I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Gallery Books on May 7th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery and Suspense, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
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First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.
But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.
Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.
Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.
Femme Fatale
The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher is a uniquely refreshing take on the YA genre, one in which the ethos of noir fiction is intimately blended with the contemporary frailties and foibles of the under 18 set.  Dark and definitely mysterious, the story is told through the perspective of Angela Lake, the cynical and deeply hurting former best friend of Elizabeth Hart, Verity High’s Suicide Slut.  Angie is an interesting mix of dark and jagged angels:  a Betty Page, pin-up cheer leader with a serious tough streak, she’s equally at home gliding through the glittering popular kids as she is rough talking those who get in the way of her quest to find out who drove Lizzie to kill herself.  And the fact that we see everything and everyone through her eyes makes this book a deliciously dark and compulsively addicting read.
Character development is at the forefront in The S-Word.  Angie was obviously a favorite of mine, although every character we meet is richly detailed and fleshed out.  Without weighing us down with descriptions, Chelsea Pitcher creates a cast of vibrant and fascinating kids and through them a world where one senses that anything might happen, so long as that anything had more to do with the seedy underbelly of life than the puppies and lollipop world these kids pretend to live in when in front of their adults.
Everything about this book drew me in. Â The characters, the plot development and the mystery behind who killed Lizzie. Â While by about half-way through the book, the answer is obvious, it becomes the aftershocks of that event that move center stage and in the end, Angie not only up ends the entire school with the consequences of their actions but comes to find some solace and healing of her own.
Rich, dark and deliciously fascinating, this book is a perfect read for a cool fall evening.
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I haven’t heard anything about this book. It sounds very interesting. Perhaps not the most pleasant topic, but fascinating. Sounds like it’s been done well, both in characters and plot.
Alison (@AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Wish You Were Eyre by Heather Vogel Frederick
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Teens are such fragile creatures and they treat each other so abominably that it’s a wonder any survive to adulthood. The names they call each other and themselves…brutal. And I have a severe dislike for the words “slut” or “whore” so I’m already feeling all the feels for Lizzie and her friend Angie.
Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted..Speed Date with Kane: THE DARKEST CRAVING by Gena Showalter
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I have to admit, the premise for this book doesn’t immediately sound like something I would want to read about, but your review has me reconsidering now. Especially when you call it deliciously dark (a description I can never resist!). I’m glad you found it to be an addicting read. Lovely review! 🙂
Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: Fractured by Sarah Fine
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I haven’t really been into YA lately, especially anything without a paranormal element. But this book has really caught my attention and it seems to address a horrible reality young adults face. Adding to my tbr thanks for the review 🙂
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I am huge on character development so that is a big plus for me. I have this book too but it got pushed down on my review list because of time. I may have to dig it out and read it sooner.
Thanks for the great review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
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Sounds like a really interesting read-great review!
Kerri recently posted..Amity & Sorrow- a review
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Given my adoration of the contemporary genre in general, I feel I really need to make a point of reading this novel at some point. I’ve spent years campaigning against slut-shaming and as such the subject of this novel is also extremely close to my heart. I also tend to prefer novels which focus primarily on character development, which I notice you touched upon in your review as one of the highlights of the book. It sounds like The S Word was written just for me, and I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it as much as you did!
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader recently posted..Review: I Dream of Johnny by Juliet Madison
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! I have a signed copy of it as the author is local and I have met her (and had dinner with her) a couple times. I think because I know her it makes me more afraid to pick it up, because I hate when I don’t like a book for an author I know. I do really think I’ll like it though! And your review has me really wanting to read it SOON!
Candace recently posted..Big Anniversary Giveaway, Win $50!
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I’ve never heard of this book before, but it’s going right onto my wishlist! I’m not a huge fan of mystery, but I’ll delve into that genre for this one.
Kayla recently posted..The Dreaded Three Star Review: A Visual Representation
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The S-Word seems deliciously dark. When I am in a mystery mood, I am sure that I will be picking this one up.
Arial recently posted..My DNF List
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