Sex Education meets Euphoria in this dark contemporary novel that tackles perfectionism, emotional abuse, and the dark side of social media.
Fallon is a fixer. From planning prom to organizing her college applications, she’s got it all figured out… except for when her younger sister comes to her with very basic questions about sex. Shocked that she knows so little—and her fellow classmates even less—Fallon decides some practical education is in order. And Fallon isn’t above practicing a little civil disobedience by creating a secret, underground, off-campus group.
Shelby is a fighter. Having her nose broken is nothing new in her semi professional career… but this time it’s her boyfriend that threw the punch. Now her phone is blowing up with texts from a new guy, who tells her she’s perfect, she’s special, she’s everything he’s ever wanted… except for a few small details. Shelby’s happy to adjust for him, because isn’t that what a healthy relationship is about?
Jobie is a failure. She doesn’t have enough followers and her posts never go viral, no matter how hard she crushes challenges and applies exactly the right filter. But a friendly DM from a good girl just like her points her in the direction of a whole new audience of admirers. Guys who just want to talk. Guys who give her the attention she’s always wanted.
The lives of all three girls intersect in Fallon’s secret class, rumors of which have parents up in arms. Fallon needs to keep herself anonymous, Shelby needs to keep her new boyfriend happy, and Jobie needs to keep her followers… who keep asking for more. Each girl finds herself trapped in an inescapable situation—that will leave one of them dead.
I’m convinced McGinnis could write a tech manual on fly swatters and manage to make it unputdownable.
This novel is so important and timely, but be forewarned – it will shred your heart twenty different ways before you read the last word. Fallon is a model student who has a concise plan for her future. Shelby is a professional fighter who’s physically abused by someone she loves and trusts. Shelby’s self-worth depends on her number of social media followers and post likes. When the three girls come together to provide practical sex education to fellow students (both female and male) and to dispel comical misconceptions, they could never predict the repercussions of their actions. You’ll cheer, laugh, and cry with them in their struggles.
McGinnis tackles heavy topics in this novel and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Teens deal with disturbing issues these days and need support. I’m not sure what sex education is like in school now (or if it’s even offered), but it was a joke when my sons were that age. They wanted facts and honesty, something all teens deserve. How Girls Are Made is a dark and intense read, but it’s incredibly important that teens receive accurate information, not only about sex but also domestic and emotional abuse, self-worth, and consent. This is an easy five stars for me and a novel I’d recommend to both teens and adults. It would be an incredible book club selection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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