Ani, known as Tiffany while attending Bradley, a prestigious high school, was the new girl who just wanted to fit in. She was street smart and knew exactly how to appeal to the cool kids. They kept her at a safe distance as they were still trying to figure her out. The girls were jealous of her mature figure and the guys were competing for claim over her. Tiffany made friends with the not-so-popular kids in the meantime, especially Arthur who seemed to know everything about everyone. He was bold and funny and seemed to understand Tiffany more than anyone else there. The only thing is, he hated the popular kids, but Tiffany wouldn't let that stop her from what she wanted. Unfortunately, she wanted to fit in so bad that is cost her her dignity and would create a darkness in her that she would struggle with forever. One night Dean, the most popular kid in school, even though he was a jerk to pretty much everyone, invited her over for a party. This party would only consist of Tiffany and the other guys, in which she would find herself waking up at several points during the night as they took turns raping her, but they were drunk so it didn't count.......to them.
Even after that night, Tiffany hated them but still tried to find a way to fit in. She refused to report them, even when her teacher made it clear as day thats exactly what she needed to do. Tiffany cared too much about being on the inside that she would do anything, including allowing her rapists to get away with it.
This back story is not something her fiancé likes to talk about and he is especially concerned when Ani, agrees to be part of a documentary that rehashes old wounds. Ani knows his concerns are more in regards to his family name then genuine concern for her, so she goes along with it anyway. Through this documentary, we find out that the rape wasn't the only thing that happened back in the days of Bradley. Arthur and another student scorned by the "cool kids" would change and end the lives of many. Ani learns through participating in this documentary how much what happened to her and then the cataclismic events that transpired after were still affecting her. It isn't until she is face to face with her rapist at the end of the documentary, that she finally gets what she has wanted for almost 15 years.
Ani may be successful, but she is also playing a part and she knows if she wants to marry Luke, she'll have to continue playing this part. Will her true sides take over and the real Ani (Tiffany) find her way back? Read more to find out.
This book was a for sure page turner. I honestly hated Ani, Tiffany...whatever, at first. She is coniving, rude, materialistic, and vain, but as I read, I felt for her too and the more I found out about her past, the more I got it. I can say that as I read the last page, I felt a whole new appreciation for her and what she went through. I also think this book touches on a major issue, especially with the latest events of rape in our culture. She went willingly to a party. She got drunk, willingly, but does that mean she deserved what happened to her? Because her rapists were drunk, did this mean they did't rape her because they weren't in their right mindsets? Of course not, but as a culture we have aided in this kind of mentality; especially school officials. I digress. So if you are in the mood for a book filled with suspense, I think you should definitely read this book, but please give Ani a chance. I do think you'll like her in the end.
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