As verse novels go, it was nicely done. ( )

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 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


( )

I’m always looking out for more novels in verse to read. Ever since I read my first, I can’t get enough. I found Exposed through a random Goodreads search, and I’m glad I came across it. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

I thought the way the author chose to incorporated a X (real word omitted to avoid a spoiler) into the book, but not give X the main focus to be interesting. What could be the main plot line of another book was a “minor” plot point in Exposed. It helped to drive characters, family and friends, apart, but also allowed Liz, the main character and narrator, to show a view on X that isn’t often seen in literature. The view of someone caught in the middle, but not a main player.

Aside from the main conflict, I also enjoyed the author’s ability to use the verse novel form. It’s one thing to write a novel in verse, but to use a form that’s more limited with words, that makes the words used have more emphasis, there were many lines in the book that made it feel like a book of poetry as opposed to a novel. There were many moments of pure poetry to convey Liz’s emotions, her view of a situation, and (a favorite part of her character for me) what she sees through the lens of her camera.

This was a great young adult novel told in verse. It was also a great look into another view on an important issue we may all encounter at some point in life. Despite a few vague areas for me, I felt this was a great debut and as I said earlier, I’m looking forward to more from this author. ( )

This book has a really interesting style, it's written entirely in verse and even though this means there are way less words that a traditional story, I didn't feel it lacked in anyway.
Great writing, great story line. I really enjoyed it. ( )

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? ( )