and other spoilery stuff I can't mention. It had a good story: girl with a history of depression gets dumped publicly on social media, peers jump in and 'like' the post, girl ends up in the hospital over it. (I know that doesn't make it any better, but I wish there were words that could!!).Īs far as books go, I wouldn't put this up with my favorites. They would never say it to your face, they're just cowards w/ a keyboard. If you're one of those people, just know that people suck, and Facebook makes it easier for sucky people to show off their suckage. My heart breaks for all the kids out there going through online bullying and having to see the mean things that people write. I can only imagine all the stupid stuff that teenagers do to each other over the internet just because it's easy. And also books like this always make me really happy that I didn't have to deal with social media when I was 'growing up'. I've been wanting to read this for a long time because I love books about real-life issues. The message in this book is very powerful and it will appeal to many young teenagers who are living the reality of social media and digital lives.A tad juvenile feeling, but a quick read.

None of the characters are perfect and the flaws of teens and adults alike are realistic and thought provoking. The strength of this novel lays in the characterisation and the reader can relate to the feelings and actions of the teenagers in the book. This structure allows readers to appreciate how such events can come about. The storyline is structured in four parts: Part 1 – now (the present) Part 2 – two months earlier Part 3 – now and Epilogue – twelve months later. The further implications for Lara’s friends and families are also significant. The consequence is that Lara’s life spirals out of control and this affects her health and emotional wellbeing. The repercussions of inappropriate online behaviour and relationships are widespread and these are explored throughout the novel. His attention increases, and Lara finds herself fantasising about meeting him until he rejects her in a very public post and many of the kids at Lara’s school ‘like’ the post. Full of insecurities, Lara is very flattered when this “hot” boy from a nearby school asks to be her friend on Facebook. It is the story of Lara, who befriends a boy she doesn’t know personally.

This book is a cautionary tale that delves into the very topical issue of cyberbullying.

Backlash by sarah darer littman