Here are 5 signs that you are in an emotionally manipulative relationship:
- They make you feel guilty for everything.
- They force their insecurities on you.
- They make you doubt yourself.
- They make you feel responsible for their own emotions.
- They make you believe that you want what they want.
Unfortunately, Zephyr Doyle did not recognize the signs until it was too late.
Zephyr Doyle is a senior in high school and hopes to attend Boston College. Her best friends Lizzie and Gregg have helped her through some difficult times such as when her father left home. Zephyr is at a critical point in her life because after graduation everything will change. She will not see her friends as often and transitioning to college won't be an easy task. Zephyr is struggling to work through her emotions of abandonment and self-loathing.
Alec is the new guy in school and he is attracted to Zephyr. They begin a romantic relationship and everything seems great until Alec becomes abusive. The emotional abuse and manipulation are subtle at first. He talks her into bailing on her friends to hang out with him, she begins lying to her mom about where she is going, and he conditions her into always answering his texts. Their relationship becomes sexual and Zephyr finds herself dependent on Alec. He fills a void for her and makes her feel wanted. Alec becomes more controlling, he tampers with Gregg's hockey skates putting him in the hospital, he convinces her to reject Boston College's acceptance so she will go with him to Michigan State, and he even poisons her dog. Alec strips Zephyr of all the things she loves so she will not have anyone left but him.
The story takes a turn when Zephyr begins to recognize Alec's abuse. She breaks up with him and Alec does not take it well. He begins to stalk her, break into her house, and in the final showdown he almost beats her to death. Zephyr is rescued by her parents and starts over fresh at Boston College.
Pros: Zephyr is a really relatable character and teens will be able to identify with her. This book is taking on really important topics that teens face such as sexual violence, emotional abuse, and domestic violence. Unfortunately, some teens go through these things and this book will help them identify those warning signs. S.M. Parker uses her authorial voice to discuss these controversial topics and she does so with a passion that hits home for the reader.
Cons: I think Alec and Zephyr's sexual encounters are too detailed. I do not think the reader needs these details to understand the severity of their relationship.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship contact these helplines:
- loveisrespect.org (1866-331-9474)
- breakthecycle.org
- thehotline.org (1800-799-SAFE)
Also, here is a great book review:
Thank you for choosing such a powerful book to review. This book is pessary for young adults to read. There are many children and adults who don't not realize (or don't want to realize) that they're in an abusive relationship. Every student should read this book! I also think that schools should discuss this topic with students.
ReplyDelete