I rarely read young adult books but after reading my most favorite book of 2018 “The Simple Wild” by the same author, I couldn’t resist. Be the Girl is not an easy story but it’s a meaningful one. The author writes about important issues like autism, bullying, forgiveness and this story has an impact on you.
Aria is a young girl that has a painful past so she moves in a new small town with her mom to start new. There she meets her neighbors, Cassie, a girl with autism and her irresistible brother, Emmett.
Although, she tries to stay true to her new self, school is not easy. She has to face her fears and choose between right or wrong.
I loved all the characters in this book. Emmett is the perfect boy, a decent young man who is kind and protective. Aria is a girl who has to face all the teenage angst and I liked that she chose to be better. Cassie stole the show for me. She is an innocent girl, a colorful one and you empathize with her family.
I admired how this author handled all the hardships of what the characters went through. They are multidimensional and they are not perfect. They are all human with flaws and it’s nice seeing them not idolized. Sometimes it’s not easy to read about their choices but until the end you forgive them.
I know it is not a pure romance book but I think the author wrote it to be more. It gives some life lessons that are not only for teenagers. It’s about making a difference by doing the right thing and even if you don’t, you can move on by trying to be better.
Be the Girl is a book that will get you to think deeper and you will be more insightful about the path you follow. It’s a book worth reading!
