3.75

This was a very difficult read dealing with heavy subject matter. There wasn't a moment I read this that I didnt feel like punching the antagonist in the face. My only gripe is my issues I was having with the choice to write this all in verse and the execution of that...but it is a small gripe. I also would have liked a bit more in terms of the ending. Overall it was still a good read, though difficult to get through in terms of subject matter. ( )

"Opposite of Innocent" was an agonising book to read as fourteen-year-old Lily falls for Luke's charms. However, Luke is more than twice her age who lives with Lily's family and is her father's long-time friend. Lily has always had a crush on Luke, but she was so naive; my heart broke as Luke stole her innocence piece by piece. I wanted to grab Lily and Alice, Lily's younger sister, and take them somewhere safe, away from Luke's clutches. I was terrified that once Luke had had his way with Lily, we would then turn to little Alice.

The one highlight of this book was Lily's friends, Rose and Taylor. They were always supportive and there for her, and were concerned about the 'older boyfriend'. They tried to warn Lily of the dangers, but she wouldn't listen. She KNEW Luke loved her.

Despite having read similar plots before, it always sickens me how young, inexperienced girls, who are hungry for love, can be manipulated so easily by these sexual predators. I commend the author for realistically portraying the progression of this toxic relationship between Lily and Luke but I think the ending was too open-ended for such a dark topic. However, still a gut-wrenching read. ( )

Literary Merit: Very Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes
Level: Grades 7-12

Summary:

Lily is in love. She has loved Luke forever. When he left for Kenya two years ago, Luke promised to wait for Lily. And now he‘s back. What will Luke think of Lily now that she is all grown up? Luke stays with her family and escorts Lily and her sister around town and helps with school and homework. Lily thinks Luke is her “one”, the man she will marry. But there is just one problem- Lily is fourteen and Luke is twenty-nine. But age doesn’t matter when you’re in love, right?

Evaluation:

This is a gripping story on a very timely topic. Written in verse, Sones uses stream of thought to capture Lily’s experiences-first love, sexual awakening, uneasiness and dawning horror at what is happening. As Lily goes from naive, hopeful girl, to scarred, emotionally devastated young woman; the narrative pulls the readier in, living in each moment as it happens. Lily is somewhat too naive, but many young girls are groomed by predators, so this could account for her blind trust with Luke at first. Other characters aren’t so well fleshed out-where are the parents, why don’t her friends say something when they see the changes in Lily’s behavior and appearance (they know about her older boyfriend). The ending is somewhat unfinished leaving the readers to imagine what happened to Lily and the repercussions of Luke’s actions as a pedophile. That said, this is a strong story about a very real and sensitive topic that readers will be drawn into despite its flaws. Recommended for grades 7 to 12, for the timely topic.

Note: could be triggering for some readers due to topics of sexual abuse and sexual predation on minors. ( )

Lily loves her family friend, Luke... really loves him. When Luke starts to return her affection, she is thrilled. But then things escalate and Lily does things she has never done before. Now she is not sure what she feels or whom to tell. This is a gripping look at first love with an older man and the conflict that may follow. Important reading for anyone trying to find their way through their first physical relationship. Interesting to this reader that the author wrote that Lily feels no pleasure once the actual sex begins... mostly it is masturbation (her for him) and then seamy intercourse. It seemed a convenient way to avoid the real issue of sexual pleasure and the mixed feelings that can bring. There is no question that this is sexual abuse, coercion, and that Lily and Luke are not peers; neither is there any question regarding consent (she's 16!). That said, it would have been a richer, arguably more authentic, story if Lily had felt all those hormones, too. Sones dodges a big issue, big time. ( )