ARC Review: Tease by Amanda Maciel

Title: Tease
Author: Amanda Maciel
Publication: May 1st 2014 by Hachette Children's Books
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Provided by the kind publisher..
Goodreads

Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.

At least, that's what everyone seems to think when Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. But Sara is sure she hasn't done anything wrong, because Emma brought it on herself. Sara is adamant that she was the victim - not Emma.

Inspired by a true story, TEASE is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt you long after the last page.

-- My Rating --

3,5 / 5 Oscars: Liked it

-- My Thoughts --

     I really liked the concept of this book when I first came across the blurb. A whole book about the consequences of bullying, it sounded right up my alley. And it really was a good book.
     Sarah is not sure why she and her friends are blamed for Emma's death. Even though Emma's parents have taken the matter to court, it still doesn't mean that it was Sarah's fault. Sarah never considered herself a bully. But now, her life is being turned upside down, everyone in her town looks at her with dislike. And the only bright light in her life might be the cute weirdo, Carmichael.
     You go into this book not liking the main character. She blames everyone around her for everything, while the one at fault is herself. She treats people cruelly, and wrongly. But Sarah has a way of creeping up on you, and I loved her at the end. She really changed into a better person and i admire the author's evident character development. It shined through Sarah and you can really see her growing up like a real person.
     The plot is a great and powerful subject. I also admire the author's courage for choosing such a sensitive issue and handling it from the bully's point of view. She put her heart out into this book and you could feel her love for the characters and for the story as a whole.
     We have a small set of characters in this book. And many of the characters, you don't really see or hear about that much. The main stage is left out for Sarah and her memories. Since, some chapters in the book are the NOW in the story and some of the others are the BEFORE. this is a hard technique for authors to master without disturbing the flow of the story-line. Amanda Maciel mastered it, indeed.
     I liked the cute, teenage romance. It's nothing serious, but you can see the potential in the future for the characters. The ending was to my taste. Although this book is not perfect, and it was a bit not-likable at parts, I really enjoyed my ride. And I am looking out for the author's next books, hopefully.