All The Rage
Author: Courtney Summers
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Source: Tumblr’s Reblog Book Club
Genre(s): YA, Contemporary Fiction
Spoilers: Mild
Rating: ★★★★☆
GoodReads | Amazon
If there was ever a book that needed to come with warnings, this would be it. Incredibly moving, insightful, and beautifully written, All The Rage is not a book for younger readers, people sensitive to violence, depression, or those who internalize books. This book, while the single most depressing book I have ever read, is one that causes an internal shift that should not be taken lightly.
This book follows the story of Romy, a victim of rape at the hands of the sheriff’s son. Naturally in this small town, no one believes her. She builds walls, keeps others out, and tries to protect her self and sanity. Her mother and step-father try to help her feel not so alone, but there is only so much they can do. Her life was ripped away.
Trying to move on, Romy lands a job on the outskirts of town, where she meets a boy who knows nothing of her past, and reputation. While he wants to get to know her, Romy pushes him away because of the fear of the past. She finds out that not even her armor is able to protect her for long. When she finds her voice, and is able to find herself, she’s able to break past the walls that are keeping her in.
I am not sure how to really review this one, as it made me feel on so many levels. This was the most recent Reblog Book Club pick, and it was a good pick. Straying from the norm of picking happier books, this one really made you think about rape culture and how rape, victims, and the perpetrator are handled in today’s society.
I honestly could not read this book more than a couple chapters at a time without having to put it down and watch something happy. It takes you to deep, dark places and doesn’t let go. It’s a book everyone should read, but not everyone can read. Really take caution with this book if you are sensitive. You’ll really feel all the depression, paranoia, hopelessness, trauma, and fear of Romy in All The Rage.
English