If I Tell by Janet Gurtler (ARC REVIEW)

 If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Genre: YA Contemporary - Publication Date: October 1, 2011 - Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire - Format: eARC - Pages: 256 - Source: NetGalley

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. There weren't a whole lot of reviews posted for it and I hadn't heard much about it. However, I was really feeling the need for a contemorary, so I was sort of eager to read it. I must say, I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I read it in a few hours, which never happens for me with eBooks.

The synopsis gives the impression that this book focuses on Jaz dealing with her best-friend-plus-mom's-boyfriend situation, but to me it was so much more than that. Jaz is a half-white half-black girl growing up in a town that is not very racially diverse with an all white family who have no idea what it is like to be different and out of place. In my eyes, this book is more about Jaz coming to terms with herself and her life, and about discovering who she is.

Jaz is a great character. She is fun and smart, and while there were some things about her that really infuriated me, I had a lot of fun reading about her. I felt really connected with her and I competely felt her pain. I think she makes a very realistic teen, with flaws and wonderful traits. She's super relatable. Especially if a person is struggling with their ethnicity or anything else that makes them stand out. At the end, you can really see Jaz's growth. I guarentee she will put a smile on your face more than once.

Then there is Jackson. He's not mentioned in the summary. He should be! He's got a troubled past, but he's so much different when Jaz meets him, and he is infinitely patient when trying to prove that to her. Oh, and he's super hotttttttttt!

The writing really sucked me in and hooked me with a strong voice, defined characters, and an interesting plot.

I was completely satisfied with the ending. Not everything was perfect, but it was in the process of being patched up. With her best friend, her NEW friend (who is totally awesome!), her mom's boyfriend, and her CRAZY mom. This book has sexual references and profanity in it, but not an overwhelming amount. This book was great and I couldn't put it down!

If you liked...

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

The Summer series by Jenny Han

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

then you will also love If I Tell!

Amazon - B & N - Indiebound - Book Depository

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever? (Goodreads.com)