[Review] The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

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Title: The Truth About Alice

Author: Jennifer Mathieu [ Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Website ]

Publisher: Roaring Book Press imprint of Macmillan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Realistic Contemporary

Release Date: June 3, 2014

Source: ARC, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

The Truth About Alice is she's brief. In 200-ish pages we hear about the fall of Alice from four different POVs, none of which are hers. And, that is what drew me in. This novel is the very definition of perception is truth. Navigating each POVs story in present and past tense, their motivations and their complete lack of remorse! Well... most of them. 

There are no heroes in this story. None. Unfortunately there's little character growth as well, with three of the four POVs refusing to take responsibility for their actions and own up to their undoing of Alice. However, each POV is told with a voice of authenticity that represents so many of those who attend High School day in and day out. 

The one thing that made this story standout from the realistic fiction crowd is the fact that our protagonist is not the storyteller. Instead, we learn about Alice through the lens of her accusers and admirer. With all of the motives presented it's hard to know if all, or any, of the narrators are trustworthy. Instead the reader must rely on the narrators to tell us how Alice is handling all of the drama surrounding her through their observations and with their descriptors. 

Alice, I feel for you girl and I hope I have even an ounce of your strength. You are brave, strong and able to deal with way more crap than I would've. Kudos for that. 

Overall, this is a solid, quick read that got me out of a reading slump of dystopians and science fiction. It's a unique storytelling method which I found refreshing and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Filled with real drama that rings true and close to home in a number of high schools and colleges. 

Remember ladies, let's take care of each other. Especially you Texas girls!

3.5 Stars – The multiple POVs from the antagonists reeled me in and

sold this told tale to me on a fresh plate. Read it!