This book is so awesome! It's so complex! That's where the real joy of the book lies. All of the characters have multiple facets to them. Every single one. And you're never quite sure what to think about them. The book uses its multiple viewpoints to amazing effect. For instance, you see Jessie's mom flip out on Jessie, and then you see her being extremely kind to Annie, and you realize, this is the same person. These two behaviors spring from the same place. And it makes you realize how complex a personality is, and how the same psyche can react to different situations in such different ways.

It would not be an understatement to say that every character in this book is complex and surprising (even the wicked stepmother! Even the clique of mean girls!) And what's great is that this isn't simply a reversal in character. They don't change and become good. Instead you simply realize how terribly complex they were all along.

Anyway, loved the book. The one it most closely reminded me of was another slice of life book, Megan McCafferty's SLOPPY FIRSTS.

Okay, so finally, I will have some real talk. The book is all about creating characters and then making us see them in different ways. But because of that, the first 80 pages of the book seem like a collection of stereotypes: the clique of mean girls; the evil stepmom; the kooky-but-warm family; the heartthrob who's secretly into the hero; the girl who's an outcast but who is really SO original and SO fun. It's tough. The writing is always good, but you don't _know_ the author yet, and you don't know that the book is going to rise above this beginning. But it does. Trust me, it does. And it's so worth it. Seen from page 280, you'll see than even the most stereotypical stuff on pages 1-80 was put there for a reason.

(Disclosure: I got this ARC through an ARC tour, but it wasn't sent to me with any expectation of a review, positive or otherwise). ( )

Now 15, Jessie has been bullied since 7th grade by her former best friends. They have helped convince her that she’s a loser and will forever remain friendless. Her mother constantly gets on her case about her anxiety attacks, while she keeps all her feelings bottled up inside herself. When Annie befriends her Jessie can’t understand why a popular girl, who has her act all together, would want to be friends.

Annie was popular in her former school, and is not looking forward to being in a much smaller school. Her mother died when she was young, and her father married an evil stepmother. With her home life in turmoil she is thrilled to hang out with Jessie and her wonderful mom. She is sure Jessie is confident and the kind of girl she wants to be. Together the girls conquer the world, until they allow the influence of others to ruin their friendship.

In alternating voices, Jessie and Annie tell their stories. On their tumultuous ride from besties to enemies and back again, both ultimately learn the value of honesty and true friendship.

Recommended for ages 14 and older.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/how-it-ends-catherine-lo/ ( )

Annie is the new girl in town. She befriends an insecure and anxious Jessie and they immediately become best friends. But as the school year progresses, Annie starts hanging out with Courtney and Larissa - two girls who have made Jessie's life hell for the past couple of years. Annie also starts dating Scott - Jessie's lab partner and the guy she has a huge crush on. Their friendship slowly begins to fall apart due to secrets, miscommunication and, what seemed like to me, plain not caring on Annie's part.

The characters and situations are realistic. It's typical teenage/high school drama. Clichéd. There's nothing that makes this book stand out. ( )

An honest and gripping picture of anxiety that's so prevalent among teens today. This story about how friendship is affected by secrets and past emotional trauma, including bullying, is a brave debut for author Catherine Lo. ( )

I loved this book and devoured it in a day. It's about friendship and betrayals, mean girls and all that entails; grief, depression, family issues and more. I gotta say though, I am really glad my high school years are behind me.
This book is alternately narrated between two very different new friends. Jess is pretty much a loner. She is scarred by events that happened in middle school and that has a bit of control over her life. She also has a secret. Along comes Annie who has scars of her own. Deeply affected by the death of her mother, her father has remarried Madge, a cold judgmental nasty step-monster who brought along her spoiled perfect daughter. When Annie and Jess meet, they become best friends. Although very different, they fit together perfectly and they have a tight bond that seems like nothing can alter.
Until the popular crowd wants Annie for their own. Annie is stuck between being loyal to Jess but wanting to be friends with people that have a history of making Jess's life miserable and naively thinks everybody can just all get along. Where Jess wants to have sleepovers with chick flicks, Annie is drawn to the fun and parties and having a boyfriend.
At what point do you give up a friendship? Are there betrayals that are forgivable?
As a spectator, I could see both sides of their friendship and could see their emotions and feelings from both sides. As an adult, I could see choices they were making as bad judgment, (a couple of times saying out loud "don't do it") but they are fifteen and emotional and there's so much drama in relationships when you are that age. This author have a very real portrayal of teen life and all that goes with it. I love her writing style, and couldn't put this one down.
I believe this is the author's debut novel. I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future. ( )