Wrecked

Mandatory reading at my university. A little context: it's my second undergraduate degree, which I'm am pursuing via remote campus that is not so much a campus in the traditional sense as it is a triad of office buildings which also have classrooms and labs in them. Non-traditional "campus" life. We party with our kids at the science museum in the hours between work and class. So, anyway, I didn't care to be made to read it, though it took me until just now to realize the irony in that. Almost needless to say, I instantly identified with Richard. But the story itself is what kept me engaged. From all angles, this a fantastic, and fantastically told story, at a time of sincere relevance. I'm glad for having read it, and am humbled to be reminded that we always stand to learn, even from the experiences we don't (or think we won't) enjoy. So, in the spirit of Richard, I will say what I probably shouldn't, by noting that sometimes having things forced on you is just what the Doctor ordered.

I really enjoyed this book. While it's told from the perspective of two people who aren't directly involved in the incident, you get a good idea of that the people involved are going through and how they're feeling, as well as how they are being perceived and how they feel they're being perceived. It shows how easily the waters are muddied and how one person can feel one way about a situation, and another person some other way. Mostly, it really hits the nail on the head with how important consent is every step of the way; just because it's okay to hold hands, doesn't mean it's okay to touch other parts or kiss or assume that you will be going further. If a person doesn't say yes, they haven't given their consent.

<strong>One of the best books I have read all year.</strong> This book was great. It was written from two perspectives. I think all young adults should read this book. Perspective really makes you think. Was Jenny raped or not? That is the question that drives this story. This is a story that plays out all over collage campuses. This book really shows both sides of the coin. It does not in my opinion make up your mind for you. The story let's you make your own conclusion. I will defiantly be rereading this in the future.

Content warnings for rape, sexual assault, harassment and cyberbullying, and borderline stalking. My actual rating is 2.5/5 stars I think this book did a few things well: - It offered an interesting perspective into how a college handles a rape investigation involving students - Directly addressed consent and that a lack of a no is NOT a yes - Offered a perspective of a character who was well-meaning but often perpetuated rape culture out of ignorance or misguidance Aspects of the book that felt weren't executed well: - Third person present tense. I don't think I've ever read anything like that; I'my pretty sure I've only ever read first person in past or present tense and third person in past tense. So it was weird. - I felt the writing tried to be beautiful, immersive, and atmospheric but it felt stiff - The characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked and the dialogue read more as melodramatic than authentic

Engrossing and timely, this story's necessary as campus sexual assault reaches more discussion. There's no gratuity and given the subject matter, it takes the topic into serious and fair territory for its readers.

This book is about a boy & girl in college conflicted interests from their roommates when "he said, she said" becomes an issue of "he did, she didn't"— or did she…? Wonderfully written, beautifully developed, powerfully portrayed, transparently honest, thoroughly enjoyed… unapologetically critical, undeniably necessary— PROUDLY #METOO

Excellent book, and a different view of a campus rape . . . . . or was it? Great book for discussion with high school and college age kids. I thought it was a well-written and very interesting read for any age.

Title: Wrecked Author: Maria Padian Age Group: Teen/Young Adult Genre: Contemporary Fiction Series: Standalone Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it. Wrecked was the April book pick for one of the clubs I go to, Young Adult for Adults. I’ve been curious about Wrecked since I first heard about it. I attempted to read it when it first came out, but I had to return it before I could. Wrecked is a searing, thought-provoking novel about consent, agency, and the insidious, pervasive nature of rape culture. I’ve always enjoyed books that have been pulled straight from the headlines, but this book did more than that. It showed the taboo topic of rape of college campuses, through the eyes of two witnesses: Richard, roommate to the rapist, and Haley, roommate of the victim. Sucked into the issue despite wanting to stay out of it, these two characters provide an outsider’s point of view on a traumatic and dehumanizing event. This book was heavy and at times it was really hard to get through, but I’m happy I read it. This book should be required reading for everyone. Haley’s roommate, Jenny, claims that she was raped after drinking at a college party, by Richard’s roommate, Jordan. Jordan says that it was just a hookup, but Jenny did not consent. Soon, word starts spreading around the entire college, and it seems no one but the two involved really know what happened. Against their will, both Haley and Richard are drawn into the conflict, and lines are drawn as an investigation is carried out. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? Will justice be served properly, or will a monster walk free? This book was hard to get through, I’m not going to lie. It was heavy and at times uncomfortable. But this book is absolutely necessary reading, for all ages, boys and girls alike. Searing, thought-provoking, and unfortunately true to life, reading Wrecked was like watching a trainwreck: terrifying and unforgettable, but you’re unable to look away, even if you want to. The point of view is split between Haley and Richard, two bystanders turned witnesses. The pacing was breakneck and I was immediately transfixed. I really liked the way that Padian used the point of view of two bystanders to get a read on the situation; it was a new, refreshing way to look at an uncomfortable, but all too necessary, topic. I also liked Haley and Richard as characters, and the way that they developed as the novel went on. At first, they didn’t want to be involved, then, through both of their roommates, they are entangled in the terrible, confusing web of lies and deception that surround the case. One of my favorite parts of it was the bittersweet ending because it was very true to life. Jenny and Jordan were also characters that leaped off the page for me. They were a stark contrast to one another, and I hated Jordan. My heart broke for Jenny, as well as Haley and Richard. At times, there were so many different characters that I had to go back and reread; it got hard to keep track of everything at times. Nonetheless, this book was heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, searing, and absolutely necessary. Required reading for all and highly recommended! The bottom line: A searing, thoughtful and necessary book that pulls no punches, I loved Wrecked! Next on deck: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou!