Description
There’s no backspace key for life’s decisions. Samantha and Dylan are in love – everyone knows it. So it’s no big deal when they leave a party for some time out together. But when malicious rumours surface about that night, each feels betrayed by the other. Will Sam make a decision she can’t take back?
Review
Gabrielle Reid is another wonderful debut Australian young adult author, who has produced an incredible and topical novel. Written from the alternate perspectives of two teenagers in love, Sam and Dylan. Imagine, first, Sam the daughter of strict Asian parents who want their daughter to be the perfect student, with no distractions from boys. Then secondly, Dylan, who thinks of himself as a nice guy madly in love with Sam, his girlfriend of a year.
They get together at Sam's urging in a bedroom at a party and Dylan thinks this is it, and so they do it. Dylan is happy, but Sam seems upset and leaves the party without talking to anyone. Soon rumours of rape circulate and without ruining the story the rumours escalate quickly until the whole thing becomes far bigger than anyone could have imagined.
With themes of consent, sexual assault, suicide and social media at the core of this story, it is hugely relevant in today's teenage world and I highly recommend it both as a classroom discussion opener or just an intriguing story for YA's 15 and older.
Reviewed by Rob
