“a compelling page turner, beautifully told” – Natasha Boyd, USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Eversea
“heartfelt, relevant, and incredibly thought-provoking” – Natasha is a Book Junkie
From the national bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and The Simple Wild comes a poignant coming-of-age story about a girl trying to change her future while evading her past.
Almost … Breaths series and The Simple Wild comes a poignant coming-of-age story about a girl trying to change her future while evading her past.
Almost sixteen-year-old Aria Jones is starting over. New postal code, new last name, new rules. But she doesn’t mind, because it means she can leave her painful regrets behind. In the bustling town of Eastmonte, she can become someone else. Someone better.
With the Hartford family living next door, it seems she will succeed. Sure, Cassie Hartford may be the epitome of social awkwardness thanks to her autism, but she also offers an innocent and sincere friendship that Aria learns to appreciate. And Cassie’s older brother, Emmett–a popular Junior A hockey player with a bright future–well … Aria wishes that friendship could lead to something more. If he didn’t already have a girlfriend, maybe it would.
But Aria soon finds herself in a dicey moral predicament that could derail her attempt at a fresh start. It is her loyalty to Cassie and her growing crush on Emmett that leads her to make a risky move, one that earns her a vindictive enemy who is determined to splinter her happy new world.
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I swear I have been staring at a blank screen trying to write this review for nearly a week. I have no words to do this book justice, I feel like I can’t say too much without giving away the power and beauty of this story, and I really want to convince people – especially those with middle school and high school age children to pick up this book, read it themselves then hand it over to their children so they can see the pitfalls of ‘harmless’ teasing and pranks. Be the Girl may be fiction, but the circumstances the characters encountered in the book, the consequences of their actions are all too real for a lot of people. Be the Girl is a timely piece of young adult fiction and contains a critical message.
Aria was easy to relate to. Her insecurities were so intrinsic to most people’s high school experience; there was no problem finding some part of her story that felt personal. I was often impressed with her empathy and acceptance of those around her, and when I found out why she had developed those skills, I was both a little shocked and a little heartbroken. Hers wasn’t an easy story to tell, but it was a highly important one.
Cassie was the shining star of this book. She is why all the other characters seemed so rich. I often found myself wishing I could have seen what was going on from her perspective, but I think seeing her through Aria’s eyes made Aria a more sympathetic character, and that was important in this story. I could feel Ms. Tucker’s personal connection to Cassie through the entire novel and after reading her note at the end of the book, I was so happy that she shared that special part of her life with her readers.
Be the Girl is a book based on looking past the surface, finding the truth of the situation and then distilling that truth into the most basic compulsions of human beings. Humans are inherently flawed, even the greatest among us make mistakes, and Be the Girl did a remarkable job of exposing those flaws, those mistakes, and then laying out the aftermath. I was highly impressed with the message of learning and forgiveness Ms. Tucker laid out in the book and will think of Aria and Cassie for a long time to come.
This was a stunning effort by KA Tucker. The love story between Aria and the gorgeous boy next door was beautifully rendered. But the love stories between family, between friends, for those who others perceive as ‘less than’, and love and acceptance of SELF and all our flaws that make us human was masterful. I HIGHLY recommend this beautiful novel.
Be the Girl by K.A. Tucker is a beautifully written inspirational coming of age story and a heartbreaking tale of redemption. This happens to be the first book that I’ve been fortunate enough to read from this author and let’s just say I am now a huge fan of hers! This story managed to captivate my attention wholeheartedly and it was nearly impossible for me to put it down, which is probably why I devoured it in one sitting. Seriously it consumed every part of me and I was left with an ache deep in my chest.
Aria’s story is one that I believe all teenagers should pick up and read because of the important message behind it. There is so much I want to say about this story, but it’s hard to really tell you all anything without giving away too much of the storyline. This is definitely one of those stories that needs to be experienced firsthand. It is the kind of story that will forever change the reader and open up their eyes to the truth behind it. This is a must read story of 2019!
This was a wonderful read about a girl moving to a new town to escape a traumatic incident in her past. There’s serious topics like cyber bullying but there’s romance and friendship too
A beautiful and touching story. I loved this book. It was real and raw and inspiring. The narrator was wonderful and I hope the author gives us more from these characters, so we can see how they are doing after high school.
KA Tucker never fails to hit me right in the jugular with emotions running high.
I absolutely loved Aria, Emmett and especially Cassie. This book deals with the ever prevalent issue of bullying. It also delves into the world of being on the spectrum and how it affects the person and the people in their lives. This book just really dealt with these issues head on and you can tell the author has either experience with some of these subjects or has done a tremendous amount of research.
Even though this is a YA read I urge you to read and and encourage your teens to read it as well. A very profound book indeed!!
This book was predictable, until it wasn’t. But it took until 90% to get there. I really liked the twist and the issues that were dealt with were so relevant if the times and it’s a great YA book for kids to read now. The butterfly effect is real and bullying is such an issue these days.
Yet another amazing story. The situation is about a real problem children face in schools. As a mother, my heart broke in two at the bullying, that Cassie and others went through but also what Aria had done. I forgave her in the end, because she had changed and she was working on it, never trying to go down that rabbit hole again. These characters felt so real and were easy to connect with (even with the age difference between me and the characters). This is going to be one tough book to her over.
4.5 poignant stars. A fantastic read about a tough subject matter and second chances. I highly recommend this book.
Ka Tucker brings a beautiful story that captured my heart! She will reach down into you and pull on those heart strings to bring out all of the “feels.”
Be The Girl is charming, funny, & sweet. I feel that it is also something that is real in today’s world. Friendships, regrets, emotions and differences all swirl around in this giant hole that is contained by social media and gossip. Differences can be cool or devastating.
“Rumors are just tall tales that fade with time.”
I absolutely loved getting to know Cassie. She is so full of love, wonder, amazement and just simple joy for those great things in life. But, she has a naivety that can be dangerous when it comes to bullies and people who lack compassion or understanding. My heart swells with happiness and joy when I think of Cassie!
Actions and consequences mixed together, my heart going pitter-patter, as Emmett and Aria became closer. Once again, regret plays its part along with some angst. Life, like people is not perfect. Lessons are learned.
“The sooner you figure out how to like yourself through your own eyes, the sooner you’ll stop trying to see yourself through everyone else’s.”
4.5 stars
Be The Girl is a beautiful, heartfelt YA read. I LOVE it!!!!!!
#BeTheGirl #KATucker #Cassie #EmmettAndAria
Audiobook, borrowed through Audible’s escape thing (formerly the romance package). Finished out in e-book.
I’m so torn on how to rate this book. I couldn’t stop reading towards the end because Tucker leads readers in a certain direction and I needed to see how it would pan out. And the topic this book covers – bullying – is very heavy. I think it’s an important read, for sure. Mainly for that, along with the fact that I enjoyed the book, I’m giving it five stars.
That said, I think the ending was wrapped up too quickly. It’s one of those endings that lets readers draw some of their own conclusions, although it does end in an HEA for those of you that must know. I’m okay with open ended things, but this felt unfinished. That’s my only complaint about the book. I love the characters, mostly Cassie, and think Tucker does a wonderful job weaving in such a serious topic/theme/event.
This is a really hard book for me to rate. I put off writing this review as I was trying to really determine how I felt about this book. I will say that this author can be hit or miss for me. Some of her books have been my personal favorites and really wanted to love this story. However, it didn’t really work for me.
What I did like:
1. The narrator, I listen to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job portraying the feel and angst of being a young teen. She really helps bring the story to live and did a great job of giving a voice and life to each character
2. Dealing with bullying: I think this is a really important topic to be discussed and thought the author handles this really well. We were shown how easy one comment can snowball into something much bigger and how teens can lose control so easy over things that shouldn’t really matter. I just wish this was the main storyline and the whole point of the book. I felt overall it was a secondary plot to the romance in the story. I would have found the book more compelling if it focused on the topic of bullying
3. The writing. I will say no matter what the author is an amazing writer and even if I’m not fully on board with a storyline.
What I didn’t like:
1. The romance. It was the main plot and tbh I hated everything about how it was portrayed. From how Aria played a role in helping end Emmets first relationship, to how quickly they started dating (especially given the sexual nature of Emmett’s previous relationship was). I also felt like the author treated sex way to casual between these two, especially given their ages. Aria is only 15. Sex is something that is casual or easy for anyone, especially children who don’t have the emotional capacity to deal with all the emotions that come with having Sex or sexual intimacy. This plays out when Aria truth comes out how easy Emmert just walks away from her, instead of working through it and fighting for their relationship.
**********Author provided a review copy**********
This was a realistic read for me. Although this isn’t my usual go to read, KA did a great job with the story. I also liked Katie’s narration. I love the cover too!
This was a fantastic book that takes on a hard subject in this day and age. Bullying. I think the author handled it perfectly and I would for sure let my teen read this. I feel it’s such an important subject. I was immersed in this story from the beginning,and I didn’t want it to end. I loved Cassie, the fo filter was awesome, my son has autism, and trust me, I get the no filter thing. This story is fantastic, and everyone should read it.
I just have to start by saying I am sooo glad I am not a teen-ager in this day and age. I think social media can be great, but it does have so many drawbacks, especially when it comes to teens. Things can spiral out of control in no time at all, and once out there, there’s no going back.
While the underlying theme of Be the Girl deals with the aftermath and consequences of cyber-bullying, and bullying in general, it was also heavy on the typical angst and drama that comes with being a teen- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This was a thought-provoking, thoughtful story, and at times heartbreaking. The characters were very real and relatable, flaws and all. I think this is a story that should be read by both parents and teens, although I’m neither of those! There’s a lot that goes on in this book that deserves attention and discussion.
As much as I really enjoyed this story, I have to be honest- I did find myself conflicted at the end, and am still a bit. I want to believe everyone deserves a chance at redemption, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. I like that Ms. Tucker didn’t gloss over things that happened- I felt like the actions and reactions of the characters were quite realistic, and I appreciated how this story was brought to its conclusion.
“…… the sooner you figure out how to like yourself through your own eyes, the sooner you’ll stop trying to see yourself through everyone else’s.”
It’s been a very (VERY) long time since my high school days, but this book instantly transported me back there and immersed me in all those feelings that come with being a teenager, those feelings that can easily lead you to do things that result in tragic consequences.
As adults it’s hard to see yourself through your own eyes, as teenagers it’s almost impossible. During pre-teen/teenage years all most kids want is to be accepted, to be a part of the group, and often that means dressing a certain way, talking/acting a certain way, and only being friends with said group. If you’re too different you stand out on everyone’s radar for ridicule and sadly a target for bullying.
Of course we all hurt for victims of bullying and want desperately to change this epidemic that all kids face day to day, but have we ever stopped to think about the bully in these situations, that they are possibly suffering on the inside as well, feeling pressured every day to participate in these ugly acts? As parents, teachers, or any adult involved in our children’s lives, we need to be more involved, ask more questions, monitor their relationships especially on social media, and teach them to love and accept others as well as love themselves.
This book really puts a needed spotlight on both sides of bullying, on how easily it can spin out of control, and the tragic heartbreaking results.
Be The Girl is an incredible story that I would highly recommend to everyone!
Be The Girl by KA Tucker is the kind of book that will make you reflect on everything in your life. It makes you look back and reassess yourself, your friends, of what was the “you and them” (if your past your HS life, that is) or reflect now and see yourself of what you are today (if you are still in HS).
High school life isn’t the easiest stage of our lives but, admittedly, it was the stage I had most fun. But fun, has different definition to everyone, unfortunately.
This is the kind of book that I would highly recommend to everyone especially those of still in tender age that’s surround by “peer pressure”.
Let me tell you why.
Aria, the main character, has dealt with the biggest (ongoing) issue in high school life (mostly) and she and her family (mother and an old uncle) sought for a fresh start somewhere across the country, in a town called Eastmonte.
I would say that that move has been for the better. Aria herself needs to move on and see herself in a new light. she then met her neighbors, Cassie and Emmett who also happened to be her new schoolmates.
These siblings put a huge impact in Aria’s life that was so movable and beautiful at the same time.
Cassie, in all her sweet glory, has an autism while her brother Emmett is a popular hockey player in their school’s team.
In the story, you will see and feel the struggles, regrets, hope, strength and redemption. A fight to ones selves to be better and to do better.
Tucker created a visual, a story line that will touch your heart in all ways possible. The story was so poignant and heartfelt; my heart was close to bursting of different emotions.
There’s a positive character growth and shall i say, understanding, their depths, their history was well portrayed that was admiring. This book enlightens me more about the issue that is well spread among teenagers and sadly, kids today.
Kudos to this author for a great portrayal of this book! This wasn’t an easy subject to tackle. It contains sensitive matters that will either disappoint or offend readers but Tucker maneuvered her words and plot with careful thought and with (probably) her whole heart writing this story. She did well and right. Highly recommended!
*ARC provided by the author and NEW ADULT BOOK CLUB in exchanged of my unbiased and honest feedback.
Over the last few years K.A. Tucker has become a must read author for me. Simply put, if she writes it I will read it.
Be the Girl is a young adult book and while I don’t read a lot of straight YA much these days this book could not be more timely. I have young kids and a buzz word in school these days is “bullying,” and for good reason! Bullying has always been around but with the increased use of social media and texting it’s repercussions can be deadly. The way in which the author tells this story makes you realize not all kids who bully are bad kids and sometimes we may bully and not even realize it.
I love books that are character and dialogue driven and this book has a cast of outstanding characters. Aria and her mom move to Eastmonte to escape their old life that includes a divorce and step-family and something that happened at Aria’s old school. Right off the bat we get acquainted with the Hartfords, Aria’s new neighbors. Emmett, the hockey star, may occupy most of Aria’s daydreams, but it’s the relationship with Cassie, his autistic sister, that’s really the highlight of this story because it’s the best exhibit of Aria’s character. Aria is truly one of the best female characters I have read in a while. Her journey and transformation, her regrets and her growth, they all point to a beautifully strong character who, although flawed, uses her past to help her move forward. Really enjoyed it!
went blind into this story. I thought it was YA Romance and while it has some romance in there, when you keep reading you realize is more about what teenagers deal in the every day life.
We normally get on the side of the victim without thinking about what the bully is going through, I am not saying is ok, it’s just that we always get to know the side of the story that makes us feel good and the ones that allows us to point and blame someone.
I liked how the story turned out and how, it made me realize, that at that age, we only think of ourselves and how we are selfish with people who really need us.
Emmet’s life is somehow normal, looking to go to college with a hockey scholarship, going to parties, having a pretty girlfriend and being popular. He is not the kind of popular that is mean, having a sister with special needs and an incredible and supportive family, Emmet has a heart of gold and he has learned to see beyond people’s limitions.
Aria is starting a new life after everything in her life went down, she is willing to change and leave everything behind her.
When Aria meets Cassie and then Emmet, they never imagined how their lives woukd change and how the past could haunt Aria again and how she could lose everything again.
I loved how specia Cassie was to Emmet, being a teenager with a sister like Cassie couldn’t be easy for him, feeling he had more privileges than her, like going to parties for himself or just having a future without the worry.
I liked the story, because it was more than Aria’s and Emmet’s romance. It was a lesson we all should learn.
YA
I received this book from the New Adult Book Club in exchange for an honest review. I went in completely blind, other than knowing that the author is a veritable powerhouse and I’ve been wanting to read one of her books for a while now. Literally, that was it. I know, I know…not really the best way for me to choose a book…but there you have it. I was not disappointed however, this book caught me completely off guard. First of all, it’s completely YA. Second, it’s really a book that I think should be handed out in high schools around the country. It’s that powerful a message, well, multiple messages, truth be told, and that well written. I am not a spoiler girl, but truly…this book, it’s very, very good. 4 stars.