This book pushed the envelope. It edged on the line between good and evil, between justice and revenge, between humanity and monstrosity. When a boy commits suicide, his brother sets out to avenge his death by capturing the girl he feels sent his brother over the edge: Cass McBride. Through the story, the true environment of the dead boy is revealed, as is the path that made him end his life. We also get a glimpse of why the notorious Cass McBride is the way she is. We see how her parents and her expectations and wants of herself lead her to be the cruel girl that - just maybe - might be able to hurt a guy beyond repair.
But beyond the simple popular girl vs loner loser characters, there's a deeper psychotic story being told. There's the story of an abusive, self-centered mother, the story of a father/daughter relationship lacking love. The story of the dilemma every older sibling has ever faced; leading their own life, yet still being there for their younger sibling. The story of the kinds of cops that take on such twisted cases.
There are some novels meant to make you think. Some meant to disturb you to your core. Some meant to make you see your own flaws and weaknesses. Some meant to teach you a lesson. Others to show you how there's two sides to every story. What Happened to Cass McBride? does all of the above all at once. The large font it's printed in and it's small size would usually connote simplicity and something read by kids. Not in this case. This book has many facets, and any young kids picking this book up should be severely cautioned.
But no matter your age, this is a book that will haunt you for days after you've turned the last page.
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