What We Saw - Softcover

Hartzler, Aaron

4.06

7,914 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0062430629 ISBN 13: 9780062430625

Publisher: HarperTeen, 2015

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Critically acclaimed memoirist Aaron Hartzler, author of Rapture Practice, takes an unflinching look at what happens to a small town when some of its residents commit a terrible crime. This honest, authentic debut novel inspired by the events in the Steubenville rape case will resonate with readers who've ever walked that razor-thin line between guilt and innocence that so often gets blurred, one hundred and forty characters at a time.

The party at John Doone's last Saturday night is a bit of a blur. Kate Weston can piece together most of the details: Stacey Stallard handing her shots, Ben Cody taking her keys and getting her home early. . . . But when a picture of Stacey passed out over Deacon Mills's shoulder appears online the next morning, Kate suspects she doesn't have all the details. When Stacey levels charges against four of Kate's classmates, the whole town erupts into controversy. Facts that can't be ignored begin to surface, and every answer Kate finds leads back to the same questions: Who witnessed what happened to Stacey? And what responsibility do they have to speak up about what they saw?

National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti calls What We Saw "a smart, sensitive, and gripping story about the courage it takes to do what's right."

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Review:

“What We Saw is a smart, sensitive, and gripping story about the courage it takes to do what’s right. If you’re looking for your next favorite YA author, look no further. Aaron Hartzler’s got what it takes.” (Deb Caletti, National Book Award Finalist for HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART)

“This book is real. Like the protagonist, it’s vulnerable, honest, and incredibly brave. Kate’s story will be a lifeline for kids observing impossible situations and wondering where the right and wrong is in all of it. I could not put it down.” (Maya Van Wagenen, New York Times Bestselling Author of Popular)

“A powerful tale of betrayal and a vital primer on rape culture.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“The author has delivered an important, powerful, and engrossing read that gives readers a lot to consider... A gripping narrative that begs to be discussed.” (School Library Journal)

“Debut novelist Hartzler pulls no punches in his depiction of rape culture. A stirring, important read. (Booklist)

“An outstanding debut novel with so much heart, it is destined for the bestseller lists.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA))

“A thought-provoking look at victim blaming.” (Publishers Weekly)

PRAISE FOR RAPTURE PRACTICE: “...a hilarious first of its kind story that will surely inspire more.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

From the Back Cover:

The party last Saturday night is a bit of a blur.

Kate Weston can piece together most of the bash at John Doone's house: shots with Stacey Stallard, Ben Cody taking Kate's keys and getting her home early, the feeling that maybe Ben is becoming more than just the guy she's known since they were kids.

But when a picture of Stacey passed out over Deacon Mills's shoulder appears online the next morning, Kate suspects she doesn't have all the details, and begins to ask questions.

What really happened at the party after she left?
Who was still there?
What did they see?

When Stacey levels charges against four of Kate's classmates, the whole town erupts into controversy. Facts that can't be ignored begin to surface, and every answer Kate finds leads back to the same question:

Where was Ben when a terrible crime was committed?

This story—inspired by real events—from debut novelist Aaron Hartzler takes an unflinching look at silence as a form of complicity. It's a book about the high stakes of speaking up, and the razor-thin line between guilt and innocence that so often gets blurred, one hundred and forty characters at a time.

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