Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Title: Keep Holding On
Author: Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Acquired: Received free for an honest review
Age Group: Young Adult
Grade: 83% or B-
Buy It: Amazon 

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself—and for the love that keeps her holding on.

My Thoughts::
I haven't read much before by Susane Colasanti, but I've heard a lot of great things about her books, so when I saw this one on netgalley my interest was already piqued. Add in the fact that in talks about an issue that I care a good amount about, bullying, and I couldn't resist requesting it.

At first I was worried about this book. I felt so sorry for our main character Noelle. She was in a pretty bad situation with her mom and she gets bullied a lot. I could see how she would have given up fighting at this point. It takes so much energy and makes you wonder if it's even worth it if it hasn't worked before. But I couldn't help but be annoyed when she found it so hard to believe that a guy actually liked her and kept thinking that she wasn't good enough. But then I realized that this is the result that bullying can have. It has the ability to take away all self worth, and that was a tough thing to see.

My only complaint about the book would be that at points it makes it seem like Noelle needs Julian there to make her happy and her life bearable. That he will be her savior and protect her at all costs. Sure, I thought he was a pretty good love interest, but he wasn't very developed so I didn't form any attachments. Thankfully, Noelle is able to make her own self happy without the constant assistance of Julian and proved herself to be very kick ass.

Overall I think this book was a great lesson on bullying without is looking very much like a lesson on bullying. Although the romance wasn't the great, it showed Noelle how worthwhile she is, so it served it's purpose. If you love it when people take a stand, read this book.