How to Break a Boy - Softcover

Devore, Laurie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1250144205 ISBN 13: 9781250144201

Publisher: Square Fish, 2018

Synopsis

In this YA contemporary romance, there's only one rule: Keep your enemies close and your friends closer.

Olivia Clayton has mastered the art of tearing others down to stay on top. She and her best friend, Adrienne, rule their small southern town like all good mean girls do―through intimidation and manipulation. After Olivia suffers a family tragedy and catches Adrienne sleeping with her boyfriend, Olivia is over it. She decides to make a change, but it's impossible to resist taking down Adrienne one last time.

Up to her old tricks, Olivia convinces golden boy Whit Du Rant to be her SAT tutor and her fake boyfriend. But when it starts to feel real, Whit gets caught up in Olivia and Adrienne’s war. Olivia may ruin everything she touches, but she won't go down without a fight―not if it means losing Whit. And definitely not if it means losing what's left of herself.

How to Break a Boy is an engaging young adult novel from debut author Laurie Devore.

An Imprint Book

Praise for How to Break a Boy:

"This is a classic tale of high school drama and redemption." ―School Library Journal

"Olivia’s interior world is full of layers and emotional complexity, and readers will root for her to find her way." ―Publishers Weekly

"A razor-sharp look at grief, betrayal, and redemption. Readers won't be able to resist Olivia." ―Kara Thomas, author of The Darkest Corners

"Complicated girls, beautiful writing, and drama that will keep you turning the pages until the very end." ―Kody Keplinger, New York Times-bestselling author of The DUFF and Run

About this title

About the Author

Laurie Devore was born and raised in small town South Carolina and graduated from Clemson University. She now lives and works in Chicago, where she misses the charms and contradictions of the south every day. In her spare time, she reluctantly runs marathons, watches too much TV, and works a "y’all" into every conversation. How to Break a Boy is her debut novel.

From School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up—Olivia and her best friend, Adrienne, are the definition of mean girls. This inseparable pair have ruled over the small town of Buckley for years, using manipulation, intimidation, and cruelty. At the height of Olivia's power, her carefully constructed life comes crashing to a halt when her older brother dies in a tragic accident. Her inability to process her brother's death, combined with catching her boyfriend sleeping with Adrienne, brings Olivia to a breaking point. She realizes that in order to become a better person, she must turn her life around, and that means cutting out Adrienne, but Olivia knows that Adrienne won't let her go without a fight. Olivia turns to the town golden boy, Whit Du Rant, to help her re-create her image, while simultaneously trying to take down Adrienne. Olivia's plan spins out of control, though, after Adrienne begins targeting Whit with her destructive tactics. This is a classic tale of high school drama and redemption, with many common young adult tropes used throughout. Olivia's character is hard to root for because she is such an unlikable person, but through her relationship with Whit, she is able to redeem herself somewhat. VERDICT While the plot isn't very original, this title will have definite teen appeal. A good fit for fans of the "Pretty Little Liars" series or works by Sarah Dessen.—Annalise Ammer, Henrietta Public Library, NY

Edition details

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1250144205
• ISBN 13: 9781250144201
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368