What Kind of Girl By Alyssa Sheinmel

Cover art from GoodReads

*I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions are mine.* 

TW: abuse, self harm, eating disorders

Within the first five minutes of reading this book, I was PISSED OFF. Based on the back cover of the book, you know that a high school girl has suffered abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, and that she reports it. This information has caused a divide in the student body, because her boyfriend is essentially Mr. Perfect-- and no one saw it coming. As a matter of fact, no one would believe her if it weren't for the bruise on her face. 

What Kind of Girl gives the perspective of different girls: the burnout, the cutter, etc. Each of them has their own opinion on what happened to the victim and how much of it was her fault. Upon reading, you realize that there are actually only two girls telling the story: the victim and her best friend. The different perspectives are different aspects of their personalities. It was hard enough reading the first part where the "popular girl" says that she doesn't believe the victim because "what kind of girl doesn't report it when it starts" and "what kind of girl stays when her boyfriend hits her" so "it must have been her fault" but it was even more heartbreaking to realize that the "popular girl" was the victim herself, and she was questioning herself. 

The best friend offers a different perspective, because she feels like she should have known what was going on, and blames herself for what happened. She is a feminist and wants to rally the girls together to get Mike Parker expelled from school, but she also has her own doubts-- especially when her own friend doesn't know if she wants him expelled. 

There is talk of self harm, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obviously domestic abuse. This was NOT an easy read, especially from someone who has suffered through all of these things. However, I think it's something that needs to be talked about. We need to start commending those girls who come forward, and stop letting them think that it was their fault. No one should have to take responsibility for someone else laying a hand on them. I had to pause a few times and remind myself that things do get better, so I can see how this book would be triggering for some people. I also liked the ending. There isn't a happy ever after, things don't automatically get better-- but that's life. It's not a black and white situation, and even though there is hope for our main character, the author lets us know that she still has a tough road ahead of her, sadly, just like most victims do.