Someone I Used to Know

By: Patty Blount
Location: FIC 
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Someone I Used to Know offers an honest & difficult look at the traumatic effects on life & family after sexual assault 

TRIGGER WARNING: Boys will be boys is never an excuse.

It’s been two years since the night that changed Ashley’s life. Two years since she was raped by her brother’s teammate. And a year since she sat in a court and watched as he was given a slap-on-the-wrist sentence. But the years have done nothing to stop the pain or lessen the crippling panic attacks that make her feel like she’s living a half-life.

It’s been two years of hell for Derek. His family is totally messed up and he and his sister are barely speaking. He knows she partially blames him for what happened, and totally blames him for how he handled the aftermath. Now at college, he has to come to terms with what happened, and the rape culture that he was inadvertently a part of that destroyed his sister’s life. 

When it all comes to a head at Thanksgiving, Derek and Ashley have to decide if their relationship is able to be saved. And if their family can ever be whole again.

"The story is superbly written, giving an insight into the difficult and traumatic impact of sexual assault on the family of the victim and the attitudes portrayed by peers and the community towards them all. It deals with difficult issues but does so within the context of the story that highlights how society still puts so much emphasis on the victim being the one to blame - wearing provocative clothing, attitude, etc - and not enough on the assailant for accepting that No means No. The character development really brings them to life, encouraging the reader to relate and react to their experiences and making them feel real. 

I really think this story should be on the shelves of every high school andread by all students, their parents and their teachers, regardless of gender. It shows how rape culture permeates society, it is a brutally honest, thought provoking and evocative read. It may well not be a comfortable read but sometimes that's just what's needed to change attitudes and expectations and for many that change needs to start in schools. For me, this book is a keeper, an emotive roller coaster and a real eye opener." Elaine from Goodreads