Girls with Sharp Sticks
by Suzanne Young
Synopsis:
The Girls of Innovations Academy are beautiful and well-behaved—it says so on their report cards. Under the watchful gaze of their Guardian, they receive a well-rounded education that promises to make them better. Obedient girls, free from arrogance or defiance. Free from troublesome opinions or individual interests.
But the girls’ carefully controlled existence may not be quite as it appears. As Mena and her friends uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually happening there—and who they really are—the girls of Innovations Academy will learn to fight back.
Review:
Mena is a bright girl who has been taught to act and behave a certain way. She is abused and degraded by her teachers, but she has been abandoned at the boarding school by her parents. The way the girls acted, it immediately made me think of the Stepford Wives and Handmaid’s Tale.It’s very creepy and claustrophobic. I couldn’t relate at all, as I could only be pushed so far before I would push back. Granted, I’m strong and pushing six feet, so I’ve never felt as helpless as these girls do. And they only know one way of life. They are literally reprogrammed when they step too far out of line, and Mena is terrified of it. Even though she doesn’t remember the procedure.
Girls with Sharp Sticks is the first in a trilogy. The suspense is intense. And it’s easily one my favorite reads this year, so far. It’s not just an exciting story; but it pulled me in and grabbed my emotions as well. Often, I forget the details of a book I read a year ago, by the time a sequel comes out. But I can tell I won’t forget much of this thrilling and captivating story with engaging characters. I’m eager to pick up the next in the trilogy as soon as I can.