I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman loses herself to a new life, one to discover hidden dangers in those she trusted in author Tara Hodgson’s “At Least I’m Trying.”
The Synopsis
When the volleyball hits the floor mere inches from Reese’s hands, her dreams of playing college ball shatter.
After consecutive failures on the court, in the classroom, and in her relationships, she’s done playing the part of perfect daughter, perfect student, and perfect athlete. It’s time for a new life.
Enter Cassie Brentwood.
Bold. Reckless. Free. Cassie is everything Reese isn’t yet longs to be. They quickly become friends and Cassie introduces her to Liam, a mysterious guy from Snapchat. Blinded by his love bombing and the desperation to shed her perfect image, Reese plunges head first into their world.
It feels instantly thrilling… until it’s not.
Girls are disappearing from nearby towns, however no one in their quiet small town seems concerned.
But when Liam’s behaviour grows darker, Reese’s new life begins to unravel. She ignores the warnings. The red flags. The little voice screaming to her that something’s not right. Until she’s far from home, trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape.
With no one left to trust, Reese has to fight to reclaim the life she was so eager to leave behind.
She wanted freedom. Now, she just wants to go home.
At least she has to try.
Told with searing honesty and lyrical depth, At Least I’m Trying is a poignant novel about mental health, girlhood, and what happens when the version of yourself you’ve worked so hard to become starts to fall apart.
The Review
This was a haunting and chilling yet poignant read. The book deals with some heavy subject matter, from mental health struggles and questions of identity, to the dangers many young women are facing in an ever increasingly dangerous world, and so much more. The author also tackles things like toxic relationships and abuse honestly without getting too graphic, and shines a light on the struggles of women in a digital world, not only with dating, but with self-image and their role in society as well.
The emotional and heartbreaking moments of this book were balanced well with moments of triumph and empowerment, honestly breaking down the haunting realities of women who are targeted and used by toxic men in the world while also showcasing the power to survive and overcome those horrifying experiences. Reese is a complex and thoughtful protagonist; her story serves as a prime example of what happens far too often when young women are pushed too hard or ignored in society and lose their identities, only to be influenced by others outside their circles of friends or family.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartbreaking, and mesmerizing, author Tara Hodgson’s “At Least I’m Trying” is a must-read YA contemporary drama. The story is powerful and engaging, taking readers on a roller coaster of emotions as they delve into the harrowing experience the protagonist goes through. The strong pacing and essential themes are themes that need to be explored in the modern world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Tara has called herself a teacher of teenagers for 17 years and is now thrilled to call herself a published author as well.
When she isn’t teaching or writing, she is reading. She loves all genres of books, but especially YA Contemporary, Fantasy, and Dystopian.
She spends her downtime walking, camping, boating, and at home with her family and animals.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/at-least-im-trying-tara-hodgson/1148001119?ean=9781069617705
