Pretty Little Liars - Book Review

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Pretty Little Liars is the first book in the bestselling series of the same name, which has now been adapted into a TV show. It's the story of a group of American teen girls following the disappearance of their friend Alison three years earlier. Each of the girls misses Alison, but is also a little relieved that she's gone because she knew all of their secrets. Now one by one the girls have received messages from someone calling themselves "A" who knows things that only Alison knew. Is she back, or is someone playing a cruel joke?

I like young adult books but this one was a little lacking in substance compared with what I'm used to. It's fluff, but if fluff is what you're in the mood for it may work for you. It's full of twists and turns in a soap opera sort of way which can be addictive when done right. I found most of the girls' secrets not particularly scandalous and a bit trite. They are also all incredibly privileged, which got on my nerves a bit. Much attention is given to describing their appearances and their designer clothing which I really couldn't care less about.

The book touches on issues including eating disorders, coming out, self harm, grief, drug and alcohol abuse and a relationship between an adult and a minor. None of these things are handled in much depth, but I suppose it was a lot to fit into one book so that may be remedied later in the series.

I was unprepared for the ending, which leaves things on quite a cliffhanger, setting up the next book. If you enjoy Pretty Little Liars you're in luck because there are a further fifteen books in the series plus a prequel. It's a short book so it could be finished in a single sitting and would be great to take on holiday to read on the beach or during a flight.

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#young_adult
#crime
#mystery
#lesbian
#eating_disorder
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#arts_culture
#book_reviews

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