S-Word

by Chelsea Pitcher

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

The S-Word was a very difficult book for me to sort out my feelings for and settle on a rating. I definitely did enjoy it, and I think it has a very powerful message, but it is certainly not without its faults. However, once I reread the very beginning, I realized that one of the problems that I had with it may have been the product of one of my own assumptions, but I think it’s one that most readers will make. While this may be the case, after more consideration, I still had a problem with it. I’m being vague on purpose, because if I actually say what this problem was, it’ll be the biggest spoiler in the history of Spoilerville. I will say that this “problem” does provide one heck of a shocking twist!

I was a little iffy about The S-Word in the very beginning. After arriving at school the Monday following her best friend’s funeral, Angie sees “Suicide Slut” written across the lockers, and pages from Lizzie’s diary begin appearing in select students’ lockers. She’s determined to find out who was behind Lizzie’s eventual suicide and goes on an amateur sleuthing marathon. It was actually a bit silly how she was declaring classmates suspects and then questioning them. It did save the book from being overly heavy though, so I did grow to like this approach as the story moved forward. Once Angie turns up some real answers though, all silliness is lost for good.

Even though it wasn’t the focus, my favorite part of The S-Word was Angie’s relationship with Jesse. It was certainly a different type of friendship turned romance…kind of. Jesse is a bit of an outcast due to being gay and often wearing skirts to school. Angie grows close with him during her sleuthing, and starts to develop feelings for him. Awkward! It was interesting reading about her dealing with feelings that she knows can’t be returned. I really loved Jesse. He was a truly great guy, and I liked how he was trying to keep Angie grounded when the secrets she learned started to become too much.

In addition to bullying and suicide, The S-Word also touches upon abuse and sexuality. The author did take on several heavy issues, but I think she handled them all very well. I also think the ending was perfect. It’s often hard to do the right thing, but Angie manages to do it. After straying for a while, but she gets there. Other than that little issue I mentioned before, I think The S-Word is an amazing and thought provoking debut.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.