Title: Every Ugly Word
Author: Aimee L. Salter
First published October 30, 2013
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Aimee L. Salter’s Every Ugly Word takes you on a journey through the life of seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson.
She’s constantly bullied at school, and her relationship with her mother is strained. Her love for her best friend, Matt, is unrequited.
But Ashley has a unique gift: a glimpse into her future. She sees her older self, who has already been through the pain and heartbreak Ashley is experiencing.
However, her older self holds a dark secret. Something terrible is about to happen, something that will change Ashley’s life forever, and even her older self is powerless to stop it.
Join Ashley as she tries to change her future and break free from the cycle of pain and misery. Every Ugly Word is a poignant tale of hope, love, and self-discovery that will leave you breathless.
Editoral Review
Every Ugly Word by Aimee L. Salter – Book Review
Aimee L.
Salter’s debut novel, Every Ugly Word, is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking work of young adult fiction that explores themes of bullying, self-harm, and mental illness. Published in 2013, the novel is both an intimate portrait of a troubled teenage girl and a searing indictment of the harmful effects of peer pressure and societal expectations on vulnerable youth.
Narrated from the perspective of seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson, the novel follows her struggles with depression, anxiety, and alienation at school and at home. Ashley’s voice is raw, authentic, and sometimes uncomfortably relatable, as she grapples with her inner demons and the cruel taunts of her peers.
Her only solace is in the form of her sketchbook, where she pours out her feelings and experiences through stark and vivid drawings. As the story unfolds, Ashley reluctantly befriends an outgoing new student, Matt, who seems to genuinely care about her well-being.
But Ashley’s dark past, including a traumatic incident that she cannot remember in full, threatens to derail her fragile progress, and her friendship with Matt puts her in danger of being ostracized by her former friend group. The tension builds steadily towards a shocking reveal that upends Ashley’s reality and forces her to confront the painful truths about her past and her present.
Salter’s writing is lyrical and nuanced, with a keen ear for dialogue and a deep empathy for her characters. The novel explores complex issues such as self-worth, identity, and trauma with sensitivity and nuance, without ever resorting to cliches or oversimplification.
The portrayal of mental illness is particularly noteworthy for its honesty and realism, depicting both the devastating effects and the path to recovery without resorting to easy solutions or sugarcoating the realities. The novel’s pacing is well-judged, with carefully placed flashback scenes and revelations that keep the reader engaged and invested.
The characters are richly drawn, with Ashley’s internal monologue and sketches adding an extra layer of depth and complexity. Even the supporting cast of characters, such as Ashley’s conflicted mother and her former friends, are given their own mini-arcs and motivations, making the story feel fully realized and immersive.
Overall, Every Ugly Word is a powerful and poignant debut that tackles difficult issues with grace and skill. Its themes of self-acceptance, empathy, and friendship will resonate strongly with young adult readers, as will its messages about the importance of seeking help and breaking the cycle of bullying and abuse.
Salter’s writing is both powerful and compassionate, making this book a must-read for anyone who has struggled with mental health or felt the sting of bullying. Rating: 4.5/5
The only minor flaw in the book is the occasional reliance on familiar tropes and characterizations, such as the popular mean girl archetype or the troubled loner.
However, these are offset by the novel’s fresh and nuanced handling of these tropes, making them feel less like stereotypes and more like fully formed characters. Overall, Every Ugly Word is a stunning debut that marks Salter as a rising star in the young adult literature scene.
Highly recommended.
