This book hit me hard, but in a good way. I related so much to what Cleo was feeling throughout the story and I ached for her as she navigated everything.

Cleo is lost and angry and hurting and feels so incredibly alone after her best friend pulls away and leaves her for another group. Yes, Cleo makes some pretty big mistakes because she was afraid of losing Layla and lashed out, but Layla completely abandoned Cleo and allowed her to be bullied by Layla’s new friends. Add in issues at home and Cleo is understandably struggling.

Yes, the story is told from Cleo’s POV, so naturally, sympathies tend to fall towards the narrator. But I think even if this story were told in alternating POV, I would still have been siding with Cleo. Because even when a friendship fades, you don’t sit by while your new friends torment someone.

Having gone through similar situations as a teen (and as an adult), I completely understood Cleo’s resistance to make new friends, and her desire to erase the memories she shared with Leila. I did something similar.

And while there is still a lot for Cleo to work out at the end, I think that she is in a good place with real friends to support her, and a better understanding of her parents, especially her mom.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book for review consideration through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.