Aimee

I read this book in middle school in 2005 and it became a favorite instantly. I bought it many years ago and reread often.

Well, I was reading through all of the other reviews and I noticed one that said that Mary Beth Miller automatically assumed that every teen has sex, gets drunk, and contemplates suicide. Well, not every teen does. But what about the ones that do? Is it not fair that there should be a book that they can relate to also? You can't hide whats out there, so why try? I do not think that Mary Beth Miller has stereotyped rebellion into teenagers at all. I think she's just showing you a genuine glimpse of real life. She's just being real. By the way, I loved the book. And I even loved how you didn't find out the main characters name until the end. It was just simply intriguing and kept a strong hold on my attention. Overall, 5 stars :)

A Review by TiffanyBest Friends with Aimee, Zoë did everything that they every wanted to do. They had the cutest boys in the world. The ones that are caring and won't go tell his best friend everything that they did the night before. But one night everyone's life comes to complete stop. Zoë ends up with charges against her and Aimee is dead by her own hand. After everything went wrong Zoë has been herself since. Her family life is torn apart and the one person she ever loved she can't even see him. I like how this book keeps going back and forth to the past and present. It keeps me reading. It leads up to what she really has now. Her life is a mess. At least her love Chard is still by her side. And that nothing can put them in the way of seeing each other. I learned that every life is precious. That one fatal move can hurt some ones life forever. Mary Beth Miller is one of the best authors. Every page leaves you in a wondering mind. Like what is going to happen on the next page. For a while there I thought it was based on a true story. I think that it should be a movie.I would recommend this to anyone. All ages should read this book in there life. It might make a big difference.

To begin with, I cannot describe the excitement that suffused my body as I finished the first two pages of the book. I immediately knew the story was going to be a narrative that brilliantly told about the chronicles of a young, teenage girl who was struggling through adolescence because of the many misfortunate events that occurred in her life. This is a fictional story of friendship, loyalty, insanity, recovery and hope that can appeal to almost anyone who has ever lost someone or something special to them.In the story, Mary Beth Miller tells a chilling account of a young girl named Zoe, who is charged with the murder and accused of assisting her best friend?s suicide. Though proven innocent Zoe cannot let go of the thought of being tried for such an appalling crime. To get through the chaos Zoe was recommended to a psychiatrist, whom she does not enjoy sharing her thoughts and feelings with. Even though she does not like her psychiatrist, she is to recount in the journal what she went through with Aimee and her posse of friends before and after Aimee?s death. One chilling fact that was brought to the surface was that Aimee admitted to Zoe and her friends that her stepmother was physically and mentally abusing her. By doing so little by little the events leading up the Aimee?s suicide were revealed. This was only the beginning of Aimee?s cry for help, but nobody heard her screams in time to help her. After writing her feelings and thoughts into her journal Zoe had come to terms with Aimee?s death and was ready to start life over. Zoe changed her way of life and moved on from her past. She now is a scholar student and a state track champion. I ended up finishing this book in less than two days because the book takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride that entices you into reading more and more until you read the book from front to back. I thought this book was excellent in every aspect. I was very impressed with Miller?s uncanny ability to get into the character?s head, while never even knowing the narrator?s name, which was later found out at the very ending of the book. I believed the character?s roles were very well developed and realistic. The only criticism that I had about the characters was about Zoe?s parents. I felt as though they were not explained well enough and seemed to be one-dimensional at first, but later in the book, I got more insight as to their roles. Although fictional, I felt as though I was reading a true story from someone?s journal by using the first person perspective to narrate the whole story. To add to this, the author was able to capture even the darkest emotions of the narrator that it made me feel as though the events were happening to me. Lastly, I think the best part about this book is that it brings up issues that plague teens today. Such as, depression, suicide, eating disorders, illegal drug and alcohol use, divorce, and love in a very realistic way. Overall, I found the book to

I was given this book for Christmas. I didn't expect it to be any good, but I was wrong. From the very first page, questions rose from my mind. But the most prominant question was - WHY didn't I read it sooner?This is the story about a group of friends torn apart by one tragic night of poor decisions and a life time of anyting but happy endings. Aimee was the victim of sexual child abuse.Zoe was the victim of a friendship that couldn't win.While reading, you're bound to form questions in your mind. Write them down, as see just how quickly they're answered. I garuntee it'll be quickly.MaryBeth Miller has a style of writing I've been yearning for in the mix of boring young adult dramas. Her unique voice touches, GRABS you and rips you in to the world of Zoe.One thing is for sure.You won't forget Zoe or Aimee after you read.

This is a valuable book that should be read by teens and their parents. Missed opportunities for communication between adolescents and adults are key to the story, which evolves like a mystery with such suspense that I couldn't put it down. The narrator's voice is very real and poignant. The story has an important message to convey, on the difficult issue of teen suicide.I think this is a useful book for mental health professionals to read, as well.