You Know What You Have to Do by Bonnie Shimko
3/5 stars
Amazon Children's Publishing, 2013
230 pages
YA Contemporary Thriller
Source: Received an ARC from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Magdalene or Maggie was saddled with quite the name by her young mother but has managed to grow up relatively normal. Oh, except for the voice in her head that tells her to kill people. Sometimes those people are the abusive alcoholic father of her friend; sometimes the voice singles out innocent little babies though. As Maggie's fear of this voice grows, will she be able to resist the darkness it shouts? Spoilers are necessarily contained as I need to explain exactly how this book affected me.
Firstly the characters didn't do much for me. My understanding was that Maggie would be a quirky original voice but I found her somewhat annoying. I hated all her complaining about her mother and best friend, the former of whom didn't seem that bad although the latter's true colors are revealed later. For one thing, Maggie is almost raped in a movie theater by a boy she liked and trusted. When she tells her friend, she says it was Maggie's fault and she should call and apologize! In fact Maggie complains a lot, which does ring true from my memories of being a teenager but is not what I like to read.
For me the ending of this book though was really where my problems came out though. She NEVER tells anyone about the voice and in fact seems to be embracing its instructions to mete out vigilante justice. I am never a fan of vigilantism and found this conclusion very unsettling. Despite meeting with many psychiatric professionals, she does not want to be deemed crazy and thus holds her tongue. I think she needed help and wish the good work of the doctors could have been appreciated.
Not everything I say is negative. I did find the writing pleasant enough and I don't think I've read another YA book quite like this one. Just overall, I feel like this was not a successful outing for me.
Well, at least there was good writing even if the characters didn't do it for you.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a really weird reading experience-I'm not sure my review entirely conveyed that.
DeleteThat is one creepy cover! *shudders* It's even more so after learning what this book is about:) First, I want to throttle her friend for telling her the almost-rape was her fault and she should apologize. I can't even begin to explain how angry that makes me! And I'm with you on Maggie I think, I would want her to seek help as well. As scary as admitting you need psychiatric help would be, I would think having a voice in your head telling you to kill people would be worse. Not sure this is the book for me, but I loved reading your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThe friend is so horrid although she does end up having a few funny clueless moments. But that instance was so outrageous. I just wanted to get Maggie help and instead I think she's going to continue her vigilante campaign.
DeleteI've been waiting for my library to get this book :-)
ReplyDeleteHope it works better for you-I'm sure there's an audience for it!
DeleteUgh, I hate when the ending doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very weird book-I'm not sure if the author could have even made Maggie getting help work.
DeleteI think it's very disturbing that she wouldn't seek help for her psychological issues. If I had a murderous inner voice, I'd glue myself to the psychiatrist's chair until they helped me, I certainly wouldn't try to play it off. Also her firend's response to her near rape is horrible! I think I might be cringing too much while reading this. I'm glad you thought it was a good enough read for 3 stars, but it sounds like it isn't really for me. Wonderful honest review!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was pretty average although there were some good moments of writing. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it at all.
DeleteI've had this on my shelf but haven't had a urge to pick it up. It's a bit disturbing she doesn't get help or anything though. I think the conclusion might drive me a little nuts. I'll have to pick it up one of these days and see for myself though.
ReplyDeleteI mostly picked it up now to get my review in to Amazon Vine-otherwise I probably would have just skipped over it.
DeleteIt's a shame when people need help and go and get it. I don't know if I would really get into this one. Doesn't sounds you really enjoyed a bunch either. :( Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Wouldn't recommend this one at all-check out other books instead!
DeleteI love thrillers but this doesn't sound like it's for me.
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
It really could have been more thrilling in my opinion-I can think of several points I'd want changed.
DeleteThis sounds a bit disturbing-- it sounds like Maggie really needs help. I hate when people don't accept what they need. I'm sorry that the characters didn't do it for you, girly. Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteYes, Maggie really needs help and although she's getting some, it's not enough because she's not being truly honest.
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