My Review
One of the most memorable books that I have come across is probably Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. Hyacinth Girls reminds me so much of that book, only much deeper. This book, as well as a few other books about bullying and the drastic consequences that it has on its victims, tend to shed light on the issue, and give it the light it deserves so that more attention can be paid to it, and everyone can understand what a serious problem bullying is.
This book starts off with one of our main characters, Rebecca, being called away from work into the principal’s office of the fourteen year old girl she has guardianship over. According to the art teacher, Callie walked over to her peer, Robyn, and threw red paint all over her. Rebecca cannot believe that Callie would be this cruel, and Callie’s friends lie and say that Robyn dumped paint on herself to get Callie in trouble. Things escalate from there, with notes showing up at Callie’s mother’s grave, at their apartment, and so on, and Rebecca’s and Callie’s stories come to light. We don’t exactly find out what really happens until almost the end of the novel, but we are given bits and pieces of it throughout the book. Between chapters are Callie’s interactions with Robyn, from memories to e-mails and instant messages.
I read this book in less than a day, because I was completely hooked and wanted to see what was going to come of Callie’s story. It was a fast, enjoyable read that really left an impression.
Hyacinth Girls is a heartbreaking look at how bullying can affect pretty much everyone…and the harrowing depths that it can push those victims to.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
