From the author of Yeah, But I Didn’t: Benji Stevens is 14 years old when her world falls apart. Betrayed, bullied, and battered emotionally, physically, and spiritually, her life spirals out of control. She is certain there is nowhere to turn and nothing to live for. Yet in the midst of the darkness there appears an array of hope in the form of her crazy uncle, her single mom, and a host of other characters she never dreamed would be there to help. When she is forced to join the Yeah, But I Didn’t therapy group, Benji is finally able to confront her inner demons and embrace her own self-worth.
First Impressions: This book throws you right into the heartbreaking action in the very first chapter! The jarring opening sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the story. I admit I was nervous about reading this book (even though I was looking forward to it) because it deals with such heavy topics, but the issues were addressed with sensitivity and respect. At the same time, the author didn’t pull any punches! Yeah, But I Didn’t is painfully realistic—tragic and unrelenting, but definitely not without hope. I liked how the book cover captured the atmosphere of the story, with its drab colors. The raindrops on the window reminded me of tears.
Plot: Fourteen-year-old Benji is a typical teenage girl who finds herself dealing with unimaginable problems. Surrounded by drama both at school and in her family, she does her best to carry on, despite each successive catastrophe that chips away at her sense of confidence. Although things seem hopeless for her at times, there are glimpses of a better future that is still within her reach if she chooses to survive. I thought it was sad that she lacked the support from her friends (and her sister), who should have encouraged her during the difficult things she experienced! In a sense, Yeah, But I Didn’t is a story about selfishness and its consequences. Fortunately for Benji, she wasn’t completely alone, even when she thought all was lost.
Characters: Benji was very relatable, especially in the way she tried to minimize what was happening to her and carry on as if nothing were wrong. Of course, this caused more problems for her later, but it’s painfully realistic! I wish one of the adults in her life would have noticed she was struggling and done something to help her. It’s a good thing her uncle was around! He was a great character because he was deeply flawed himself, but he still did what he could to take care of her. Benji’s sister was obnoxious, but it’s hard to blame her, knowing that she was going through many of the same difficult situations as Benji. Finally, Benji’s mother did the best she could do with the hand she was dealt. Her heart was clearly in the right place, which is worth something!
Final Thoughts: Yeah, But I Didn’t gets dark at times but is ultimately a tale of resilience and survival. Benji’s external struggle mirrors her internal struggle, mostly remaining invisible until it flares up and she loses control. However, she learns many lessons about herself throughout the story, which allows her to mature and see herself for the valuable person she truly is. Yeah, But I Didn’t is an excellent book! I think it would be encouraging for struggling teens and anyone else who is looking for hope.
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book reviewed above.
Ann Swann is the author of Yeah, But I Didn’t. Ann writes about characters who start out as uncertain victims and wind up as self-saving heroes and heroines. Before being published, Ann earned her way as a waitress, a rock-n-roll radio station secretary, a 911 call taker/dispatcher, and an elementary school teacher. She has been many things, but always there were the words. Writing is everything to her. Strong women aren’t always born that way. Sometimes, they are forged in fire.
You can purchase your own copy of Yeah, But I Didn’t on Amazon! Also, you can connect with Ann on Facebook, Twitter, her website, or her blog.
Author photograph by Stephanie Dribus
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