Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

Title: Cracked Up to Be
Author: Courtney Summers
Price: $9.95 U.S. ($10.95 CAN) Paperback
Publication Date: December 2008
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Number of Pages: 214

Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games…but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, isn’t something she can say out loud. It isn’t even something she can say to herself. A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. If she can just remove herself from everybody--be totally alone--then everything will be okay...The problem is, nobody will let her.

It's hard to explain certain aspects of this novel. Sometimes, this book is a hard slap on the face and other times, the writing is knowing, smart . . . a little surprising in this kind of novel. However, one thing I know for sure is that this book will stick with you for a while after you finish it. It really questions (in my opinion) destiny and whether some things are inevitable.

I couldn't get into this novel in the beginning. At first, I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about and I didn't get any insight into the big secret. Parker wouldn't let me get to know her. I know that's the way her character is and everything but I don't think that's the best way to start a book.

Thankfully, Parker opened up a little and then I was completely sucked into her story. Yesterday I was supposed to study for a rather large test I had today but I barely got any study time in because I was so engrossed in the book! If I fail my test I am blaming it all on you Courtney Summers . . . ;)

The author delivered pieces of Parker's mysterious past at just the right moment and she revealed just enough. I could also relate to Parker quite well even though she was quite the witch. I understood why she became who she was and why she did what she did. I believe anyone can relate to Parker's need to strive in perfection.

My only other complaint is the swearing in this book. They say the most colourful phrases I have ever heard/read. Grandma would be ashamed. Punk rockstar would be proud.

The bottom line: A good read despite what you might think at first. Will definitely make you think. Courtney Summers doesn't waste any words. B+.