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Good and Gone
When Lexi Green’s older brother, Charlie, starts plotting a road trip to find Adrian Wildes, a famous musician who’s been reported missing, she’s beyond confused. Her brother hasn’t said a nice word to her or left the couch since his girlfriend dumped him months ago—but he’ll hop in a car to find some hipster? Concerned at how quickly he seems to be rebounding, Lexi decides to go along for the ride.
Besides, Lexi could use the distraction. The anger and bewilderment coursing through her after getting dumped by her pretentious boyfriend, Seth, has left her on edge. As Lexi, Charlie, and their neighbor Zack hit the road, Lexi recalls bits and pieces of her short-lived romance and sees, for the first time, what it truly was: a one-sided, coldhearted manipulation game. Not only did Seth completely isolate her, but he took something from her that she didn’t give him permission to.
The farther from home they get, the three uncover much more than empty clues about a reclusive rocker’s whereabouts. Instead, what starts off as a car ride turns into an exploration of self as each of them faces questions they have been avoiding for too long. Like the real reason Charlie has been so withdrawn lately. What Seth stole from Lexi in the pool house. And if shattered girls can ever put themselves back together.
Besides, Lexi could use the distraction. The anger and bewilderment coursing through her after getting dumped by her pretentious boyfriend, Seth, has left her on edge. As Lexi, Charlie, and their neighbor Zack hit the road, Lexi recalls bits and pieces of her short-lived romance and sees, for the first time, what it truly was: a one-sided, coldhearted manipulation game. Not only did Seth completely isolate her, but he took something from her that she didn’t give him permission to.
The farther from home they get, the three uncover much more than empty clues about a reclusive rocker’s whereabouts. Instead, what starts off as a car ride turns into an exploration of self as each of them faces questions they have been avoiding for too long. Like the real reason Charlie has been so withdrawn lately. What Seth stole from Lexi in the pool house. And if shattered girls can ever put themselves back together.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2017
11 people are currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frazer Blakemore
18 books168 followersMegan Frazer Blakemore is an author for children and young adults. She lives with her husband and children in Maine. She has worked in both school and public libraries, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in library science at Simmons SLIS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 20, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This was a contemporary road trip story, about three teens looking for a missing pop star.
I liked Lexi in this and I felt bad for what had happened to her. I liked the way she looked out for her brother though, especially when he wasn’t acting like himself.
The storyline in this was about Lexi, her bother Charlie, and their next-door-neighbour Zack going off on a road trip looking for a missing pop star. They travelled around meeting some different people, and generally having a bit of an adventure, while Charlie worked through this depression, and Lexi came to terms with what had happened to her, all whilst searching for Adrian Wilde.
The ending to this was pretty good, and I was pleased with the way things were wrapped up.
7 out of 10
This was a contemporary road trip story, about three teens looking for a missing pop star.
I liked Lexi in this and I felt bad for what had happened to her. I liked the way she looked out for her brother though, especially when he wasn’t acting like himself.
The storyline in this was about Lexi, her bother Charlie, and their next-door-neighbour Zack going off on a road trip looking for a missing pop star. They travelled around meeting some different people, and generally having a bit of an adventure, while Charlie worked through this depression, and Lexi came to terms with what had happened to her, all whilst searching for Adrian Wilde.
The ending to this was pretty good, and I was pleased with the way things were wrapped up.
7 out of 10
May 10, 2019
This book left me feeling so emotional. Even though it took a while to really get invested in the story and these characters, I did eventually and I really enjoyed the ride.
The book follows protagonist Lexi. A girl who's been through some tough situations. While working on how to cope with what has happened to her she realises that other members of her family aren't doing too good either. Like her brother Charlie, she doesn't know why he's acting so differently but she sees that he needs help, the help she didn't get. So when out of the blue he decides he wants to go on a road trip to find a missing pop star without much thought she decides to go with him. But soon she realises that Charlie wasn't the only reason she was so happy to up and leave.
I thought it was interesting the way the book takes place after a lot has already happened and we find out about the past through the main character and her reflections on what has happened. While skipping back and forth between snippets of the past and the current journey Lexi, her brother Charlie and their friend Zack are on. The one thing I didn't quite like about the format was that the reflections weren't really in the order that the events happened, as it was a little confusing. However I feel like it represented the way our minds skip back and forth when it comes to memories. We don't remember everything in the order it happens. So even though I found it hard to get my head around at times I also think it was a good decision on the author's part.
'...there is no wizard in Oz, and there is no protection and no starting new. You have to find your code, your costume, your mask, your armour: the way to keep yourself safe even in a dangerous world.'
At the beginning of the story I wasn't completely convinced I was going to enjoy the book as there were a couple of instances that I didn't like the way language was used. I got caught up on the words, and it took me away from what was actually happening. But the more I read the better it got. It felt forced to begin with but as I progressed through the book the writing got better. It was like I could see the author's writing style developing before my eyes.
The character's were intriguing, especially Lexi. Although I don't agree with some of the things the character says as she narrates the story I do see what the author was trying to do and where she was coming from. It was uncomfortable to read at times but felt very real. Which is one of the things I enjoyed most about this. The way the characters were represented was very realistic and even though certain subject matters are hard hitting, horrible things do happen in life and I think it was great that the author didn't shy away from confronting those things. I would like to leave a trigger warning and say that if you're planning to pick this book up there are instances of emotional and sexual abuse, so if you like to stay away from books that include those kind of subject matters I would stay clear of this. But otherwise I think it is an important story to be heard and feel like a lot of people could take something from this.
'He pulled me out from under that ice. He will pull me out again, and I will be there to pull him back too.'
The representation was fabulous and I thought everything was addressed really well, although I can't say for sure because I can't relate on a personal level. There is a character battling PTSD, a character suffering with depression and an openly gay main character. From what I took from the book though, was that the subjects seemed to be very well written and felt very realistic as I was reading.
'The cold is instant and so severe that it comes and vanishes almost in half a moment. My bones freeze. My heart freezes.'
It was refreshing to read a book with little to no romance, there are hints of something later on but nothing major, and I thought it was really great that the author tackled many different relationships that weren't romantic. Overall it's a very honest account of some very hard hitting subjects that need to be addressed more. I enjoyed reading this and would definitely recommend you pick it up.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me an ARC to read and review.
*2.5 Stars
For more reviews and bookish posts; check out my website/blog: https://www.sophieelaina.com/
The book follows protagonist Lexi. A girl who's been through some tough situations. While working on how to cope with what has happened to her she realises that other members of her family aren't doing too good either. Like her brother Charlie, she doesn't know why he's acting so differently but she sees that he needs help, the help she didn't get. So when out of the blue he decides he wants to go on a road trip to find a missing pop star without much thought she decides to go with him. But soon she realises that Charlie wasn't the only reason she was so happy to up and leave.
I thought it was interesting the way the book takes place after a lot has already happened and we find out about the past through the main character and her reflections on what has happened. While skipping back and forth between snippets of the past and the current journey Lexi, her brother Charlie and their friend Zack are on. The one thing I didn't quite like about the format was that the reflections weren't really in the order that the events happened, as it was a little confusing. However I feel like it represented the way our minds skip back and forth when it comes to memories. We don't remember everything in the order it happens. So even though I found it hard to get my head around at times I also think it was a good decision on the author's part.
'...there is no wizard in Oz, and there is no protection and no starting new. You have to find your code, your costume, your mask, your armour: the way to keep yourself safe even in a dangerous world.'
At the beginning of the story I wasn't completely convinced I was going to enjoy the book as there were a couple of instances that I didn't like the way language was used. I got caught up on the words, and it took me away from what was actually happening. But the more I read the better it got. It felt forced to begin with but as I progressed through the book the writing got better. It was like I could see the author's writing style developing before my eyes.
The character's were intriguing, especially Lexi. Although I don't agree with some of the things the character says as she narrates the story I do see what the author was trying to do and where she was coming from. It was uncomfortable to read at times but felt very real. Which is one of the things I enjoyed most about this. The way the characters were represented was very realistic and even though certain subject matters are hard hitting, horrible things do happen in life and I think it was great that the author didn't shy away from confronting those things. I would like to leave a trigger warning and say that if you're planning to pick this book up there are instances of emotional and sexual abuse, so if you like to stay away from books that include those kind of subject matters I would stay clear of this. But otherwise I think it is an important story to be heard and feel like a lot of people could take something from this.
'He pulled me out from under that ice. He will pull me out again, and I will be there to pull him back too.'
The representation was fabulous and I thought everything was addressed really well, although I can't say for sure because I can't relate on a personal level. There is a character battling PTSD, a character suffering with depression and an openly gay main character. From what I took from the book though, was that the subjects seemed to be very well written and felt very realistic as I was reading.
'The cold is instant and so severe that it comes and vanishes almost in half a moment. My bones freeze. My heart freezes.'
It was refreshing to read a book with little to no romance, there are hints of something later on but nothing major, and I thought it was really great that the author tackled many different relationships that weren't romantic. Overall it's a very honest account of some very hard hitting subjects that need to be addressed more. I enjoyed reading this and would definitely recommend you pick it up.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me an ARC to read and review.
*2.5 Stars
For more reviews and bookish posts; check out my website/blog: https://www.sophieelaina.com/
September 15, 2017
Wow. What a tangle of emotions. In the best way. There is an unguarded truth to this story, an earnest rawness that is at times hilarious and heartbreaking. It touches on so many important points - unhealthy abusive relationships, mental health and depression, and when it is time to let go and when it is important to hang on with all your might.
When Lexi's brother Charlie suggests a road trip to locate missing pop star, Adrian Wildes, Lexi is shocked. Charlie hasn't moved from the couch since he broke up with his girlfriend and dropped out of college. So despite Lexi's scepticism, despite the hurt she has been feeling, she agrees. Along for the ride (and actually providing the means of transport for this road trip) is their neighbour, Zack. As Lexi, Charlie, and Zack hunt for the elusive pop star, they begin to work through the emotions, hurt, and actions of the past year.
Lexi doesn't start as a very likeable character. She is angry, judgemental, hurting. She doesn't want to understand what her brother is going through or feeling, she just wants him back to his old self. But as I kept reading, I began to understand that her attitude stems from her own hurt. Her lack of understanding isn't malicious, she just doesn't understand. And that's okay. That's all part of her journey. And this book is all about journeys. A road trip journey across north eastern USA. A journey to find a missing pop star. A journey of sibling relationships. A journey over the past six months, from then to now, detailing Lexi's new view of the world, relationships, men and herself. A journey that encounters many characters and places, as road trips often do.
The story is written from Lexi's perspective, and as such, readers are presented with her side of the story. Her thoughts towards her brother might not be agreeable to the average reader, but they are Lexi's and her journey to understanding him, understanding herself are so important. The chapters also switch between the present events and the past, as 'Now' and 'Before'. The Before sections jump around a little, but it gradually becomes clear that Lexi has recently experienced an abusive and manipulative relationship, has lost her friends and has survived an assault. It makes her suspicion about life and strangers, her want to help others, her inability to connect with her brother so much clearer. I enjoyed watching Lexi's growth and character development. I also really, really loved her snark. Her verbal remarks, her conversations with her mother has me ROFL. Literally. (Sorry, that's an inside joke, but it certainly brought a refreshing humour to the story.)
There is no romance in this book. At first I thought Zack, the neighbour who accompanies Lexi and Charlie on their road trip, would be a romantic interest for Lexi. But it's made clear very early on that this isn't going to happen - Zack is gay - and for that I am glad. It was better that relationships in general and not just a romantic one, take the focus. Relationships that are healthy and unhealthy, relationships that span months and relationships that happen in just a few hours. Relationships that must be ended and relationships that are worth fighting for, worth everything, no matter what.
Good and Gone surprised me with its depth and the raw, unguarded way in which it presents its story. It's messy and a little icky (just like the backseat of Zack's car), but it's also honest, and that makes it a strong and important book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
When Lexi's brother Charlie suggests a road trip to locate missing pop star, Adrian Wildes, Lexi is shocked. Charlie hasn't moved from the couch since he broke up with his girlfriend and dropped out of college. So despite Lexi's scepticism, despite the hurt she has been feeling, she agrees. Along for the ride (and actually providing the means of transport for this road trip) is their neighbour, Zack. As Lexi, Charlie, and Zack hunt for the elusive pop star, they begin to work through the emotions, hurt, and actions of the past year.
Lexi doesn't start as a very likeable character. She is angry, judgemental, hurting. She doesn't want to understand what her brother is going through or feeling, she just wants him back to his old self. But as I kept reading, I began to understand that her attitude stems from her own hurt. Her lack of understanding isn't malicious, she just doesn't understand. And that's okay. That's all part of her journey. And this book is all about journeys. A road trip journey across north eastern USA. A journey to find a missing pop star. A journey of sibling relationships. A journey over the past six months, from then to now, detailing Lexi's new view of the world, relationships, men and herself. A journey that encounters many characters and places, as road trips often do.
The story is written from Lexi's perspective, and as such, readers are presented with her side of the story. Her thoughts towards her brother might not be agreeable to the average reader, but they are Lexi's and her journey to understanding him, understanding herself are so important. The chapters also switch between the present events and the past, as 'Now' and 'Before'. The Before sections jump around a little, but it gradually becomes clear that Lexi has recently experienced an abusive and manipulative relationship, has lost her friends and has survived an assault. It makes her suspicion about life and strangers, her want to help others, her inability to connect with her brother so much clearer. I enjoyed watching Lexi's growth and character development. I also really, really loved her snark. Her verbal remarks, her conversations with her mother has me ROFL. Literally. (Sorry, that's an inside joke, but it certainly brought a refreshing humour to the story.)
There is no romance in this book. At first I thought Zack, the neighbour who accompanies Lexi and Charlie on their road trip, would be a romantic interest for Lexi. But it's made clear very early on that this isn't going to happen - Zack is gay - and for that I am glad. It was better that relationships in general and not just a romantic one, take the focus. Relationships that are healthy and unhealthy, relationships that span months and relationships that happen in just a few hours. Relationships that must be ended and relationships that are worth fighting for, worth everything, no matter what.
Good and Gone surprised me with its depth and the raw, unguarded way in which it presents its story. It's messy and a little icky (just like the backseat of Zack's car), but it's also honest, and that makes it a strong and important book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
December 20, 2017
Lexi and her brother Charlie go on a road trip, searching for a missing rock star. At first it seems like they are going in order to escape thoughts of their failed relationships. As the book progresses, the reader begins to realize there's a lot more than a couple of teenage breakups going on. Very, very good YA fiction.
November 24, 2017
Good and Gone delivered a more complex story than I was expecting, and I loved every second of it. This was an important road trip for the Greene siblings, because it helped them find a way back to each other and themselves.
•Pro: Sibling stories - love them! Lexi and Charlie's relationship was quite strained at the onset of the story, but while on the road trip, they reminisced and also confessed the secrets they were harboring and this precipitated their reconciliation.
•Pro: There was a lot of great banter and discussion in this book. I would expect no less from the children of two college professors. Well done, Ms. Blakemore!
•Pro: I am a fan of the Then and Now format. I had a good idea from the very beginning what was wrong with Charlie, but I knew there was more to Lexi's bad attitude. Slowly, through the alternating timeline, we learned about Lexi's relationship with Seth. Blakemore did something interesting with the Then portion too, it wasn't in chronological order. The jump around was a great way to keep the source of Lexi's anger a secret for a little longer, but I also felt like I had more time to witness her conflicted feelings and confusion regarding her role in what had happened. A lot of the Then parts were difficult as I watched what should have been something beautiful for Lexi turn into something toxic.
•Con: It bothered me that Seth was not confronted and punished. I guess maybe that didn't fit with the overall goal of the story, but I needed him to pay for what he had done.
•Pro: There were a lot of things that happened in the story that seemed random, but eventually, all those small random things were tied together, and I loved it when I had my "a-ha" moment.
•Pro: The Greene parents were present in this book. They were all wrapped up in Charlie's issues, but fairness to then, they had no idea what Lexi was dealing with. They did reach out though, and often reminded their children that they were there for them, and that they loved them.
•Pro: I really appreciated how Gwen was used, in the Then and Now. It was important for me to see that there were parts of Lexi's pre-Seth life that were still salvageable.
•Pro: I really felt Lexi's wide range of emotions, and the author captured her fear and self loathing especially well.
•Pro: This book touched on some really serious topics, but Blakemore handled the topics in such a way, as to keep the book from becoming too heavy. There were some moments with a lot of gravity, but they were balanced out with humor and happier moments.
Overall: A story of a shattered girl, who slowly put herself back together, piece by piece, mile by mile.
*I would like to thank the publisher for the review copy of this book.
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•Pro: Sibling stories - love them! Lexi and Charlie's relationship was quite strained at the onset of the story, but while on the road trip, they reminisced and also confessed the secrets they were harboring and this precipitated their reconciliation.
•Pro: There was a lot of great banter and discussion in this book. I would expect no less from the children of two college professors. Well done, Ms. Blakemore!
•Pro: I am a fan of the Then and Now format. I had a good idea from the very beginning what was wrong with Charlie, but I knew there was more to Lexi's bad attitude. Slowly, through the alternating timeline, we learned about Lexi's relationship with Seth. Blakemore did something interesting with the Then portion too, it wasn't in chronological order. The jump around was a great way to keep the source of Lexi's anger a secret for a little longer, but I also felt like I had more time to witness her conflicted feelings and confusion regarding her role in what had happened. A lot of the Then parts were difficult as I watched what should have been something beautiful for Lexi turn into something toxic.
•Con: It bothered me that Seth was not confronted and punished. I guess maybe that didn't fit with the overall goal of the story, but I needed him to pay for what he had done.
•Pro: There were a lot of things that happened in the story that seemed random, but eventually, all those small random things were tied together, and I loved it when I had my "a-ha" moment.
•Pro: The Greene parents were present in this book. They were all wrapped up in Charlie's issues, but fairness to then, they had no idea what Lexi was dealing with. They did reach out though, and often reminded their children that they were there for them, and that they loved them.
•Pro: I really appreciated how Gwen was used, in the Then and Now. It was important for me to see that there were parts of Lexi's pre-Seth life that were still salvageable.
•Pro: I really felt Lexi's wide range of emotions, and the author captured her fear and self loathing especially well.
•Pro: This book touched on some really serious topics, but Blakemore handled the topics in such a way, as to keep the book from becoming too heavy. There were some moments with a lot of gravity, but they were balanced out with humor and happier moments.
Overall: A story of a shattered girl, who slowly put herself back together, piece by piece, mile by mile.
*I would like to thank the publisher for the review copy of this book.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
November 18, 2017
TW: RAPE, DEPRESSION, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Good and Gone by Meghan Frazer Blakemore is the story about Lexi Green who decides to join her older brother on a road trip to find Adrian Wilders, a famous musician who’s been reported missing. They haven’t talked much since his girlfriend dumped him, and Lexi could use the distraction.
This book is based around the disappearance of Adrian Wilders, and joining her brother was her own decision, yet she doesn’t really ask why and continuously complaints throughout. I get that she wanted to protect her brother and spend time with him after his breakup, and to get her mind off of things, but still. It’s very weird to join someone and travel for hours without even getting an explanation, especially when you're going to be judgmental and rude the whole way.
«You say you aren’t an idiot, but your world view is so limited, you can’t see an inch beyond yourself.»
I am sorry, but the truth is, he’s got a point. Throughout the book she judges other people, she even judged her own brother when he opened up and responded with some annoying comment. Then, after talking to Seth, she says «Are you really trying to get me to feel bad for Charlie right now?» when he’s trying to explain how depression works, and that it could affect anyone no matter where they come from or what has happened in the past.
Trust me, she’s struggling herself, but that doesn’t make others pain any less valid. What happened shouldn’t be an excuse to be mean towards other people, and it’s sad to see a character that is so judgmental and mean, even though she says it like a joke.
I understand her behavior, and I understand why she acts the way she acts, but it was sad to read about and I wished things were different for both her and her brother. She constantly said he’s got no reason to be depressed, and therefore she doesn’t really believe him or his feelings, and it made me very annoyed.
Good and Gone by Meghan Frazer Blakemore is the story about Lexi Green who decides to join her older brother on a road trip to find Adrian Wilders, a famous musician who’s been reported missing. They haven’t talked much since his girlfriend dumped him, and Lexi could use the distraction.
This book is based around the disappearance of Adrian Wilders, and joining her brother was her own decision, yet she doesn’t really ask why and continuously complaints throughout. I get that she wanted to protect her brother and spend time with him after his breakup, and to get her mind off of things, but still. It’s very weird to join someone and travel for hours without even getting an explanation, especially when you're going to be judgmental and rude the whole way.
«You say you aren’t an idiot, but your world view is so limited, you can’t see an inch beyond yourself.»
I am sorry, but the truth is, he’s got a point. Throughout the book she judges other people, she even judged her own brother when he opened up and responded with some annoying comment. Then, after talking to Seth, she says «Are you really trying to get me to feel bad for Charlie right now?» when he’s trying to explain how depression works, and that it could affect anyone no matter where they come from or what has happened in the past.
Trust me, she’s struggling herself, but that doesn’t make others pain any less valid. What happened shouldn’t be an excuse to be mean towards other people, and it’s sad to see a character that is so judgmental and mean, even though she says it like a joke.
I understand her behavior, and I understand why she acts the way she acts, but it was sad to read about and I wished things were different for both her and her brother. She constantly said he’s got no reason to be depressed, and therefore she doesn’t really believe him or his feelings, and it made me very annoyed.
May 15, 2018
Good and Gone is a story of a young teen girl who journeys with her brother and homosexual, quirky, next door neighbor to find the famous musician Adrian Wildes. The main character is Lexi, she narrates the story switching back and forth from “Then” to “Now”. Throughout the story, Lexi struggles with presently trying to work out the rocky relationship she has with her brother and the man and very wrong doings her ex boyfriend did to her. Lexi just cannot handle the pressure of ex boyfriend, ex friends, brother, and mental issues. On the trio’s journey they endure many challenges; the obvious not finding Adrian Wildes anywhere they went, Lexi and her brother fighting, car troubles, people trying to rob them, and Lexi almost dying. Although, they are not finding what they traveled all this way to find they experience and learn so much. All hope is lost when the three have traveled to every possible location they can think of where Adrian could be but have no luck. Do they find Adrian? What happened to him? Do we even find out as readers? You have to read to find out. I recommend this book to all teens. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes authors similar to John Green. If you struggle with a sibling or sibling you will relate to this book. If you enjoy stories with just enough mystery with a mixture of drama and humor, you won’t be able to put this book down. I enjoyed Good and Gone by Megan Frazer Blakemore very much.
November 15, 2018
Road trip! There was fun and lots of snarky humor. I enjoyed the writing style; the flashbacks worked to reveal a manipulative relationship that gradually becomes abusive. Lexi is angry and confrontational with her brother Charlie, but she’s also frank and has a witty sense of humor.
I was annoyed by her lack of sympathy regarding a certain character’s acute depression. Lexi never did accept it, but she was at least making an effort to understand at the end. I wish the author had made it clear that depression is an illness rather than a failing. Lexi expected her brother to justify his depression!
Rape. I’m so disappointed by how it was handled. A high school boy has victimized at least two girls and is currently working on a third. Both victims are like, “all I can do is warn her.” Are you kidding me? This story is set in current day USA. Why are these girls keeping silent about a serial rapist who has a new girl in his sights?
Okay, maybe I’m actually very angry about how casually rape was handled. This is a young adult book with a terrible message:
Don’t tell on the boy who raped you. Don’t speak up when he is going to rape another girl.
????????????????!!!!
When tackling a sensitive subject like rape or abuse, authors need to closely examine the messages they’re sending to young men and women. I expect better.
I was annoyed by her lack of sympathy regarding a certain character’s acute depression. Lexi never did accept it, but she was at least making an effort to understand at the end. I wish the author had made it clear that depression is an illness rather than a failing. Lexi expected her brother to justify his depression!
Rape. I’m so disappointed by how it was handled. A high school boy has victimized at least two girls and is currently working on a third. Both victims are like, “all I can do is warn her.” Are you kidding me? This story is set in current day USA. Why are these girls keeping silent about a serial rapist who has a new girl in his sights?
Okay, maybe I’m actually very angry about how casually rape was handled. This is a young adult book with a terrible message:
Don’t tell on the boy who raped you. Don’t speak up when he is going to rape another girl.
????????????????!!!!
When tackling a sensitive subject like rape or abuse, authors need to closely examine the messages they’re sending to young men and women. I expect better.
August 10, 2025
I mainly got the book because the main girl was called Lexi and thats my name but it would be 5 stars of her ex wasnt called seth because I used to like someone called seth but I’m not gonna get i to detail because i’ll end up spoiling it but i recomend.
November 10, 2017
Road trip novel that feels a little bland, too many issues going on here for anyone to clearly get resolution. The FTC requires that I disclose that I received a free copy of the book from the publisher.
March 4, 2019
Summary
Lexi, a 15 (and a half) year-old highschooler, still hasn’t gotten used to seeing her brother, Charlie, all the time. He was supposed to go to his dream school, but instead he’s elected to attend the local community college -that is, he would be if he ever actually went to class. Instead he spends his days moping on the couch in front of the television. Worse, no one seems to be talking about why he’s begun acting this way.
So, when Charlie suddenly takes an interest in going on a road trip to find a missing pop star, Lexi feels the need to follow to keep an eye on him. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Really, she needs to get out of town and away from her own life.
Along with their neighbor, Zack, the trio travel across the Northeastern US meeting people along the way that help them learn to better deal with the issues they’re actually running from.
What worked?
One of the things that I felt was done very well was the way in which Lexi experienced shame and post-traumatic stress in the wake of her past. It makes what happened to her feel real and present in a way that matters. Seeing Lexi go out of her way to avoid being alone and avoid the notice of guys highlights how deeply this trauma can affect someone.
What didn’t work?
The characters were incredibly caustic. Lexi and her brother were constantly at one another’s throats. Their every interaction escalated into insults, shouting, or swearing. Neither individual truly values the other or takes the time to listen to their problems. Instead, the tension builds and builds until one or both characters snap and nearly die.
So much of this story feels artificial or contrived simply because the characters never discuss their motivations or feelings. Early in the trip Lexi cuts off her brother and makes fun of him before he can ever explain the reason he wants to find this missing pop star. As a result, Lexi spends nearly the rest of the trip wondering why this all matters to Charlie, and we as the audience aren’t told until the very end.
Both characters have a lot of pent up anger and aggression, little of which is actually a result of one another despite how much of it they let lash out. Charlie is clinically depressed, but no one in their family is talking about it or even told Lexi. Lexi is a victim of rape, but the shame has kept her from telling anyone what happened.
Each of these issues is deep and important. These are voices that need to be heard, and stories that need to be told. But these are also topics that need to be handled with sensitivity and care. Handling just one is a difficult task -all the more for multiple of such topics. However, I can’t say that this book handled these topics with grace, an issue which can largely be traced back to Charlie and Lexi’s tumultuous relationship.
Because of the animosity between the two, when they finally do talk about their respective issues instead of reaching a place of mutual understanding, Lexi treats this knew knowledge with contempt. She firmly believes that she is more justified in her feelings because Charlie’s depression doesn’t actually have a root cause like hers. Placing these very sensitive topics in competition with one another is a direct result of just how little the characters sit down to to have honest and vulnerable conversations. It didn’t have to be like this. Everything boils over, and as a result the central conflicts plaguing Lexi and Charlie are forced to resolve too quickly to be effective.
This isn’t a problem exclusive to Lexi and Charlie, though. Even Zack is at fault here. He finds Lexi to talk with her about her experience and tries to offer some support, but in nearly the same breath he changes gears and redirects the conversation to Charlie and how she needs to be supportive of him. Yes, she does, but the characters and the story need to value her experience and give her room to experience her pain instead of cutting it short.
Speaking of Zack, I’m not happy with the way this character was presented. Zack isn’t really a character; he’s an intermediary forced for facilitating this text. There isn’t a single characteristic of Zack that doesn’t feel tailor-made just to move the story along more smoothly.
1. Zach has a car -the only real reason he was even a part of this road trip.
2. His mom suffers from depression; so, he understands what Charlie is experiencing.
3. He is gay; so, Lexi doesn’t have to feel stress related to being in close physical proximity to him as a result of being reminded of her rapist.
4. He’s a music aficionado; so, of course he knows everything about the pop star they’re chasing.
5. He never directly intervenes in the conflicts between Lexi and Charlie, more or less rendering his presence moot.
Zack isn’t a character, and that frustrates me to no end. It paints his sexuality as an excuse or a matter of convenience for the plot rather than something genuine.
Overall, the characters were probably the worst part of this book. None of them were likable, and none of their perspectives were treated with respect.
Final Thoughts
This really wasn’t a good book. Characters needed to talk about their feelings and experiences, and not talking about them led to putting sensitive issues in conflict with one another and nearly resulted in one or two characters’ deaths.
Even as a road trip story, this was rather lackluster. The destinations were bland, the characters met along the road were uninteresting caricatures with no bearing on the main cast’s personal development.
There are better stories about road trips, even ones about the sensitive issues discussed in this book. You can really do better.
Lexi, a 15 (and a half) year-old highschooler, still hasn’t gotten used to seeing her brother, Charlie, all the time. He was supposed to go to his dream school, but instead he’s elected to attend the local community college -that is, he would be if he ever actually went to class. Instead he spends his days moping on the couch in front of the television. Worse, no one seems to be talking about why he’s begun acting this way.
So, when Charlie suddenly takes an interest in going on a road trip to find a missing pop star, Lexi feels the need to follow to keep an eye on him. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Really, she needs to get out of town and away from her own life.
Along with their neighbor, Zack, the trio travel across the Northeastern US meeting people along the way that help them learn to better deal with the issues they’re actually running from.
What worked?
One of the things that I felt was done very well was the way in which Lexi experienced shame and post-traumatic stress in the wake of her past. It makes what happened to her feel real and present in a way that matters. Seeing Lexi go out of her way to avoid being alone and avoid the notice of guys highlights how deeply this trauma can affect someone.
What didn’t work?
The characters were incredibly caustic. Lexi and her brother were constantly at one another’s throats. Their every interaction escalated into insults, shouting, or swearing. Neither individual truly values the other or takes the time to listen to their problems. Instead, the tension builds and builds until one or both characters snap and nearly die.
So much of this story feels artificial or contrived simply because the characters never discuss their motivations or feelings. Early in the trip Lexi cuts off her brother and makes fun of him before he can ever explain the reason he wants to find this missing pop star. As a result, Lexi spends nearly the rest of the trip wondering why this all matters to Charlie, and we as the audience aren’t told until the very end.
Both characters have a lot of pent up anger and aggression, little of which is actually a result of one another despite how much of it they let lash out. Charlie is clinically depressed, but no one in their family is talking about it or even told Lexi. Lexi is a victim of rape, but the shame has kept her from telling anyone what happened.
Each of these issues is deep and important. These are voices that need to be heard, and stories that need to be told. But these are also topics that need to be handled with sensitivity and care. Handling just one is a difficult task -all the more for multiple of such topics. However, I can’t say that this book handled these topics with grace, an issue which can largely be traced back to Charlie and Lexi’s tumultuous relationship.
Because of the animosity between the two, when they finally do talk about their respective issues instead of reaching a place of mutual understanding, Lexi treats this knew knowledge with contempt. She firmly believes that she is more justified in her feelings because Charlie’s depression doesn’t actually have a root cause like hers. Placing these very sensitive topics in competition with one another is a direct result of just how little the characters sit down to to have honest and vulnerable conversations. It didn’t have to be like this. Everything boils over, and as a result the central conflicts plaguing Lexi and Charlie are forced to resolve too quickly to be effective.
This isn’t a problem exclusive to Lexi and Charlie, though. Even Zack is at fault here. He finds Lexi to talk with her about her experience and tries to offer some support, but in nearly the same breath he changes gears and redirects the conversation to Charlie and how she needs to be supportive of him. Yes, she does, but the characters and the story need to value her experience and give her room to experience her pain instead of cutting it short.
Speaking of Zack, I’m not happy with the way this character was presented. Zack isn’t really a character; he’s an intermediary forced for facilitating this text. There isn’t a single characteristic of Zack that doesn’t feel tailor-made just to move the story along more smoothly.
1. Zach has a car -the only real reason he was even a part of this road trip.
2. His mom suffers from depression; so, he understands what Charlie is experiencing.
3. He is gay; so, Lexi doesn’t have to feel stress related to being in close physical proximity to him as a result of being reminded of her rapist.
4. He’s a music aficionado; so, of course he knows everything about the pop star they’re chasing.
5. He never directly intervenes in the conflicts between Lexi and Charlie, more or less rendering his presence moot.
Zack isn’t a character, and that frustrates me to no end. It paints his sexuality as an excuse or a matter of convenience for the plot rather than something genuine.
Overall, the characters were probably the worst part of this book. None of them were likable, and none of their perspectives were treated with respect.
Final Thoughts
This really wasn’t a good book. Characters needed to talk about their feelings and experiences, and not talking about them led to putting sensitive issues in conflict with one another and nearly resulted in one or two characters’ deaths.
Even as a road trip story, this was rather lackluster. The destinations were bland, the characters met along the road were uninteresting caricatures with no bearing on the main cast’s personal development.
There are better stories about road trips, even ones about the sensitive issues discussed in this book. You can really do better.
November 16, 2017
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.
Good and Gone was not exactly an easy read but it was blunt and I liked it. The story played with my emotions and made me realize that is probably exactly what I will think in a given situation.
I was annoyed at first at Lexi's brother Charlie because she thinks he is the way he is because of his ex. I did not understand why Lexi kept reminding me of her relationship with her ex. However, these events led up to a satisfying explanation.
I thought the book could be a great movie. I found the overall feel of the book to be quite movie-like. The way the book was written allowed me to vividly imagine the events that took place in each chapter.
While the explanation behind the siblings' personalities were surprising, I found that Charlie's situation was not well-explained. Lexi's, however, I found very realistic. Relatable, even.
Each chapter was way too long. During the first few chapters, I had to divide my reading into half chapters since there was too much information for each chapter.
The flashbacks were confusing. I lost track of the flashbacks since they just mixed up with the "Now" and I even think the ARC I was provided was not yet proofread since some headings that divided the flashbacks and the present were missing.
Overall, Good and Gone may be a long read but once you reach the ending, you will realize that everything, and I mean every-dragging-moment, was necessary to build the story.
angel 💋
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Good and Gone was not exactly an easy read but it was blunt and I liked it. The story played with my emotions and made me realize that is probably exactly what I will think in a given situation.
I was annoyed at first at Lexi's brother Charlie because she thinks he is the way he is because of his ex. I did not understand why Lexi kept reminding me of her relationship with her ex. However, these events led up to a satisfying explanation.
I thought the book could be a great movie. I found the overall feel of the book to be quite movie-like. The way the book was written allowed me to vividly imagine the events that took place in each chapter.
While the explanation behind the siblings' personalities were surprising, I found that Charlie's situation was not well-explained. Lexi's, however, I found very realistic. Relatable, even.
Each chapter was way too long. During the first few chapters, I had to divide my reading into half chapters since there was too much information for each chapter.
The flashbacks were confusing. I lost track of the flashbacks since they just mixed up with the "Now" and I even think the ARC I was provided was not yet proofread since some headings that divided the flashbacks and the present were missing.
Overall, Good and Gone may be a long read but once you reach the ending, you will realize that everything, and I mean every-dragging-moment, was necessary to build the story.
angel 💋
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin'
February 14, 2019
Lexi’s older brother Charlie hasn’t left the couch since his girlfriend broke up with him. When he
suddenly starts planning a spur of the moment road trip to find a famous musician who has recently gone missing she is confused. But she grasps onto the excuse to leave town, having her own demons to grapple with. With their openly gay neighbor Zack as pilot, the three set off on an
unsanctioned road trip. It is the catalyst Lexi needs to evaluate her own past trauma and recognize that her brother’s lethargy is something more serious than just a breakup.
The progression of Lexi’s story is initially devoid of much emotion or deep thought; in fact she is
quite judgmental when it comes to her brother. In her mind Charlie’s inability to leave the couch is a weak-willed response to a breakup with his serious high school girlfriend. But toward the end of the book readers learn that Charlie suffers from serious depression and it is Lexi’s own issues that keep her from seeing beyond herself. Told through flashbacks, it is revealed that Lexi was a victim of rape. Although she says no to her boyfriend he still forces himself on her and then later claims that she wanted it and that girls always say no when they really mean yes. When she expresses her deep discomfort with that first exploitation and other sexual interactions he breaks up with her. While Frazer Blakemore does a great job of exploring the emotionally difficult dynamic when someone who is a victim of a sex crime stays with the perpetrator, the lead up could have been more engaging. It felt like she was trying to illustrate that some people cope by pushing the trauma away and almost viewing it as a third party but it is never made explicit. Although Frazer Blakemore explores some important and difficult issues in this title it takes too long to really get going.
suddenly starts planning a spur of the moment road trip to find a famous musician who has recently gone missing she is confused. But she grasps onto the excuse to leave town, having her own demons to grapple with. With their openly gay neighbor Zack as pilot, the three set off on an
unsanctioned road trip. It is the catalyst Lexi needs to evaluate her own past trauma and recognize that her brother’s lethargy is something more serious than just a breakup.
The progression of Lexi’s story is initially devoid of much emotion or deep thought; in fact she is
quite judgmental when it comes to her brother. In her mind Charlie’s inability to leave the couch is a weak-willed response to a breakup with his serious high school girlfriend. But toward the end of the book readers learn that Charlie suffers from serious depression and it is Lexi’s own issues that keep her from seeing beyond herself. Told through flashbacks, it is revealed that Lexi was a victim of rape. Although she says no to her boyfriend he still forces himself on her and then later claims that she wanted it and that girls always say no when they really mean yes. When she expresses her deep discomfort with that first exploitation and other sexual interactions he breaks up with her. While Frazer Blakemore does a great job of exploring the emotionally difficult dynamic when someone who is a victim of a sex crime stays with the perpetrator, the lead up could have been more engaging. It felt like she was trying to illustrate that some people cope by pushing the trauma away and almost viewing it as a third party but it is never made explicit. Although Frazer Blakemore explores some important and difficult issues in this title it takes too long to really get going.
December 19, 2017
Fifteen year old Lexi has been so busy building walls in the past few months, it takes her a while to realize her older brother, Charlie has not only not been functioning, but has maybe dropped out of college. Thinking his funk is the result of being dumped by his long time girlfriend, she, because of the reasons causing her to build most of her emotional fortress, thinks he should just get over it.
When a popular singer, Adrien Wildes, disappears from his tour bus in Pennsylvania, Charlie becomes obsessed with going from their home in New Hampshire to find him. By this point, Lexi has started to have some real concerns about her brother's mental health. She takes her stash of cash and after convincing gay friend Zack to be their wheels, they head out with little more than Charlie's vague clues assembled from Google searches.
What follows is an excellently multilayered odyssey. It has some Kerouac-like elements, snarky moments, sometimes bordering on vicious, between Lexi and her brother, and a gradual revealing through a fairy tale allegory and flashbacks from Lexi's time with her ex-boyfriend, Seth. It's that combination of layers, allowing readers to understand why both Lexi and Charlie are a mess, coupled with intriguing people they meet along the way, not to mention the quest for the mysteriously missing Adrian, that make this a real page turner.
What happened to Lexi, sadly happens a lot and I wish lots of teens, especially girls, get to read this book because, while Lexi's story is one that left her confused and unsure what was real for a long time, those reading the book might be able to learn a lot from it. Definitely a book that should be in many school and public libraries.
When a popular singer, Adrien Wildes, disappears from his tour bus in Pennsylvania, Charlie becomes obsessed with going from their home in New Hampshire to find him. By this point, Lexi has started to have some real concerns about her brother's mental health. She takes her stash of cash and after convincing gay friend Zack to be their wheels, they head out with little more than Charlie's vague clues assembled from Google searches.
What follows is an excellently multilayered odyssey. It has some Kerouac-like elements, snarky moments, sometimes bordering on vicious, between Lexi and her brother, and a gradual revealing through a fairy tale allegory and flashbacks from Lexi's time with her ex-boyfriend, Seth. It's that combination of layers, allowing readers to understand why both Lexi and Charlie are a mess, coupled with intriguing people they meet along the way, not to mention the quest for the mysteriously missing Adrian, that make this a real page turner.
What happened to Lexi, sadly happens a lot and I wish lots of teens, especially girls, get to read this book because, while Lexi's story is one that left her confused and unsure what was real for a long time, those reading the book might be able to learn a lot from it. Definitely a book that should be in many school and public libraries.
December 6, 2017
This book was very raw and dove right into ideas and circumstances that are very complex and deep. Overall, it was very good! The characters were very multi-dimensional and you could see how they developed and began to figure out themselves as the story progressed.
While I loved the book I did have several problems with it:
I️ felt like the synopsis took away the mystery of the book and gave too much information, taking away that “mystery” aspect of Lexi and Seth’s past.
I also feel as if there could have been more dialogue resolution between Lexi and her brother. Maybe this was just me?? But I felt like I needed MORE in general, a more firm resolution on their arguments and a conversation about what happened with Adrian in the end. I️ felt like the ending got kind of rushed so maybe that is what pushed me to feel this way— is it just me??
Even after this qualms I have, overall the concept of the book was amazing!! I, myself found it kind of hard to relate to a lot of it, but I feel like the topics addressed were very real and important to share and Good and Gone somewhat helped to address the complexity of them!
(SIDE NOTE: I just love this idea of going after Adrian! To me, he stood as this symbol for what Zach, Lexi, and Charlie wanted out of life and wanted to fix with their lives and almost acted as a “solution” to these problems, but the reality was that Adrian wasn’t TRULY what they wanted in the end— it’s about the journey, not the destination, right? On a conceptual level how Adrian and this running motif of the princess through just pulled the book together for me and added to the depth of the characters feelings.)
While I loved the book I did have several problems with it:
I️ felt like the synopsis took away the mystery of the book and gave too much information, taking away that “mystery” aspect of Lexi and Seth’s past.
I also feel as if there could have been more dialogue resolution between Lexi and her brother. Maybe this was just me?? But I felt like I needed MORE in general, a more firm resolution on their arguments and a conversation about what happened with Adrian in the end. I️ felt like the ending got kind of rushed so maybe that is what pushed me to feel this way— is it just me??
Even after this qualms I have, overall the concept of the book was amazing!! I, myself found it kind of hard to relate to a lot of it, but I feel like the topics addressed were very real and important to share and Good and Gone somewhat helped to address the complexity of them!
(SIDE NOTE: I just love this idea of going after Adrian! To me, he stood as this symbol for what Zach, Lexi, and Charlie wanted out of life and wanted to fix with their lives and almost acted as a “solution” to these problems, but the reality was that Adrian wasn’t TRULY what they wanted in the end— it’s about the journey, not the destination, right? On a conceptual level how Adrian and this running motif of the princess through just pulled the book together for me and added to the depth of the characters feelings.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2020
I could not decide if this was a 3 or a 4 stars for me. But I guess the end of the book that leaves you feeling like bad stuff happens but there is hope... that kinda pushed it up to 4 for me. I wasn't expecting this young adult book to have so much depth. It starts out with a lot of sibling bickering, but becomes much more. It's written with a lot of flashbacks and memories so that it keeps the story moving at a pretty even pace. Heavy issues were discussed without being explicit. Lexi has a lot of heart and cares about her friends. She is a thoughtful character that I could relate to. I agree with some of the other reviewers that Seth should have had some consequences. It was disturbing that he didn't. And I also think the whole stripper section could have been left out of the book. It seemed a bit out of place to me. But caring for each other as siblings or friends was depicted nicely as was the small gestures of kindness with the Good Feelings Book. And I loved that this was not a romance novel -- so many young adult books are focused on romance and disregard other issues -- or focus on how romance can save a person from everything when in reality.... that's simply not the case. I really enjoyed Clay's character and everyone should have a friend like Zack. The author's writing style was enjoyable and I liked her descriptions especially those about the snow. Overall, a good interesting read that covers some heavy topics.
April 8, 2018
A road-trip novel by Maine author, Megan Frazer Blakemore, tackles issues of depression and sexual abuse. Missing pop star Adrian Wildes is the impetus for siblings Lexi and Charlie, along with their gay neighbor Zack, to being their trip during February vacation. The spontaneous road trip is Charlie's idea, and Lexi doesn't understand his motives for suddenly springing off the couch which he has been glued to for the past few months after seemingly dropping out of college. Lexi assumes it is due to a break up with his long-time girlfriend, but since her parents aren't talking about Charlie's new behavior she is not quite sure. Anyway, she has her own problems to deal with.
Lexi is the narrator of the story and through a series of flashbacks, the reader learns that she was raped by her boyfriend and has never told anyone. Lexi is edgy and angry, but becomes more likeable as the reader begins to understand her vulnerability.
Each chapter begins with a piece of a fairy tale that compliments the narrative, and a line in the fairy tale is added at the beginning of each chapter. Female characters are strong, and there are multiple conversations about female empowerment and feminism without coming off as preachy or hokey. A great companion book to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak .
Lexi is the narrator of the story and through a series of flashbacks, the reader learns that she was raped by her boyfriend and has never told anyone. Lexi is edgy and angry, but becomes more likeable as the reader begins to understand her vulnerability.
Each chapter begins with a piece of a fairy tale that compliments the narrative, and a line in the fairy tale is added at the beginning of each chapter. Female characters are strong, and there are multiple conversations about female empowerment and feminism without coming off as preachy or hokey. A great companion book to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak .
July 6, 2021
CW/TW: Sexual Assault, Rape, Suicide & Depression
As I started reading this book, the story seemed extremely bland and slow. I found it very hard to understand the characters and all the events that happened on their road trip seemed quite lame and clichéd. This was my main opinion for about the first 200 pages (which is literally 2/3 of the book).
BUT! After those 200 pages, somehow, everything started falling into place. I was able to empathize with the characters and understand their actions more. All the events which I thought were lame ended up having a significance to the MC and everything just wove together nicely. I really enjoyed the last 100 pages of the book. The writing somehow turned poignant.
Some of my favorite quotes/dialogues from the book:
"Don't do that," he tells me.
"Don't do what?"
"Make a joke about it." He kicks the snow.
"No, don't you do that. Don't tell me how to feel and what I can joke about. Don't tell me how to deal with what happened to me. If I want to make a joke about it, then I'll make a fucking joke about it."
"I didn't need you to smash something in his face. I needed you to come get me when I called you"
And all of a sudden it's kind of freeing. If everything I can chose is wrong, I might as well choose what makes me happy.
As I started reading this book, the story seemed extremely bland and slow. I found it very hard to understand the characters and all the events that happened on their road trip seemed quite lame and clichéd. This was my main opinion for about the first 200 pages (which is literally 2/3 of the book).
BUT! After those 200 pages, somehow, everything started falling into place. I was able to empathize with the characters and understand their actions more. All the events which I thought were lame ended up having a significance to the MC and everything just wove together nicely. I really enjoyed the last 100 pages of the book. The writing somehow turned poignant.
Some of my favorite quotes/dialogues from the book:
"Don't do that," he tells me.
"Don't do what?"
"Make a joke about it." He kicks the snow.
"No, don't you do that. Don't tell me how to feel and what I can joke about. Don't tell me how to deal with what happened to me. If I want to make a joke about it, then I'll make a fucking joke about it."
"I didn't need you to smash something in his face. I needed you to come get me when I called you"
And all of a sudden it's kind of freeing. If everything I can chose is wrong, I might as well choose what makes me happy.
June 6, 2022
i actually really liked this book. i wasn't really sold on it in the beginning since i fell out of love with slice of life books, but i think this has gotten me out of that reading slump. i related way too much to lexi, and i hated charlie's guts. this is coming from someone who is depressed. his type of depression has to be the worst because he is blind to the fact that everyone is in pain all the time. that's how humanity is. i really recommend this to people who have siblings, especially siblings who are bad at expressing their feelings. zack was such a funny character, and i love his dialogue throughout the book. he was great at breaking the tension between lexi and charlie. i think one of the bigger things i related to with lexi was that her parents told her all the time to take care of her brother, and those lectures were never given to her brother. i'm an older sibling, so i get those talks a lot, but it's insult to injury for lexi because she's the younger sibling by like 4 years. he's an adult, and she's being made responsible for him. the book also goes into the complexities of toxic relationships. definitely check trigger warnings because there are mentions of rape, sexual assault, and suicide.
June 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book! However I did have some issues with it. Overall I sympathized with the main character Lexi. She's a likable character and as the book goes on you really understand why she is the way she is. I felt that the dynamic between her and her brother was really relatable and true to life.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: rape, depression, suicidal thoughts, verbally/emotionally abusive significant other
I have not personally dealt with any of these triggers but I will say that I felt the depression plot line was a bit underdeveloped and not represented accurately until the very end. SPOILER: I also didn't like how Lexi is trying to say that her brother's depression isn't valid because he doesn't have a reason. And while yes many people treat depressed people like this, I think it could have been handled differently in some aspects. END SPOILER.
Overall I enjoyed the book!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TRIGGER WARNINGS: rape, depression, suicidal thoughts, verbally/emotionally abusive significant other
I have not personally dealt with any of these triggers but I will say that I felt the depression plot line was a bit underdeveloped and not represented accurately until the very end. SPOILER: I also didn't like how Lexi is trying to say that her brother's depression isn't valid because he doesn't have a reason. And while yes many people treat depressed people like this, I think it could have been handled differently in some aspects. END SPOILER.
Overall I enjoyed the book!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 15, 2018
The plot of this is somewhat predictable, but I really enjoyed Blakemore's writing.
The characters felt real to me, sometimes they said and did things that were inconsiderate or stupid, but they never tipped into unlikable. They were just dealing with stuff the best they could. They were sad or troubled, they made jokes about the bad things, they made jokes about good things, they were losing themselves in something else (except you can't really do that).
Even though this book deals with some things that are harrowing the book doesn't revel in them (which other books I have read have done and I feel they veer into "explotation" territory). It's there and I certainly felt it (and for the characters). It's no surprise what is going on with either of them, but that's okay. This really is a book about trying to get unstuck, without going too far.
The characters felt real to me, sometimes they said and did things that were inconsiderate or stupid, but they never tipped into unlikable. They were just dealing with stuff the best they could. They were sad or troubled, they made jokes about the bad things, they made jokes about good things, they were losing themselves in something else (except you can't really do that).
Even though this book deals with some things that are harrowing the book doesn't revel in them (which other books I have read have done and I feel they veer into "explotation" territory). It's there and I certainly felt it (and for the characters). It's no surprise what is going on with either of them, but that's okay. This really is a book about trying to get unstuck, without going too far.
June 13, 2022
Pleasantly surprised by this YA road trip novel about a brother and sister who are both dealing with overcoming trauma of sorts. The framing device of them seeking a missing pop singer works really well here, as does the resolution of the story, and in this case the dual timeline works well too. The relationship between the siblings is sweet, and Lexi is a pretty fun teen character, witty and full of snark. I do wish the horrid boyfriend got what he deserved at the end of this, but nothing happening is realistic given the age of these kids unfortunately. The other thing is, no one's parents are quite that cool at 15. Mine would have lost their shit at me taking off like that at her age.
February 27, 2018
Lexi's brother hasn't gotten off the couch in months, after being dumped and dropping out college. When he suddenly decides he cares deeply about the disappearance of celebrity, Adrian Wildes, Lexi has no choice but to watch over him as he drags them on a road trip of snark and discovery.
An great, easy read about depression, identity, and relationship patterns.
I wish we had gone further into Zack's life. It would have been nice to read a story about three struggling teens, instead of the story of two struggling siblings and their friend.
An great, easy read about depression, identity, and relationship patterns.
I wish we had gone further into Zack's life. It would have been nice to read a story about three struggling teens, instead of the story of two struggling siblings and their friend.
March 24, 2019
Dit boek is verkeerd op alle manieren dat een boek verkeerd kan zijn.
Meisje is boos op haar broer dat hij haar niet kwam helpen ooit een keer. Hij is zwaar depressief en alles wat ze had gezegd was dat ze een lift nodig had, dus hij kon niet ruiken dat er iets ergs was. Hij zegt nee, zij wordt naderhand boos. Ze zegt dat hij helemaal geen goede reden heeft om depressief te zijn, en dat haar zelfmoordpoging haar tenminste legit maakt. HIJ ZEGT SORRY TEGEN HAAR VOOR HET DEPRESSIEF ZIJN. Wowowowoowowoww dit boek ik ben nog steeds boos
Meisje is boos op haar broer dat hij haar niet kwam helpen ooit een keer. Hij is zwaar depressief en alles wat ze had gezegd was dat ze een lift nodig had, dus hij kon niet ruiken dat er iets ergs was. Hij zegt nee, zij wordt naderhand boos. Ze zegt dat hij helemaal geen goede reden heeft om depressief te zijn, en dat haar zelfmoordpoging haar tenminste legit maakt. HIJ ZEGT SORRY TEGEN HAAR VOOR HET DEPRESSIEF ZIJN. Wowowowoowowoww dit boek ik ben nog steeds boos
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Tangle of emotions. Witty and quite vulgar Lexi, and my fav character in this book which is Zack. I love how the story ended and how the character development of Charlie progressed.
A contemporary young adult novel that talks about mental health issues, sexual abuse, and more about each of their life struggles.
I'm starting to like stuffs like this tho, yk the runaway and journey things that I badly wanted to try but I couldn't cause I don't have the courage to do so hahaha and my parents are gonna kill me ☠️
A contemporary young adult novel that talks about mental health issues, sexual abuse, and more about each of their life struggles.
I'm starting to like stuffs like this tho, yk the runaway and journey things that I badly wanted to try but I couldn't cause I don't have the courage to do so hahaha and my parents are gonna kill me ☠️
Currently reading
July 23, 2018Megan Frazer Blakemore, Good and Gone, Senior fiction.
Good and Gone is a book that gives an explanation at the beginning of the storyline. In my opinion at the start, we get introduced for a big percentage of the story. When I first starting reading, it was boring because it told us glimpses of the past that weren't gripping to read. When reading, it wasn't predictable of what was going to occur.
"Lexi" is the main focused character that appears throughout the storyline. Lexi's situation and past that occurs seems real in reality. "Charlie" has a situation where he is depressed and in the society today problems like this happen during each decade. "Lexi" stands out the most in my eye because she is a realistic character and her whole life is full of challenges that she has faced/has to face. I would describe Charlie as rude because he can act that emotion towards Lexi, he then can be nice about the feelings of others. Lexi is understanding towards others, and she can hide her feelings so others don't notice what emotions come across her mind.
Lexi goes on a road trip with Charlie, and Zach Donovan. They search for a reported missing musician, Adrian Wildes. Charlie, her brother, goes through depression as his girlfriend moved away. Alone the plot line Lexi tells us what happened during the past, which will change the readers thought about the book. A mix of emotions as the characters face what will be revealed to each other.
Throughout the novel Megan Frazer Blakemore used a 1st person view. The author used a flashback storyboard, it shows what is currently occurring in the storyline and what has happened in the past to affect what is happening. The author left you shocked at the end of the story when it is saying "Neither of us is going anywhere".
The blurb pulled me into reading the book, with the interesting words that were used. I enjoyed the focused style of the book that was presented and how it was laid out. At the beginning of the story, it was a long introduction that then lead into an interesting part of the story, and then became addicting in my point of view. I learnt to not judge a book by its cover, because inside of that cover, the book could be interesting and compelling to read. I would like to recommend this book to teenagers and lastly young adults. The conclusion is gripping and leaves you wondering what will happen next?
Good and Gone is a book that gives an explanation at the beginning of the storyline. In my opinion at the start, we get introduced for a big percentage of the story. When I first starting reading, it was boring because it told us glimpses of the past that weren't gripping to read. When reading, it wasn't predictable of what was going to occur.
"Lexi" is the main focused character that appears throughout the storyline. Lexi's situation and past that occurs seems real in reality. "Charlie" has a situation where he is depressed and in the society today problems like this happen during each decade. "Lexi" stands out the most in my eye because she is a realistic character and her whole life is full of challenges that she has faced/has to face. I would describe Charlie as rude because he can act that emotion towards Lexi, he then can be nice about the feelings of others. Lexi is understanding towards others, and she can hide her feelings so others don't notice what emotions come across her mind.
Lexi goes on a road trip with Charlie, and Zach Donovan. They search for a reported missing musician, Adrian Wildes. Charlie, her brother, goes through depression as his girlfriend moved away. Alone the plot line Lexi tells us what happened during the past, which will change the readers thought about the book. A mix of emotions as the characters face what will be revealed to each other.
Throughout the novel Megan Frazer Blakemore used a 1st person view. The author used a flashback storyboard, it shows what is currently occurring in the storyline and what has happened in the past to affect what is happening. The author left you shocked at the end of the story when it is saying "Neither of us is going anywhere".
The blurb pulled me into reading the book, with the interesting words that were used. I enjoyed the focused style of the book that was presented and how it was laid out. At the beginning of the story, it was a long introduction that then lead into an interesting part of the story, and then became addicting in my point of view. I learnt to not judge a book by its cover, because inside of that cover, the book could be interesting and compelling to read. I would like to recommend this book to teenagers and lastly young adults. The conclusion is gripping and leaves you wondering what will happen next?
June 18, 2019
Every summer, I try to read a bunch of road trip-like books to get a sense of life, love, and adventure. However, this book failed in some of that area. I guess I could say I wasn't connecting with fifteen-year-old Lexi Green because she was my least favorite of the book. Charlie, her older brother, connected more to me. The story takes place in late winter so I wasn't happy about the seasonal conditions they encountered. Not a favorite of mine, but a decent read.
December 27, 2017
I don't know why I expected more from this title. It had some good moments but over all pretty average. Spoiler: enters some interesting ground when the authors main protagonist reveals that she was raped by her boyfriend but stays with him. Very complex but too many weak parts in between to sustain interesting parts like the a fore mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2017
A book that is packed with timely issues for all teens to be aware of and talking about. It took me some time to warm up to Lexi but in the end, I understood her better. Lots of different emotions throughout this book!
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
December 28, 2017
A classic YA road trip novel that tackles current issues. Blakemore does a great job with the dialogue. This felt very different than her other books. I liked the edgy wit. For fans of John Green and David Arnold.
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