Review: Seven Ways We Lie by Riley Redgate

Title:  Seven Ways We Lie 

Author: Riley Redgate

Publisher: Amulet Books 

Publishing Date: March 8th 2016

Pages: 352
Genre: YA Contemporary/Chic Lit/Realistic Fiction

Series: Stand Alone
Source:  ARC 

 

Paloma High School is ordinary by anyone’s standards. It’s got the same cliques, the same prejudices, the same suspect cafeteria food. And like every high school, every student has something to hide—whether it’s Kat, the thespian who conceals her trust issues onstage; or Valentine, the neurotic genius who’s planted the seed of a school scandal.

When that scandal bubbles over, and rumors of a teacher-student affair surface, everyone starts hunting for someone to blame. For the unlikely allies at the heart of it all, the collision of their seven ordinary-seeming lives results in extraordinary change.

This book was an interesting read. I went into this book looking for a mystery and the seven deadly sins. This is not what I got. What I did get was a story about 7 teenagers that share a secret, their lives and other secrets, and some relationship issues. It was good. I enjoyed it. I think it would be more enjoyable for teens and not adults who read young adult books. It however was not a waste of my time, I did enjoy it and really no regrets. 

There is a high school. There is a scandal. There are 6 teenagers and a teacher. There are issues with sexuality, friendship, drugs, drinking, family, and more. These teens are friends, classmates, family. They are popular, smart, well liked, loners, and misunderstood. They are all different but they all lie to protect themselves or someone else. This is a book about their lies and what becomes of them when the lies become truths.

So this book was completely not what I expected. I don't know why I suspected it would be different,t he summary is right on. I either read it and don't remember, confused it with a different book, or the synopsis was changed after I first read about it. I am not sure but I didn't go into this read with the right expectations.

This book did surprise me though. I was surprised I was able to get through it and enjoy it for the most part. I normally don't do the high  school issues, , teen issues, and realistic issues in a drama filled book. It was a bit angst but not overly done. The issues were real and I see them in the real world so that is good. It think its a good book for high school aged teens.

What I liked... 

The characters. More the guys than the girls. I did like Lucas, Matt, and Valentine. The girls.. not so much. The guys seemed to have it a bit more together. Olivia was one girl I did like. She was flawed but strong. She wasn't always the best friend. She was clueless at times about her friends but she did stand by them.

I liked the issues. They seemed to be real things kids are struggling or could be struggling with these days. They are completely different issues then I remember seeing as a teen, but they do exist now and its nice when they are touched on.

I liked the relationship aspects. The friendships and the dating. They were more realistic. There were ups and downs. They weren't all yes the best person ever and they are just perfect. There were times they didn't like each other and times they loved each other.

I liked the writing. The writing was well done. I did keep turning the pages and wanted to know what the heck was going on. I did enjoy getting to know the characters even though I didn't like some of them. They all had their own voice.

The ending.... It was sweet and nice.


What I didn't like...

The girl characters. They were a bit angsty, whiny, dumb.  The others just got on my every last nerve. Again, teens may relate, adults not so much. It's hard to relate when you are not there anymore. Been a long time since I was a teen and I hate to admit I was just as angsty whiny and dumb.

The family aspect. It had the parents never involved syndrome and that really bugs me. Not all parents are absent parents. Lets put a mix into the story. Some absent some really involved. That is always nice to see. In this book, they were all absent, horrible, always fighting and yelling parents.

The ending- yes I know I said I liked the ending, which I did... but it was also too nicely wrapped. Usually this doesn't bother me. The only reason it bothers me in this book... The kids were all messed up so much and to have it all okay and fixed so short and abrupt at the end did not match the story.... but it was still sweet and nice.

I think what I liked most about this book was that it's written for teens with teens in mind for the audience and it will be a book they may love and need in their life. What I disliked the most about this book.... same thing... and I am not a teen. SO my rating is going more for... yes I enjoyed it. Not my favorite but I can appreciate who the book was targeting. For its target audience It's great.

It was good read. Although I enjoyed it. It could have been better for me, but for some it will be just their thing. 

Hey, hi. Riley here. I am a(n):
—YA novelist—Shark enthusiast—Economics major at Kenyon—ECON IS FUN I PROMISE—Okay—Also a classical pianist & singer-songwriter—I am a human person comprised primarily of soft tissue, and by golly, I hazard a guess you are, too. we have so much in common.—So look, when I was like 15, someone messaged me on fanfiction dot net telling me that the "sheer amount of stupid" on my profile guaranteed that they would never read my work—Clearly, I have not learned my lesson—I hope you're having a really good day!—Bye!