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Masks
Masks tells the story of two teenagers struggling to be normal together, despite their dysfunctional families.
Rebecca Jacobs is an unremarkable teenage girl-at least, that is what she wants the world to believe. But her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
One of the witnesses to Rebecca's public humiliation is David Miller, the high school bad boy. Unsure about how to help her, he settles for becoming her friend. Rebecca and David grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, but there are other problems she must also confront. First, Rebecca's best friend tries to steal David away. Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. Rebecca's worst enemy, though, is herself. In her desperate need to keep her home life separate from her love life, she lies to her parents and to David. When the truth is exposed, she must confront reality-alone. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
Rebecca Jacobs is an unremarkable teenage girl-at least, that is what she wants the world to believe. But her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
One of the witnesses to Rebecca's public humiliation is David Miller, the high school bad boy. Unsure about how to help her, he settles for becoming her friend. Rebecca and David grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, but there are other problems she must also confront. First, Rebecca's best friend tries to steal David away. Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. Rebecca's worst enemy, though, is herself. In her desperate need to keep her home life separate from her love life, she lies to her parents and to David. When the truth is exposed, she must confront reality-alone. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2010
155 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Caviglia
4 books11 followersPatricia Caviglia lives in Mississauga, ON. She has published two novels in the True Hearts series: Masks and Secrets.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 8, 2010
I won this on Goodreads give away.
Masks tells the story of two teenagers struggling to be normal together, despite their dysfunctional families.
Rebecca Jacobs is a teenage girl. Her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
David Miller, the high school bad boy, witnesses the incident between Rebecca and her father and reaches out to her. They grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, so she lies to her parents and David. When the truth is exposed she must confront reality--alone.Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
This is definitely a YA book, so some of the romance was a little cheesy, but overall I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest and I read it quickly. Some good lessons are learned in this book.
Masks tells the story of two teenagers struggling to be normal together, despite their dysfunctional families.
Rebecca Jacobs is a teenage girl. Her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
David Miller, the high school bad boy, witnesses the incident between Rebecca and her father and reaches out to her. They grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, so she lies to her parents and David. When the truth is exposed she must confront reality--alone.Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
This is definitely a YA book, so some of the romance was a little cheesy, but overall I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest and I read it quickly. Some good lessons are learned in this book.
August 11, 2016
Masks had a lot of potential to be a great contemporary YA read. Unfortunately, Patricia’s writing style didn’t flow as well as I expected and things that should’ve taken pages to develop happened within the space of a sentence. I was unable to like either of the main characters and disagreed heavily with a lot of the issues and how they were dealt with.
I entered a giveaway for this book on goodreads and was drawn in by the overall plot. I was thrilled to hear I won the novel and was delighted by Patricia’s little note and a signed copy of the book! It was the first time I’ve won anything in a book competition and I couldn’t wait to get started!
A few pages in, however, and I was quickly discovering that Masks wasn’t a ‘me’ book. I’m sure (and judging by the reviews on goodreads) that there are a lot of people out there who will enjoy it.
The writing style didn’t appeal to me and I didn’t relate to any of the characters, especially the main two, David and Rebecca. I didn’t like how their relationship evolved and progressed. The wording and structure reads fast, as if you’re reading unfiltered thoughts of the character who’s narrating. I didn’t even realize that the main two had kissed until the following sentence. It just didn’t feel like it was solid enough to get my interest and hold it.
I can’t even describe how much Rebecca’s parents annoyed me. Her father was calling her a ‘slut’ and a ‘whore’ every turn of the page and Rebecca just accepted this. I wanted to feel anger, hurt and betrayal that her parental figures would treat her so. Instead, she accepted her reality and when finally taken away from her home by social services, she mourned the loss of her parents. Who cares if he doesn’t hit you? He abuses you emotionally and Rebecca didn’t seem to grasp that.
I thought she would ‘learn’ from her drama at home. I thought she would ‘learn’ that such a home life is unacceptable in this day and age… instead, the parents get thrown into anger management and counselling and are allowed their daughter back after a few weeks. The two then go under a miraculous transformation and allow her to date. It just didn’t seem ‘real’ to me.
I know a child’s love for their parents is kind of eternal, no matter what, but Rebecca didn’t even pause to consider her situation for more than a minute or enjoy her repreive from their intolerable behaviour. From the moment they were separated, she was itching to get back into the abusive environment and constantly covering for them.
I don’t have much to say for the leading man, David, as he was kind of bland. He didn’t do anything to particularly annoy me, nor did he do anything to spark my interest.
All in all I was disappointed with Masks. It got a slightly bit more exciting as the book drew to a close, but the ending just didn’t seem fathomable. I really wanted to like this book!
Recommended to: Anyone looking for a light read. It’s a very slim book!
July 16, 2011
"Masks: a Novella" was a quick, easy read with its heart in a distinct, riveting place, but I found the novella as a whole lacking in its execution, even for a story of its respective length. It touches upon some noteworthy themes and trials in the lives of two teens - and that's something I found refreshing when it came to its theme. Becca is a sixteen year old girl with unreasonably overprotective parents, especially with a father who practically drags her out of a dance in front of her classmates and accuses her of being careless and, in his words, "a slut." Not only that, Becca also has to deal with a best friend (Diana) who isn't really her friend at all, and ends up stealing her boyfriends. This becomes especially apparent when Becca falls in love with the resident bad boy at her school, David. David, like Becca, has a projected image that doesn't match his true self at all. He gets in trouble at the drop of a hat - overaggressive and quick to start a fight, but around Becca, he's willing to show a little more of his true self.
I applaud Patricia Caviglia for creating a story about two characters with somewhat realistic problems in their internal and external lives, but unfortunately, the translations of these problems, and the characters themselves didn't feel fully realized. There were moments in the novella that I did connect to the characters for their respective situations (for example, Becca realizing her best friend was using her, and her fear and frustration with her parents not allowing her to date at her age), but the foundation on which some of these arguments were based on were one-dimensional. The fact that Becca's parents called her "a slut" so many times had me banging my head against the wall, and not because of their characters, but for the frequency and lack of expansion/context. There were moments where the dialogue was quite static and didn't feel like it added up to much. I had no concept of these teens' aspirations, desires, ambitions or personal traits to make them beyond a generalized scope. Not to mention there were points I thought the smoking and sexual inferences were a little too much for perhaps the scope of the novella - it didn't feel natural and was rather shallow. That's something I think both teens and their parents would probably take issue with in reading this novella.
I think Caviglia has potential in her future works, because there were moments where I could see this novella shine, but unfortunately, its issues/cons ejected me out of the story despite it being a short read. Still, I did take some of its moments as being well intentioned, I just wished it was more fully realized.
Overall score: 1.5/5
I applaud Patricia Caviglia for creating a story about two characters with somewhat realistic problems in their internal and external lives, but unfortunately, the translations of these problems, and the characters themselves didn't feel fully realized. There were moments in the novella that I did connect to the characters for their respective situations (for example, Becca realizing her best friend was using her, and her fear and frustration with her parents not allowing her to date at her age), but the foundation on which some of these arguments were based on were one-dimensional. The fact that Becca's parents called her "a slut" so many times had me banging my head against the wall, and not because of their characters, but for the frequency and lack of expansion/context. There were moments where the dialogue was quite static and didn't feel like it added up to much. I had no concept of these teens' aspirations, desires, ambitions or personal traits to make them beyond a generalized scope. Not to mention there were points I thought the smoking and sexual inferences were a little too much for perhaps the scope of the novella - it didn't feel natural and was rather shallow. That's something I think both teens and their parents would probably take issue with in reading this novella.
I think Caviglia has potential in her future works, because there were moments where I could see this novella shine, but unfortunately, its issues/cons ejected me out of the story despite it being a short read. Still, I did take some of its moments as being well intentioned, I just wished it was more fully realized.
Overall score: 1.5/5
May 7, 2014
This was a book that has been on my "to read" list for at least 3 years. I'm sure what initially drew me to it was the description. I'm up for a YA novel as long as it is good and engaging. I think I thought this sounded like it fit the criteria.
Unfortunately it fell a little flat. I read in a quick bio that Caviglia works a day job and writes at night and on the side. That could explain, in part, her inability to execute the story she wanted to write. What I'm wondering about it the editor/publisher. They fell down on the job and in the end it leaves Caviglia open to some undeserved criticism, in my opinion.
Masks is about Rebecca and David, two teens that live in two very different homes and fall in love (as much as you can in high school). Rebecca's family is strict, overprotective, and verbally abusive. David's family is absent, uninvolved, disinterested. They start dating in secret since Rebecca's Dad won't let her date but in order to do this she must tell some lies. And as those of us who have lived some life know, lies never stay hidden. When the truth is finally revealed it isn't pretty and everyone involved will need to learn some hard lessons.
This had potential to be a decent novel but the author left it undeveloped. She didn't spend enough time on character development or story line. It was left lacking in almost every area. I blame the editor, in part, for this. A good editor would have worked with her to get it developed more. Caviglia's writing is decent but she doesn't do enough of it in this book to get a real sense of her skills. This book was published in 2010 and she hasn't released anything else since then. She hasn't even published on her website blog since summer 2013. I have a feeling she may have turned in her author's pen.
Unfortunately it fell a little flat. I read in a quick bio that Caviglia works a day job and writes at night and on the side. That could explain, in part, her inability to execute the story she wanted to write. What I'm wondering about it the editor/publisher. They fell down on the job and in the end it leaves Caviglia open to some undeserved criticism, in my opinion.
Masks is about Rebecca and David, two teens that live in two very different homes and fall in love (as much as you can in high school). Rebecca's family is strict, overprotective, and verbally abusive. David's family is absent, uninvolved, disinterested. They start dating in secret since Rebecca's Dad won't let her date but in order to do this she must tell some lies. And as those of us who have lived some life know, lies never stay hidden. When the truth is finally revealed it isn't pretty and everyone involved will need to learn some hard lessons.
This had potential to be a decent novel but the author left it undeveloped. She didn't spend enough time on character development or story line. It was left lacking in almost every area. I blame the editor, in part, for this. A good editor would have worked with her to get it developed more. Caviglia's writing is decent but she doesn't do enough of it in this book to get a real sense of her skills. This book was published in 2010 and she hasn't released anything else since then. She hasn't even published on her website blog since summer 2013. I have a feeling she may have turned in her author's pen.
January 25, 2011
Masks tells the story of two teenagers struggling to be normal together, despite their dysfunctional families.
Rebecca Jacobs is a teenage girl. Her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
David Miller, the high school bad boy, witnesses the incident between Rebecca and her father and reaches out to her. They grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, so she lies to her parents and David. When the truth is exposed she must confront reality--alone.Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
This was a quick read, I read it in an afternoon. The story is very sweet, and it makes you happy that these 2 dysfunctional teens found each other and helped each other grow.
Rebecca Jacobs is a teenage girl. Her private life is made public when her verbally abusive father embarrasses her at a school dance, and soon gossip and whispers buzz throughout the school.
David Miller, the high school bad boy, witnesses the incident between Rebecca and her father and reaches out to her. They grow closer with each passing day, eventually falling in love.
Rebecca's main priority is keeping her relationship with David a secret from her overprotective parents, so she lies to her parents and David. When the truth is exposed she must confront reality--alone.Then, Rebecca is forced to face David's violent behavior, which closely resembles her father's temper. She quickly learns that sometimes secrets are harder to live with than the truth.
This was a quick read, I read it in an afternoon. The story is very sweet, and it makes you happy that these 2 dysfunctional teens found each other and helped each other grow.
July 14, 2011
What a great book - especially for young adults. Patricia really knows how to capture the dialogue (so say 3 of my nieces who are in their early 20's - who also loved it). I also passed it to a daughter of a friend to read. She is 17 and really liked the story. I am sure the message was not lost on her either.
And of course the story of needing to be honest and showing mutual respect in your relationships is universal. This makes it a great book for adults to read as well. Congratulations Patricia on your book and I look forward to your next one. Maybe you are thinking of a sequel. I'd like that. S>
And of course the story of needing to be honest and showing mutual respect in your relationships is universal. This makes it a great book for adults to read as well. Congratulations Patricia on your book and I look forward to your next one. Maybe you are thinking of a sequel. I'd like that. S>
December 13, 2011
I won this book! Looking forward to receiving it in the mail.
I'm pretty sure I reviewed this book. I was just scrolling down my to read list and saw it, I'm confused. I must have reviewed another posting.
This book deals with two teens who come from abusive homes. One verbally and emotionally, the other neglect.
They are drawn to each other, but they have many issues. In order to make their relationship work, they have a lot of things to work out.
I loves the thought behind the book, there was a little too much sexual activity for me to be a great YA book.
I'm pretty sure I reviewed this book. I was just scrolling down my to read list and saw it, I'm confused. I must have reviewed another posting.
This book deals with two teens who come from abusive homes. One verbally and emotionally, the other neglect.
They are drawn to each other, but they have many issues. In order to make their relationship work, they have a lot of things to work out.
I loves the thought behind the book, there was a little too much sexual activity for me to be a great YA book.
January 10, 2011
Masks tells the story of a 16 year old girl Rebecca who has to deal with her extremely strict and verbally abusive parents while keeping her relationship with her new boyfriend, David, a secret. I enjoyed reading it. I liked David's character. I felt terrible for Rebecca most of the story, because she has to put up with a lot, from her parents abusiveness to her best friend trying to steal her boyfriend. The novel is a very quick read, not even 120 pages, and I enjoyed it overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2010
I saw this book at Toronto's Word On The Street (an amazing annual literary festival) and purchased it to give to a friend whose teenage daughter was having some "issues". It's a very quick read (a novella) so I decided to read it myself and was glad I did. The author is a new voice in this genre and a skilled writer whose words resonate with adults as well as teens.
August 13, 2011
Of all the cheap books I've downloaded for kindle, this definitely had the worst writing! Nothing was believable, the style was terrible, and there was obviously no weight as there were many repeated words or words left out. Don't waste your money. The premise was good, not even one sentence lived up to it though.
February 15, 2011
I thought it was a good story, but it moved too fast and that made parts a bit cheesy. It could have been fleshed out a lot more.
June 25, 2011
Amazing book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews