Bad Romance - Softcover

Demetrios, Heather

Softcover

ISBN 10: 125015877X ISBN 13: 9781250158772

Publisher: Square Fish, 2018

Synopsis

A heart-wrenching novel about a sixteen-year-old girl trapped in an abusive relationship―and the path she takes to freedom and happiness, from award-winning author Heather Demetrios.

“Like Speak, it is one of those rare books that can have a real, lasting impact on readers, and can start important conversations.” ―Adi Alsaid, author of Let’s Get Lost and Never Always Sometimes

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director―anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape.

A deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest portrayal of a destructive relationship, Bad Romance is a young adult novel about spiraling into darkness―and emerging into the light again.

Also by Heather Demetrios:
I'll Meet You There
Something Real

Praise for Bad Romance:

“Like Speak, it is one of those rare books that can have a real, lasting impact on readers, and can start important conversations.” ―Adi Alsaid, author of Let’s Get Lost and Never Always Sometimes

“A raw, honest, unrelenting novel. Demetrios writes with heartbreaking clarity about the way first love can turn from safe to dangerous, from beautiful to ugly. Brave, bold, and deeply felt.” ―Corey Ann Haydu, author of OCD Love Story and The Careful Undressing of Love

“[A]n intense reflection on abusive relationships.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A realistic, worthwhile look at dating violence.” ―Kirkus Reviews

"Through Grace’s lively, engaging voice, readers gain a vivid picture of the way a smart, self-assured girl can fall into an abusive relationship . . . . Demetrios’ well-drawn characters are tremendously appealing, and Grace’s discovery of the power of her own strength will make readers cheer." ―Booklist

About this title

About the Author:

Heather Demetrios is the author of several critically acclaimed novels including Something Real and I'll Meet You There. She is a recipient of the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award and has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she isn’t traipsing around the world or spending time in imaginary places, she lives with her husband in New York City. Originally from Los Angeles, she now calls the East Coast home.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 10 Up–As Grace's junior year begins, she is in survival mode. She just has to keep her head down at home, work hard to save money for college applications, and maintain high grades to qualify for scholarships. Grace wants out of high school, out of her dysfunctional home with her dominating stepfather, and out of her small California town. She hangs with the drama crowd and prefers to direct or act as stage manager. All of those plans go out the window, though, when Gavin, the most talented and charming senior in school, notices her. Sure, he tried to kill himself when his last girlfriend broke things off, but he is practically a legend. Grace savors the attention, both from Gavin and everyone who notices them together. However, Gavin's dark side is about to rear its ugly head. Before Grace knows it, she is swept up in a too-serious, constricting relationship. Now, all her dreams seem to be slipping out of her grasp as she realizes that the perfect relationship she dreamed of is twisting out of control. Gavin needs serious help, and Grace needs out of the relationship. This dark story is best suited for older high school readers. Pop culture references are plentiful, and the author expertly conveys the suffocating feeling of life in a dysfunctional family and the longing of teens to be on their own. VERDICT Sure to circulate in high school libraries and teen collections.—Carli Sauer, Carmel Middle School, IN

About this edition

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 125015877X
• ISBN 13: 9781250158772
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384