The Female of the Species is another fantastic book from the fantastic Mindy McGinnis. She wrote the dystopian Not a Drop to Drink (Also its follow-up In a Handful of Dust, which I haven’t read yet) and the historical A Madness So Discreet. Her latest book is completely different, a contemporary novel.
Alex’s older sister Anna was kidnapped and brutally murdered. They didn’t punish the man who killed her. Alex took it upon herself to punish him. Nobody knows it was her. There is a darkness inside of her, but she uses it to punish only those who deserve it.
Nobody really sees Alex. She is just the dead girl’s sister. Then she makes friends with Peekay, the preacher’s daughter, and school lothario Jack falls in love with her. Being close to people is a new experience for Alex, and it makes it harder to hide her darkness.
When I say that this book is fantastic, I mean it. It’s got funny moments, and sweet moments from friendship and romance, but it’s also a heartbreaking and DIFFICULT book. I would definitely recommend reading it, but be cautious because some of the subject matter (Rape, murder, animal abuse) can be upsetting.
You can read my full review here.
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I’m about 1/3rd of the way into this book and have fought back tears three times, and cheered out loud at least twice. Please give me more recommendations for this author!