Review: Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Author Info: website
Release Date: May 31st 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pages:   224
Source: Purchased
Rating: ★★★½

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on

The cover is totally deceiving: cute girl and guy and the background gave me an idea of a cute love story in high school. But this was not what this book was about, this book was about bullies in high school. A subject that I think is sensitive in every aspect. Bully equals depressing stuff so prepare yourself for it since it's easy to destroy your happy mood.

The first half of the book, it's like reading a journal so for me it's kind of hard to keep my attention and not be distracted.  However, the second half of the book the story got better. Noelle became somewhat stronger and stood up for herself. The story flows smoothly and it became a page turner.  I like all the characters even the villains, they are just so real ( their emotional, their actions). This is really a good read.

This book had a lot of inspired quotes on life especially the message from the author to the reader at then end of the book. It really made me tear up a bit, a powerful message indeed. And I am glad that I read this book.

Some of my favorites from the book

" Seeing, Believing what's in front of you is not necessary the entire story"

" Never give up on your dreams, No matter how many people say it's impossible, no matter how diffucult your journey is, you can create your ideal life. Your heart's desire can become reality. Make things better now by taking step every day to get closer to the life you want.
And never, ever give up."