Latest Read: If I Lie

Here are the basics ...
If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
Publication date: Aug. 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Borrowed from library

Summary: Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend, and she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy - he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town. Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise. (Adapted goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good:  If I had to choose one word to describe If I Lie - it would be powerful. From the second I stepped into Quinn's world, I honestly could not tear myself away. Quinn comes from a small military town, meaning almost everyone in it has either been a soldier, married one or their child has enlisted. So when Quinn kisses a guy who isn't her Afghanistan-stationed boyfriend Carey, it becomes so much more than a teenager making a mistake. The entire town - meaning both her peers and adults - have labeled her a slut and a traitor and are flat-out horrible to her face. And this is before Carey goes missing in the line of duty. Quinn's life, which has already been hell for the last six months, suddenly gets worse as everyone takes their fear and anger out on her. But that's not even the worst part. The worst part is.. these people have no idea what they're talking about. Everything is not as it seems and Quinn is harboring a secret that could make this all go away.

As I read each awful thing after another that's said and done to Quinn, I felt it as if I were right there beside her. The author's words just evoked so much frustration and anger in me at the injustice she endured. She's 17 years old and all she did was kiss another boy! With the way the town was acting, you'd think she murdered someone. But Quinn faced it with such dignity and strength that my admiration for her was immediate. I honestly don't know if I could've held my head up as high as she did. But she had her low moments too, which only added to the realness of her character. She's probably one of my favorite contemporary female protagonists now.

A lot happens throughout the book, which if I were to get into all the sub-plots we'd be here a while. It explores the town dynamic, friendships, love, family, and growing up but for me, I think the biggest takeaway was that it made me think. It made me think about people and how we can all be guilty of jumping to the wrong conclusion. How people treat each other when they're scared, angry or jealous. When to stand up for yourself and fight or when walking away can send the loudest message. Quinn's story was extremely thought-provoking.

(No) reservations: None but I did want to punch like 90% of her town in the face. So be prepared for that feeling.

Do I recommend?: I highly recommend this book. It's definitely something that will make you think and if that's what you're looking for, pick this up ASAP.

Happy reading!