Book Review: Going Under

Book Description

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge

Book Review: 3/5

Am I crazy for thinking I could have a chance with her? 

One look at the cover, and I'd guess it was more of a paranormal genre rather than young adult. I was guessing it has something to do with the sea - but I was wrong. Again, never judge the book by its cover because this pretty book doesn't have any paranormal 'blood' in it - something I'm quite thankful for. 

Bad-boy-meets-good-girl 

Jessie, a new face in school seems to be out of place parking his battered jeep beside cars that are more expensive than the place that he lives in. He knew he didn't belong here - but he didn't care. He needed to be here, he needed to be in the football team and he needed the scholarship. He plays really well, he can throw a ball with both arms (yep, ambidextrous, quite impressive). He's also smart - but he's does not brag about it. Honestly, I am ambivalent about what to feel about Jessie. I like him because he cares a lot for his family (his two brothers) and he cares a lot for Claire enough to let her go. However , I could not understand why he is selling himself short for the person who somehow really cares for him AND why in the world is he staying with his grandmother who obviously doesn't give a damn about him? It would clearly bring him into trouble - with all the things that his grandmother is making him do. 

Claire is the running valedictorian, she's a cheerleader and the girlfriend of the quarterback and she's rich. Its a BIG cliche` - but I love her. She's sweet and she doesn't give up on what she wants. At first, she did things that had my brows met, but she completely had me when the tables were turned. She finally had the courage to fight for what she wants and try to weave her happy ending. 

Claire's parents. Claire's mother - It will always be a mother's instinct to hope and want what is best for their children. This is why I understand why Claire's mother is not really into Jessie. But I was glad that she was also into Claire's happiness and made decisions that have saved a couple of lives. On the other hand, Claire's father is the best. He didn't judge, he offers reminders and advice to Claire but that was it. They are a perfect pair for a parent that a growing teenager needs. 

There's Dane who was honest and a real friend to both Jessie and Claire. He didn't mind that Jessie was out of their league and wasn't afraid to point out his friend's flaws when the situation calls for it. He helped both Jessie and Claire when he was needed most.

This is my first Georgia Cates' book and it went well. Not super great that had me at my wits - just plain okay. There were some questions needed answers, and there were characters who just vanished out of the scene. I needed to know what happened to the other characters: Earl, the grandmother, the ex boyfriend and the best friend. The ending was a bit abrupt (in my point of view) and suddenly, I was already reading the epilogue sometime in the future. 

Nevertheless, Going Under deals with topics that are common nowadays: teenage sex, drugs, cliques, social classes, family and of course, romance. It is filled with witty quotes and banters that would keep you entertained. Going Under proves that people change. It also reminds us to see the good in people- no matter what their past is and the length of their rap sheet. Last but not the least, it teaches its reader that there's hope in the bleakest of times and that love knows no boundaries and recognizes no social classes.