Review Detail

How did Ann get to this point? Lying on the apartment floor, she feels like the shattered glass around her--broken. She really did love Connor. So why did he hurt her? BUT I LOVE HIM shows us the year long relationship that transforms Ann from a happy A-student, track star and popular student to an abused woman who gives everything to Conner, who leaves her with nothing.

I really loved how the author begins this realistic and haunting tale of an abusive relationship. It's unique as it starts at the end of the year relationship and works backwards in time. The reader sees bit by bit how Ann spirals into a relationship that is both dangerous and abusive. We see how little things like a hurtful comment and possessive behavior might not show themselves until later in the relationship. Also the whole 'but-I-can-help-him' way of thinking can only end out badly. No one can 'change' a person. Unfortunately Ann finds that out the hard way.

We also see that there's more to Conner then just anger issues. Conner is a victim of abuse from his own father. The author makes a very good point, Conner still chose whether or not he would abuse someone too.

Intense and power punched with emotion, this book really spoke to me. I also loved how the author showed the reactions of those around Ann. Abby, her best friend, knows that Conner is treating Ann badly but she knows there is really nothing she can do unless Ann admits there is a problem. Blake tries to reach out but is shunned. And Ann's mother tries to critize Conner, which only makes Ann want him even more.

As a survivor of abuse, the images of Conner and his treatment of Ann rang very true to me. The author nails it right on the mark by showing how an abuser tries to isolate his victim from others to the whole 'private' self he only shows a few people.

This book is a must read for those who have ever been in an abusive relationship and for those who know of others who are in one. Powerfully written, this book offers something some books on abuse don't usually do, it shows that there is hope.