Some Girls Are

by Courtney Summers

[Joni Reads]

I liked this book. My school never had a problem with bullying. maybe because of how incredibly small it was, but I know that it's out there and this book brings it to life.
I couldn't believe some of the things that Regina went through. Everything from have "Whore" spray painted on her locker to being pushed down a flight of steps and no one doing anything about it. No matter what a person has done to me in the past I don't think I could just stand by and watch something like that happen.
It all started at a party where Regina was out with her group of friends- The Fearsome Fivesome- and she was the designated driver. Her best friend (and the leader of the group) Anna's boyfriend tried to rape her and she ran from the party and told another member of the group, Kara. Kara told Regina to not tell Anna what happened. When Regina goes to school that Monday it is clear that Kara told Anna instead, only making it appear that Regina wanted it to happen. The outcome is Regina being "frozen out" of the group.
I can't believe girls would do those kinds of things. This book was tough to read at some points. The things that were done were so brutal. You'll have to read it for yourself.
I loved the character of Michael though. He was not your typical loner. He wasn't emo, he didn't have the usual long scraggly hair. In truth, he was described to be kind of cute. But he was made an outsider by The Fearsome Fivesome. When Regina is cast out of the group she starts to sit with Michael at lunch. And their friendship develops. One of the reasons I liked this relationship, and the book in general is that it stays true to life. Regina and Michael don't find each other and suddenly nothing else matters. All the problems don't magically fall away. That's one of the reasons the book is so haunting, while reading it you know something exactly like this can be happening at the school in your town.