Rabbit & Juliet

Self-described cinephile "sad girl" Rabbit's mother is dead, and her father struggles with alcoholism. Withdrawn and alienated from even her once--best friend, Sarah, Rabbit finds her primary social outlet in grief support group meetings, so when Juliet and her Camaro arrive in Hart's Run and upend Rabbit's world, the change is welcome. Rabbit and Juliet's relationship is only part of the story, however; where once Rabbit lived only vicariously through movies, her summer suddenly is full of screen-worthy events evoking the social dynamics of a John Hughes film and the dark revenge plot of Heathers or Twin Peaks. Rabbit narrates in a voice imbued with wisdom and maturity beyond her years, attributable to hindsight and being a lifelong New Yorker reader. Older teens may find her inspiring, young adults may see some of the best and worst parts of themselves, and movie lovers of all ages will be delighted by Easter eggs throughout. Hand this darkly comic coming-of-age psychological thriller revenge fantasy to readers who love movies like Bottoms and Do Revenge.

A small-town teen meets a promising new friend. Both Sadie, who goes by the nickname "Rabbit," and her dad are mired in grief, but they're coping in different ways: Her dad's remedy is gin, while Rabbit attends group therapy. Rabbit is lonely--her sorrow over her mom's death is so all encompassing that she's alienated herself from her friends. It's summer break when Juliet, the daughter of the only movie star in Hart's Run, Georgia, turns up in her bereavement group. Rabbit is immediately bowled over by Juliet. Early in their friendship, Rabbit spots Richard, her wealthy ex, at the local diner. Without yet knowing the details of how awful Richard was, Juliet senses from Rabbit's discomfort that something troubling happened, and she slams a food tray into his face. Rather than setting off warning bells, this moment solidifies Rabbit's awe of Juliet. Told with wry humor and unfolding with a sense of impending dread, the narrative homes in on how easy it is to misplace your trust--whether in people you've known your whole life or someone shiny and new. The impact of misogyny reverberates throughout the book, which centers on girls who want to speak out but are cautious to do so. It also offers a window into the complexities of how vengeance feels while taking a hard look at the consequences of revenge. The leads are cued white. A thrilling ride into the heart of a dangerous friendship.(Fiction. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.