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Cracked Up to Be
Perfect Parker Fadley isn't so perfect anymore. She's quit the cheerleading squad, she's dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she's failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she's playing games, but they don't know that the real reason for this whole mess isn't something she can say out loud. It isn't even something she can say to herself. A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. If she can just remove herself from everybody--be totally alone--then everything will be okay...The problem is, nobody will let her.
214 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2008
About the author
Courtney Summers
14 books7,575 followersCOURTNEY SUMMERS is an uncompromising writer¹ known for a history of risky artistic choices² and pushing boundaries³ with novels that are not for the faint of heart.⁴ She has received over 20 starred reviews and numerous awards and honors, including the Edgar and ITW Thriller Awards.
¹ Quill & Quire ² Kirkus Reviews
³ Shelf Awareness ⁴ The New York Times
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¹ Quill & Quire ² Kirkus Reviews
³ Shelf Awareness ⁴ The New York Times
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,203 reviews
November 8, 2020
After reading “Sadie” and became speechless, numb, screaming for two days in pain, I learned from the experience, this author is a shining gem at the literature’s treasure box! And I promise myself everything Courtney Summer writes even they’re shopping list, ridiculous post it notes, greeting cards or restriction order against me for being half witted fan, I’m going to write them without questioning!
As soon as I heard this book’s republishing, instead of reading the previous works (yes my tbr list already threatens me to explode into my face any second and it’s getting fatter than my husband’s belly reminds you of an elephant’s belly after eating his girlfriend.) of writer including “All the Rage” (I swear I’ll read next week! I’m telling same thing every week and another Arc copy hits on my face and distracts my attention!) and “This is not a test”
So when I saw this book’s arc copy on the Netflix, I clicked the request button, feeling myself like a Voice judge, turning her chair at the blind audition. As soon as I saw it on my library, I began my salsa moves and in the mean time I dived into without waiting any further.
It was fast pacing, intriguing, interesting and brilliantly written book. I should give it 3.5 stars and round them up! Wait! What! If I love the writing, why am I cutting points? What the hell is wrong with me?
Wrong question! I wanted to ask the same one to the anti-heroine Parker Fadley from the beginning of the book. I wanted to say: “Hey, you self-absorbed, mean, manipulative, lying, shameless bitch! Why are you acting like that? Why are you self-sabotaging yourself by alienating your friends, your family?” She didn’t treat well to her new dog, which made me more pissed off and I wish I could jump into the book and slap her several times and come back after getting my hate out of my system!
Parker was shining star of her high school before she goes nuts and turning her life into a mess. She was cheerleader captain (she quit), Chris, most popular guy of the school’s girlfriend (stole his money and broke up with him), future valedictorian ( now she steals her friends’ essays and copies them)! Something is really really really wrong with her but she denies to talk about even though everyone tolerates her antics and remains patient with her.
The author chose to create a heroine WE PASSIONATELY LOVE TO HATE HER! But we were hooked from the first page because we understood that something happened at Chris’ party and Parker’s close friend Jessie disappeared at that night. Parker keeps a big secret and she keeps treating the people around her like hell to try helping her. Especially new guy Jake who recently transferred to their school turns into a punch bag of her (Oh Parker, you gave me so much reason to drag you throughout the school halls by pulling your hair!) So you keep telling yourself! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER?
The author’s tricky story-telling for giving us some quick glimpses and special sneak peeks from the night is the smartest way to keep our attention intact. We want to know the reasons, we want to know where the hell Jessie is and we want to know how far this crazy bitch Parker can go for self-destruction!
And BAMMM we got the answers. The ending is realistic, satisfying but not so much emotional or heart wrenching as I expected. And yes, I understand Parker’s motives but I still cannot empathize with her.
Overall: It was realistic, questioning, unconventional, riveting reading even though there are too many characters with unlikeable behaviors and too much flaws. It was a great, fast YA fiction book. Not my favorite Courtney Summers book but it’s still so much better from too many books I’ve read from the same genre.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’sPress/Wednesday Books for sharing this fantastic ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
As soon as I heard this book’s republishing, instead of reading the previous works (yes my tbr list already threatens me to explode into my face any second and it’s getting fatter than my husband’s belly reminds you of an elephant’s belly after eating his girlfriend.) of writer including “All the Rage” (I swear I’ll read next week! I’m telling same thing every week and another Arc copy hits on my face and distracts my attention!) and “This is not a test”
So when I saw this book’s arc copy on the Netflix, I clicked the request button, feeling myself like a Voice judge, turning her chair at the blind audition. As soon as I saw it on my library, I began my salsa moves and in the mean time I dived into without waiting any further.
It was fast pacing, intriguing, interesting and brilliantly written book. I should give it 3.5 stars and round them up! Wait! What! If I love the writing, why am I cutting points? What the hell is wrong with me?
Wrong question! I wanted to ask the same one to the anti-heroine Parker Fadley from the beginning of the book. I wanted to say: “Hey, you self-absorbed, mean, manipulative, lying, shameless bitch! Why are you acting like that? Why are you self-sabotaging yourself by alienating your friends, your family?” She didn’t treat well to her new dog, which made me more pissed off and I wish I could jump into the book and slap her several times and come back after getting my hate out of my system!
Parker was shining star of her high school before she goes nuts and turning her life into a mess. She was cheerleader captain (she quit), Chris, most popular guy of the school’s girlfriend (stole his money and broke up with him), future valedictorian ( now she steals her friends’ essays and copies them)! Something is really really really wrong with her but she denies to talk about even though everyone tolerates her antics and remains patient with her.
The author chose to create a heroine WE PASSIONATELY LOVE TO HATE HER! But we were hooked from the first page because we understood that something happened at Chris’ party and Parker’s close friend Jessie disappeared at that night. Parker keeps a big secret and she keeps treating the people around her like hell to try helping her. Especially new guy Jake who recently transferred to their school turns into a punch bag of her (Oh Parker, you gave me so much reason to drag you throughout the school halls by pulling your hair!) So you keep telling yourself! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER?
The author’s tricky story-telling for giving us some quick glimpses and special sneak peeks from the night is the smartest way to keep our attention intact. We want to know the reasons, we want to know where the hell Jessie is and we want to know how far this crazy bitch Parker can go for self-destruction!
And BAMMM we got the answers. The ending is realistic, satisfying but not so much emotional or heart wrenching as I expected. And yes, I understand Parker’s motives but I still cannot empathize with her.
Overall: It was realistic, questioning, unconventional, riveting reading even though there are too many characters with unlikeable behaviors and too much flaws. It was a great, fast YA fiction book. Not my favorite Courtney Summers book but it’s still so much better from too many books I’ve read from the same genre.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’sPress/Wednesday Books for sharing this fantastic ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.
September 8, 2022
It's fair to note that I'm an adult, and therefore NOT the target audience for this book, but I whole-heartedly believe that Cracked Up to Be is the book I needed as a teen. Also noting that this is a re-release of a novel first published in 2008, I found it incredible in the sense that it's thematic issues transferred over to the present time flawlessly, although this partially could be due to some updates in the content to bring the story into the current decade's level of technology. All that to say, I'm not a young adult anymore, but as a mother of two young girls, YA contemporaries featuring the struggles my daughters might encounter one day interest me. My oldest will be a teenager in just 6 short years, and while that seems like an eternity on glance, I'm pretty other parents here will understand just how fleeting each precious second is with our children.
Parker Fadley is an intentionally unlikeable character. That's not a cheap shot at the story, as the author herself states this fact in the introduction to the book. Parker tries incredibly hard to distance herself from everyone she knows and cares for, due to a careless mistake she committed in her junior year of high school. Most of the story is told in the present, after the event, but the suspense builds throughout as we slowly get flashback glances into how the night in question unfolded. Part of what makes this book so powerful is not that the author pulls every outrageous twist in her arsenal, or makes every single teenage issue happen to Parker herself, but she does touch on a lot of the tough content inserted into teen fiction these days, such as rape, suicide, and a brief mention of abortions that are not part of the narrative.
Truly, this is a story about Perfect Parker and what happens to her when this facade is forcibly removed. While I do think that all the adults are portrayed as complete idiots in this book, I think it's fair to assume that the book is written in an accurate way due to the fact that the author was only 22 when the book was published. I appreciate that, while all adults are not completely tuned out to when a kid is in trouble, this story does a great job of showing what it might feel like through the eyes of a teenager in that moment, and also how, while we want to help every kid that we see struggling, we might have no idea as adults in the best way to reach them. Mental health is really the theme that this story circles around, and I truly appreciate how the book ends on a messy, but hopeful note. Nothing is tied up in a pretty little bow, and this felt so authentic and real that I wanted to give Parker a standing ovation. If you're looking for a lightning fast read where the suspense of "what happened" will keep you turning the pages, please give Cracked Up to Be a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Parker Fadley is an intentionally unlikeable character. That's not a cheap shot at the story, as the author herself states this fact in the introduction to the book. Parker tries incredibly hard to distance herself from everyone she knows and cares for, due to a careless mistake she committed in her junior year of high school. Most of the story is told in the present, after the event, but the suspense builds throughout as we slowly get flashback glances into how the night in question unfolded. Part of what makes this book so powerful is not that the author pulls every outrageous twist in her arsenal, or makes every single teenage issue happen to Parker herself, but she does touch on a lot of the tough content inserted into teen fiction these days, such as rape, suicide, and a brief mention of abortions that are not part of the narrative.
Truly, this is a story about Perfect Parker and what happens to her when this facade is forcibly removed. While I do think that all the adults are portrayed as complete idiots in this book, I think it's fair to assume that the book is written in an accurate way due to the fact that the author was only 22 when the book was published. I appreciate that, while all adults are not completely tuned out to when a kid is in trouble, this story does a great job of showing what it might feel like through the eyes of a teenager in that moment, and also how, while we want to help every kid that we see struggling, we might have no idea as adults in the best way to reach them. Mental health is really the theme that this story circles around, and I truly appreciate how the book ends on a messy, but hopeful note. Nothing is tied up in a pretty little bow, and this felt so authentic and real that I wanted to give Parker a standing ovation. If you're looking for a lightning fast read where the suspense of "what happened" will keep you turning the pages, please give Cracked Up to Be a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
March 30, 2012
Based on what I've read so far, Courtney Summers is easily one of my favourite young adult authors. Her books are incredibly raw and emotional and her talent for getting inside the mind of troubled teens isn't very common in young adult literature.
I admit that I didn't like this book quite as much as Some Girls Are but that isn't saying a lot, it was still powerful and moving. I expected to not like this novel as much because of the lower average rating than Some Girls Are, but I think the main reason for that is due to Parker Fadley being more difficult to relate to if you're a teenage girl reading this.
In Some Girls Are we understand the protagonist, we feel her pain when she is ostracised by people she once called best friends, and we also understand what she must be feeling to have no friends anymore and to want to be part of a 'crowd' in high school. Parker, on the other hand, wants none of this. She is moody, sarcastic, she is that character in many young adult books that is put there for you to hate, seemingly nasty for no reason.
But what if that girl who puts people down as soon as she meets them wasn't just a throwaway character meant to incite hatred? What if she was a person with thoughts and feelings and reasons.
This is what Courtney Summers does best. She takes the cliche, the stereotypical high school bitch, and she gets inside her mind. And it's a sad, lonely and eye-opening place to be. There has never been a 'bitch', high school or otherwise, that came out of her mother's womb that way.
I truly love reading these books and I can't wait to read more by Courtney Summers. If you're just getting started with her novels, I recommend reading Some Girls Are first, mainly because I think that one speaks to a wider audience than Cracked Up to Be, which will suit some and not others.
But whatever you do, do not make the mistake that these are typical high school novels with cute boys and mean girls, the covers can be misleading that way.
February 15, 2021
☠ Warning : I thought about it over and over, and the only way I feel writing this review includes a great amount of personal information. If you don't care about it, if you think that's not a review, if you - well, just thought I'd warn you.
"You know how when you meet someone and they just give you the impression they're living on this entirely different planet from everyone else? That's sort of how I felt when I met you."
I don't really know what to say. I mean, how am I supposed to say that I can relate to Parker without sounding like a bitch? Because I do, but I'm not, and I wasn't. Lost a little? I'll explain. The fact is, above her actions, what stroke me the most in Parker was her need to be herself, even if the way she chose to do so appeared to be incredibly harsh and selfish at times.
What I love in Courtney Summers is the way she manages to take the high-school stereotypes and to go further, to crack the shells in order to show what's hidden beneath all the craps we're served in so many young adult books.
"You've made a choice and it's so obvious. I see it; I accept it," she says. "Even if no one else can. You want to rot and I want to let you."
If I struggled more with Some Girls Are, that's because I found it more difficult to imagine the situation there and I know that I'm in the minority about this. But the truth is, if I never saw groups of people behaving like these assholes in Some Girls Are, Parker sounds real to me, and yes, I can relate. If I was never mean to people like she can be, I went through a tough phase when I was a teenager and yes, even if I kept an outgoing facade, people made me cringe at times and if I didn't do what she did to them, I thought about it many times. Everything annoyed me, and I didn't even realize it - I was so full of shit, frankly, if I could slap my younger self I'd do it. Well, I never wanted to die, never, and some of her actions were really awful, so I'm not telling that I can understand all of Parker's decisions but anyway, I get her.
"I still remember being hurt when the teacher made as big a fuss over my classmates' lesser efforts as she did over mine, which was perfect. Or maybe not as perfect as I thought."
Can you understand what she's feeling? Because I can. No matter how ugly it sounds, oh, man, how I get this feeling. I used to, anyway. Trying to explain why I need everything to be perfect, being mad when people don't get it? Oh, yes, Parker's struggles hit a nerve with me.
But let's go some years ago. I always was this weird kid who gets straight -As and reads a lot, who never breaks the rules because never sees the point in it, whose success is expected, no matter what happens. Don't get fooled, I wasn't lonely, as I always could count on a solid group of friends, but I was super serious until senior year. My parents weren't really strict because 1)they trusted me and they were right to do so and 2)it was just not their way of raising us. But on my senior year, I lost it. I started to ditch school so often that school rang my parents twice a week and I developed a hell lot of tips to sneak out school without being caught. Yet my rates didn't suffer too much, because I showed up for the tests and I spent my free time reading (in France we can specialize in Junior and Senior years, and I was in Literature-Philosophy-Languages).
Why did I change all of a sudden?
The only thing I can say it's that I didn't want to be me anymore. To be frank, I wasn't full of self-loathing at all, in fact I think it was quite the opposite. Or isn't it the same thing, after all? I don't know anymore. God, I was so conceited, as it seems that only teenagers can be - I thought I got it all, and I couldn't have been more wrong, but the expectations I felt on my shoulders were suddenly too hard to stand - I'm not saying I was right, that's only what it was.
Why am I telling you that? Because I think that's why I can relate to Parker - I can understand why she's acting out of character, or more accurately, out of what others assume to be her personality. Because sometimes, we need to destroy a part of ourselves to evolve, because the way we are seen is suffocating us. And yes, we are hurting people who love us when we are acting that way, because we disturb the way they see us and what's more unsettling than seeing our best friend, our girlfriend, our daughter suddenly changing? Although I truly think that we mustn't lie to ourselves and never deny who we are, I can't deny that it's fucking difficult to deal with these changes when we are the people who are around. Anyway, it took me years to learn to be less perfectionist, in my studies, in my work, in my life (I never was like Parker about my appearance, though). Because in the end, we realize that in addition to make our lives an hell, we make other lives an hell, and by others I mean people we care about.
"No one will notice how wrong you are if everything you do ends up right."
Perhaps you think that it's not a review. Let me disagree : if I can relate on such a strong level, that's only because Courtney Summers's characters are so fleshed-out I feel I can grab them and see a part of myself in them. Parker sure doesn't make it easy to love her, she is unapologetic, smart-ass, and straight-on bitchy at some point. But I I cared about her, deeply, as I did about Jack, Chris, and even Becky. They feel so real to me that I can't help. As usual, her writing is raw, beautiful and compelling, and I was hooked from the beginning. Indeed her books are such page-turners that I always know that I'll end reading them in a sitting. Not to mention that we can't help but wait to know what happened to Parker to explain why she lost it.
Congrats, Courtney Summers. Once again, you got me.
Thanks so much to my incredible friend Chelsea for this birthday gift ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
May 16, 2023
Cracked Up to Be was originally published in 2008.
Early in 2020, it was reissued with a beautiful new cover matching Sadie, a book I own and enjoyed. I fell for it like a Publisher's Dream and immediately purchased it.
This novel follows Parker Fadley, who was once the perfect It-Girl at her local high school. She has recently taken a huge swan dive from grace.
You can tell through Parker's musings that there was a triggering incident which caused her sudden personality and behavioral changes.
Once captain of the cheer squad, she now watches from the sidelines as her frenemy, Becky, takes the reins.
Becky is also now dating Parker's ex-boyfriend, Chris, even though Parker insists he is still in love with her.
When a new boy, Jake, becomes interested in Parker though, she doesn't understand why. She's certainly not giving him heavy encouragement.
Currently on academic probation, Parker is coasting by. She really wants to graduate and if she gets caught doing anything unseemly, she most likely won't.
We follow Parker through her day-to-day, but also get flashbacks to the mysterious party that may have led to her downfall.
I have to say, I was intrigued by this.
I really wanted to know what Parker's secret was. Once I found out though, I wish I hadn't.
I don't think I have ever instantly detested a character more.
There was also a whole plot line involving a . After I was done, the more I sat with it and thought about it, the more I hated it.
I ultimately decided on a 2.5-star rating because for 3/4 of the book, I was really interested, but in the end I felt nothing but disdain for Parker.
Moving on.
Early in 2020, it was reissued with a beautiful new cover matching Sadie, a book I own and enjoyed. I fell for it like a Publisher's Dream and immediately purchased it.
This novel follows Parker Fadley, who was once the perfect It-Girl at her local high school. She has recently taken a huge swan dive from grace.
You can tell through Parker's musings that there was a triggering incident which caused her sudden personality and behavioral changes.
Once captain of the cheer squad, she now watches from the sidelines as her frenemy, Becky, takes the reins.
Becky is also now dating Parker's ex-boyfriend, Chris, even though Parker insists he is still in love with her.
When a new boy, Jake, becomes interested in Parker though, she doesn't understand why. She's certainly not giving him heavy encouragement.
Currently on academic probation, Parker is coasting by. She really wants to graduate and if she gets caught doing anything unseemly, she most likely won't.
We follow Parker through her day-to-day, but also get flashbacks to the mysterious party that may have led to her downfall.
I have to say, I was intrigued by this.
I really wanted to know what Parker's secret was. Once I found out though, I wish I hadn't.
I don't think I have ever instantly detested a character more.
There was also a whole plot line involving a . After I was done, the more I sat with it and thought about it, the more I hated it.
I ultimately decided on a 2.5-star rating because for 3/4 of the book, I was really interested, but in the end I felt nothing but disdain for Parker.
Moving on.
September 9, 2015
"The sooner you make a mistake and learn to live with it, the better. You're not responsible for everything. You can't control the way things end up."
Behind the sarcasm, teenage angst, and melodrama is this very powerful story and intense read that will ultimately give a very important message especially to many of our young people today obsessed with the idea of popularity and perfection.
Parker, an eighteen year old teenager, suddenly decides that she doesn’t want to be popular anymore and so she does the complete opposites of what she used to do as the most popular girl in school. The reason behind this bravado or is it just bravado? Well, read the book to find out.^^
I honestly admire Courtney Summers for her boldness and somewhat carelessness in her writing. For instance, the use of abrupt transitions made the story even more gripping and intense. The way she managed to pique my curiosity from beginning until the very last page is fascinating.
It’s also a very rare talent to be able to portray an angsty, sarcastic, and bitchy teenage girl in a totally non-annoying way and the author did exactly that while also managing to make the character sarcastically humorous that it was never a bore reading this.
The tone is actually a perfect combination of humor and grimness contributing to the originality of the entire story.
“I don’t see the point of being a guidance counselor in high school if you can’t have a gun.”
The characters (although stereotyped) are very effectively portrayed and you can’t help but relate with them. There’s also one character by the name of Jake that I completely adore.
I just have one apprehension though. Reading this and several other YA contemporaries’ horrific portrayal of high school and the people in it makes me really fear for my future children. *Teeth chatter*
Behind the sarcasm, teenage angst, and melodrama is this very powerful story and intense read that will ultimately give a very important message especially to many of our young people today obsessed with the idea of popularity and perfection.
Parker, an eighteen year old teenager, suddenly decides that she doesn’t want to be popular anymore and so she does the complete opposites of what she used to do as the most popular girl in school. The reason behind this bravado or is it just bravado? Well, read the book to find out.^^
I honestly admire Courtney Summers for her boldness and somewhat carelessness in her writing. For instance, the use of abrupt transitions made the story even more gripping and intense. The way she managed to pique my curiosity from beginning until the very last page is fascinating.
It’s also a very rare talent to be able to portray an angsty, sarcastic, and bitchy teenage girl in a totally non-annoying way and the author did exactly that while also managing to make the character sarcastically humorous that it was never a bore reading this.
The tone is actually a perfect combination of humor and grimness contributing to the originality of the entire story.
“I don’t see the point of being a guidance counselor in high school if you can’t have a gun.”
The characters (although stereotyped) are very effectively portrayed and you can’t help but relate with them. There’s also one character by the name of Jake that I completely adore.
I just have one apprehension though. Reading this and several other YA contemporaries’ horrific portrayal of high school and the people in it makes me really fear for my future children. *Teeth chatter*
April 11, 2023
2nd read: 4⭐(Feb 2023)
1st read: 5⭐(Feb 2021)
Guess who spent her entire English class trying to write a review instead of a letter to the editor? And after all that work decided that the stupid review didn't deserve the book it had been written for?
In case you were wondering, that review now sits in a dustbin.
So until I decide that something I write is worthy of this book I'll suffice by saying that
Courtney Summers is a genius. Don't let the pretty cover misguide you, because there's nothing pretty and sweet about the book. It's gritty, it's real and it's one hell of an emotional ride. Go, read all of her books.
1st read: 5⭐(Feb 2021)
Guess who spent her entire English class trying to write a review instead of a letter to the editor? And after all that work decided that the stupid review didn't deserve the book it had been written for?
In case you were wondering, that review now sits in a dustbin.
So until I decide that something I write is worthy of this book I'll suffice by saying that
Courtney Summers is a genius. Don't let the pretty cover misguide you, because there's nothing pretty and sweet about the book. It's gritty, it's real and it's one hell of an emotional ride. Go, read all of her books.
December 21, 2020
Pretty much feel the same about this debut. Love the narrative voice - witty and sarcastic - and sharp dialog, which made this book virtually unputdownable, but the story itself needed some more depth and heft. A respectable debut though.
________
3.5 stars
The more of Courtney Summers I read, the more her work reminds me of Sara Zarr's. They write vastly different characters - Zarr's are more subdued, quiet; Summers' are often in-your-face obnoxious and loud. But what is similar about these two authors is how well-realized their narrators' voices are. Zarr's and Summers' characters are unique and real, often unlikable, but always unforgettable.
The protagonist of Cracked Up to Be, Parker, is hard to like. She is brash and sarcastic, offends and lashes out at everyone who cares about her - parents, friends, teachers. There is a reason behind her self-destructive, self-punishing and antagonistic behavior, and it's a big one. You won't like Parker even when you find out her secret, you might even hate her then. But, with all that, she is still a human being worthy of understanding and maybe empathy or, possibly, forgiveness.
Cracked Up to Be is a strong debut. I don't think the climax of the story was constructed the best way it could have been. The last few chapters are a little messy. But I do like how the novel ended. There are consequences to Parker's sins, but there is a hope for her break from the abyss of self-hate too. There are mistakes in our lives that we need to forgive ourselves for, just to survive. Even if they are as heavy as Parker's.
________
3.5 stars
The more of Courtney Summers I read, the more her work reminds me of Sara Zarr's. They write vastly different characters - Zarr's are more subdued, quiet; Summers' are often in-your-face obnoxious and loud. But what is similar about these two authors is how well-realized their narrators' voices are. Zarr's and Summers' characters are unique and real, often unlikable, but always unforgettable.
The protagonist of Cracked Up to Be, Parker, is hard to like. She is brash and sarcastic, offends and lashes out at everyone who cares about her - parents, friends, teachers. There is a reason behind her self-destructive, self-punishing and antagonistic behavior, and it's a big one. You won't like Parker even when you find out her secret, you might even hate her then. But, with all that, she is still a human being worthy of understanding and maybe empathy or, possibly, forgiveness.
Cracked Up to Be is a strong debut. I don't think the climax of the story was constructed the best way it could have been. The last few chapters are a little messy. But I do like how the novel ended. There are consequences to Parker's sins, but there is a hope for her break from the abyss of self-hate too. There are mistakes in our lives that we need to forgive ourselves for, just to survive. Even if they are as heavy as Parker's.
April 23, 2020
Parker Fadley is perfect. She has perfect grades, she's captain of the cheerleading squad, dating the most popular boy school and has a bright future ahead of her. Until it all goes wrong and Parker finds herself starring in a new role - that of the perfect mess.
I read this book in 1 sitting. It wasn't as compelling a read for me as Sadie but I was hooked and emotionally invested in finding out what had led to Parker's unraveling. I really enjoyed the way Courtney Summers wove in the back story, revealing a small bit at a time. Many might find Parker unlikable but I saw a girl trying desperately to push others away in an attempt to deal with something that was obviously traumatic and overwhelming. I felt bad for her and loved how Jake saw through the armor and caught glimpses of the girl underneath it all.
This one has strong themes - suicide, rape, underage drinking, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I thought it was emotional and dark but the ending left me filled with hope. This was a strong debut and I'm glad it was rereleased. Courtney Summers is a must read author!
I read this book in 1 sitting. It wasn't as compelling a read for me as Sadie but I was hooked and emotionally invested in finding out what had led to Parker's unraveling. I really enjoyed the way Courtney Summers wove in the back story, revealing a small bit at a time. Many might find Parker unlikable but I saw a girl trying desperately to push others away in an attempt to deal with something that was obviously traumatic and overwhelming. I felt bad for her and loved how Jake saw through the armor and caught glimpses of the girl underneath it all.
This one has strong themes - suicide, rape, underage drinking, depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I thought it was emotional and dark but the ending left me filled with hope. This was a strong debut and I'm glad it was rereleased. Courtney Summers is a must read author!
July 3, 2019
I did not expect for that to happen at the end. 😳😢Despite the slow and boring buildup in the first half, I ended up enjoying the second half a lot; especially, when the story started unraveling.
3.5 stars because I was extremely bored during the first half of this book, but afterwards it picked up and I started to enjoy it immensely and almost cried.
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I was supposed to be done reading this a year and a half ago but I didn't so here I am reading this now 😔👊🏼
I'm 70 pages in and so far it's very meh!! I'm just reading about Parker's everyday life and I'm kind of bored, ngl! I hope something interesting happens soon.
3.5 stars because I was extremely bored during the first half of this book, but afterwards it picked up and I started to enjoy it immensely and almost cried.
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I was supposed to be done reading this a year and a half ago but I didn't so here I am reading this now 😔👊🏼
I'm 70 pages in and so far it's very meh!! I'm just reading about Parker's everyday life and I'm kind of bored, ngl! I hope something interesting happens soon.
November 30, 2008
This book was everything that I hoped it was going to be and then some. And I wish that I was a good writer so that I could write a review worthy of this book. Why can’t I just say that I loved it and that it was one of the most compelling books I’ve ever read and that just be enough? Because really I don’t know why I like any book, I just do. But if I must, I guess I will.
The writing. If I hadn’t known that this was Summers’ debut novel, I wouldn’t have believed it. One of my most favorite books of all time is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and this book parallels it’s greatness, it may even surpass it. Yeah it’s that good. I hope to be reading Summers in the future, she is an author to watch.
I don’t want to get into the plot so much, because I want everyone to go in without any predispositions, well at least I don’t personally want to give anything away, I’m sure if you do some digging you can find some things out, but believe me, you don’t want to. I will say this much, I thought I had it figured out and I was wrong wrong wrong, and that is usually not the case. I found this somewhere and I don’t remember where, but it totally sums this book up: “A frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much of contemporary high school life, as real as today's headlines.” Yeah I really wish I had written that myself. This book does not have a sugary coating. Which only makes me like it even more.
And the characters, particularly perfect Parker Fadley, make this book an UNFORGETTABLE read.
Would I recommend it, absolutely. Have I already been recommending it, you better believe it.
Who knew it was so hard to be perfect.
The writing. If I hadn’t known that this was Summers’ debut novel, I wouldn’t have believed it. One of my most favorite books of all time is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and this book parallels it’s greatness, it may even surpass it. Yeah it’s that good. I hope to be reading Summers in the future, she is an author to watch.
I don’t want to get into the plot so much, because I want everyone to go in without any predispositions, well at least I don’t personally want to give anything away, I’m sure if you do some digging you can find some things out, but believe me, you don’t want to. I will say this much, I thought I had it figured out and I was wrong wrong wrong, and that is usually not the case. I found this somewhere and I don’t remember where, but it totally sums this book up: “A frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much of contemporary high school life, as real as today's headlines.” Yeah I really wish I had written that myself. This book does not have a sugary coating. Which only makes me like it even more.
And the characters, particularly perfect Parker Fadley, make this book an UNFORGETTABLE read.
Would I recommend it, absolutely. Have I already been recommending it, you better believe it.
Who knew it was so hard to be perfect.
September 14, 2018
This is one of those times when I seem to have read a completely different book from everyone else.
It was uninteresting and pointless. It sure wasn't moving or emotional to me.
We get into the mind of the bich/ex-"perfect" girl at school. I had the feeling that I was supposed to be sorry for her once we knew what her thoughts were, but that didn't happen for me. So what? It's not as if we don't know everyone has feelings no matter how good or bad they are. What she was thinking and feeling towards herself was completely deserved, for the rest part she was a bit heartless. So I don't see the point in this book.
Parker changes after some kind of trauma she experienced. Her family, friends and teachers are trying to cope with this change while being lenient with her and trying to help her over and over again. I can't believe how all the people around her are such pushovers and masochistic. I don't understand where all their care is coming from.
Parker is a bich, unbelievably selfish and a horrible person. I don't care that she has issues, everyone has them. That doesn't explain or excuse anything about her. I might understand where she is coming from but that does not excuses or forgives her. Everything is on her and I can't pity her or sympathize with her seeing as she has so many people that care about her when she doesn't even deserve them. Her problems were caused by her own choices, and beside the fact of her felling rightly guilty about what she did, or better yet, about what she didn't do and should undoubtedly have done, I didn't see her trying to rectify anything.
I am confused as to what this book is trying to say, or if it is trying to say something at all, because I sure don't see it, it's completely pointless. However, it does make me mad to have wasted my time with this ugly story.
It was uninteresting and pointless. It sure wasn't moving or emotional to me.
We get into the mind of the bich/ex-"perfect" girl at school. I had the feeling that I was supposed to be sorry for her once we knew what her thoughts were, but that didn't happen for me. So what? It's not as if we don't know everyone has feelings no matter how good or bad they are. What she was thinking and feeling towards herself was completely deserved, for the rest part she was a bit heartless. So I don't see the point in this book.
Parker changes after some kind of trauma she experienced. Her family, friends and teachers are trying to cope with this change while being lenient with her and trying to help her over and over again. I can't believe how all the people around her are such pushovers and masochistic. I don't understand where all their care is coming from.
Parker is a bich, unbelievably selfish and a horrible person. I don't care that she has issues, everyone has them. That doesn't explain or excuse anything about her. I might understand where she is coming from but that does not excuses or forgives her. Everything is on her and I can't pity her or sympathize with her seeing as she has so many people that care about her when she doesn't even deserve them. Her problems were caused by her own choices, and beside the fact of her felling rightly guilty about what she did, or better yet, about what she didn't do and should undoubtedly have done, I didn't see her trying to rectify anything.
I am confused as to what this book is trying to say, or if it is trying to say something at all, because I sure don't see it, it's completely pointless. However, it does make me mad to have wasted my time with this ugly story.
May 20, 2018
Seeing all these high ratings and that promising blurb, I was very excited for this. After my last YA read turned out to be a mediocre one, i had high hopes for this but sadly this too was just another story which I would forget about in few months.
I know there was something dark in the Parker's past which turned her life upside down. I gave Parker a lot of time to know her better, understand her but she just ruined it in the end. if she was unable to help someone at a certain time then she was hundred more chances. Instead she just isolates herself and tries to cut everyone from her. I tried my best to understand her behavior or what went through her mind, but I can't justify her actions..
I know there was something dark in the Parker's past which turned her life upside down. I gave Parker a lot of time to know her better, understand her but she just ruined it in the end. if she was unable to help someone at a certain time then she was hundred more chances. Instead she just isolates herself and tries to cut everyone from her. I tried my best to understand her behavior or what went through her mind, but I can't justify her actions..
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars
Originally published in 2008, the publisher decided to re-release the book after the recent popularity of Sadie. A book that I had crowned my favorite read of 2018! In Cracked Up to Be, we meet the unforgettable and very unlikeable Parker Fadley. Parker is a cheerleader that doesn't cheer so much anymore and in fact, speaks biting words to all around her. Her parents appear to tiptoe around her and there are many illusions made in the story that Parker's behavior is linked to her best friend's disappearance. To say that Parker is damaged, would be an understatement, as she has to report to mandatory meetings with a counselor, is failing school and often shows up at school drunk. None of her former cheer mates or her ex-boyfriend seems to be able to get through to her, but new student Jake might finally be able to break Parker's steel fortress.
The mysterious circumstances that lead to Parker's downfall and her crusty exterior kept me reading. Parker was a good girl gone bad and I just needed to get to the bottom of it. Of course, the ending is left to the reader's interpretation, but I closed my book hoping that for Parker, there is health and happiness at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date 04/02/20
Goodreads review 15/02/20
Originally published in 2008, the publisher decided to re-release the book after the recent popularity of Sadie. A book that I had crowned my favorite read of 2018! In Cracked Up to Be, we meet the unforgettable and very unlikeable Parker Fadley. Parker is a cheerleader that doesn't cheer so much anymore and in fact, speaks biting words to all around her. Her parents appear to tiptoe around her and there are many illusions made in the story that Parker's behavior is linked to her best friend's disappearance. To say that Parker is damaged, would be an understatement, as she has to report to mandatory meetings with a counselor, is failing school and often shows up at school drunk. None of her former cheer mates or her ex-boyfriend seems to be able to get through to her, but new student Jake might finally be able to break Parker's steel fortress.
The mysterious circumstances that lead to Parker's downfall and her crusty exterior kept me reading. Parker was a good girl gone bad and I just needed to get to the bottom of it. Of course, the ending is left to the reader's interpretation, but I closed my book hoping that for Parker, there is health and happiness at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date 04/02/20
Goodreads review 15/02/20
April 14, 2020
I will try to write something that makes sense about this book, unlike what my old self wrote years ago *cries in cringe*
This book was my least favorite Courtney Summers even when I first read it, but at the time I had just started reading and reviewing books on here. Which means I didn't really know how to explain why I liked or I didn't like a book, and my reviews where biased... ha ha, fun times. I'm glad to see I was still able to notice if a book was well written or not, though.
I didn't remember a lot about this book (and definitely NOTHING about an animal death, I'm shook), only the twist. The book is enjoyable and very raw and gritty, typical Courtney Summers, and it stays with you for a while after you finish it, but at the same time it's forgettable, thing that comes from the plot having little to no structure. In comparison to this author's next books, this one goes out in circles and doesn't give the reader enough evidence to figure out the main character. The actual reveal is twenty pages from the end and it's too late.
What saves this book is the characters and mental illness representation.
All characters are very well-rounded, their motivations stand out and make them feel real. Each one of them has a part in the book, it's not just about Parker, so you unwillingly end up understanding each and everyone of them (even Becky). I especially love how Chris and Jake were written, they don't fall into stereotypes and make a blend of very mature and immature decisions that I find super appropriate for their age. They are responsible guys and I wish I had the opportunity to have boy friends like them when I was 18. Jake is straight-up ADORABLE, I want to pinch his cheeks so bad 😳
I know it's supposed to happen, but I'm always surprised when I reread a book years after I read it for the first time in my teen years and I find out I have different feelings about it. In this case, I relate to this book much more than before, because Parker has PTSD and panic attacks, and while I don't have PTSD (thank god), I've had my fair share of panic attacks in the last years. Parker made me feel seen and represented, and I literally have no idea if this is a bad or good thing for me. Nonetheless, this means the book has stellar representation for this kind of mental illness. It's good the book ends how it ends because it teaches that therapy is a friend, not an enemy. I'd love to see this book on a school reading list against the stigmatization of mental support.
This book has aged well in the last ten years and I would still recommend it, but it needs to be said that the main character inappropriately makes use of the term "anorexic" to describe another character. While this character has his own mental illness and eating disorder, I felt uncomfortable seeing that adjective used to refer to a very thin person as if it were interchangeable.
******
December 2014, first read review
I can see how the author’s style has evolved through the years. This book is her debut, and I found it wonderful, but not like her two successive books I’ve read before this one.
The difference is minimal, though. Maybe I liked Eddie and Sloane a little more than Parker.
Sometimes I wanted to shake Parker so hard, and then other times I was like "yeah, that's how my head works!" I'm allergic to people, you know. Just like Parker.
I really loved both Chris and Jake.
The author has talent in creating open endings that suit perfectly the entire narrative.
Every time I read a book of hers I’m reminded again of why she’s my favorite author.
This book was my least favorite Courtney Summers even when I first read it, but at the time I had just started reading and reviewing books on here. Which means I didn't really know how to explain why I liked or I didn't like a book, and my reviews where biased... ha ha, fun times. I'm glad to see I was still able to notice if a book was well written or not, though.
I didn't remember a lot about this book (and definitely NOTHING about an animal death, I'm shook), only the twist. The book is enjoyable and very raw and gritty, typical Courtney Summers, and it stays with you for a while after you finish it, but at the same time it's forgettable, thing that comes from the plot having little to no structure. In comparison to this author's next books, this one goes out in circles and doesn't give the reader enough evidence to figure out the main character. The actual reveal is twenty pages from the end and it's too late.
What saves this book is the characters and mental illness representation.
All characters are very well-rounded, their motivations stand out and make them feel real. Each one of them has a part in the book, it's not just about Parker, so you unwillingly end up understanding each and everyone of them (even Becky). I especially love how Chris and Jake were written, they don't fall into stereotypes and make a blend of very mature and immature decisions that I find super appropriate for their age. They are responsible guys and I wish I had the opportunity to have boy friends like them when I was 18. Jake is straight-up ADORABLE, I want to pinch his cheeks so bad 😳
I know it's supposed to happen, but I'm always surprised when I reread a book years after I read it for the first time in my teen years and I find out I have different feelings about it. In this case, I relate to this book much more than before, because Parker has PTSD and panic attacks, and while I don't have PTSD (thank god), I've had my fair share of panic attacks in the last years. Parker made me feel seen and represented, and I literally have no idea if this is a bad or good thing for me. Nonetheless, this means the book has stellar representation for this kind of mental illness. It's good the book ends how it ends because it teaches that therapy is a friend, not an enemy. I'd love to see this book on a school reading list against the stigmatization of mental support.
This book has aged well in the last ten years and I would still recommend it, but it needs to be said that the main character inappropriately makes use of the term "anorexic" to describe another character. While this character has his own mental illness and eating disorder, I felt uncomfortable seeing that adjective used to refer to a very thin person as if it were interchangeable.
I get caught up in outcomes. I convince myself they're truths. No one will notice how wrong you are if everything you do ends up right.The rest becomes incidental. So incidental that, after a while, you forget. Maybe you are perfect. Good. It must be true. Who can argue with results? You're not so wrong after all. So you buy into it and you go crazy maintaining it. Except it creeps up on you sometimes, that you're not right. Imperfect. Bad.
******
December 2014, first read review
I can see how the author’s style has evolved through the years. This book is her debut, and I found it wonderful, but not like her two successive books I’ve read before this one.
The difference is minimal, though. Maybe I liked Eddie and Sloane a little more than Parker.
Sometimes I wanted to shake Parker so hard, and then other times I was like "yeah, that's how my head works!" I'm allergic to people, you know. Just like Parker.
I really loved both Chris and Jake.
The author has talent in creating open endings that suit perfectly the entire narrative.
Every time I read a book of hers I’m reminded again of why she’s my favorite author.
April 17, 2011
Parker Fadley used to be head cheerleader. She had perfect grades and a perfect boyfriend. Fast forward a few months and she is drinking heavily, treating everybody like crap (though this hasn’t changed much), broken up with her boyfriend, and missing every single homework deadline. What happened to cause her decline?
When I was in high school, I had to wear a uniform. Since it was an all-girls Catholic school, my morning went something like this:
6:00—alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:15—alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:30—alarm goes off. Snooze
6:45—roll out of bed wearing t-shirt and boxers. Put on socks. Pick up polo shirt, kilt, and clogs from floor. Brush teeth.
7:00-7:30—drive to school. Eat granola bar. In school parking lot, put polo and kilt on over pajamas.
Proceed with day.
This is funny to me because Parker’s hungover/total mess description basically aligns with my every day of high school look. I don’t remember brushing my hair for four years. But, thankfully, I wasn’t such a psychological mess. The narrative in this book basically follows Parker in the present day but snippets of the night “it” happened are interspersed in the text until it all unravels. I found this both intriguing and annoying; the latter because the night kept building up little by little but what we already knew was repeated. (x, then x and y, then x and y and z) By the end, I was practically shouting at the book, “I GET IT! I KNOW XYZABCDEFGHI happened. Just frakking tell me already!” (though I already had it figured out)
But you’ll notice that I gave this one four stars. I love Courtney Summers’ writing style. She writes the horrifically mean girl like no one else. (more prominently in Some Girls Are) Her characters are realistically flawed and you can almost smell the desperation that drips off of nearly every one of them, whether they are desperate for friendship, love, or forgiveness for missteps. This book isn’t for everyone for that reason—it is a frustrating read because you see all of these characters trying to help Parker find what she is looking for and she walks all over them and manipulates their feelings. I don’t know if I could have the patience for her that several of her peers did, especially considering I didn’t have much patience for her as a reader.
The “love triangle” (if you can call it that) in this book was a little bizarre. Parker’s ex-boyfriend Chris is still in love with her and will basically do anything for her. The more-like-a-love-square is filled out with Parker, Chris’s new girlfriend who is Parker’s frenemy, and new guy Jake, who is attempting to get Parker to open up about what happened. Flash! Bang! Drama! Anyway, Courtney Summers lovers will find the same old awesome in this one: gritty topic, beautiful writing, a bitchity main girl, and a lightning fast read.
Shoutout to Cory, who interviewed Courtney Summers last week at The Book Lantern.
When I was in high school, I had to wear a uniform. Since it was an all-girls Catholic school, my morning went something like this:
6:00—alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:15—alarm goes off. Snooze.
6:30—alarm goes off. Snooze
6:45—roll out of bed wearing t-shirt and boxers. Put on socks. Pick up polo shirt, kilt, and clogs from floor. Brush teeth.
7:00-7:30—drive to school. Eat granola bar. In school parking lot, put polo and kilt on over pajamas.
Proceed with day.
This is funny to me because Parker’s hungover/total mess description basically aligns with my every day of high school look. I don’t remember brushing my hair for four years. But, thankfully, I wasn’t such a psychological mess. The narrative in this book basically follows Parker in the present day but snippets of the night “it” happened are interspersed in the text until it all unravels. I found this both intriguing and annoying; the latter because the night kept building up little by little but what we already knew was repeated. (x, then x and y, then x and y and z) By the end, I was practically shouting at the book, “I GET IT! I KNOW XYZABCDEFGHI happened. Just frakking tell me already!” (though I already had it figured out)
But you’ll notice that I gave this one four stars. I love Courtney Summers’ writing style. She writes the horrifically mean girl like no one else. (more prominently in Some Girls Are) Her characters are realistically flawed and you can almost smell the desperation that drips off of nearly every one of them, whether they are desperate for friendship, love, or forgiveness for missteps. This book isn’t for everyone for that reason—it is a frustrating read because you see all of these characters trying to help Parker find what she is looking for and she walks all over them and manipulates their feelings. I don’t know if I could have the patience for her that several of her peers did, especially considering I didn’t have much patience for her as a reader.
The “love triangle” (if you can call it that) in this book was a little bizarre. Parker’s ex-boyfriend Chris is still in love with her and will basically do anything for her. The more-like-a-love-square is filled out with Parker, Chris’s new girlfriend who is Parker’s frenemy, and new guy Jake, who is attempting to get Parker to open up about what happened. Flash! Bang! Drama! Anyway, Courtney Summers lovers will find the same old awesome in this one: gritty topic, beautiful writing, a bitchity main girl, and a lightning fast read.
Shoutout to Cory, who interviewed Courtney Summers last week at The Book Lantern.
October 6, 2021
This was really good. Looking back at this debut so many years later, it's truly no wonder that Courtney Summers evolved into the incredible author that brought us one of my all-time favorites, Sadie.
content warnings for
content warnings for
February 25, 2018
these books are too real to be fiction. whY DOES EVERYTHING FEEL SO REAL. I DONT WANT THIS KIND OF PAIN
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#4 and last book with saunta in our buddy and reread binge
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#4 and last book with saunta in our buddy and reread binge
December 28, 2021
There is a part of me who needed to read this book when she was still in high school and another part who expected a lot more. They have very good reasons to like and dislike this story but me, the person I am in this specific moment, is just confused.
I'm sure about one thing tho: the line How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22? by Taylor Swift is the perfect way to sum it up (and if you sang it we can definitely be friends).
I didn't expect anything different from Courtney Summers, but I’d like to know if she hates being happy or just doesn't know what it means. I mean, this is kind of a happy ending, the nearest she can go I guess, but I don't think there is a single happy person who just finished this.
I hate this bittersweet taste. It’s good but also bad, you can’t be completely happy or completely sad. In the end, it leaves you with nothing.
The story is divided into two parts: the girl Parker used to be (and what happened then), and the girl Parker is now (and why she's like this). For obvious reason, you find what happened and why she built this “new” version of her just at the end.
Still, from someone who used to be like Parker, there are a couple of flaws.
First of all, it's not true. If you do bad things and act like a bitch, from where I come, people don't give a damn about your results. I was perfect in high school, I was the best student in the whole school and people hated me for that. My classmates made my high school years a living hell and my teachers loved to repeat to me I wasn’t perfect because such thing doesn't exist. Still, I was. And I don't know if I am anymore, but I was perfect back then and nobody can't take that from me.
My mom was another person who liked to remind me of that. All the time. It was pretty annoying but, with the little problem of not having friends, she couldn’t do much. So the first thing that comes up to my mind was why Parker’s parents never say anything before? Because they didn't know. And what about the teachers? They liked her that way. What about the cheerleaders? They hated her but nobody complained. Everybody knew she “needed help” but nobody intended to do anything.
Until the moment she decided to do something and then nobody was happy. Because everybody liked her much when she was a control freak who needed to be perfect. This is called hypocrisy.
Somewhere in the middle become pretty clear she's having a mental breakdown, and at the end is just chaos.
She has a secret she can't reveal - or just doesn't want to - and when part of the truth comes up she completely lost it. But the thing I don't understand is that when she should talk and explain, she doesn't do that. She stays quiet and takes the help people offer, but she doesn't say anything. I can't say anything more, you'll get it when you'll read the book but, just for your information, it involves the missing of a young girl.
And this is how it ends one of the most frustrating stories you could ever read.
In the perfect Courtney Summers’ style by the way: when you still don't get if you liked it or not.
↠ 3 stars
I'm sure about one thing tho: the line How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22? by Taylor Swift is the perfect way to sum it up (and if you sang it we can definitely be friends).
I didn't expect anything different from Courtney Summers, but I’d like to know if she hates being happy or just doesn't know what it means. I mean, this is kind of a happy ending, the nearest she can go I guess, but I don't think there is a single happy person who just finished this.
I hate this bittersweet taste. It’s good but also bad, you can’t be completely happy or completely sad. In the end, it leaves you with nothing.
The story is divided into two parts: the girl Parker used to be (and what happened then), and the girl Parker is now (and why she's like this). For obvious reason, you find what happened and why she built this “new” version of her just at the end.
Still, from someone who used to be like Parker, there are a couple of flaws.
First of all, it's not true. If you do bad things and act like a bitch, from where I come, people don't give a damn about your results. I was perfect in high school, I was the best student in the whole school and people hated me for that. My classmates made my high school years a living hell and my teachers loved to repeat to me I wasn’t perfect because such thing doesn't exist. Still, I was. And I don't know if I am anymore, but I was perfect back then and nobody can't take that from me.
My mom was another person who liked to remind me of that. All the time. It was pretty annoying but, with the little problem of not having friends, she couldn’t do much. So the first thing that comes up to my mind was why Parker’s parents never say anything before? Because they didn't know. And what about the teachers? They liked her that way. What about the cheerleaders? They hated her but nobody complained. Everybody knew she “needed help” but nobody intended to do anything.
Until the moment she decided to do something and then nobody was happy. Because everybody liked her much when she was a control freak who needed to be perfect. This is called hypocrisy.
Somewhere in the middle become pretty clear she's having a mental breakdown, and at the end is just chaos.
She has a secret she can't reveal - or just doesn't want to - and when part of the truth comes up she completely lost it. But the thing I don't understand is that when she should talk and explain, she doesn't do that. She stays quiet and takes the help people offer, but she doesn't say anything. I can't say anything more, you'll get it when you'll read the book but, just for your information, it involves the missing of a young girl.
And this is how it ends one of the most frustrating stories you could ever read.
In the perfect Courtney Summers’ style by the way: when you still don't get if you liked it or not.
↠ 3 stars
August 6, 2016
This could have been easily a 4 star read for me apart from the ending.
I did not know what to expect when I started with this, the cover makes it feel like a light YA read, the blurb makes it sound more serious.
The sum it up, this is about Parker and the changes that have come in her life because of something that has happened to her.... This was the suspense bit, which is revealed at the end and did not somehow add up with the overall story for me..
Parker is beautiful, top of her class, going out with the most popular guy and at the top of the pecking order in her high school.
I didn't want to be popular because it was easier; I wanted to be popular because in high school that's the best thing you can be: perfect. Everything else is shit.
But something has gone wrong, she has broken up with her boyfriend, is drinking and no more interested in studies, it feels more like Parker is not interested in life anymore...
Somehow I expected Parker's ex-boyfriend to be a douche bag but he is actually really sweet. Jake Gardner and Parker's relation is really interesting. The author has dived into the the typical high-school cliche and come-up with more vulnerable aspects of each and every typical high-school character.
The story even though focused on a a destructive character still has humor and Parker even though depressed is very spunky.
The ending was a bit out of sync and a bit of a let down
I felt the ending somehow could have been different and better....
This is a first read by this author for me and I really liked how the story flows. I will definitely be checking out more books by her.
I did not know what to expect when I started with this, the cover makes it feel like a light YA read, the blurb makes it sound more serious.
The sum it up, this is about Parker and the changes that have come in her life because of something that has happened to her.... This was the suspense bit, which is revealed at the end and did not somehow add up with the overall story for me..
Parker is beautiful, top of her class, going out with the most popular guy and at the top of the pecking order in her high school.
I didn't want to be popular because it was easier; I wanted to be popular because in high school that's the best thing you can be: perfect. Everything else is shit.
But something has gone wrong, she has broken up with her boyfriend, is drinking and no more interested in studies, it feels more like Parker is not interested in life anymore...
Somehow I expected Parker's ex-boyfriend to be a douche bag but he is actually really sweet. Jake Gardner and Parker's relation is really interesting. The author has dived into the the typical high-school cliche and come-up with more vulnerable aspects of each and every typical high-school character.
The story even though focused on a a destructive character still has humor and Parker even though depressed is very spunky.
The ending was a bit out of sync and a bit of a let down
I felt the ending somehow could have been different and better....
This is a first read by this author for me and I really liked how the story flows. I will definitely be checking out more books by her.
January 12, 2012
4.5 stars.
Slight spoilers follow…
“I’d rather be certifiable than perpetually boring.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
ME TOO!
High Points.
I loved everything: the writing, the characters, the emotions, the subject.
Done.
*bats off hands*
Low Points.
This book was so small it could get lost in my back teeth.
I’m just being selfish because I wanted to spend more time with this book but hey, if book reviewers can’t be selfish then who can?
That is the real question, I think.
Heroine.
You know how I really like my heroines to be decent human beings?
Well, I really really like my heroines to be bitches.
And I don’t mean the uh-oh-she-has-blonde-hair-and-she’s-a-cheerleader (or the British equivalent which is… um, something)-and-her-boyfriend-is-smokin’-and-has-hidden-depths-and-probably-will-end-up-with-the-heroine kinda bitch.
I mean, like, real bitches.
Parker is no cookie cutter bitch.
She is brilliant and I’m saying no more because I don’t want to spoil things.
Except that I have a total girlcrush on her and I have a feeling it’s all going to end in tears.
Love Interest(s).
Eh, who am I kidding?
This is Parker’s story… these boys didn’t even had a look in.
Theme Tune.
Girls Like You by The Naked and Famous.
Sadness Scale
7/10.
I’ve never understood the belief that a book can only be classed as having a happy ending if the MC gets with the boy/girl.
Surely the reader, if they really connected with a character, would want to see them battle fearlessly against what is plaguing them and destroying them from the inside?
With that in mind,and only a slight implied spoiler, this is one of the happiest and hopeful endings I’ve read in a long time.
The subject matter of Cracked Up to Be (secrets) has been done before; but never quite like this.
It’s remarkable that a book of only 200 pages can be so rich and dense with realistic emotions.
So, bravo Ms Summers. Bravo.
Oh and also, it took me about three hours to read this book.
Coincidentally that was half the amount of time it took me to get over one scene, towards the end. Jeez louise. Was that necessary?! WAS IT?!
Recommended For.
People who don’t believe that the purpose of boys in literature is to solve every problem that faces the heroine. People who like their heroines with a bit of spark…and sadistic, manipulative and incredibly clever. People who get frustrated when authors can’t handle a flashback (MS Summers can, by the by). People who look for deeper-meanings in art projects. People whose idea of “romantic” is no underwear. People who don’t get overly attached to fictional critters.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog here.
Slight spoilers follow…
“I’d rather be certifiable than perpetually boring.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
ME TOO!
High Points.
I loved everything: the writing, the characters, the emotions, the subject.
Done.
*bats off hands*
Low Points.
This book was so small it could get lost in my back teeth.
I’m just being selfish because I wanted to spend more time with this book but hey, if book reviewers can’t be selfish then who can?
That is the real question, I think.
Heroine.
You know how I really like my heroines to be decent human beings?
Well, I really really like my heroines to be bitches.
And I don’t mean the uh-oh-she-has-blonde-hair-and-she’s-a-cheerleader (or the British equivalent which is… um, something)-and-her-boyfriend-is-smokin’-and-has-hidden-depths-and-probably-will-end-up-with-the-heroine kinda bitch.
I mean, like, real bitches.
Parker is no cookie cutter bitch.
She is brilliant and I’m saying no more because I don’t want to spoil things.
Except that I have a total girlcrush on her and I have a feeling it’s all going to end in tears.
Love Interest(s).
Eh, who am I kidding?
This is Parker’s story… these boys didn’t even had a look in.
Theme Tune.
Girls Like You by The Naked and Famous.
Sadness Scale
7/10.
I’ve never understood the belief that a book can only be classed as having a happy ending if the MC gets with the boy/girl.
Surely the reader, if they really connected with a character, would want to see them battle fearlessly against what is plaguing them and destroying them from the inside?
With that in mind,and only a slight implied spoiler, this is one of the happiest and hopeful endings I’ve read in a long time.
The subject matter of Cracked Up to Be (secrets) has been done before; but never quite like this.
It’s remarkable that a book of only 200 pages can be so rich and dense with realistic emotions.
So, bravo Ms Summers. Bravo.
Oh and also, it took me about three hours to read this book.
Coincidentally that was half the amount of time it took me to get over one scene, towards the end. Jeez louise. Was that necessary?! WAS IT?!
Recommended For.
People who don’t believe that the purpose of boys in literature is to solve every problem that faces the heroine. People who like their heroines with a bit of spark…and sadistic, manipulative and incredibly clever. People who get frustrated when authors can’t handle a flashback (MS Summers can, by the by). People who look for deeper-meanings in art projects. People whose idea of “romantic” is no underwear. People who don’t get overly attached to fictional critters.
You can read this review and lots of other exciting things on my blog here.
June 24, 2016
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
Seemed like a book for me
What I thought
I had alot of feelings reading this book but mostly I was frustrated. Parker is such a bitch I just wanted to punch in her face! I get the self loathing but did she really need to treat Jake like that? Speaking of Jake I absolutely loved him, I felt so sorry for him though. Even with my dislike of Parker I gotta say I enjoyed this book. The writing was superb and it had a great premise. The characters were also extremely well fleshed out and relatable. I'm definitely going to check out more from this author.
Why this book?
Seemed like a book for me
What I thought
I had alot of feelings reading this book but mostly I was frustrated. Parker is such a bitch I just wanted to punch in her face! I get the self loathing but did she really need to treat Jake like that? Speaking of Jake I absolutely loved him, I felt so sorry for him though. Even with my dislike of Parker I gotta say I enjoyed this book. The writing was superb and it had a great premise. The characters were also extremely well fleshed out and relatable. I'm definitely going to check out more from this author.
August 24, 2020
This wasn't an easy book to read... it was sad and upsetting, but I'm really glad I did. There is something about Courtney Summers' writing that is just so real. Even with how self-destructive Parker was, you couldn't help rooting for her.
Read
March 24, 2015*I Don't Know How Many Stars*
Guys. I am so lost for words. This book made me feel things I just can't even...can't even. I liked it and I hated it. I loved it but wanted to punch it. I was obsessed with it and I wasn't obsessed with it. I couldn't put it down but when I did I felt a little bit lighter. I don't even know what to say, so how should I understand how to rate it?
Jake should know-well, everyone should know-there's no such thing as a decent human being. It's just an illusion.
And when it's gone, it's really gone.
I rate based on how I feel....and I just don't know what I feel. I keep (in my head) going from a 4 to a 3 to a 2 to a 3.5 to a 4. Because, like with all Courtney Summers novels, I felt ALL emotions...but they were different this time. I felt them more intensely. And not necessarily in a good way. One minute I was happy, the next I was sad and aching for more and I just wasn't able to put a pin on what exactly worked for me. And, in the end, I wanted more for this horribly fucked up character and I don't know I don't know I don't knooooow. I just still can't express how I feel.
I get caught up in outcomes. I convince myself they're truths. No one will notice how wrong you are if everything you do ends up right. The rest becomes incidental. So incidental that, after a while, you forget. Maybe you are perfect. Good. It must be true. Who can argue with results? You're not so wrong after all. So you buy into it and you go crazy maintaining it. Except it creeps up on you sometimes, that you're not right. Imperfect. Bad. So you snap your fingers and it goes away.
Until something you can't ignore happens and you see it all over yourself.
I felt like I was underneath a microscope. I felt as if my brain was pried open like a gaping wound for everyone to see, because I just couldn't put a mask on my displeasure or my happiness or my crying and it was like this raw, ripping open of my soul because poor Parker. Poor, poor Parker. I couldn't stand how she treated Jake but I understood it. I hated when she pushed him away or made him think she felt less about him than she really did....because that's what she wanted. She wanted people to hate her, she wanted to fade into the background. And it just hurt me so deeply when she would push people away....because 'that's how it had to be.'
I lean against the door. I should be sitting so we can have our weekly session where I pick the lint off my skirt and determinedly maintain my silence while she stares at me, except today I have to break that silence. And all for a boy, too. How degrading.
This book was a lot like Unteachable for me. I gave that book a 4 even though it depressed me 90% of the time because despite all that...I couldn't put it down, ya know? What does that say?
The writing. Wow, the writing. It always transports me to another world and I adore this author and I guess I should know a star rating but I can't put a finger on what feels right...and that's how I always choose. It just feels right when I think of a rating. When I click a star, I release all this built up energy because everything falls into place and fits so perfectly with my review. But when I think of clicking a star here, nothing fits. Not for this story.
"See you tomorrow," I call after her.
She stops, turns and gives me a hilariously quizzical look.
It could be worth it for this alone.
"What?"
"I'll see you tomorrow. For the semi-formal? You, me, Chris and Jake." I force a big smile at her. "I'm really looking forward to it."
I'm such a bitch, but Becky makes it so easy.
So...this wasn't a review. And I don't really care if anyone reads it or doesn't read it because I can't give people an honest answer. I loved a lot of parts. But I also hated a lot of parts, as well. I suppose I could break it down a little for you guys, just as an end note?
Loved:
-Jake
-Writing
-Story/plot in general
-The Humor
-Parker's snark towards everyone, it made me laugh a lot (She's such a bitch)
Liked:
-Parker
-How she put her walls up
-Her family
-The mystery behind why she is the way she is
Didn't love at all:
-Animal (That's all I'll say on that matter)
-Becky. Annoying bitch
-The conclusion. I really really really wanted more, but I understood it, as well
-How Jake was treated (It was sometimes funny, but other times it broke my heart)
So. You know. There you go.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Guys. I am so lost for words. This book made me feel things I just can't even...can't even. I liked it and I hated it. I loved it but wanted to punch it. I was obsessed with it and I wasn't obsessed with it. I couldn't put it down but when I did I felt a little bit lighter. I don't even know what to say, so how should I understand how to rate it?
Jake should know-well, everyone should know-there's no such thing as a decent human being. It's just an illusion.
And when it's gone, it's really gone.
I rate based on how I feel....and I just don't know what I feel. I keep (in my head) going from a 4 to a 3 to a 2 to a 3.5 to a 4. Because, like with all Courtney Summers novels, I felt ALL emotions...but they were different this time. I felt them more intensely. And not necessarily in a good way. One minute I was happy, the next I was sad and aching for more and I just wasn't able to put a pin on what exactly worked for me. And, in the end, I wanted more for this horribly fucked up character and I don't know I don't know I don't knooooow. I just still can't express how I feel.
I get caught up in outcomes. I convince myself they're truths. No one will notice how wrong you are if everything you do ends up right. The rest becomes incidental. So incidental that, after a while, you forget. Maybe you are perfect. Good. It must be true. Who can argue with results? You're not so wrong after all. So you buy into it and you go crazy maintaining it. Except it creeps up on you sometimes, that you're not right. Imperfect. Bad. So you snap your fingers and it goes away.
Until something you can't ignore happens and you see it all over yourself.
I felt like I was underneath a microscope. I felt as if my brain was pried open like a gaping wound for everyone to see, because I just couldn't put a mask on my displeasure or my happiness or my crying and it was like this raw, ripping open of my soul because poor Parker. Poor, poor Parker. I couldn't stand how she treated Jake but I understood it. I hated when she pushed him away or made him think she felt less about him than she really did....because that's what she wanted. She wanted people to hate her, she wanted to fade into the background. And it just hurt me so deeply when she would push people away....because 'that's how it had to be.'
I lean against the door. I should be sitting so we can have our weekly session where I pick the lint off my skirt and determinedly maintain my silence while she stares at me, except today I have to break that silence. And all for a boy, too. How degrading.
This book was a lot like Unteachable for me. I gave that book a 4 even though it depressed me 90% of the time because despite all that...I couldn't put it down, ya know? What does that say?
The writing. Wow, the writing. It always transports me to another world and I adore this author and I guess I should know a star rating but I can't put a finger on what feels right...and that's how I always choose. It just feels right when I think of a rating. When I click a star, I release all this built up energy because everything falls into place and fits so perfectly with my review. But when I think of clicking a star here, nothing fits. Not for this story.
"See you tomorrow," I call after her.
She stops, turns and gives me a hilariously quizzical look.
It could be worth it for this alone.
"What?"
"I'll see you tomorrow. For the semi-formal? You, me, Chris and Jake." I force a big smile at her. "I'm really looking forward to it."
I'm such a bitch, but Becky makes it so easy.
So...this wasn't a review. And I don't really care if anyone reads it or doesn't read it because I can't give people an honest answer. I loved a lot of parts. But I also hated a lot of parts, as well. I suppose I could break it down a little for you guys, just as an end note?
Loved:
-Jake
-Writing
-Story/plot in general
-The Humor
-Parker's snark towards everyone, it made me laugh a lot (She's such a bitch)
Liked:
-Parker
-How she put her walls up
-Her family
-The mystery behind why she is the way she is
Didn't love at all:
-Animal (That's all I'll say on that matter)
-Becky. Annoying bitch
-The conclusion. I really really really wanted more, but I understood it, as well
-How Jake was treated (It was sometimes funny, but other times it broke my heart)
So. You know. There you go.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
March 28, 2010
Cracked up to Be by Courtney Summers is probably one of the more difficult reads I’ve encountered in the YA genre. The protagonist, Parker Fadley, was flawed, damaged and on a downward spiral. In most cases, that’s enough cause to have me sympathize for a main character, but the way the story developed, she never really pulled at my heartstrings. I carried more angst for her ex-boyfriend Chris, and the new guy Jake that was dumb enough to fall for her. She really put everyone in her life through the ringer, and I know I should be compelled to give her some slack because of what she faced, but nope, I really couldn’t. Her heartlessness must have rubbed off on me.
About the story... Parker Fadley is every parent’s dream child. She is an honors student with distinction, meaning she has a perfect 4.0, she’s head cheerleader, her boyfriend is one of the most popular boys in their school, they are running champions of the winter formal king and queen, and just about everything Parker attempts, she does it with perfection. Unfortunately, all that changes one fateful night at a party Chris hosts and from that day forward, Parker is put on suicide watch, her grades fall to the point where she might not graduate, and she quits the cheer team. That’s not all that changes, she begins to push people away in a destructive manner, and it’s considered a good day if she shows up to school sober.
This story was interesting to the point that I wanted to find out what really happened that night that destroyed Parker. I was reading to hopefully come across a full conflict reveal and eventual resolution. Well, neither of that happens.
I’m removing two stars for a few reasons. One, I had a difficult time with how the back-story to Parker’s destruction was revealed. As the story progressed, a part of that fateful night was uncovered one piece at a time. But each time additional back-story was presented, the complete night was repeated. It came to be annoying after the fourth time. Another issue I had with the book had to do with Jake and Chris. They were extremely likeable characters in the book, and the ending for them was unfulfilling by more than a mile IMO. WT?? Is that all they get after everything Parker put them through? I was a little irritated to say the least. In addition, there was a major event that occurred the night Parker’s life turned upside down and when it was finally revealed the details were fuzzy and unclear. After hearing the story repeat itself over half a dozen times, you’d think the author would get the ending spot on… she really didn’t.
Overall, it’s an okay read, but I didn’t really pull any life lessons nor did I experience any significant emotional journey. Not a waste of time, just nothing to brag about.
About the story... Parker Fadley is every parent’s dream child. She is an honors student with distinction, meaning she has a perfect 4.0, she’s head cheerleader, her boyfriend is one of the most popular boys in their school, they are running champions of the winter formal king and queen, and just about everything Parker attempts, she does it with perfection. Unfortunately, all that changes one fateful night at a party Chris hosts and from that day forward, Parker is put on suicide watch, her grades fall to the point where she might not graduate, and she quits the cheer team. That’s not all that changes, she begins to push people away in a destructive manner, and it’s considered a good day if she shows up to school sober.
This story was interesting to the point that I wanted to find out what really happened that night that destroyed Parker. I was reading to hopefully come across a full conflict reveal and eventual resolution. Well, neither of that happens.
I’m removing two stars for a few reasons. One, I had a difficult time with how the back-story to Parker’s destruction was revealed. As the story progressed, a part of that fateful night was uncovered one piece at a time. But each time additional back-story was presented, the complete night was repeated. It came to be annoying after the fourth time. Another issue I had with the book had to do with Jake and Chris. They were extremely likeable characters in the book, and the ending for them was unfulfilling by more than a mile IMO. WT?? Is that all they get after everything Parker put them through? I was a little irritated to say the least. In addition, there was a major event that occurred the night Parker’s life turned upside down and when it was finally revealed the details were fuzzy and unclear. After hearing the story repeat itself over half a dozen times, you’d think the author would get the ending spot on… she really didn’t.
Overall, it’s an okay read, but I didn’t really pull any life lessons nor did I experience any significant emotional journey. Not a waste of time, just nothing to brag about.
April 4, 2010
i couldn’t have cared less about any of the characters, especially our main character – parker. none of them were likeable, because there was nothing to like. i don’t think courtney summers could have done a better job at that! it probably wasn't even the point, because you were supposed to develop empathy, not sympathsize with her.
parker was nasty and only wallowed in her self-pity.
chris was pathetic,- i have this crazy feeling that when he told parker he loved her, he only meant he loved getting in her pants. he did say he loved her and always would, at one point in the story, but their relationship seemed so ... superficial.
becky was awful, there just is no other word to describe her.
jake, oh jake. he was the lost puppy in this play, he was the one character i maybe even could’ve liked if it weren’t for the fact that he was so bent on getting hurt and impinging on parker’s personal space (stalking her, meddling in stuff he had no business meddling in, in a very annoying way).
way to go!
parker was nasty and only wallowed in her self-pity.
chris was pathetic,- i have this crazy feeling that when he told parker he loved her, he only meant he loved getting in her pants. he did say he loved her and always would, at one point in the story, but their relationship seemed so ... superficial.
becky was awful, there just is no other word to describe her.
jake, oh jake. he was the lost puppy in this play, he was the one character i maybe even could’ve liked if it weren’t for the fact that he was so bent on getting hurt and impinging on parker’s personal space (stalking her, meddling in stuff he had no business meddling in, in a very annoying way).
way to go!
December 3, 2021
For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed Cracked Up to Be. It was a fast read. I especially liked how it portrayed Parker's mental health and her trauma response. I do feel like I understand Parker.
But, the ending was not my favorite. I was hoping there would be more resolution or it would be more impactful, but the actual mystery part of this book was lacking. I was not invested enough in Jessie's disappearance.
That being said, it was a decent read. Sadie by the same author is one of my all time favorite mystery/thrillers, so while this book ultimately fell a bit short, I am interested in reading more of Courtney Summers books.
~ 3.5 stars
BR with Foteini!
But, the ending was not my favorite. I was hoping there would be more resolution or it would be more impactful, but the actual mystery part of this book was lacking. I was not invested enough in Jessie's disappearance.
That being said, it was a decent read. Sadie by the same author is one of my all time favorite mystery/thrillers, so while this book ultimately fell a bit short, I am interested in reading more of Courtney Summers books.
~ 3.5 stars
BR with Foteini!
May 27, 2019
“I take a deep breath. It smells suspiciously like bullshit in here.”
― Courtney Summers, Cracked Up to Be
Review to follow.
I feel badly giving this book two stars. I do. It was a dark thought provoking read, fascinating in it's way. But I had some issues with it.
I do wish Goodreads did half stars. But they don't.
So I had read another book by this author, "Some girls are'. I loved it! This one took me longer to read and though I was moved, here are some of my issues.
First off..SPOILERS:
Second off..THE DOG!
Anyone who knows me knows I take off a star or two for animal violence. Especially when it isn't needed and you can see it coming from a mile away.
I don't get why authors do it. I am not the only one. I see so many people who this gimmick upsets..what is the point?
In this book's case ..what did killing off the dog add to the story? Really? I knew it was gonna happen too. Immediately. I really found it distasteful. Maybe I am just not the right person to read this book.
Then there is Parker. I felt for her. But..I am not clear on the ending and why she did what she did. I am not blaming but it is never told. Not Parker telling Jessie about the Evan's cheating. I am clear on that. But about witnessing the rape/kidnapping and what happened after? Why did she not scream "Jessie's being kidnapped"? I am not blaming Parker and there were moments I sure felt for her. Alot. But I did not get the MOTIVATION..what was behind it.
Then the book ends. So after investing all that emotional energy we never do find out..anything really. So..what was the point?
Parker was obviously experiencing PTSD and I felt for her. She wasn't a bad person. Nobody should EVER reach that point and I was originally going to give this book a 3 or 4 because the author did a good job in making me care about a character whose motivations I did not understand.
Until the dog died. And so much time was spent on that.
And the book finally just..ends..and we the reader do not know anything.
I don't think this was a bad book but I did feel cheated with all the stuff I mentioned in my review. So in spite of the fact that I was invested in the story, I can't give it more then two stars.
― Courtney Summers, Cracked Up to Be
Review to follow.
I feel badly giving this book two stars. I do. It was a dark thought provoking read, fascinating in it's way. But I had some issues with it.
I do wish Goodreads did half stars. But they don't.
So I had read another book by this author, "Some girls are'. I loved it! This one took me longer to read and though I was moved, here are some of my issues.
First off..SPOILERS:
Second off..THE DOG!
Anyone who knows me knows I take off a star or two for animal violence. Especially when it isn't needed and you can see it coming from a mile away.
I don't get why authors do it. I am not the only one. I see so many people who this gimmick upsets..what is the point?
In this book's case ..what did killing off the dog add to the story? Really? I knew it was gonna happen too. Immediately. I really found it distasteful. Maybe I am just not the right person to read this book.
Then there is Parker. I felt for her. But..I am not clear on the ending and why she did what she did. I am not blaming but it is never told. Not Parker telling Jessie about the Evan's cheating. I am clear on that. But about witnessing the rape/kidnapping and what happened after? Why did she not scream "Jessie's being kidnapped"? I am not blaming Parker and there were moments I sure felt for her. Alot. But I did not get the MOTIVATION..what was behind it.
Then the book ends. So after investing all that emotional energy we never do find out..anything really. So..what was the point?
Parker was obviously experiencing PTSD and I felt for her. She wasn't a bad person. Nobody should EVER reach that point and I was originally going to give this book a 3 or 4 because the author did a good job in making me care about a character whose motivations I did not understand.
Until the dog died. And so much time was spent on that.
And the book finally just..ends..and we the reader do not know anything.
I don't think this was a bad book but I did feel cheated with all the stuff I mentioned in my review. So in spite of the fact that I was invested in the story, I can't give it more then two stars.
October 28, 2015
Blech!
An unpleasant protagonist about whom I could never find a way to care or make any connection.
This is a girl who witnesses something terrible which she refuses to tell anyone about and then manages to make this all about herself. Really, that's what she does. Going from the most popular cheerleader, A+ student to a drunk, sloppy nobody who still manages to keep everyone's attention did NOT make me feel anything about her other than disgust.
There are two boys, one her ex, Chris, and one new guy, Jake and I could never figure out what about her attracted either of them. I get that she and Chris have a history so that makes a bit of sense. Even Jake says he doesn't know why he is attracted to her since she is about as mean as a person can be with no thought of anyone but herself. Their start-and-stop romance didn't ring true because I can't imagine any boy would put up with Parker's crap, particularly a boy who barely knows her. She simply isn't so fabulous that she gives any reason to stick around.
On page 207 Parker thinks; "I am a bad person."
Well, I know I'm supposed to be feeling sorry for her that she's such a mess, by her own choices, but honestly all I'm left feeling is that yes, Parker you ARE a bad person.
Parker witnesses her best friend, being attacked and kidnapped, at a party and she does NOTHING. Not then. And not when the friend is missing. She never tells what she saw or knows because she feels guilty and she SHOULD feel guilty. Her meanness started a chain of events leading to her friend's death. And she does nothing. Not a thing.
First, when she sees her friend being attacked, she could have grabbed a tree branch and whacked the guy or screamed or jumped on the guy and pulled him off, but she didn't. At the very least, she could have run back inside and screamed that her friend was being attacked. She didn't do that either.She went back to the party and didn't mention what she saw.
When her friend doesn't arrive home, she doesn't tell the police what she saw or what she knows.
And then self-destructs, making sure she remains the center of attention. Oh, her thoughts are that she's trying to disappear. You know what, if you're trying to disappear, you blend, you make sure you aren't noticeable. Not breaking the dress code, flunking classes and showing up for class drunk. Yeah, not so invisible.
By the end of this book, I could NOT STAND Parker and I sincerely hoped that Jake would never come back and waste one more minute of his time with her. I can't imagine why anyone would waste their time on her.
I get that she is/was a perfectionist and that's how she went about her life. She believed as long as she got the results she wanted, that it didn't matter how she behaved or whom she hurt.
But here's the thing. To make this work, to see how horribly she's suffering, Parker needed to be a better person before this happened. I needed to see the difference in her before and after. Since there is no clear picture of her before, I can't do that and the glimpses of the before that we get aren't positive. She was mean, start to finish.
My advice is skip this one.
An unpleasant protagonist about whom I could never find a way to care or make any connection.
This is a girl who witnesses something terrible which she refuses to tell anyone about and then manages to make this all about herself. Really, that's what she does. Going from the most popular cheerleader, A+ student to a drunk, sloppy nobody who still manages to keep everyone's attention did NOT make me feel anything about her other than disgust.
There are two boys, one her ex, Chris, and one new guy, Jake and I could never figure out what about her attracted either of them. I get that she and Chris have a history so that makes a bit of sense. Even Jake says he doesn't know why he is attracted to her since she is about as mean as a person can be with no thought of anyone but herself. Their start-and-stop romance didn't ring true because I can't imagine any boy would put up with Parker's crap, particularly a boy who barely knows her. She simply isn't so fabulous that she gives any reason to stick around.
On page 207 Parker thinks; "I am a bad person."
Well, I know I'm supposed to be feeling sorry for her that she's such a mess, by her own choices, but honestly all I'm left feeling is that yes, Parker you ARE a bad person.
Parker witnesses her best friend, being attacked and kidnapped, at a party and she does NOTHING. Not then. And not when the friend is missing. She never tells what she saw or knows because she feels guilty and she SHOULD feel guilty. Her meanness started a chain of events leading to her friend's death. And she does nothing. Not a thing.
First, when she sees her friend being attacked, she could have grabbed a tree branch and whacked the guy or screamed or jumped on the guy and pulled him off, but she didn't. At the very least, she could have run back inside and screamed that her friend was being attacked. She didn't do that either.She went back to the party and didn't mention what she saw.
When her friend doesn't arrive home, she doesn't tell the police what she saw or what she knows.
And then self-destructs, making sure she remains the center of attention. Oh, her thoughts are that she's trying to disappear. You know what, if you're trying to disappear, you blend, you make sure you aren't noticeable. Not breaking the dress code, flunking classes and showing up for class drunk. Yeah, not so invisible.
By the end of this book, I could NOT STAND Parker and I sincerely hoped that Jake would never come back and waste one more minute of his time with her. I can't imagine why anyone would waste their time on her.
I get that she is/was a perfectionist and that's how she went about her life. She believed as long as she got the results she wanted, that it didn't matter how she behaved or whom she hurt.
But here's the thing. To make this work, to see how horribly she's suffering, Parker needed to be a better person before this happened. I needed to see the difference in her before and after. Since there is no clear picture of her before, I can't do that and the glimpses of the before that we get aren't positive. She was mean, start to finish.
My advice is skip this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
Already being a big fan of Courtney Summers since I read This Is Not a Test, I knew before going into this that it was going to be a ride with a lot of feels! So much feels!
Parker is the definition of a snarky bitch. She has an attitude you want to slap her for, but as a protagonist she's especially amusing and definitely entertaining. The used-to-be cheerleading captain turned angry emo tells us that something has happened to this girl to change her so drastically. This "something" is told to us via strange behavior from Parker which seem insignificant at first, but as the book progresses the feeling gets more urgent, and is mixed with flashbacks that leaves us wondering what the heck exactly happened here. These flashbacks gets longer at each telling; every time she remembers, she gets thrown a little deeper into this blocked memory that, in the end, weaves itself together into an emotionally distressing story. We don't get to fully understand the reason behind her intense attitude until the very end. Still, you know something happened; you know she did not choose to be this way, something broke her, made her bitter. For this reason I found it easy to look past her bitchiness and feel bad for whatever it is that she is going through. It also helps that Courtney has a way of creating genuine characters. Characters that are easy to sympathize with no matter their outward personality, because it's clear this crappy attitude is only a front, something Parker is hiding behind.
I already feel like I summed up this whole book in that mere paragraph. It's a fairly short read and while the plot is compelling from start to finish with amazing characters, energy, and the feels, it's hard to get into the thick of it since it consists of layer after layer of answers that eventually come full circle for the big reveal. By far, the best part of the novel is Parker herself. Full of attitude and energy, she tells us this story in the best way she can: amidst snark and outbursts. She hardly remembers what happened herself, though she's slowly regaining her memory of this horrific event that we're in the midst of discovering alongside her. When we do finally get the whole story, I did have to go over the reveal a couple of times to get everything straight. Some of the details come out a little fuzzy at the end. This is likely due to the same memory being repeated throughout the book which ultimately connects under different circumstances than we first had imagined. We're left to mold these memories to fit a tragic event that once seemed innocent; it changes our perspective of it all. Moving on to the ending itself, I thought it was memorable, realistic, and we come to understand Parker completely. However, I did find the romantic aspect's conclusion a tad underwhelming. I expected something… different, and was more than disappointed by the unfair finality of it all. Call me a romantic at heart?
Cracked Up to Be is an emotional foray into the gritty reality that is PTSD. Parker is not here for you to like her; her arrogant personality and unabashed attitude is a way out, out of the guilt that is almost literally eating her alive. Like This Is Not a Test, this one is for the fans of sharp and unapologetic contemps! And if you love audiobooks, the narrator nailed Parker's voice!
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Parker is the definition of a snarky bitch. She has an attitude you want to slap her for, but as a protagonist she's especially amusing and definitely entertaining. The used-to-be cheerleading captain turned angry emo tells us that something has happened to this girl to change her so drastically. This "something" is told to us via strange behavior from Parker which seem insignificant at first, but as the book progresses the feeling gets more urgent, and is mixed with flashbacks that leaves us wondering what the heck exactly happened here. These flashbacks gets longer at each telling; every time she remembers, she gets thrown a little deeper into this blocked memory that, in the end, weaves itself together into an emotionally distressing story. We don't get to fully understand the reason behind her intense attitude until the very end. Still, you know something happened; you know she did not choose to be this way, something broke her, made her bitter. For this reason I found it easy to look past her bitchiness and feel bad for whatever it is that she is going through. It also helps that Courtney has a way of creating genuine characters. Characters that are easy to sympathize with no matter their outward personality, because it's clear this crappy attitude is only a front, something Parker is hiding behind.
I already feel like I summed up this whole book in that mere paragraph. It's a fairly short read and while the plot is compelling from start to finish with amazing characters, energy, and the feels, it's hard to get into the thick of it since it consists of layer after layer of answers that eventually come full circle for the big reveal. By far, the best part of the novel is Parker herself. Full of attitude and energy, she tells us this story in the best way she can: amidst snark and outbursts. She hardly remembers what happened herself, though she's slowly regaining her memory of this horrific event that we're in the midst of discovering alongside her. When we do finally get the whole story, I did have to go over the reveal a couple of times to get everything straight. Some of the details come out a little fuzzy at the end. This is likely due to the same memory being repeated throughout the book which ultimately connects under different circumstances than we first had imagined. We're left to mold these memories to fit a tragic event that once seemed innocent; it changes our perspective of it all. Moving on to the ending itself, I thought it was memorable, realistic, and we come to understand Parker completely. However, I did find the romantic aspect's conclusion a tad underwhelming. I expected something… different, and was more than disappointed by the unfair finality of it all. Call me a romantic at heart?
Cracked Up to Be is an emotional foray into the gritty reality that is PTSD. Parker is not here for you to like her; her arrogant personality and unabashed attitude is a way out, out of the guilt that is almost literally eating her alive. Like This Is Not a Test, this one is for the fans of sharp and unapologetic contemps! And if you love audiobooks, the narrator nailed Parker's voice!
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
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