Joanne Macgregor

This book was so enjoyable and funny and relatable and made me reflect on my own high school and college experiences. Unlike Peyton, I wasn't name called or bullied for being tall or had issues dating (coz you know.... you didn't "date" in high school in South India in the early 2000s), but I could find similarities with so many of her struggles - hitting the seat in front of you in the bus with your knees coz your legs are too long, not finding the right fitting clothes or size 12 shoes in the women's section, feeling guilty for blocking the view of others behind me.... and always peeved that none of my secret crushes were ever taller than me. So, it was great to read about an MC who reminded me a little about myself.

Peyton is a pretty amazing talented girl but is not confident enough to express herself and the secrets of her dysfunctional family have left her unable to trust anyone or show her vulnerabilities. Jay is a great looking tall guy who doesn't play sports and wants to be an actor and can dance very well - I was really impressed with this characterization because it is so different from the usual macho jock stereotype. It also helps that he is a nice, kind, trustworthy guy who is also very charming and really brings Peyton out of her shell. I loved her character growth and the way she comes into her own is amazing to see. The whole dynamic of the team in the drama club was very entertaining and I enjoyed their rehearsals for the modern day adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. But my favorite character was definitely Peyton's best friend Chloe, who is absolutely confident, sassy and takes no bullshit when it comes to her friend. She really reminded me of my childhood best friend and now I really miss her 😭😭😭

Overall, this is a fun entertaining read with very easy flowing writing and lovable characters but I definitely reveled in the nostalgic feelings it evoked in me.… (mere)

Scarred by Joanne Macgregor is one of those books I’m sure almost everyone will be able to relate to in one way or another. Set in modern day USA, Sloane seems to be a typical teenage girl, but she’s been through far more than a girl that age should go through. A tragic accident left her scarred, a horrible loss keeps eating at her, and she's just broken. However, Sloane is also willing to move forward, thanks to the hard work of her psychologist. Unfortunately, her new high school is filled with a few unexpected complications; one of them being Luke.

This book is a highly addictive read. Once I sat down with Scarred, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The characters have been developed well, I enjoyed the plot, but mostly I loved the underlining message of the tale. I don’t often see complexity in this particular genre when I start analysing the story. Scarred, however, does have a complexity that makes me all happy and gooey, so that’s a total win in my books.

I have to mention that I did notice an inconsistency or two as I read, but it didn’t bother me whatsoever. That said, I do know a lot of readers won’t be happy with the abrupt ending. Due to the ending, it feels as though the author left a few things unexplained, but I have a suspicious feeling it’s done on purpose. Endings like the one found in Scarred, which is usually a high stakes gamble for authors and shouldn’t always be employed, is necessary at times: 1.) Because it makes the reader think about the story long after it ended; and 2.) It leaves wiggle room for the author if he/she decides to continue with the story.

I’m hoping Joanne Macgregor does write a sequel to Scarred, though.

Wait! What? Did I just ask for a contemporary YA sequel? Yup, I did. I tend to steer clear of contemporary YA, because it’s all been done, but Scarred really struck a cord with me. It asks questions, important ones. How do we get rid of bullying? Was Columbine (and all the other school shootings) preventable in one way or another? Does society even realise the unattainable standards placed upon children can break them? So many questions, so few answers …

I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are in the mood for a thought-provoking novel. Seriously, this holiday season, you need to read this book.… (mere)