Reyna’s been separated from her friends because of redistricting. She now has to go to a new high school where she does not know anyone. Reyna is upset at the unfairness of the entire situation. Add that to the fact that her mom died when she was young, her dad is dating someone named Lisa who Reyna does not like. To top it all off, the weird girl, Olive, at her new school is the only one who made an effort to talk to Reyna. An unexpected twist at the end will surprise readers who thought they knew where the story was going.

This book deals with a lot of real teen issues - friendship, suicide, loss, tolerance, bullying, homosexuality and finding one’s place in the world. I think there is a good message about having the courage to stand up and do the right thing. Reyna has a difficult time dealing with the secret that Olive told her and it becomes a big part of the story.

I think this is an appropriate book for a high school library. It deals with some heavy issues, so it is better suited to more mature readers. It would be a good fiction book to put in a text cluster on bullying or tolerance. It would be a good addition to a No Name Calling Week book display. It think it would also be a good book for a literature circle, free read or book club choice. There are a lot of issues and topics that would make for good discussions. This is the authors first novel and I think the quality of the book is really good. The setting is vivid, the dialogue flows and there were not any issues that stood out to me. Once I got into the book it was hard to put down. ( )

3.5/5
Promise Me Something is an inspiring contemporary, which touches on sensitive subjects with true-to-life occurrences. I read it all in one setting, and in that moment, I laughed, cried, got angry – any emotion that is possible for a human being to feel! Rather than subjecting to romance, Sara Kocek revolved her novel on the importance of friendship, with a little romance, social acceptance, black humor, family issues, and much more; I found this a strong point of the book; it has been a while since I have read one centering on such.

Usually I would introduce to readers the protagonist right about now, which in this case, and to most people would most likely be Reyna Fey, because it is told in her POV, however Olive stole the show. In the introduction of the book, as Reyna settles in her freshman year of high school, the two characters are immediately introduced to one another — Olive as the rude-says-what’s-on-her-mind type of girl, and Reyna as the goodie-shy-invincible-girl. Yet they have something in common, a lone wolf. I found it rather funny – but also annoying — that throughout this book, Reyna kept characterizing Olive as being judgmental, and yet she sits there and complain to her friends since middle grade, about how weird she is. In the very beginning I thought Olive was going to be annoying (where there you go Cee whose being judgmental now :p), but Reyna definitely took that role on. The thing is, both girls went and is going through tough times; with Reyna losing her mother and Olive dealings with her drunkard mother, it’s hard; and readers will learn how such sentiments’ can bring two opposites in personality together.

Did I mention there is a love line? For readers who are more interested in the romance element of a book, you won’t be disappointed; however let me warn you that it is not the main subject; scenes involving our two lovebirds are more than a few, though less than the typical romance-based novels; very adorable, nonetheless. Since we are talking love in the air, it’s only right I tell you about Levi – smart, genuinely caring, nice, and fits in with any crowd, Levi Siegel. He adds the squealing, fuzzy, feeling moments to this dramatic read. What’s wonderful about Levi is his compassion, and open mind. He is not afraid to stick up for others and speak his mind; he doesn’t care how others view him, and I envy that. Simply, he alone can be the main reason to read this book.

There is a purpose to this Promise Me Something, and it is to enlighten others to be more open-mined and see, really see, how little words can affect a person deeply. Homosexuality is addressed here, and it is a major ingredient of the story. Readers will get a vision of the darkest realities: misunderstandings; mistreats; bullying; which eventually leads to suicidal thoughts.

An enjoyable well-round read, recommend.

“Guess what happened?” It’s an interesting way to end the book. That question alone has many interpretations. My opinion is that it represents Reyna’s acceptance of how her life has taken a turn since her mother’s death; in relation with her father’s new relationship; her views on homosexuality, and moving forward. (it’s impossible to understand what I am talking about if you do not find out for yourself!)

There is a long time before its release, but make sure to add it to your “to-read” list! ( )