Warning: Contains spoilers.

Thought this was one of those YA books that would generate some great and timely discussions. Obviously meant for older teens due to the mature content, but very important to have books like this that deal with discussions of what consent looks like. I especially loved that the example with Kyle was kind of grey due to her participation. ( )

Literary merit: Poor
Characterization: Poor
Level: High School

LOOK UP TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK. This book was *trying* to teach teens about consent. But to do that you had to read *at least* major 5 instances of sexual harassment of our main character ranging from groping to rape. It was awful. I get that the author was trying to show the complexities of situations and how none are acceptable, but it sucked to read all of that. Even the seemingly innocent conversation at the end between a young girl being bullied and her parents saying "he must like you" felt like too much after enduring this book. It was certainly not the book for me. In addition to the men in her life, our main character was also cut off from her family financially by her father, as well as mentally abused. He was clearly suffering from some sort of mental illness, and the mother stayed in denial putting her children in his line of fire for abuse. I hope it helps some people start conversations, but it is very triggering for those with similar experiences. I don't think the topics were handled responsibly by the author. ( )

Few have more on their plate than Libby. Her college fund has been hijacked by her father, her brother quit college and ran off to Greece, her home life resembles living in a war zone, she has suspicions her experiences with two guys might have crossed the consent line, and she's frequently harassed while serving an older and extremely self-important patron at the restaurant.
When everything comes to a head and she loses it when said patron grabs her rear end, it's the messy and painful beginning of sorting out her confusing life. Following her as she does, is not only fascinating, but develops into a tribute to girls finding their strength, opens the reader to how much waitstaff have to endure to earn a living, what's out there in terms of help and healing for sex abuse survivors, and how the messy chaos of a family can result in healing. It takes a masterful author to tackle so many issues in one book, but it's done extremely well in this one. ( )

This story of a high school server who gets in trouble for standing up for herself is part topical, part family, all drama (in the best way). Libby is a waitress at a restaurant outside of her small town and is good at what she does; unfortunately, her limits are tested by a lecherous diner who also happens to be the town’s savior. Throw in an estranged brother, an unhinged father, exceedingly stifled mother, and relationship problems, and Libby’s spring semester is not off to a great start. This book offers a nuanced take on sexual harassment and assault; instances in varying degrees are presented, from “I didn’t know it was assault” to “this is clearly harassment but there are power dynamics in play”. Overall, readable and accessible, and made me want to yell with excitement in the final restaurant scene (waitresses are badass and it’s time everyone else appreciated!!!) ( )