The Pretty App

The first book I have read by Katie Sise, The Pretty App was a story of growth and change set amidst the dramas of high school, betrayals, manipulations and insecurities.

Told from Blake’s perspective, this story would not have drawn readers in and allowed them to empathize and learn to like Blake, let alone sympathize with her. She’s beautiful: so much so that her entire life her parents have steered her obsession with her looks, to the detriment of nearly every other aspect of her life. But she has secrets: she’s lonely and insecure, with huge anxiety issues as she questions everything in her life.

Subtle nuances show Blake at her best, and worst, as she struggles with her loneliness, the fact that she has no real friends, the meanness and cattiness she has displayed as her own unhappiness was pushed out to cause unhappiness in others. It’s quite a bit of time before Blake comes to realize that fact about herself, and the journey to that realization is what makes this book a must read.

Sise took major chances with this story: Blake is selfish and completely self-absorbed early on, obsessed with what others think about her. So much so that she is unable to see the warning signs in her relationships and with her friends, and despite the uneasy relationship she has with her parents, she isn’t able to see her father’s manipulation of her life excerpt in the broadest terms. Bringing a voice that is raw and honest, don’t shy away from this book simply because of the mean-girl voice, I was apprehensive and Sise’s ability to make Blake grow and start to see her reasons for her behavior, and the steps she was making to change her behavior, self and reputation are wonderfully written and show just how important and difficult change is.

Secondary characters range from near-stereotypical to beautifully developed, and every character added a new layer of depth or revelation for Blake. Audrey was a standout, not only smart and forgiving but insightful and well-grounded, with an ability to support Blake even when, from the reader’s perspective Blake didn’t deserve it. From the new mean girls that Blake meets in the Pretty App Live finale, to the realization that every action has a consequence to yourself, your reputation and even your own feelings of self-worth, Sise has presented a story that is full of moments to learn from and think about. Certainly one of the more intriguing titles I have read this year, I’ve picked up The Boyfriend App to see Audrey’s story, although it wasn’t necessary to read it before enjoying this story.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

read the paperback version. loved it!