Knee Deep

Originally Reviewed at:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Blog Tour
Reviewer: AimeeKay

OMG, I REALLY loved this book. I’m honestly surprised I’m making this statement. I had reservations when I first read the summary. It hints at a love triangle – NOT my favorite thing at the moment – and abuse. Abuse is something that I’ve experienced firsthand. I understand how the thought process works, but even understanding how the world looks from the inside of the relationship, I still get annoyed sometimes at how abused women are portrayed in stories. Either they are super weak – which annoys me because they cling to everything – or they do an about face midway through the story that seems totally out of show more character.

Jolene did an amazing job of bringing Ronnie to life. The story is told in the first person perspective so we get to see directly into Ronnie’s mind and hear her inner reasoning for why she does the things she does. While there were times I wanted to reach into the book and just shake Ronnie, I wanted to do it because I hated seeing her hurt and seeing her beat herself up over situations that obviously weren’t here fault. While I felt sorry for her I never once looked at her as being a pitiful character.

As for the rest of the characters, they all behaved in believable ways. Ronnie’s best friend Mindy is strong, but there is back story explaining where she figured out how to be strong. Her boyfriend Shawn is portrayed as the stereotypical abusive boyfriend. But the way that Perry paints him it is still authentic. She nails his character without going over the top. Then there’s Luke, the third side of the love triangle. I could actually picture a young man doing what he does for Ronnie. As for her parents, while her mother is someone who’s unobservant, this fact is actually brought out in the story. She wasn’t uncaring; if anything I think that she just didn’t realize something like this could happen to her own child (which is something that a lot of parents do).

Speaking of the main characters being children…

Ok. They’re not “children”. They are seniors in high school, about to go off to college. But their actions aren’t unusual for their age bracket. Especially Ronnie’s inner thoughts, they are things that most young women feel and think at that age. All in all, the entire story itself was extremely believable, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even the love triangle. It was REALLY well written. I don’t remember once feeling like I wanted to slap Ronnie for being wishy washy or whiny (urges I’ve had recently when it’s come to female lead characters).

I’ve tried to write this review without too many spoilers (that’s one of the reasons I’m not giving examples), but let me just say, I think this book was amazing and spot on. It was realistic without being preachy or overly dramatic. I would recommend it to any teen or older. In fact, I think that more girls should read this novel. It lets you have a view into the mind of someone who has been manipulated by abuse, and maybe if they read it, they might be able to catch themselves before they fall into the same trap. Even if you’re older, I think you should read Knee Deep, because again that glimpse can help you relate to others who might still be in similar situations.

Let me reiterate Knee Deep IS NOT PREACHY! So please don’t be scared off by my last few sentences. The story is heart-breaking, but it’s not all one giant sob story. There are flash backs that help fill in a lot of the back story between Luke, Ronnie and Shawn. The characters are well written and the story draws you in. I give it 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it! show less

While this is a book about abuse, it is so much more. I was so touched by Ronnie, and I could see where she was coming from the whole time. While I wanted her to get out of the relationship the first time, I think that her reasons are understandable, and I *almost* want to sympathize with Shawn. I am not a bad person, trust me, you can just see the person that he used to be and how he changed through her memories of how they met and fell in love. His situation at home is just so hard and I wish that he would have gotten help instead of continuing the cycle of abuse. But, indeed that is not the case.
I also really love the character of Luke, I could not get enough of him, and he is perfect best friend material and beyond. I can totally show more see why Ronnie feels so safe and comfortable around him, and why she ultimately falls for him. His concern, his jokes, and his familiarity are all written so well! And while I am on characters, because I am totally a character junkie, they make or break stories for me, let me talk a bit about a few of the others in the book. I appreciated so much how Ronnie's dad was written. He was present in her life, and there for her. He could sense when things were off, no matter how she tried to hide. Sure he made mistakes, but doesn't everyone? Also, Mindy is supportive and the friend that we all wish we had.
I really like the way that everything ends, and how Ronnie accepts the time to heal and time to herself, but can eventually pick up the pieces of her life and move on. It really is a story about healing and finding yourself even in the toughest of times. I like how her and Mindy challenged themselves to do new things each year, and grow into themselves and figure out who they are.
Ms. Perry has written an emotional, heartfelt and wonderfully paced story in Knee Deep that is sure to make you feel for the characters as you fly through the pages. show less

Knee Deep was one of those books that I found myself talking aloud to the characters.

I really liked Ronnie and it infuriated me when she made choices that I didn't agree with. She was a little different in her style and she didn't come across as one of those simpering Bella clones. She is strong, although she doesn't know it, and it's that lack of knowledge that has her making excuses for Shawn.

When the story opens it is very clear that Ronnie and Shawn are in love and that they have one of those ideal high school romances. They've always known each other and even better they always knew they belonged together. This was what made Ronnie's choices so believable. She doesn't want to accept that the boy she once knew was completely show more changed.

Luke and Shawn both come across as typical guys. Luke is a player and even though he is in love with Ronnie, he doesn't sit around home moping. He dates and has friends outside of her. When he finds out what is happening between Ronnie and Shawn, he tries to help her in a way that won't push her away. I wish he'd done more, but again, I could understand why he didn't. Shawn was an interesting character. I liked him in the beginning, and even up to about the half way point I had some sympathy for him, but by the end I was just disgusted.

I thought the ending was really strong. Everyone around Ronnie has to deal with the abuse and outcomes, and although I wanted more satisfaction for her, the response she got from Shawn was probably as close to real as it gets. show less

MY REVIEW
The girl on the front cover of the book represents Ronnie at the end of the book to me.
she looks to have a contentment and as though her worries have been somewhat lifted from her.
The book tells of Ronnie's passion and innocent love for Shawn a guy she met when they were very young. Together they pledged to stay together even when Shawn had to move away for a year, they wrote faithfully to each other. Sure there's been an odd glitch but that's all forgiven when Shawn moves back near Ronnie. Ronnie truly believes she is meant to be with Shawn forever and if ever they split up there is no one else out there for her. Ronnie has friends Mindy and Luke who try and warn her about being so intense but she swears everything is perfect show more in her life with Shawn.....except its not Shawn's changed...and not for the better. Ronnie can't bring herself to admit it to anyone, her family, or close friends.
Ronnie auditions for the play Romeo and Juliet, and one thing leads to another and she ends up being Juliet opposite best friend who happens to be a boy Luke. The problems with Shawn get even worse though Ronnie continues to make excuses for him, covering up the bruises he leaves on her wrists. Ronnie also start enjoying playing Juliet, but is the tingly feeling she is having as Juliet for romeo or Luke who plays him?
This book deals with a very sensitive issue of domestic violence, Shawn's mum and dad have a marriage problem caused by it. then Shawn seems to see the behaviour he is displaying as okay and that Ronnie is always wrong, he plays on her good softer nature....but everyone has limits...
I think the subject is dealt with brilliantly as you don't often think of domestic violence issue in connection with teens, you think of it as a "between adults" issue. The book did make me wonder how/if Jolene Perry researched the subject of domestic violence for this book as she presents it so well, without overstepping a being realistic line. I have to admit as a domestic abuse survivor that if I had seen the signs of the violence earlier (and looking back especially after reading this book they were there for me to see) then I wouldn't have ended up in a marriage with domestic violence being an issue. (then again fate has these things planned for us , and if I had not married I wouldn't have my beautiful daughter).
I truthfully cannot praise the book enough for how the whole situation is handled. I love the character of Luke who seems to be quite literally being caught between a rock and a hard place. In that he has to remain friends with Shawn to try and protect Ronnie until her eyes truly open to what Shawn is doing to her. He demoralizes her, tells her what to wear, what to do etc all things an abuser does to remain in control of their victim.
I also like the laid back attitude of Ronnie's parents, they help her get over her hurt without being smug in anyway. They kind of hang back yet say they are there if she wants to speak. I'd like to think I could/would be like that with my own daughter.
So did I enjoy this book? YES! Would I read a BK 2 or more by Karen Ann Hopkins? Yes.
Would I recommend? Yes, especially as a conversation starter between teens and parents.
I won't give away spoilers, though I have to say I love the ending too. show less

This is a book every teenage girl and boy should read. I’ve known 8th grade girls in relationships that turned ugly like this. We as teachers suspected it was an abusive relationship but between guidance and parent conferences we were powerless. We were told that we were reading more into the situations. Then she ended up with a broken wrist. She still thought it was her fault.

Ronnie, as a teen thinks she has found Mr. Right at the age of fourteen. Teens are so fickle there is no way they could know at that age who they are made for. Because of this belief system, when the relationship turns abusive she takes credit for it. I’ve seen this behavior before. It is hard to understand, but they are convinced the abuse is their fault. show more

The author has done a wonderful job with all of the characters. They are very believable. The way they respond to each other is spot on. I would have liked to see the mother more involved with the situation. I felt she was pretty much oblivious.

I loved the way the book ended, because it gives teens hope. This is not a feel good book, nor is it an easy subject. I applaud this author and rank her up there with authors like Laurie Halse Anderson and Jay Asher who willingly take on the much needed to be discussed, tough topics. I will definitely look for more work by this author. I will also recommend it highly to my students and parents. show less

Knee Deep is a silent killer. Within the first couple characters I was really wondering if I was going to enjoy this story; when all of sudden it takes off racing, and carried me throughout the remainder of the story. This would be a wonderful novel for young woman as it highlights the vulnerability of young woman, and emphasizes just how easy it is to fall victim unknowingly. Ronnie Bird is not your typical girl, she is more with her down to earth personality and amazing best friends. This is a young girl that knows what it is like to feel loved. Having been in love with Shawn for longer than she can remember it is easy to see how this relationship spins wildly out of control. As a book reviewer I try desperately to be open minded, and show more not create bias toward one character or another. Honestly, I have to say that I was unable to keep an open mind in Knee Deep, from the start I was in love with Luke. He is everything perfect in a man. Right down to his goofy adolescent shirts. It broke my heart to see the direction of this story, and know deep down that most likely Luke was going to be the one expendable. I was desperate to shake sense into Ronnie, so that she would open her eyes to see what was directly in front of her. After finishing this book I sat back reeling that I started this such uncertainty, only to finish with captivation. This was an incredible story, and a wonderful life lesson novel that could prove beneficial for the younger generations.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~ show less

Does loving someone mean losing your inner strength? Knee Deep by Jolene B Perry is the second book I've read by this author, and I adore her writing! I read this in a day. Senior year, the last year in high school which is suppose to hold all these options for students, their last year of high school Ronnie and her friend Mindy each year set a goal of what they plan to accomplish that year in their notebooks of firsts. However as Ronnie sets out to try out for the school's play with her best guy friend Luke her senior year is far from what she could have ever imagined! Problems arise from her soulmate of a boyfriend, Shawn. Ronnie's head is spinning as she keeps trying to understand Shawn while balancing the play. Jolene Perry creates show more a story that teens should read, not only because she has developed this world where the readers feel as if they are in the character's heads with all the emotional chaos that unfolds. Knee Deep is a great coming of an age book for anyone, yes finding love is important, but does that mean losing yourself to be with the one they love?

Knee Deep kept me wanting to not stop hitting my kindle next page button. Ronnie is a believable character. I have read books like this before, but the main characters annoyed me. However Ronnie is a strong character despite all that she is dealing with. With the strength of her parents, brother, and two friends Mindy and Luke she learns so much about not only herself, but life. Perry shows not only the present, but also flashbacks to help the story flow which were fun. Also I wish there were more Luke's in the world ::sighs::. This book is for anyone who loves love, characters who are real, and beauitfully written stories! I would recommend it. :) show less