Exposed

I picked this book up initially because it seemed to have a photography theme (the main character is a photography student), which is up my interest alley. When I saw that it was written completely in free verse, I almost put it down. But I read the first couple of pages...and didn't put it down until I read every last page. Some of them twice. Wow, oh wow, oh wow is this a fantastic book. This is a powerhouse of a debut novel for Marcus, who has a pitch perfect ear for the teenage mind and the dynamics of both family and friends at that age. The emotions are raw, they come crashing out of the sparsely worded pages in vivid waves that at times can take your breath away. I am stunned and awed by this novel and think that just about show more everybody should read this book, not just teens. It is remarkable writing, plain and deceptively simple. Magnificent! show less

This amazing debut, written in free form verse, is a poignant look at how everything a person holds dear---their family foundation, their closest friendships, their own sense of self---can be shaken to it's core by one moment. It's beautifully written. One thing I've noticed about books written in verse (this is only the second that I've read) is that with so few words, and especially for this one, since its only 288 pages, each and every word packs this amazing emotional wallop. Each and every line has impact and perfectly conveys what the character is feeling and experiencing.

Liz and Kate have been friends forever, and planned to keep it that way. No matter what else is going on, they drop everything once a month and have a sleepover. show more During one of these sleepovers, they have a fight, Liz goes upstairs to her room, and from that night on, everything changes. Kate won't talk to her, won't return her calls, avoids her the school hallways. Liz is dumbfounded---the fight they had wasn't that bad. The mystery is solved a few days later when she finds out through word of mouth what happened when she left Kate alone that night and Liz's older brother came home.

I really felt for Liz being thrown into the middle of this, being left to try to decipher what really happened and which of these people that she loves is lying to her. Both sides have completely different stories. Her best friend in the world says she can't even look at her because when she does she sees her brother. Her brother says he did nothing wrong and is hurt that Liz doubts his innocence. Her parents are just barely holding it together, but also placing a lot on Liz's shoulders. Even Liz's one saving grace, her ability to lose herself to her photography and the future she had in it, seems to be slipping away. It was heartbreaking to read, brought me close to tears more than once. Everyone involved loses so much in these sorts of situations, everyone gets dragged through the mud. It's the kind of story that artfully and honestly presents both sides and gets you thinking. Definitely give this one a try. show less

Liz and Kate were the very best of friends and had been for years when suddenly the two have a fight and Kate begins avoiding her BFF. Liz worries abut the split and learns, to her dismay, that it’s her brother who’s at the heart of the rift. But it’s impossible; Kate says Liz’s brother raped her. That can’t be! The book is told in verse and moves along very quickly, keeping the reader riveted. The impact on the teens is apparent but it’s Liz we follow through her turmoil over losing her best friend, living with her parents’ obsession with the rape trial, with her brother’s behavior, with her loss of friends at school, and with her inability to function in her personal dealings with her own boyfriend. Her view on life show more has shattered, just as her passion for photography suffers, and it's her hold on who she really is that is slipping away. Marcus does a great job of getting at the psychological impact sexual violence can have on all – not just the parties directly involved. show less

This book is absolutely captivating. I was a little hesitant when I picked this one up. The premise intrigued me, but I wasn't sure an entire book with this subject matter, written in verse would hold my attention, but it did. The book flows effortlessly, is wrought with emotion and every character is well-drawn. This book is very unique and perfect in every way. I cannot recommend it enough.

Liz and Kate are best friends who have planned out their whole life together including being bridesmaids in each others weddings, children, colleges, the works. But then one night changes everything. Kate accuses Liz's brother of raping her, he says it was just sex.
Liz has to decide for herself who is telling the truth. she has to deal with the whole school finding out and dealing with all the whispers and rumors.
What do you do when your whole world falls apart and you are not sure which way is up?

Gateway possibility, novel in verse, rape, friendships, photography

Liz and Katie are forever-friends. Katie is a dancer, and Liz, a photographer. They have spent the last ten years doing everything together. But after a Slumber Saturday sleepover fight, nothing is the same. Liz’s growth and descriptions are so enjoyable. I made many notations that struck me as beautiful, wonderful, poignant, and memorable. I read this book in three class periods at school and it made me cry, and I kept on reading even though the kids could see me! Some of my favorite quotes:

Because nobody needs to tell
Elizabeth Grayson
Photogirl,
to focus. P.1

He reaches out
For his half-empty bottle of beer
But I grab the bottle before he can
And throw the beer in his show more face.

Then I leave him
brewing. P 7

“I’m fine, thanks.” I say
Every time Mrs. Pratt asks how I ‘m doing,
A smile pasted on my face
With Please-God-Save-Me Glue. P. 149

I let out a sigh, then swallow hard.

Relief and disgust
are two emotions
not easily blended. P. 165 show less

Kimberly Marcus brought us a fast pitched and deep novel in Exposed. Like Exposed, a novel in verse, a typically formatted review simply won't do. So while this will be short, don't let the word count fool you.

So much about Exposed was predictable but the execution made it unique and it was the key focuses of the book that made it so much more then what I expected. I never expected the topic of photography to be such a deep rooted emotion and life lesson in Exposed. It truly took the title of the book and the main character's driving passion in life to another level. It wasn't just a hobby it was a way of life and a definition for what makes up real life, which was completely fitting for this slightly coming-of-age tale.

The thing for me show more with novels in verse are the fact they paint a picture in a completely different light than other novels. An author writing in verse really only has one shot at making an impact and driving home the emotions we strive to feel while reading. Luckily for me, a reader who rarely picks up verse novels, Kimberly Marcus delivered her young adult debut effortlessly and with a style that read flawless of any seams.

Kimberly Marcus didn't hold back where other authors could have. Exposed was extremely empowering, personal and raw. I will definitely be picking up all future works by 2011 YA Debut Author, Kimberly Marcus. show less