Title: Nice Girls Endure
Author: Chris Struyk-Bonn
Publication: August 1, 2016
Publisher: Switchpress
Genre: Teens, YA Fiction
Pages: 256
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
Chelsea Duvay is so many things. She’s an avid musical lover, she’s a gifted singer, and she has the most perfect, beautiful feet. But no one ever notices that. All they notice is Chelsea’s weight.
Daily, Chelsea endures endless comments about her appearance from well-meaning adults and cruel classmates. So she keeps to herself and just tries to make it through. Don’t make waves. Don’t draw attention. That’s how life is for Chelsea until a special class project pushes the energetic and incessantly social Melody into Chelsea’s world.
As their unlikely friendship grows, Chelsea emerges from her isolated existence, and she begins to find the confidence to enjoy life. But bullies are bullies, and they remain as vicious as ever. One terrible encounter threatens to destroy everything Chelsea has worked so hard to achieve. Readers will be captivated by Chelsea s journey as she discovers the courage to declare her own beauty and self-worth, no matter what others might think. A must-read for anyone who loves to explore the personal but powerful territory of everyday life.
REVIEW:
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I love stories that have a great story behind it. The ones that give you just a little inspiration in a world filled with mean people, constant arguments over differences, and lots of struggles. Nice Girls Endure by Chris Struyk-Bonn is one of those books.
Nice Girls Endure follows a teenager named Chelsea. She is not unlike many teenagers. She struggles with her confidence level, her looks, parents wanting you to be something you are not, and not understanding why the world cannot just like you for who you are instead of what you look like. Chelsea is your sister, friend, cousin, or daughter. She’s the girl walking by you on the street. Constantly trying to make others happy while hurting inside from things people say and do. She goes through so much and typically keeps it to herself. I love that she goes through things I went through. This book would have made high school so much easier at times. I love how she finds her “people” just when she needs them and it helps her come to the realization that she doesn’t need a million people around her, just the ones that care.
This book is great for anyone, not just teens or young adults. Chris Struyk-Bonn tells a story about life, love, body image issues, the ‘mean kids, and learning to love yourself. I cannot say how much I love this story. I highly encourage you to pick it up and check it out for yourself, buy it for a friend struggling, or just for a nice read on a cold, snowy day. Five out of five stars.
You can find your own copy of Nice Girls Endure by Chris Struyk-Bonn on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is also available in stores near you. You should also add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave feedback for the author. You can check out the author, Chris Struyk-Bonn on his website here!