Review Detail

Cassies problems didnt start in eighth grade, but they certainly escalate then. Is it the fact that she believes in evolution when the majority of her classmates doesnt? Is it the fact that she refuses to sing Proud to Be an American during an assembly tribute to September 11? Is it the fact that shes a free thinker with strong opinions on everything from vegetarianism to pollution to war?

Whatever it is, in eighth grade Cassie becomes the butt of many barbs, epithets, and both physical and verbal abuse from her schoolmates. What holds her together is her diary, given to her by her brothers girlfriend, the few friends at school who actually talk to her, her almost boyfriend and visits to her familys cabin in the mountains where she can forget about the rest of the world.

Cassies life is like a typical teens life&ups and downs and ups and downs. The problem is the downs get lower and lower. She has an assignment to write a story&three times. The beginning and ending must be the same but the middle can vary. When her ending involves the suicide of a teenager named Cassie, her teachers and parents get concerned. This ultimately leads to the school getting involved and taking disciplinary action against her tormentors, almost making things worse.

&Or Not is Cassies journal with all her thoughts, emotions, fears and dreams. It highlights several things: the torture that eighth graders can inflict on each other, the fact that teachers and school officials are oblivious to such acts, teachers can inflict pain on students intentionally and unintentionally, and the loneliness that teens can feel.

&Or Not is filled with likeable characters-Cassie and her family and friends. It is also filled with unlikeable characters who you will hate as you encounter them. The diary format is effective as a story telling tool. Cassies liberal bent is understandable based on her parents, who are liberal, educated and opinionated as well. The many references to Lord of the Rings, among other books are fun. The book starts off very strong and stays that way through most of it, however, I was ready for it to end about 50 pages before it did. The problem was I needed to find out how it ends.,.as will you. Id give &.Or Not a try and stick with it.