Title: The Female of the Species
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller
Pages: 352
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook
"A contemporary YA novel that examines rape culture through alternating perspectives.
Alex craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn't feel bad about it.
Three years ago, when older sister, Anna, was murdered and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best- the language of violence. While her own crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can't be trusted among other people. Not with Jack, the star athlete who wants to really know her but still feels guilty over the role he played the night Anna's body was discovered. And not with Peekay, the preacher's kid with a defiant streak who befriend Alex while they volunteer at an animal shelter. Not anyone.
As their senior year unfolds, Alex's darker nature breaks out, setting these three teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever."
My Rating: 5/5
This book caught me off guard. I wasn't ready to feel so many things and to be shocked by the honesty that Mindy McGinnis put into this book. Was it shocking to read from these perspectives and the things that these characters go through, yes, but it was an extremely important read. I would highly suggest this to men and women of almost all ages. There is a trigger warning for sexual assualt, rape and physical assault. I really was blown away by this story and hope to read more by Mindy McGinnis.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This book totally blew me away, I couldn't get over the correlation with my small town and the way Mindy McGinnis really thinks deeper about how deep rape culture runs in our society. It was shocking, but not in the way I expected. The story has a huge trigger warning for violence, rape and sexual assault. The story follows Alex, PeeKay and Jack. All characters who have a different background in this small town.
Characters:
Alex: I can see how people would be distressed about how she handles her life and people in her home town. I can't blame her, but it was hard to imagine someone who was using their instinct for good, instead of for rape how most of the rest of the town acts. I was surprised to see how her storyline ended, and to see her in the animal shelter broke my heart.
PeeKay: I could relate to her need to break out of the mold and to be more than just the preacher's kid. But at the same time she was so willing to let people use that nickname. At the same time she deserves to be happy, and to find someone who is interested in her not her past or the challenge to get her.
Jake: I was turned off from his point of view at start, but he slowly won me back. He was starting to understand how the women in his life felt throughout their life. I could also understand the need to get out of the small town.
Branley: I tried really hard to understand her and how she felt in society, but she was really frustrating as she just continued to "mess up". I hope that she learned her lesson.
Ray: In my opinion he got what he deserved.
Sarah: I liked that we got the perspective of someone who wasn't interested in men romantically. It was an important perspective to have
