Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Tell Me My Name by Amy Reed - NO

Tell Me My Name
by Amy Reed
, 336 pages. Dial Books. 2021. $12 

Language: R (58 swears 22 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, petting, drug use, drug abuse, underage drinking) Violence: R (bloody deaths) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

18yo Fern is bored with her life until she meets famous Ivy and then her world is turned upside down. Ivy and her rich acquaintances have no interest in right and wrong but only in doing what they want, no matter who gets hurt in the process.  Drugs, alcohol, partying, affairs and crazy behavior are what their days are made of. This topsy-turvy story shows shallowness, entitlement, and lack of shame. It bends reality and makes the reader question everything. 

The story is confusing and has some disjointed and choppy writing. The dystopian setting that’s not too far ahead of our time makes it more believable. The characters struggle with themselves and their insecurities, which is relatable, but I didn’t care for them at all, except for Ivy after she explained her past. I was expecting more from this book and ended up disappointed. The ethnicity is mixed. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

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