What Kind Of Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

What Kind of Girl
What Kind of Girl is a book based around a 17-year-old girl, Maya. Maya has been in an ongoing relationship with her boyfriend Mike Parker, but when Maya comes forward about him hitting her things take a turn. Alyssa Shienmel uses her book to talk in-depth about many challenging subjects, such as dating abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, and domestic violence. As soon as Maya tells the principal at her school, word gets going around and people start forming sides. Maya is a strong girl. She has taken action and stuck up for herself and all other girls going through something similar to her. The conversation between Maya and principal Scott, reflects on others who may have come forward on ongoing abuse such as what Maya went through with Mike Parker. Furthermore, rather than just wrapped around abuse, Maya has been struggling with Bulimia, which she now has been hiding from everyone since she has already opened up about the situation with Mike.

As someone who loves to feel the emotion in a book, What Kind of Girl focuses on real struggles teenagers face. This book is not necessarily focused on the struggles themselves, but it also goes in-depth around the coping mechanisms teenagers sometimes face in fear of seeking help. As the reader, I truly felt for Maya. I have seen others struggling myself and I know how hard it can be to open up about your feelings.

After reading this book, Alyssa sheinmel has taught me a lesson. I understand how we often ignore the fact we need help, in fear of opening up. Many often think you only need help if you have it hard, such as the subjects mentioned in the book. (self-harming, eating disorders, abuses) honestly how big the issue is shouldn’t matter. If you are struggling and feel you need help, there is ALWAYS someone out there willing to listen, no matter how big or small the issue may be. We shouldn’t have to hide our emotions. What Kind of Girl has been one of the best reads I have read and comes with several takeaway messages and feelings.

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