Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian Amy Atkinson Adrian, EmilyLike It Never Happened. Dial, 2015 [368p] ISBN 978-0-525-42823-7 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 8-10 Sophomore Rebecca Rivers loves being part of “The Essential Five”—the elites of her high school’s theater world. The group has sworn off intra-dating, but when arrogant, charming Charlie makes a move, she can’t resist, even if she notices that his chameleon-like personality changes as it serves him. Their clandestine relationship hits the rocks shortly before the opening of the fall play and Rebecca defends their director against Charlie’s criticisms, inadvertently revealing her teacher crush. When someone falsely reports an inappropriate relationship between Rebecca and Mr. McFadden, her slut reputation from junior high returns (all because she wore thong underwear that a friend insisted she buy), and everyone, including her closest friends, turns on her. Adding to the tumult is the return of Rebecca’s older sister, Mary, whose relationship with their parents deteriorated when she began a romantic relationship with another woman, but Mary’s lessons from the school of hard knocks help bolster Rebecca through the anger and agony of suspicion and betrayal. Though burdened by Rebecca’s caricature-like mother, this novel makes an interesting study in rumors and reputation, as well as an ultimately positive portrayal of a conflicted but resilient and independent teen. It’ll be a lively read for theater folks, sure, but an even better one for those worried about their reputations. [End Page 74] Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois