this prep school has made it so that they will be completely unable to properly handle this situation. We are TOLD this, but never do we, as an audience, adequately see the administration of Themis Academy as being so ineffective. I see a few places where examples of the faculty's obliviousness is proffered, but I was unconvinced. In fact, the one moment where a professor crosses the line in class in regards to rape (i.e. Has a students act out an attempted rape) the administration immediately puts that teacher on probation. So, despite all the characters in the book insisting on it, I do not believe in the absolute necessity of The Mockingbirds.
Who are the Mockingbirds? A clandestine, vigilante student organization that enforces "the law" on campus. Supposedly they are incorruptible. Safeguards are in place to make sure that everything is fair and we, as an audience, just have to accept this. I'm sorry, but I can't accept that. I can't believe that vigilante justice, by teens or really anyone else, would be this paragon of virtue. In fact, it isn't all ready! The Mockingbirds show the date rapist that they "mean business" by messing with his attendance numbers and taking away some of his privileges BEFORE he's even charged. We as an audience know that he's guilty, but what if he weren't? Why do you have to show him that you mean business before he even hears the charges against him? Why not do that sort of thing if he refuses to go to trial or intimidates his accuser?
I read the author's note at the end about how she herself was a victim of date rape, which is why, I'm certain, that the character's emotions have such a heart-breaking sincerity. However, she went to her school's administration who did react to help her, so I wasn't sure why she took this vigilante tack in her book except for that she stated something along the lines of: I wanted to show that I believe that, like in To Kill a Mockingbird, people would stand up for what is right if the system failed you. I understand this as a motivation for the book, but I think that the assumptions we have to make about the Mockingbirds and existing systems of justice are too much to swallow. I think the movie tells us too much and doesn't show, which makes me unconvinced by its arguments. I think that Alex could have used a bit more personality, and I think that, after a while, the ending feels inevitable and unsurprising.
However, I do think that the questions this story brings up about justice and date rape are something teens and really all of us should think about, so I say try it out for yourself.
(May contain spoilers)
Alex is date raped. We know this from the beginning and it is made very clear to us as an audience. She does not go to the police. She is so against this idea that there isn't even a debate. She simply will not do it. This is the first moment that my unease begins. I wish she had even struggled with this idea a little more but it's just never in the cards. She also doesn't tell school administration. Why not? Well, we are told the administration is out of touch with reality and will never understand. That something about the particular environment of this prep school has made it so that they will be completely unable to properly handle this situation. We are TOLD this, but never do we, as an audience, adequately see the administration of Themis Academy as being so ineffective. I see a few places where examples of the faculty's obliviousness is proffered, but I was unconvinced. In fact, the one moment where a professor crosses the line in class in regards to rape (i.e. Has a students act out an attempted rape) the administration immediately puts that teacher on probation. So, despite all the characters in the book insisting on it, I do not believe in the absolute necessity of The Mockingbirds.
Who are the Mockingbirds? A clandestine, vigilante student organization that enforces "the law" on campus. Supposedly they are incorruptible. Safeguards are in place to make sure that everything is fair and we, as an audience, just have to accept this. I'm sorry, but I can't accept that. I can't believe that vigilante justice, by teens or really anyone else, would be this paragon of virtue. In fact, it isn't all ready! The Mockingbirds show the date rapist that they "mean business" by messing with his attendance numbers and taking away some of his privileges BEFORE he's even charged. We as an audience know that he's guilty, but what if he weren't? Why do you have to show him that you mean business before he even hears the charges against him? Why not do that sort of thing if he refuses to go to trial or intimidates his accuser?
I read the author's note at the end about how she herself was a victim of date rape, which is why, I'm certain, that the character's emotions have such a heart-breaking sincerity. However, she went to her school's administration who did react to help her, so I wasn't sure why she took this vigilante tack in her book except for that she stated something along the lines of: I wanted to show that I believe that, like in To Kill a Mockingbird, people would stand up for what is right if the system failed you. I understand this as a motivation for the book, but I think that the assumptions we have to make about the Mockingbirds and existing systems of justice are too much to swallow. I think the movie tells us too much and doesn't show, which makes me unconvinced by its arguments. I think that Alex could have used a bit more personality, and I think that, after a while, the ending feels inevitable and unsurprising.
However, I do think that the questions this story brings up about justice and date rape are something teens and really all of us should think about, so I say try it out for yourself.
September 29, 2010
I loved mostly everything about The Mockingbirds. The writing was superior. The subject matter was one that needs to be talked about and the characters were drawn very well. Even the smallest character in the book had a fantastic voice. The rape scenes were believable and scary. The black outs from the drinking caused the character to remember her rape in bits and I loved that aspect of the book.
I think this book in time will be looked to and taught in classes around the country. I do believe the subject matter makes it important immediately and I think that there are a lot of things to learn from Whitney’s story.
Daisy Whitney is courageous. She wrote this story from her own experiences in college when the idea of what date rape is was still forming and being fought over in committees at our nation’s finest collegiate establishments. Daisy gives young girls courage and hope in this book but I did have one major problem with the story. The next part of this review may contain spoilers. Beware.
At first I thought The Mockingbirds were a great addition to the story. A secret group set up by the main character’s older sister in hopes of fending off and discouraging bullying of any kind by dispensing with a court like mandate and justice under the noses of the school administration. The administration believed that no child in their academy could do anything wrong so there was no need to have a zero tolerance policy in place.
I thought this element brought action and a feeling of empowerment to the story. That feeling lasted a few pages until The Mockingbirds decided to take on the case of rape. There was an initial meeting where Alex explains the circumstances of her date rape. They Mockingbirds then decide to take on her case.
Before the case is even tried, The Mockingbirds begin to exact justice on the rapist. He was not innocent until proven guilty. They docked his points to leave campus and even went as far as to take away his birthday cake. All on the word of the girl who had been raped. They wrote his name in a book which I saw as bullying and said if he is found not guilty he gets his points back and his name erased.
I have a firm belief in innocent until proven guilty and the vigilante bullying in the name of justice ruined a huge chunk of Whitney’s book for me. Yes we as the reader know he was a rapist, yes he got what he deserved but the characters were unsure or couldn’t be sure until the case was heard so by rendering punishment without giving him the opportunity to say his piece or defend himself the book took on a bitter taste. It seemed childish and vindictive when it was meant to be empowering.
I urge you to read The Mockingbirds and make your own decisions. If you like Speak you will enjoy reading Whitney’s The Mockingbirds.
I think this book in time will be looked to and taught in classes around the country. I do believe the subject matter makes it important immediately and I think that there are a lot of things to learn from Whitney’s story.
Daisy Whitney is courageous. She wrote this story from her own experiences in college when the idea of what date rape is was still forming and being fought over in committees at our nation’s finest collegiate establishments. Daisy gives young girls courage and hope in this book but I did have one major problem with the story. The next part of this review may contain spoilers. Beware.
At first I thought The Mockingbirds were a great addition to the story. A secret group set up by the main character’s older sister in hopes of fending off and discouraging bullying of any kind by dispensing with a court like mandate and justice under the noses of the school administration. The administration believed that no child in their academy could do anything wrong so there was no need to have a zero tolerance policy in place.
I thought this element brought action and a feeling of empowerment to the story. That feeling lasted a few pages until The Mockingbirds decided to take on the case of rape. There was an initial meeting where Alex explains the circumstances of her date rape. They Mockingbirds then decide to take on her case.
Before the case is even tried, The Mockingbirds begin to exact justice on the rapist. He was not innocent until proven guilty. They docked his points to leave campus and even went as far as to take away his birthday cake. All on the word of the girl who had been raped. They wrote his name in a book which I saw as bullying and said if he is found not guilty he gets his points back and his name erased.
I have a firm belief in innocent until proven guilty and the vigilante bullying in the name of justice ruined a huge chunk of Whitney’s book for me. Yes we as the reader know he was a rapist, yes he got what he deserved but the characters were unsure or couldn’t be sure until the case was heard so by rendering punishment without giving him the opportunity to say his piece or defend himself the book took on a bitter taste. It seemed childish and vindictive when it was meant to be empowering.
I urge you to read The Mockingbirds and make your own decisions. If you like Speak you will enjoy reading Whitney’s The Mockingbirds.
July 20, 2020
2.5 or 3
TW: Graphic descriptions of sexual assault/rape
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. I think it handled the topic of sexual assault quite well and I appreciated the support Alex received from nearly all the characters. This book is great at describing what consent is and I love that a lot of harmful rape acceptance myths were challenged in text. I think this aspect of the book was done really well.
However, aspects of this book outside of the main storyline were underdeveloped. I also didn't love the whole idea of this underground justice society, and wish the trial had just been done in a traditional way.
I will probably read the sequel because I own it, but this isn't a book I'll feel compelled to keep or to re-read.
TW: Graphic descriptions of sexual assault/rape
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. I think it handled the topic of sexual assault quite well and I appreciated the support Alex received from nearly all the characters. This book is great at describing what consent is and I love that a lot of harmful rape acceptance myths were challenged in text. I think this aspect of the book was done really well.
However, aspects of this book outside of the main storyline were underdeveloped. I also didn't love the whole idea of this underground justice society, and wish the trial had just been done in a traditional way.
I will probably read the sequel because I own it, but this isn't a book I'll feel compelled to keep or to re-read.
January 16, 2011
Rating: 0 out of 3
Let's begin by stating that I know I am about the last person in the world to have read this book and I am certainly the last to post the review. That being said here goes: (If you haven't heard about this book look below for the summary)
Where do I begin with this review. On this blog I am trying to concentrate only the books that I would at some capacity recommend to other readers. For the new year I didn't want to "waste" my time with books I didn't like. This book is an exception. I had such a strong reaction, that I have to write about it. In order to keep my thoughts organized I am going to write my points in bullet form.
* A girl gets date raped on a high school campus and her friends ask her, what, twice if she wants to go to the police? Oh, you don't want to go? Okay, I won't mention it again. If you want, instead of the police, you can have other high school students do a "trial". Oh okay! That sounds like a great idea. Yes, rape is serious, other high school students "trying the case" is perfect! I wanted to smack the friends for not pushing the police more. If Alex kept saying no, they should have at least kept trying.
* So Alex decides having other high school students listen to the case is the perfect solution. So I have moved past that part. And now I have to read how The Mockingbirds make the whole situation into a game. Secret letters, gum wrappers on trees, laundry room meetings. Are you serious? A girl was RAPED and they are doing the same things they do when they are trying a cheating case. It's treated as a play! It's all a joke!
* Before The Mockingbirds are convinced to take her case, they pass around a vote on whether a girl who doesn't say yes, is still saying no. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? They are leaving it up to the student body to determine if it's a winnable case. In this day in age, do we really need to argue this case? What if the voting had come back against the incident being labeled as rape? "Oh, too bad Alex" We don't think we would win, so you are on your own."
* So The Mockingbirds have their fun (they start taking points and cake away from Carter (the accused). They take several months into actually bringing the case to "court" MONTHS!!!! This isn't a cheating case! They aren't investigating anything! What exactly is the hold up? What exactly are they doing that they can't listen to the case right away?
* Where are her parents?!?! Okay, so Alex doesn't want her parents to know. Not that uncommon. But she is away at school - she sleeps at this high school - and not once do we hear about the parents call her once. If I was away at high school, I know my parents would be calling me to the point of me needing a stalking complaint against them. And yet, not once do Alex's parents call.
* As this mock, senseless trial comes around the corner, Alex begins to doubt that she did enough to prevent the rape. She has connected with her music teacher and decides to visit her to talk about what she is feeling. Remember, this teacher is an adult! Finally someone that is going to have some sound advice. Nothing! NOTHING! I think the most emotion we got from this teacher was a pat of the hand. No crying, no I'm sorry, no "do you want me to go to the police?" Nothing! I don't think she even drove Alex back to the dorms. It's disgusting.
* ***SPOILER ALERT*** So the "trial" takes place. Carter is found guilty. Oh what does that mean you ask? So glad you asked. That means he doesn't get his points back which allow him to go off campus on Fridays, he never got his birthday cake, and he is off the polo team. Yup. That's it. He is still going to that school. Alex is still going to that school. No one (outside the kids that really know about The Mockingbirds) know what was going on. No adult - minus that horrible excuse of human music teacher - knows. But hey! He was tried by high school students. That should be enough right?
These are only the HUGE things that bothered me about this book. There are plenty of smaller things that irritate me about the book. I have heard of many readers that loved this book. They felt this book opened the door for young adults to talk about a scary circumstance they may find themselves in. But to make it sounds that having other teens try the case is good enough is horrific. This was the perfect opportunity to show how the law can help. And if victims choose not to go to the law, at least show how family can be there for you. The entire book disgusted me. I'm sure many would disagree with me. I am ok with that.
Let's begin by stating that I know I am about the last person in the world to have read this book and I am certainly the last to post the review. That being said here goes: (If you haven't heard about this book look below for the summary)
Where do I begin with this review. On this blog I am trying to concentrate only the books that I would at some capacity recommend to other readers. For the new year I didn't want to "waste" my time with books I didn't like. This book is an exception. I had such a strong reaction, that I have to write about it. In order to keep my thoughts organized I am going to write my points in bullet form.
* A girl gets date raped on a high school campus and her friends ask her, what, twice if she wants to go to the police? Oh, you don't want to go? Okay, I won't mention it again. If you want, instead of the police, you can have other high school students do a "trial". Oh okay! That sounds like a great idea. Yes, rape is serious, other high school students "trying the case" is perfect! I wanted to smack the friends for not pushing the police more. If Alex kept saying no, they should have at least kept trying.
* So Alex decides having other high school students listen to the case is the perfect solution. So I have moved past that part. And now I have to read how The Mockingbirds make the whole situation into a game. Secret letters, gum wrappers on trees, laundry room meetings. Are you serious? A girl was RAPED and they are doing the same things they do when they are trying a cheating case. It's treated as a play! It's all a joke!
* Before The Mockingbirds are convinced to take her case, they pass around a vote on whether a girl who doesn't say yes, is still saying no. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? They are leaving it up to the student body to determine if it's a winnable case. In this day in age, do we really need to argue this case? What if the voting had come back against the incident being labeled as rape? "Oh, too bad Alex" We don't think we would win, so you are on your own."
* So The Mockingbirds have their fun (they start taking points and cake away from Carter (the accused). They take several months into actually bringing the case to "court" MONTHS!!!! This isn't a cheating case! They aren't investigating anything! What exactly is the hold up? What exactly are they doing that they can't listen to the case right away?
* Where are her parents?!?! Okay, so Alex doesn't want her parents to know. Not that uncommon. But she is away at school - she sleeps at this high school - and not once do we hear about the parents call her once. If I was away at high school, I know my parents would be calling me to the point of me needing a stalking complaint against them. And yet, not once do Alex's parents call.
* As this mock, senseless trial comes around the corner, Alex begins to doubt that she did enough to prevent the rape. She has connected with her music teacher and decides to visit her to talk about what she is feeling. Remember, this teacher is an adult! Finally someone that is going to have some sound advice. Nothing! NOTHING! I think the most emotion we got from this teacher was a pat of the hand. No crying, no I'm sorry, no "do you want me to go to the police?" Nothing! I don't think she even drove Alex back to the dorms. It's disgusting.
* ***SPOILER ALERT*** So the "trial" takes place. Carter is found guilty. Oh what does that mean you ask? So glad you asked. That means he doesn't get his points back which allow him to go off campus on Fridays, he never got his birthday cake, and he is off the polo team. Yup. That's it. He is still going to that school. Alex is still going to that school. No one (outside the kids that really know about The Mockingbirds) know what was going on. No adult - minus that horrible excuse of human music teacher - knows. But hey! He was tried by high school students. That should be enough right?
These are only the HUGE things that bothered me about this book. There are plenty of smaller things that irritate me about the book. I have heard of many readers that loved this book. They felt this book opened the door for young adults to talk about a scary circumstance they may find themselves in. But to make it sounds that having other teens try the case is good enough is horrific. This was the perfect opportunity to show how the law can help. And if victims choose not to go to the law, at least show how family can be there for you. The entire book disgusted me. I'm sure many would disagree with me. I am ok with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2011
*Please note the rating is 2.5 stars*
I had expected a LOT from the book. Unfortunately, the book turned out to be a mixed bag. I know a lot of people would disagree with me; there have been so many positive reviews of the book. This is just my opinion of the book. It should not deter you, if you want to give it a try.
I did not hate the book. There were good parts; but the bad parts outweighed the good.
I will start with the positive aspects.
The Mockingbirds has a very powerful concept. It tackles an issue which we all need to be aware of. I loved that Alex stood up and fought. This required courage and determination. She is unafraid to take a stand. Despite what she goes through, she is still able to love and connect with people again. More importantly, she's able to talk about her trauma. Alex does go through stages of self-blame and guilt, but eventually she realizes that there's no way she could have been responsible for what happened. She is able to seek out the help of her friends, which is very important when it comes to rape victims. The incorporation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" into the book and the various references to it is well done and fits into the story.
The Mockingbirds has a great premise but there were many flaws that I could not overlook. I did not like Alex at all. I felt bad for her, like I would for any person who went through what she did. However, she felt like a stranger to me throughout despite the fact that it's her voice narrating the story. At times, I even felt exasperated at her.I felt distant from every character. Flat and one-dimensional characters spoiled the book for me. I've repeated this a lot of times already in my other reviews- characterization is the most important part of a book, for me. In The Mockingbirds, I could not connect to any of the characters. None of them stood out. After a point of time, I just didn't care about what happened to them.
The Mockingbirds are supposed to be a powerful group. But I just did not feel their "power". I hate to say this but it almost seemed childish and silly to me. The Mockingbirds, as a group that has the power to bring justice to students who are victims of wrongdoings - it's just unbelievable and unconvincing. Moreover, the lack of involvement of real authority figures disturbs me a lot. Can teachers really be so blatantly cruel and blind that they ignore a student's cry for help, especially in case of date rape? Even if they are - what about the parents? Why was the police not involved? Imagining a school where the authorities are blissfully unaware, ignorant and uncaring about horrific crimes like rape is not only disturbing but also unrealistic. This gives out a very wrong message!
I commend the author's efforts and applaud her for tackling a very important and serious issue. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. The emotional involvement that this sort of a book requires was completely absent for me.
Overall:
Powerful premise but unlikeable characters
Recommended?
Not really. I think it's better to borrow it from somewhere if you really want to read it.
I had expected a LOT from the book. Unfortunately, the book turned out to be a mixed bag. I know a lot of people would disagree with me; there have been so many positive reviews of the book. This is just my opinion of the book. It should not deter you, if you want to give it a try.
I did not hate the book. There were good parts; but the bad parts outweighed the good.
I will start with the positive aspects.
The Mockingbirds has a very powerful concept. It tackles an issue which we all need to be aware of. I loved that Alex stood up and fought. This required courage and determination. She is unafraid to take a stand. Despite what she goes through, she is still able to love and connect with people again. More importantly, she's able to talk about her trauma. Alex does go through stages of self-blame and guilt, but eventually she realizes that there's no way she could have been responsible for what happened. She is able to seek out the help of her friends, which is very important when it comes to rape victims. The incorporation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" into the book and the various references to it is well done and fits into the story.
The Mockingbirds has a great premise but there were many flaws that I could not overlook. I did not like Alex at all. I felt bad for her, like I would for any person who went through what she did. However, she felt like a stranger to me throughout despite the fact that it's her voice narrating the story. At times, I even felt exasperated at her.I felt distant from every character. Flat and one-dimensional characters spoiled the book for me. I've repeated this a lot of times already in my other reviews- characterization is the most important part of a book, for me. In The Mockingbirds, I could not connect to any of the characters. None of them stood out. After a point of time, I just didn't care about what happened to them.
The Mockingbirds are supposed to be a powerful group. But I just did not feel their "power". I hate to say this but it almost seemed childish and silly to me. The Mockingbirds, as a group that has the power to bring justice to students who are victims of wrongdoings - it's just unbelievable and unconvincing. Moreover, the lack of involvement of real authority figures disturbs me a lot. Can teachers really be so blatantly cruel and blind that they ignore a student's cry for help, especially in case of date rape? Even if they are - what about the parents? Why was the police not involved? Imagining a school where the authorities are blissfully unaware, ignorant and uncaring about horrific crimes like rape is not only disturbing but also unrealistic. This gives out a very wrong message!
I commend the author's efforts and applaud her for tackling a very important and serious issue. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. The emotional involvement that this sort of a book requires was completely absent for me.
Overall:
Powerful premise but unlikeable characters
Recommended?
Not really. I think it's better to borrow it from somewhere if you really want to read it.
August 30, 2012
One of my favorite authors recommended this book, so I was excited to begin reading Daisy Whitney's debut novel. The opening chapter was strong, inviting the reader in; Alex's voice was both humorous and completely honest. But the chapters just got worse after that, and I found that I had stopped enjoying it after about fifty pages.
This was definitely a strong message, and one that should be taken seriously by all readers. I admire what Whitney was trying to do, and for the most part I think she did a good job of having Alex take a stand. This book reminded me of Speak, but there was one main difference: Alex stood up right away, immediately after she found out what happened. In Speak, the main character spent almost a year getting the courage to do so. I admired Alex, but I didn't get to know her at all throughout the story...despite the fact that she was narrating it.
Whitney is a first-time author, and it showed. All of the characters had only one purpose: keep the story moving. They were words on a page, their actions designed specifically to help the plot of the book. The only character I didn't mind was Maia, but she too was written to keep the book going. There were also MANY characters introduced, then dropped, then brought back up again at the end of the novel. I found the surplus of names quite confusing. Maia, T.S, Sandeep, Carter, Kevin, Dana, Martin, Henry, Mel. Those are just the names that come to mind; I'm sure there were many others scattered around the story.
The thing that bothered me the most was the lack of authority in the novel. Themis Academy is supposedly a top-notch boarding school, one of the best in the United States. If this is true, the teachers would be EXTREMELY involved in the students. The students would not have to start their own secret society called The Mockingbirds (which was also pretty unrealistic). If students behaved in such a way, they would be expelled. Stabbing a student, date-rape, hate crimes...those are serious offenses, ones that should be taken to a court, not a laundry room.
Now to The Mockingbirds. The Mockingbirds was supposed to be a "secret" society of students, who dealt with "cases" of unjust throughout the student body of Themis. They were supposed to seem powerful, but the whole idea sounded silly to me. I can't see something like that actually working in a normal high school.
I'm not trying to steer you away from this book, because the message was strong and informative. However, there were many flaws, so be prepared to read through that if you're interested in starting "The Mockingbirds" by Daisy Whitney.
This was definitely a strong message, and one that should be taken seriously by all readers. I admire what Whitney was trying to do, and for the most part I think she did a good job of having Alex take a stand. This book reminded me of Speak, but there was one main difference: Alex stood up right away, immediately after she found out what happened. In Speak, the main character spent almost a year getting the courage to do so. I admired Alex, but I didn't get to know her at all throughout the story...despite the fact that she was narrating it.
Whitney is a first-time author, and it showed. All of the characters had only one purpose: keep the story moving. They were words on a page, their actions designed specifically to help the plot of the book. The only character I didn't mind was Maia, but she too was written to keep the book going. There were also MANY characters introduced, then dropped, then brought back up again at the end of the novel. I found the surplus of names quite confusing. Maia, T.S, Sandeep, Carter, Kevin, Dana, Martin, Henry, Mel. Those are just the names that come to mind; I'm sure there were many others scattered around the story.
The thing that bothered me the most was the lack of authority in the novel. Themis Academy is supposedly a top-notch boarding school, one of the best in the United States. If this is true, the teachers would be EXTREMELY involved in the students. The students would not have to start their own secret society called The Mockingbirds (which was also pretty unrealistic). If students behaved in such a way, they would be expelled. Stabbing a student, date-rape, hate crimes...those are serious offenses, ones that should be taken to a court, not a laundry room.
Now to The Mockingbirds. The Mockingbirds was supposed to be a "secret" society of students, who dealt with "cases" of unjust throughout the student body of Themis. They were supposed to seem powerful, but the whole idea sounded silly to me. I can't see something like that actually working in a normal high school.
I'm not trying to steer you away from this book, because the message was strong and informative. However, there were many flaws, so be prepared to read through that if you're interested in starting "The Mockingbirds" by Daisy Whitney.
April 19, 2022
Trwiger warwning
So even though the written reviews for this book are genuinely as delicious has hotdog water and bean juice with pig breath on the side, they do get one thing right. The experiences of feelings of Alex. Oh my God, was this book really great at giving the feelings a date rape victim. (I thought I was getting more of an underground society kind of book, especially when I read the 2nd back cover but for once that was okay) As a socially erm disadvantaged young male I was able to emphasize and connect with a character like I could never feel before. I felt sad and well hurt when she planned her whole schedule around or was skipping meals. The fact that the rules were trying to take the thing he loved the most, yet... she already lost it. 🙊
The book felt like an extension of the authors feelings and experiences in her own life and others before and around her (more on that in a minute)
So besides that the writing wasn’t *too great*. Plot line was predictable. Characters weren’t that great. Soppy nerd guy likes girl. Its mutual and there aren’t any hiccups besides the big elephant in the room.
Now here is where I fight other reviews. The school. whY dIDnT sHE Go tO tHE poLIcE? wHy wASn’T tHErE aDuLt SUpeRviSiOn? tHiS bOoK iS so UnREaLIsTIc. Shut.
It wasn’t meant to be a realistic perspective. Sure I had the same questions during my read. But when I finished it, and read the authors notes, I realized... this is an extension of her life, her experiences and others before and around her. Its written like 90s. The 80s. Of course there was no adult supervision. The experiences were around college. Sure, it happened in the book in high school, but it was in a college like setting. You think that in college, in 80s-90s, a majority of date-rape victims were going to get help? No and the book SPOON FEEDS YOU REASONS ALEX DIDN’T GET HELP. Yall just spat it out. She couldn’t remember, she thought it would turn into a she said/he said, she didn’t want to go home and get locked up. The list goes On and On. And that’s probably how most people felt when they get assaulted. It says the author took her case to Brown, that with help she won, and what she get? Her rapist was suspended for a semester. Less than 6 🐒 months. Less than 6 months does she have peace of mind, she can walk to class normal, she can live. And y’all say the book is unrealistic that she took this to a lower power and the accused lost his sport. No. This book is realistic, its just that we don’t get to feel it because we are fortunate enough to feel its efforts.
Thank you for reading, y’all now have a great copypasta and I hope you have a good day. 😊
So even though the written reviews for this book are genuinely as delicious has hotdog water and bean juice with pig breath on the side, they do get one thing right. The experiences of feelings of Alex. Oh my God, was this book really great at giving the feelings a date rape victim. (I thought I was getting more of an underground society kind of book, especially when I read the 2nd back cover but for once that was okay) As a socially erm disadvantaged young male I was able to emphasize and connect with a character like I could never feel before. I felt sad and well hurt when she planned her whole schedule around or was skipping meals. The fact that the rules were trying to take the thing he loved the most, yet... she already lost it. 🙊
The book felt like an extension of the authors feelings and experiences in her own life and others before and around her (more on that in a minute)
So besides that the writing wasn’t *too great*. Plot line was predictable. Characters weren’t that great. Soppy nerd guy likes girl. Its mutual and there aren’t any hiccups besides the big elephant in the room.
Now here is where I fight other reviews. The school. whY dIDnT sHE Go tO tHE poLIcE? wHy wASn’T tHErE aDuLt SUpeRviSiOn? tHiS bOoK iS so UnREaLIsTIc. Shut.
It wasn’t meant to be a realistic perspective. Sure I had the same questions during my read. But when I finished it, and read the authors notes, I realized... this is an extension of her life, her experiences and others before and around her. Its written like 90s. The 80s. Of course there was no adult supervision. The experiences were around college. Sure, it happened in the book in high school, but it was in a college like setting. You think that in college, in 80s-90s, a majority of date-rape victims were going to get help? No and the book SPOON FEEDS YOU REASONS ALEX DIDN’T GET HELP. Yall just spat it out. She couldn’t remember, she thought it would turn into a she said/he said, she didn’t want to go home and get locked up. The list goes On and On. And that’s probably how most people felt when they get assaulted. It says the author took her case to Brown, that with help she won, and what she get? Her rapist was suspended for a semester. Less than 6 🐒 months. Less than 6 months does she have peace of mind, she can walk to class normal, she can live. And y’all say the book is unrealistic that she took this to a lower power and the accused lost his sport. No. This book is realistic, its just that we don’t get to feel it because we are fortunate enough to feel its efforts.
Thank you for reading, y’all now have a great copypasta and I hope you have a good day. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2012
The teachers and administrators at Themis, an elite boarding school, are clueless. When an incident arises about bullying, cheating, stealing, or other student crimes, it's brushed under the rug. After all, the students at Themis are some of the brightest, most talented students in the country! They can't do any wrong. That's where The Mockingbirds come in. Equal parts Boo Radley and Atticus Finch, The Mockingbirds are the vigilante justice system in place for the students, by the students. They hear cases and--through a system of checks and balances--make rulings.
When Alex wakes up naked in another student's bed without any recollection of the night before, she gradually comes to terms with the truth: she's been date raped. With everything in her life turned upside down, she goes to The Mockingbirds for help.
The Mockingbirds is everything a YA novel should be and rarely is. Whitney creates a flesh-and-blood heroine, with fully developed interests that reach beyond the span of cute boys. She has her share of flaws that come out over the course of the book, but they make her relatable as a character. Whitney also tackles complex and mature subject to tackle, never condescending to her readers. The scenes where Alex flashes back to her rape are painful to read, as they should be, and the trial that takes place toward the end rings true, full of victim-blaming we see every day on the news.
Sadly, the victim blaming doesn't stop there. When I read reviews for this book, I was disgusted by the amount of readers who disparaged the book because they didn't see Alex as a real victim because she'd been drinking and therefore she was asking for it. To those reviewers I say shame on you. Alcohol doesn't facilitate rape. If you were to randomly look at three rape cases, you would be hard-pressed to find even one similarity between the victims (not what they were wearing, not their level of intoxication, not their number of sexual partners). The only thing they would have in common? The fact that there was a rapist involved.
I liked that Whitney didn't have Alex assaulted in some dark alley or physically forced. Date rape is so often seen as a grey area, but she shows that there is nothing grey about it.
When Alex wakes up naked in another student's bed without any recollection of the night before, she gradually comes to terms with the truth: she's been date raped. With everything in her life turned upside down, she goes to The Mockingbirds for help.
The Mockingbirds is everything a YA novel should be and rarely is. Whitney creates a flesh-and-blood heroine, with fully developed interests that reach beyond the span of cute boys. She has her share of flaws that come out over the course of the book, but they make her relatable as a character. Whitney also tackles complex and mature subject to tackle, never condescending to her readers. The scenes where Alex flashes back to her rape are painful to read, as they should be, and the trial that takes place toward the end rings true, full of victim-blaming we see every day on the news.
Sadly, the victim blaming doesn't stop there. When I read reviews for this book, I was disgusted by the amount of readers who disparaged the book because they didn't see Alex as a real victim because she'd been drinking and therefore she was asking for it. To those reviewers I say shame on you. Alcohol doesn't facilitate rape. If you were to randomly look at three rape cases, you would be hard-pressed to find even one similarity between the victims (not what they were wearing, not their level of intoxication, not their number of sexual partners). The only thing they would have in common? The fact that there was a rapist involved.
I liked that Whitney didn't have Alex assaulted in some dark alley or physically forced. Date rape is so often seen as a grey area, but she shows that there is nothing grey about it.
June 14, 2011
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
What happens if one night you imbibe too much alcohol - and when you pass out someone rapes you?
This is what happens to Alex. She is attending a private school and studies music. One January morning, she awakens to find herself in a bed and a room where she has never been before. She is naked and there is a strange guy in the bed with her. She sees opened condom packages and then realizes what has happened, though she cannot remember the details. She can't even remember the guy's name.
Alex quickly gets dressed and goes back to her room on campus. From there she tells her roommates and one of them insists that she speak with her older sister. They want her to go to the police, but Alex doesn't see that as an option. She doesn't remember what happened and she knows that she was out of her mind drunk the night before. She doesn't want her parents involved because she doesn't want to go home, and I don't think there is a lot of trust between them.
Her sister, who is an alum of her school, tells her to go to a secret organization of students which she coincidentally started years ago. This organization, called The Mockingbirds, handles justice at the school. Alex makes her complaint to The Mockingbirds and the rest of the story is how she stays strong and is able to get some justice against this boy.
I really loved this story. It was well-written and the characters were likable. It kept me interested. I do believe that Alex should have gone to the police, or at least to an adult on campus, but the reality of it is that many girls don't ever report this type of crime to anyone. They suffer through and never stand up.
That is the important lesson here. If something like this happens to you, you need to stand up and fight for justice. Since the author actually was date raped in college and stood up at a time when date rape was not a believable crime, I believe this mirrors some of what she went through and faced. I really believe that THE MOCKINGBIRDS is a very important book that teens should have to read and discuss.
What happens if one night you imbibe too much alcohol - and when you pass out someone rapes you?
This is what happens to Alex. She is attending a private school and studies music. One January morning, she awakens to find herself in a bed and a room where she has never been before. She is naked and there is a strange guy in the bed with her. She sees opened condom packages and then realizes what has happened, though she cannot remember the details. She can't even remember the guy's name.
Alex quickly gets dressed and goes back to her room on campus. From there she tells her roommates and one of them insists that she speak with her older sister. They want her to go to the police, but Alex doesn't see that as an option. She doesn't remember what happened and she knows that she was out of her mind drunk the night before. She doesn't want her parents involved because she doesn't want to go home, and I don't think there is a lot of trust between them.
Her sister, who is an alum of her school, tells her to go to a secret organization of students which she coincidentally started years ago. This organization, called The Mockingbirds, handles justice at the school. Alex makes her complaint to The Mockingbirds and the rest of the story is how she stays strong and is able to get some justice against this boy.
I really loved this story. It was well-written and the characters were likable. It kept me interested. I do believe that Alex should have gone to the police, or at least to an adult on campus, but the reality of it is that many girls don't ever report this type of crime to anyone. They suffer through and never stand up.
That is the important lesson here. If something like this happens to you, you need to stand up and fight for justice. Since the author actually was date raped in college and stood up at a time when date rape was not a believable crime, I believe this mirrors some of what she went through and faced. I really believe that THE MOCKINGBIRDS is a very important book that teens should have to read and discuss.
November 21, 2014
The Mockingbirds is actually a very good book, and for those wondering it has nothing to do with the Hunger Games. This book is very realistic and touches a topic that is needed to be brought up. The main character lives in a boarding school high school, one day she gets drunk (even though normally she tries not to). When she is drunk a series of misfortunate events take place that include her. As she starts remembering what happens she becomes more and more frightened. Her school believes nothing bad could ever happen here, so she has to get help from someone else. She goes to the mockingbirds.
This book is not only good because of its interesting plot but because of how the other writes it. She writes so realistically and descriptively, that you actually believe its happening. What might have helped is that she went through the same problem except in college. She wanted to write this to help other people see how bad the situation truly is. On her part it worked. The only not so great part about this book is that it is a little bit inappropriate, but that is how this situation actually is. Another reason I didn’t rate this book five stars is because of how I don’t think schools that ignorant exist. In this book the school completely ignored all the kids problems. The school thought they were so perfect that nothing bad ever happened, I am pretty sure schools can be ignorant but not as much as in this book.
Otherwise I really liked this book, it was very touching. I also like how everything symbolized something else. They are many great reasons to read this book. First of all you would be informed as well as entertained, you would be able to feel empathy for people who have gone through this terrible problem, not to mention you would not put it down since it is a very interesting book. I would also recomend this book to people a little older than me, but people in college could also read it. To them the characters might seem childish, but it is the message that is the important part.
This book is not only good because of its interesting plot but because of how the other writes it. She writes so realistically and descriptively, that you actually believe its happening. What might have helped is that she went through the same problem except in college. She wanted to write this to help other people see how bad the situation truly is. On her part it worked. The only not so great part about this book is that it is a little bit inappropriate, but that is how this situation actually is. Another reason I didn’t rate this book five stars is because of how I don’t think schools that ignorant exist. In this book the school completely ignored all the kids problems. The school thought they were so perfect that nothing bad ever happened, I am pretty sure schools can be ignorant but not as much as in this book.
Otherwise I really liked this book, it was very touching. I also like how everything symbolized something else. They are many great reasons to read this book. First of all you would be informed as well as entertained, you would be able to feel empathy for people who have gone through this terrible problem, not to mention you would not put it down since it is a very interesting book. I would also recomend this book to people a little older than me, but people in college could also read it. To them the characters might seem childish, but it is the message that is the important part.
September 16, 2010
A book as impactful as Daisy Whitney’s debut novel comes along only once every few years. THE MOCKINGBIRDS is at once tender and empowering, clear-cut and sensitive. It’s the kind of book that needs to be read by everyone, yet doesn’t scrimp in the important qualities that make up good literature.
I would say read this for the mere fact that EVERYONE should be educated about the personal and societal consequences of date rape, but it’s also more than that. Yes, the book’s subject is one that everyone should be aware of: through Alex’s story, we learn about the rights of the survivor, the emotional maelstrom in the aftermath, and even the guilt and self-hatred that survivors falsely put upon themselves. But all of this is done in a smart, non-preachy manner. It’s really Alex’s story, Themis Academy’s story, and not just a pedagogical tool with interchangeable characters and side plots. Everything comes together in a way that makes it cohesive not just within the story world.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS makes its impact not just by its important subject but also by Daisy Whitney’s writing style. All too often a book will try to make an impact with an explosive impact, forgetting, in the process, to still develop characters and write in a way that makes us readers care and invest. THE MOCKINGBIRDS does not force us to wade through unnecessary descriptions or artificial relationships: each and every character has a role, has a story, and helps Alex. The book deals with its difficult subject in a no-nonsense manner, and while this can sometimes make Alex feel a little underdeveloped, so all-encompassing her date-rape case seems to be, it also makes her the “everygirl,” one whom readers will be able to relate to and empathize with, regardless of our own experiences.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS is one of those books that should be assigned reading for all teens. If everyone could be educated about date rape through Alex’s experience, the world could truly be a better place.
I would say read this for the mere fact that EVERYONE should be educated about the personal and societal consequences of date rape, but it’s also more than that. Yes, the book’s subject is one that everyone should be aware of: through Alex’s story, we learn about the rights of the survivor, the emotional maelstrom in the aftermath, and even the guilt and self-hatred that survivors falsely put upon themselves. But all of this is done in a smart, non-preachy manner. It’s really Alex’s story, Themis Academy’s story, and not just a pedagogical tool with interchangeable characters and side plots. Everything comes together in a way that makes it cohesive not just within the story world.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS makes its impact not just by its important subject but also by Daisy Whitney’s writing style. All too often a book will try to make an impact with an explosive impact, forgetting, in the process, to still develop characters and write in a way that makes us readers care and invest. THE MOCKINGBIRDS does not force us to wade through unnecessary descriptions or artificial relationships: each and every character has a role, has a story, and helps Alex. The book deals with its difficult subject in a no-nonsense manner, and while this can sometimes make Alex feel a little underdeveloped, so all-encompassing her date-rape case seems to be, it also makes her the “everygirl,” one whom readers will be able to relate to and empathize with, regardless of our own experiences.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS is one of those books that should be assigned reading for all teens. If everyone could be educated about date rape through Alex’s experience, the world could truly be a better place.
November 8, 2010
Alex is a junior at a prestigious boarding school, a dedicated musician, and the sort of person that rarely pays attention to the daily gossip and chit-chat of school life because she is so focused on her long term goal which is Juilliard. All that ends when she is date raped by a classmate she barely knows, and becomes the subject of gossip and slurs. Although Alex wants to go on with her life and avoid being a victim, she has many questions about what really happened to her that night and to what extent she was complicit (if she was). Luckily, Alex has friends who care about her because it is pretty clear that the administration of the school would not be helpful and she does not want her parents involved. Instead, almost reluctantly, she turns to an underground school vigilante system called the Mockingbirds, founded, coincidentally, by her older sister, which investigates her story and then puts her rapist, Carter, on trial.
I didn't know what this book was about when I started reading, and usually I avoid books about rape but I thought this was quite well done. My only criticism was that Alex seemed far too mature for her age and not as traumatized by her experience as I would have expected (although her efforts to avoid Carter were well described and it showed how little the school paid attention that she was able to skip meals for weeks without any administrators noticing). I was also a little surprised by her graphic language but this is not a book for younger teens.
I enjoyed the Mockingbirds and the group's vision of justice, but of course I would not want to be on the wrong side of any group of self-righteous teens (as would happen if they got it wrong). I also liked the way Alex began to remember the details of the fateful night and did not conveniently remember a version she would have preferred but faced her demons squarely - and finally found a trustworthy adult.
I didn't know what this book was about when I started reading, and usually I avoid books about rape but I thought this was quite well done. My only criticism was that Alex seemed far too mature for her age and not as traumatized by her experience as I would have expected (although her efforts to avoid Carter were well described and it showed how little the school paid attention that she was able to skip meals for weeks without any administrators noticing). I was also a little surprised by her graphic language but this is not a book for younger teens.
I enjoyed the Mockingbirds and the group's vision of justice, but of course I would not want to be on the wrong side of any group of self-righteous teens (as would happen if they got it wrong). I also liked the way Alex began to remember the details of the fateful night and did not conveniently remember a version she would have preferred but faced her demons squarely - and finally found a trustworthy adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2011
Read this if:
you like books about boarding schools
The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" (this book is a walking tribute)
you like obvious mysteries
you like trial books
you play piano (I loved all the references, it made me want to practice all the classics again)
you are interested in piano
you like secret societies (that aren't totally secret)
you liked "The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks", it was similar in some ways (I still prefer Frankie though)
you like flashbacks
you like non-gender specific names (I do; i.e. my son's name is taylor and the main character's (girl) name is Alex. I love, love, love that name!
Don't read if:
The predictability is going to bother you. (because it is very obvious most of the time what is going to happen)
you don't want to read about rape (it's not vulgar or scary, but it's still a taboo plot to work around, especially for the younger readers out there) 12 and up maybe?!
high school settings are already getting old/annoying
stereotypes bother you
no rules (pretty much) at the school/not much adult supervision is going to grind your gears.
Yep
3.5 stars from me. At the end of the day, it's just another "Meh" book. I do love the little bird on the cover though.
This is sort of how I picture Alex to look
Our "Ode to Joy' went like this:
When you bought me my nintendo, I thought you were really keen
Now that you have hidden it, I think that you are really mean.
Just because I'm flunking math and science that is no excuse.
You're a hairy dog and I have never seen so many fleas.
Out of all those years in school THAT is what sticks out from music class. Public School Education, OH YEAH!
Oh Noo
you like books about boarding schools
The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" (this book is a walking tribute)
you like obvious mysteries
you like trial books
you play piano (I loved all the references, it made me want to practice all the classics again)
you are interested in piano
you like secret societies (that aren't totally secret)
you liked "The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks", it was similar in some ways (I still prefer Frankie though)
you like flashbacks
you like non-gender specific names (I do; i.e. my son's name is taylor and the main character's (girl) name is Alex. I love, love, love that name!
Don't read if:
The predictability is going to bother you. (because it is very obvious most of the time what is going to happen)
you don't want to read about rape (it's not vulgar or scary, but it's still a taboo plot to work around, especially for the younger readers out there) 12 and up maybe?!
high school settings are already getting old/annoying
stereotypes bother you
no rules (pretty much) at the school/not much adult supervision is going to grind your gears.
Yep
3.5 stars from me. At the end of the day, it's just another "Meh" book. I do love the little bird on the cover though.
This is sort of how I picture Alex to look
Our "Ode to Joy' went like this:
When you bought me my nintendo, I thought you were really keen
Now that you have hidden it, I think that you are really mean.
Just because I'm flunking math and science that is no excuse.
You're a hairy dog and I have never seen so many fleas.
Out of all those years in school THAT is what sticks out from music class. Public School Education, OH YEAH!
Oh Noo
February 8, 2011
I received this ARC from the publisher.
Alex remembers drinking a lot at the concert last night. She doesn't remember how she ended up in her classmate's dorm room naked. She's mortified that everyone will think she's a slut, but slowly she begins to remember more. When she tells her best friends and roommates, T.S. and Maia, about what happened, they explain it: date-rape.
Mostly Alex just wants to crawl into a hole and die, especially when it seems the guy, Carter, has told all his water polo teammates that Alex is "easy." But her private school has a secret society that deals with issues like this. The Mockingbirds, named after Harper Lee's novel of a code of honor, agree to look into Alex's case. At first Alex is doubtful, but when she begins to see how much Carter has taken from her - her music, and her growing friendship with Martin, one of the Mockingbirds - she decides she wants justice.
I had been initially concerned with content, based on the subject matter of the book. I did not find the rape scene (when Alex begins to remember it) to be too graphic. Most of the book focuses on how Alex is dealing with her "new life" and the way the Mockingbirds' justice system works. This had been another concern of mine, that the "justice" would be in the form of a prank or vigilante-type justice, but it was done very fairly and very similar to a "real" trial. I really loved Alex's relationship with Martin, and I also liked that most of the characters - especially the girls - were very strong and intelligent.
One concern I'd heard about this book was the issue of Alex not reporting this to the police, and of the faculty's willingness to turn a blind eye to crimes committed at the school. I thought this was explained enough in the book, and while in a perfect world Alex might have been able to persecute Carter in a real court, I think the "conviction" of the Mockingbirds is a more meaningful punishment.
Alex remembers drinking a lot at the concert last night. She doesn't remember how she ended up in her classmate's dorm room naked. She's mortified that everyone will think she's a slut, but slowly she begins to remember more. When she tells her best friends and roommates, T.S. and Maia, about what happened, they explain it: date-rape.
Mostly Alex just wants to crawl into a hole and die, especially when it seems the guy, Carter, has told all his water polo teammates that Alex is "easy." But her private school has a secret society that deals with issues like this. The Mockingbirds, named after Harper Lee's novel of a code of honor, agree to look into Alex's case. At first Alex is doubtful, but when she begins to see how much Carter has taken from her - her music, and her growing friendship with Martin, one of the Mockingbirds - she decides she wants justice.
I had been initially concerned with content, based on the subject matter of the book. I did not find the rape scene (when Alex begins to remember it) to be too graphic. Most of the book focuses on how Alex is dealing with her "new life" and the way the Mockingbirds' justice system works. This had been another concern of mine, that the "justice" would be in the form of a prank or vigilante-type justice, but it was done very fairly and very similar to a "real" trial. I really loved Alex's relationship with Martin, and I also liked that most of the characters - especially the girls - were very strong and intelligent.
One concern I'd heard about this book was the issue of Alex not reporting this to the police, and of the faculty's willingness to turn a blind eye to crimes committed at the school. I thought this was explained enough in the book, and while in a perfect world Alex might have been able to persecute Carter in a real court, I think the "conviction" of the Mockingbirds is a more meaningful punishment.
May 12, 2015
Grade: B-
After Alex is date raped at the prestigious Themis boarding school, she seeks help from The Mockingbirds, a student run, a secret underground justice group. With the help of her friends, The Mockingbirds, her sister and a potential love interest, Alex struggles to reclaim her sense of self and safety.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS isn't your typical date rape novel. Alex tells her roommate immediately after the incident, who immediately calls it rape, avoiding the secrecy of many stories where the victim/survivor keeps the assault to herself, suffering in silence for half or most of the book. That alone was very empowering. As Alex grew from a meek, passive girl into a true survivor over the course of the story, she became more nuanced and layered. I enjoyed the supporting characters, though they lacked depth and complexity.
Daisy Whitney has a pleasant, readable writing style. Her words didn't wow me, but they kept me interested. Her writing was best in creating the tension of Alex's memories and flashbacks. While the whole concept of the not so secret Mockingbirds was fun and engaging, I wish there had been some discussion of going through legal or school channels. The potential consequence of being forced to quit the water polo team for the crime of rape is woefully inadequate. Whitney, a date rape survivor, exaggerated the deterrent effect of The Mockingbird punishment on the perp and other potential perps. I didn't really buy into the concept of those who commit crimes and misdemeanors accepting the authority of The Mockingbirds.
I recommend this novel because it takes date rape seriously and Alex, for the most part, avoids the cliché of blaming herself I've seen in so many other books. However, neither the characters nor the story are particularly memorable and I doubt they'll stay in my head for long.
THEMES: date rape, boarding school, secret societies, drinking, romance
After Alex is date raped at the prestigious Themis boarding school, she seeks help from The Mockingbirds, a student run, a secret underground justice group. With the help of her friends, The Mockingbirds, her sister and a potential love interest, Alex struggles to reclaim her sense of self and safety.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS isn't your typical date rape novel. Alex tells her roommate immediately after the incident, who immediately calls it rape, avoiding the secrecy of many stories where the victim/survivor keeps the assault to herself, suffering in silence for half or most of the book. That alone was very empowering. As Alex grew from a meek, passive girl into a true survivor over the course of the story, she became more nuanced and layered. I enjoyed the supporting characters, though they lacked depth and complexity.
Daisy Whitney has a pleasant, readable writing style. Her words didn't wow me, but they kept me interested. Her writing was best in creating the tension of Alex's memories and flashbacks. While the whole concept of the not so secret Mockingbirds was fun and engaging, I wish there had been some discussion of going through legal or school channels. The potential consequence of being forced to quit the water polo team for the crime of rape is woefully inadequate. Whitney, a date rape survivor, exaggerated the deterrent effect of The Mockingbird punishment on the perp and other potential perps. I didn't really buy into the concept of those who commit crimes and misdemeanors accepting the authority of The Mockingbirds.
I recommend this novel because it takes date rape seriously and Alex, for the most part, avoids the cliché of blaming herself I've seen in so many other books. However, neither the characters nor the story are particularly memorable and I doubt they'll stay in my head for long.
THEMES: date rape, boarding school, secret societies, drinking, romance
December 26, 2010
The Mockingbirds is an astounding debut novel from Daisy Whitney. I was blown away by her amazing writing and her gut-wrenching subject matter. Just plain wow.
Alex Patrick is not a slut. That's why when she wakes up naked in a strange guys bed she knows something is wrong. It turns out she's right to be worried. She can't remember anything about the night before but she knows she had sex with the strange guy. When she finally admits that she was date raped she doesn't go to the police. No, she goes to the Mockingbirds. The Mockingbirds take on Alex's case but maybe things are so black and white after all.
Word of Warning: The Mockingbirds is definitely not for younger teens. It has some graphic descriptions and language.
Alex reminds me of myself. That is the first thing that I thought about after finishing the book. She is driven and smart but she is also shy and terrified. Now admittedly our reasons aren't the same but I loved the connection I felt to her. I loved how brave she was but how scared she was at the same time. She was a real three-dimensional character. Her feelings were real, her actions were real, and her spunk was real. What else could you want in a main character?
The subject matter that Daisy Whitney chose is a very real problem but one that doesn't seem to get a lot of attention. I know this is the first time I have read about it. The way Daisy Whitney approached it though made it readable. I felt like I learned more about it but it was snuck in subtly, not told outright. It was brutally honest but beautifully written.
Overall, The Mockingbirds is one of my top debut novels of the year. I think Daisy Whitney deserves a lot of recognition for writing about such a strong topic and tackling it head on. I know I will be passing this one along to my friends.
Alex Patrick is not a slut. That's why when she wakes up naked in a strange guys bed she knows something is wrong. It turns out she's right to be worried. She can't remember anything about the night before but she knows she had sex with the strange guy. When she finally admits that she was date raped she doesn't go to the police. No, she goes to the Mockingbirds. The Mockingbirds take on Alex's case but maybe things are so black and white after all.
Word of Warning: The Mockingbirds is definitely not for younger teens. It has some graphic descriptions and language.
Alex reminds me of myself. That is the first thing that I thought about after finishing the book. She is driven and smart but she is also shy and terrified. Now admittedly our reasons aren't the same but I loved the connection I felt to her. I loved how brave she was but how scared she was at the same time. She was a real three-dimensional character. Her feelings were real, her actions were real, and her spunk was real. What else could you want in a main character?
The subject matter that Daisy Whitney chose is a very real problem but one that doesn't seem to get a lot of attention. I know this is the first time I have read about it. The way Daisy Whitney approached it though made it readable. I felt like I learned more about it but it was snuck in subtly, not told outright. It was brutally honest but beautifully written.
Overall, The Mockingbirds is one of my top debut novels of the year. I think Daisy Whitney deserves a lot of recognition for writing about such a strong topic and tackling it head on. I know I will be passing this one along to my friends.
July 26, 2011
The Mockingbirds is the story about a teenage high school student at an “elite” boarding school who is date raped one night after she gets drunk. Not wanting to press charges against the boy, Alex’s friends convince her to contact “The Mockingbirds,” a group of students who right the wrongs of their fellow classmates but enacting their own brand of justice based on their own code of conduct.
If the story had simply been about Alex and how she overcame this traumatic event then I would rate this book higher. Sadly, it doesn’t.
Alex is a well thought out fully three dimensional character who struggles with trying to remember exactly what happened and also try to move on. The remaining characters are cardboard cutouts of stereotypical archetypes that fly in and out of her life offering nothing of real value except maybe a backdrop to her play.
The author fully discloses that date rape is something she holds near and dear and wishes to bring to many peoples attention. Having been date raped herself while in college, the author writes about bringing awareness to the subtleties involved in date rape and that it is not just cut and dry. She writes of how she stepped forward to the college and went through a trial accusing the boy while making ground breaking strides in changing the system to further protect women on campus and gain a higher awareness. This reader was sorely disappointed that instead of having her character champion her own ideals and bring the matter forward to the school she instead hides this fact from the school and does nothing to make a difference except punish one person instead of preventing hundreds more from being hurt.
If the story had simply been about Alex and how she overcame this traumatic event then I would rate this book higher. Sadly, it doesn’t.
Alex is a well thought out fully three dimensional character who struggles with trying to remember exactly what happened and also try to move on. The remaining characters are cardboard cutouts of stereotypical archetypes that fly in and out of her life offering nothing of real value except maybe a backdrop to her play.
The author fully discloses that date rape is something she holds near and dear and wishes to bring to many peoples attention. Having been date raped herself while in college, the author writes about bringing awareness to the subtleties involved in date rape and that it is not just cut and dry. She writes of how she stepped forward to the college and went through a trial accusing the boy while making ground breaking strides in changing the system to further protect women on campus and gain a higher awareness. This reader was sorely disappointed that instead of having her character champion her own ideals and bring the matter forward to the school she instead hides this fact from the school and does nothing to make a difference except punish one person instead of preventing hundreds more from being hurt.
April 24, 2013
My Summary: Alex - known around school as 'piano girl' - is like every other student at Themis Academy: gifted and driven. But when a night at a concert turns her life around, Alex has no choice but to seek out the Mockingbirds - a disciplinary group dedicated to righting wrongs that the administration blinds themselves to.
Now with her friends behind her, Alex is speaking out for all the girls whose voices weren't heard - and figuring out who she is in the process.
My Thoughts: Although I didn't agree with everything in this book, I thought it did make a great read. It also make me want to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird! Alex was a very dynamic character - we really get to see her grow throughout the course of the novel. I also loved the secondary characters; Casey, T.S., and Martin were a great support system for Alex, and they were far from flat and one-dimensional (like most secondary characters seem to be).
I really liked the idea of a disciplinary committee that was seperate and secret from the aministration of the school. School politics and favouritism is so often a factor when it comes to deciding punishments for studetns, so I think this would be a great thing to have in place for any school.
I enjoyed the writing style as well - the writing flowed naturally, and I felt like the way Alex's thoughts were portrayed made her character seem all the more realistic. I found myself flying through the pages, finishing within eight hours of starting.
Final Thoughts: If you enjoy contemporary lit that's a little more on the edgy side I definitely recommend you check out The Mockingbirds!
Now with her friends behind her, Alex is speaking out for all the girls whose voices weren't heard - and figuring out who she is in the process.
My Thoughts: Although I didn't agree with everything in this book, I thought it did make a great read. It also make me want to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird! Alex was a very dynamic character - we really get to see her grow throughout the course of the novel. I also loved the secondary characters; Casey, T.S., and Martin were a great support system for Alex, and they were far from flat and one-dimensional (like most secondary characters seem to be).
I really liked the idea of a disciplinary committee that was seperate and secret from the aministration of the school. School politics and favouritism is so often a factor when it comes to deciding punishments for studetns, so I think this would be a great thing to have in place for any school.
I enjoyed the writing style as well - the writing flowed naturally, and I felt like the way Alex's thoughts were portrayed made her character seem all the more realistic. I found myself flying through the pages, finishing within eight hours of starting.
Final Thoughts: If you enjoy contemporary lit that's a little more on the edgy side I definitely recommend you check out The Mockingbirds!
January 3, 2011
Y'all, there were a lot of things I liked about this book. However - there were a few huge glaring problems - in my opinion - that kept me from loving it.
First of all: the many good things. For one, I love the focus and awareness put on the specific form of rape that Alex suffers from. It doesn't necessarily mean being brutally attacked. Alex was not in a position to say yes - so she was raped. End of story. I think that is an important point - perhaps the important point - of the story.
Second, I love the characterization of the story. Especially Alex. Her inner turmoil and the mental process she goes through to decide whether or not she was really raped was very well written. She was confused at first, and I think the way she came to the conclusions she did was very realistic. Her overall story was very engrossing and entertaining as far as making friends and becoming involved with the members of the Mockingbirds. I loved that aspect of things.
However: the bad. I do not think it is at all acceptable to imply that it is okay for the boy to be punished as he was - by a group of his peers. No way. Adults - teachers and police - should have been involved. The Mockingbirds are a good concept, and one I would be much more easy with for smaller issues...but rape? Nu uh. I mean...really. Being forced to quit sports? Not at all an acceptable punishment. Castration, expulsion, jail time? Those are acceptable. This, I think, is a major issue...and definitely keeps the novel from reaching its potential.
First of all: the many good things. For one, I love the focus and awareness put on the specific form of rape that Alex suffers from. It doesn't necessarily mean being brutally attacked. Alex was not in a position to say yes - so she was raped. End of story. I think that is an important point - perhaps the important point - of the story.
Second, I love the characterization of the story. Especially Alex. Her inner turmoil and the mental process she goes through to decide whether or not she was really raped was very well written. She was confused at first, and I think the way she came to the conclusions she did was very realistic. Her overall story was very engrossing and entertaining as far as making friends and becoming involved with the members of the Mockingbirds. I loved that aspect of things.
However: the bad. I do not think it is at all acceptable to imply that it is okay for the boy to be punished as he was - by a group of his peers. No way. Adults - teachers and police - should have been involved. The Mockingbirds are a good concept, and one I would be much more easy with for smaller issues...but rape? Nu uh. I mean...really. Being forced to quit sports? Not at all an acceptable punishment. Castration, expulsion, jail time? Those are acceptable. This, I think, is a major issue...and definitely keeps the novel from reaching its potential.
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