Book Review: If I Tell

Synopsis from Goodreads

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Review:Jaz Evans feels betrayed by Simon, the one person that provides a connection to the other half of her heritage, who she just saw kissing one of her best friend Lacey. Not knowing who to tell, she holds on to this until it begins to make her bitter and angry. She feels she can't trust anyone and that before they can get close to her she lashes out and pushes them away. Then walks in Jackson, a boy with a past of his own and the ability to get Jaz to open up a bit about the secret she decides to keep, that is until she feels he is keeping things from her. Can Jaz overcome her the walls she placed around herself and learn to trust? I found this character to be easy to relate to on many levels. Their are many people in this world that grow up in the type of home environment where they are raised by grandparents alongside parents that are seen more as siblings. Personally, I can relate to that and how she feels about her mother, however her situation is just circumstance. Jaz is old enough to make a choice to not let it get her down and it seems at times she can come off as self-absorbed as if she is the only one that is suffering. It is a book about trust and acceptance, this book will make readers think about who they are. Realistic and thought provoking, this is a must read for teens that are having issues with self-worth, trust and being judged.