Someone I Used To Know

Gr 9 Up—Freshman Ashley Lawrence was a victim of a rape during Homecoming and now tries to face her fears of that trauma while leading a "normal" life. Her brother, Derek, is dealing with the remorse he feels for participating in the horrific scavenger hunt with his football team that ended in his sister's assault. Her parents are strained in their marriage, having been harassed for the football team's disbanding two years ago. Even her love interest, Sebastian, tries to express his feelings for Ashley without triggering her into a spiral of depression and PTSD symptoms. With chapters that jump back and forth between past and present, this narrative truly shows the life-changing ripple effect that rape can have on a person's life and on those around her. Blount has written a heartrending but much-needed view on this subject. This book provides a nuanced look at the toxicity of rape culture and the long-lasting and harming aftermath of sexual assault.