The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney - Review

Alex is horrified. She wakes up one morning and can't remember what happened the previous evening, nor the name of the boy asleep next to her. She remembers a concert, dancing, and - eek - a drinking game.

But as she reflects on the evening, she realizes she was drunk - so drunk that she passed out, too drunk to have been able to say yes. And thus, she concludes, she was date raped. And now she has two options: stay quiet and do nothing as Carter tells everyone his version of the evening. Or enlist the help of the Mockingbirds, a secret society of students who right the wrongs of the school.

This is a powerful, honest book that tackles a difficult subject. The writing is sharp and polished, the heroine strong, thoughtful, and brave. It's a testament to doing the right thing and standing up for yourself. It's about justice. It should be on every high school reading list. It is a very impressive debut novel.

Oh, and remember you can come and hear Daisy talking about The Mockingbirds (with CJ Omololu talking about Dirty Little Secret) this Wednesday at 7.00 at Kepler's