Standing Against the Wind Book

More like a 4.5!!

So I loved this book and I have come to care for Patrice a lot. I love a story that I can invest in the character even when the book is shorter. I was engaged from the very beginning.

Why it's not a complete five star is because
1. The trope that "you're not like other girls" is a large element to why the love interest is into Patrice. And I find that to devalue people or make side characters (no matter how mean) one dimensional. Mean characters have motive most of the time. And nearly everyone beside Monty (the love interest) and Patrice where the typical mean person.
2. The female on female hate was apparent in this and wasn't addressed, so similar to the first point. But even if the girls were being mean out of jealousy, it doesn't leave room for growth. That mean girls should be expected and there is nothing to be done, which isn't the case. Yes, they are kids but I feel there could have been a sightly better display of communication or at least the act of trying to communicate. PEOPLE don't have to be perfect but not everyone should be horrible, it's a bit unrealistic and leaves people the assume this is how it's supposed to be if a person was bullied.
3. MASCULINITY! Monty was the typical boy who protects the girl. Though, I love Monty, he had some seriously masculinity problems. It seemed he behaved poorly and did bad at school because he thought that was expected of him. He was also rude to teachers and the principal.
He does grow as a character but it's definitely as Patrice being a good influence rather than him learning to be himself.

WOW. This review is long, I just had many thoughts. The books was published in 2006? I think so that's why maybe certain themes are explored in depth. It is also a very short book.

OVERALL still amazing I love Patrice's character development and her motivates! The stakes are clearly high and she is learning to love herself.

And though I had many thoughts I thoroughly ENJOYED THIS BOOK and want to pick up more from this author!!!!

(Oh and I kinda wish she found a why to love and care for her natural hair instead of relaxing it)