Tease

By: Amanda Maciel

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.

At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media.

During the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment - and ultimately consider her role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.

In this powerful debut novel inspired by real-life events, Amanda Maciel weaves a narrative of high school life as complex and heartbreaking as it is familiar: a story of everyday jealousies and resentments, misunderstandings and desires. Tease is a thought-provoking must-hear that will haunt listeners long after they hit stop.

©2014 Amanda Maciel (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Amazing story & performance

Julia Whelan is a FANTASTIC narrator but she goes above and beyond here. She really captures this characters voice. The idea of this book.... Writing the story from the bully's POV is genius. The author captures the perspective of an insecure teenage girl hung up on a guy and willing to do ANYTHING for him with absolute perfection. I felt like I was in a time machine and suddenly back in high school learning about what a lying jerk my first boyfriend was. I could totally identify and relate. As an adult, I can see the error in how I felt back then and how I acted. But I 100% understood how the main character felt and this story was eerily real for me. I think every woman, regardless of age, will feel the main character's pain. Maturity, I think, is what separates how the main character (a teenage girl) reacts in this situation and how an adult would be more likely to handle the situation gracefully. I love that the author doesn't try to paint the victim in this story as so innocent. The victim was not perfect, and she was no less deserving of life or respect. This is an important lesson for teens to learn. I loved this book.

Be careful

I understand the point of trying not to take sides, to tell the story from the bully's point of view. But I wonder if the teenage kids reading this book will. In the last pages Sara seems to finally understand what she did but most of the book she blames Emma and everyone else for what she did. The author does a great job of capturing a high school girl's voice. So well I think young readers may agree. And it is not a neutral subject. Just like the Prince case it is fictionalizing there are people who harmed others. There are bullies. And Sara is a bully. Not a victim. I worry that's not always real clear and that sometimes the book makes bullying seem okay and excuses or downplays terrible behavior. If a young person I know were reading this book I would be sure I had conversations with them to make sure Sara didn't end up a hero.

Tease

Really enjoyed this book, since it was unabridged it was a little long, but it's a good story for anybody to read/listen. bullying is a real issue. Writing was amazing! love the way she described situations

great

very engaging story! I was initially apprehensive as I do not know this author but it was well worth the listen

Hard hitting. Brutal.

Would you consider the audio edition of Tease to be better than the print version?

Yes. I loved how the emotions came through the narrator's voice, I think she did a great job with the MC's voice/tone.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tease?

****SPOILERS****Sarah realizing the difference between her defense mechanism and Brielle's. Some moments with Sarah and her mom, and Sarah and her brother Tommy. The developing relationship between Sarah and Carmichael. Sarah reading her letter at court.

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, first time listening to her. Will definitely check out her other performances.

Good Story

While I enjoyed the story, it was a little hard to get through. Bullying is tough and so many pieces to types of involvement. Easy read but little excitement.

Struck a very real chord

This novel is emotional in that it is so true to life, both because it is based on real events, and because the events in the story are so possible today. Julia Whelan's narration is stellar as always, and I absolutely adored the way the composition of this novel played out as an audiobook. The temporal shifts were smooth and interesting for me. I have a hard time giving this a perfect rating, because there were things I was missing or things I wished had been explored, but it certainly earns the whole of these four stars. Not for someone who isn't able to relate to or understand the dynamics of females in high school. Not a really heavy read despite the subject matter, more moderate. Worth reading!

OUTSTANDING!!! In the mind blowing kind of way

What made the experience of listening to Tease the most enjoyable?

It really told the other side of the story. Headlines always make the "bully" out to be a monster. It was amazing to step back and sympathize with Sarah. Also the narrator really ran with this and made for a real easy listening experiance.

What other book might you compare Tease to and why?

I would compare 13 reasons why and hold still. 13 reasons why is a book about tapes left behind by a girl who took her life. explaining why she did so. It also lets you see into the other side of the story. Hold still is about a journal left behind by ingrid helping her best friend understand why she could not go on. both these books are available on audible and are my top picks

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

Sarah the main character. She shows how scared and strong she can be taking all one step at a time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did! the only reason I took a break was because I didn't want it to be over yet! Cant wait to listen again

Any additional comments?

I would strongly suggest this book to anyone. It is so worth the price or credit. it is a game changer and really changed my outlook on a lot of things..... beautiful <3

Who is the Victim ?

Would you listen to Tease again? Why?

Yes, it would be worth another listen. So many issues and so much emotion I the story and the performance.

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

Julia Whelan's performance made a unsympathetic character, Sarah, poignant and real. I could understand and sympathize with her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

This is a thought provoking story on many levels, and it was a really emotional audible book. Julia Whelan was EXCELLENT ! She should get an Audie for this performance.