4 stars: Recommended
Format: Paperback
Publication: January 2nd, 2012
Pages: 332
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Buy it: Amazon (Paperback) | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository
Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way-the Themis way. So when Alex Patrick is date-raped during her junior year, she has two options: Stay silent and hope someone helps, or enlist the aid of the Mockingbirds-a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of the student body.
In this account of a teenage girl’s search for her voice and the courage to use it, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that standing up for someone, especially yourself, is worth the fight.
Daisy Whitney’s writing is straight-forward and down-to-earth. She tackles a difficult subject and turns it into an inspiring novel. The idea of a secret society dedicated to helping students intrigued me. I’ve always been interested in the story of the “anti-hero,” the one who aids others in unconventional ways, and The Mockingbirds are inspiring in the way they take a stand for their peers in a school where perfection is expected.
My favorite part of the novel is how character driven it is. (This made me very happy because I LOVE character-driven novels.) I have never been in Alex’s situation, but I was able to empathize with her. Alex’s passion for the piano makes her especially relatable, as it is such a big part of her life that I couldn’t imagine her without thinking about the piano.
The Mockingbirds is a powerfully written novel about a girl who was date-raped and who decided to find help instead of remaining quiet about it. Date rapes happen more often than we would like to think, and I admire Daisy Whitney for taking a stand and speaking up on the subject. Her story tells us that life goes on, and it gives hope for the future for those who find themselves in traumatic situations. Look forward to my review on book two: The Rivals.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
kristy1504 says
This sounds amazing! I love the cover and the plot sounds great!
Christina Kit. says
I LOVE the covers!
A Backwards Story says
I can't wait to read your review on THE RIVALS…which reminds me that I need to write mine soon as well. I ADORE Daisy Whitney and will read anything she writes!!
Glad you enjoyed THE MOCKINGBIRDS <3
Christina Kit. says
I LOVED The Mockingbirds! It was awesome!
And I too love character-driven novels that combine with a great plot.