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The Unwritten Rule

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Who Would Like This Book:

This book is catnip for fans of emotional YA drama and readers who love messy, realistic friendships. Elizabeth Scott nails the awkward intensity of high school crushes and the fine line between loyalty and desire, all wrapped up in a quick, compulsively readable story. If you've ever felt like the sidekick, found yourself stuck between your heart and your best friend, or just crave books about the not-so-simple rules of teen relationships - this one's for you!

Who May Not Like This Book:

If love triangles and teen relationship drama aren't your thing, or if you can't stand passive protagonists, you might struggle here. Some readers were frustrated by Sarah's meekness, the supposedly cliché roles (shy girl vs. perfect, mean best friend), and a lack of deeper character development, especially when it came to the motivations behind certain friendships. If cheating, angst, or emotionally dependent friendships make you want to roll your eyes, be warned: this book leans into all of that.

A quick, feelings-packed read that's relatable for anyone who's survived high school drama - especially those drawn to juicy, complicated friendships and forbidden crushes. Not groundbreaking, but definitely binge-worthy for YA contemporary fans.

About:

'The Unwritten Rule' by Elizabeth Scott revolves around the complicated dynamics between two best friends, Sarah and Brianna, who find themselves in a love triangle with the same boy, Ryan. Sarah has been secretly in love with Ryan since 8th grade, but Brianna starts dating him, leading to a series of emotional conflicts and betrayals. The story delves into themes of friendship, teenage romance, betrayal, and self-discovery, portraying the struggles and complexities of adolescent relationships. The writing style is described as engaging, emotional, and relatable, allowing readers to empathize with the characters' experiences and emotions.

Characters:

Characters reflect relatable struggles with friendship and love, showcasing both positive and negative traits.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines emotional depth with a conversational tone, effectively portraying the protagonist's thoughts and emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on Sarah's internal struggle as she navigates her feelings for Ryan, her best friend's boyfriend, revealing themes of loyalty and the complexity of friendships.

Setting:

The setting is a familiar high school background that supports the themes of friendship and romantic dilemmas.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is quick and suitable for a single sitting read, maintaining reader engagement throughout.
Sarah and Brianna have always been friends, and it’s always gone like this: guys talk to Sarah in order to get closer to Brianna. So even though Sarah met Ryan first, she’s not surprised that he ends ...

Notes:

The main character, Sarah, has a long-standing crush on her best friend's boyfriend, Ryan.
Brianna, Sarah's best friend, is portrayed as beautiful but troubled due to her family issues.
The novel explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the consequences of unrequited feelings.
Scott incorporates a subplot about Brianna's difficult relationship with her parents, adding depth to her character.
The story breaks the typical YA love triangle trope by delving into the emotional struggles of both main characters.
Sarah is depicted as passive and conflicted, often prioritizing her friend's happiness over her own desires.
The book challenges the classic 'mean girl' trope by showing Brianna's vulnerabilities beneath her superficiality.
Scott's writing style is noted for being emotional and resonant, making readers empathize with Sarah's dilemmas.
The plot emphasizes the 'unwritten rule' among friends about not liking each other's boyfriends, highlighting moral dilemmas.
The book is a quick read, suitable for those looking for a relatable story about teenage angst and romance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include emotional abuse and complex relationship dynamics that may cause distress for some readers.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a significant element, focusing on Sarah's feelings for Ryan and the complications that arise.

From The Publisher:

Sarah and Brianna have always been friends, and it's always gone like this: guys talk to Sarah in order to get closer to Brianna. So even though Sarah met Ryan first, she's not surprised that he ends up with Brianna (even though Sarah has a massive crush on him). The three of them hang out, and Sarah and Ryan's friendship grows until one night an innocent exchange between them leads to a moment that makes Sarah realize that Ryan might be interested in her after all. But if there's one unwritten rule, it's this: you don't mess around with a friend's boyfriend. So Sarah tries to resist temptation. But with the three of them thrown together more and more, tension builds between Sarah and Ryan, and when they find themselves alone together at one point, they realize they just can't fight how they feel anymore....

April 2010
240 pages

Ratings (3)

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Reader Stats (3):

Read It (2)
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About the Author:

Elizabeth Scott is the author of Bloom, Perfect You, Living Dead Girl, Something Maybe, The Unwritten Rule, Between Here and Forever, and Miracle, among others. She lives just outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and firmly believes you can never own too many books. Visit her online at ElizabethWrites.com.

 
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