Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

 Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Release Date: January 5th 2010
Pages: 246
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Also by this Author: Cracked Up To Be
Buy It: Book Depository

Frozen out of her clique after vicious rumors circulate, Regina Afton takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit whom she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be "more" than just a friend.

I really enjoyed Courtney Summer's debut novel, Cracked Up To Be, but even before I finished it I was excitedly looking forward to her second book, Some Girls Are. Jordyn over at Ten Cent Notes can be blamed at least partially for that– but I'm glad her enthusiasm was contagious because I absolutely adored this novel. Some Girls Are is the kind of book I think should be mandatory teenage reading. It's rough and raw, and completely authentic.

Like Parker in Cracked Up To Be, Regina isn't the most lovable main character but real people aren't always wonderful and caring. Regina felt real, and it was great to see her develop and grow throughout the novel. It's amazing how well Some Girls Are captures not only what it is like to be bullied, but also some what happens on the other side of the situation like when Regina learns firsthand the hurt she's caused others in the past.

Some of the minor characters aren't fleshed out quite as well as Regina, and I was also perplexed by how severe the bullying got without the school administration getting involved, but those are minor note in an otherwise really impressive book. Summers tackles major issues with a strong and determined book, including one absolutely terrifying scene in a closet (I won't say any more in order to avoid spoilers).

A heart-breaking and vivid novel, Some Girls Are was compelling from the first to the last page. I certainly plan to read more by Summers in the future.