Hag-YA novel book review

HAG-- RACHEL REUBEN

Audrey is in her senior year at high school and things are not going well. She had broken up with her boyfriend Desmond and now he was dating someone she hated. She has been edged out of her social circle as Desmond got the friends in the break up. Meanwhile she has Carmen and a bratty obnoxious friend named Roddai. Things happen and Desmond and the girlfriend break up and he makes his way back to Audrey. Tragedy occurs as Desmond is targeted as a fag and the fighting begins ending badly. Roddai is equally hurt that Desmond was protecting his secret and paid dearly for it. Eventually the secret of Roddai’s sexually orientation gets out even though he and Audrey are dating and is assaulted.

Audrey goes through several emotions throughout the story ranging from despair to anger and eventually she makes peace with her painful senior year and the tragic events. In college she is able to move on and get over the fact that she was just a hag.

This fantastic YA book takes on bullying full force. Too many gay/lesbian youth are targeted at school due to their sexuality. This is a poignant story how one girl struggles as she is caught up in the mess. Ms. Reuben tackles the subject with great sensitivity. I recommend HAG for anyone facing the same struggles and realizes that bullying for whatever reason is just plain wrong. 5 stars for this much needed novel.