The You I've Never Known

Once again, I've fallen in love with a book by Ellen Hopkins. Will this ever stop? (Just kidding, I never want it to end!) The You I've Never Known is amazing. Half verse, half prose. Ellen Hopkins's style of writing is different anyway, but I love when she makes her unique style even more unique. It's told from the point of view of two young women - Ariel and Maya - who (based on the book's synopsis) are supposed to share some sort of connection. I didn't realize what that would be until about a quarter of the way in, and even then, I wasn't super positive that I was right. BUT I DID TURN OUT TO BE RIGHT AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!! I won't go into too much detail, because I am not a spoiler queen (Though, if you're okay with spoilers, I'll be giving them below my review), but this is probably if not THE best, then one of Ellen's best books. *Cliche Time* I simply could not put it down. I read the entire last quarter of the book in about an hour and a half. I had to know what happened! There are still some things I want to know, so I feel like a second book, or maybe just a novella, would be a wonderful thing to happen. ***SPOILER TIME BECAUSE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THINGS*** The main thing I wanna know more about is Ariel/Casey's dad. Was he ever caught? What exactly happened while him and A/C ran together all those years? Just a book/novella from his perspective would be amazing. I also feel so awful for Maya. For Ariel too, but I just feel more pain for Maya. Ariel grew up, missing a mom, but thinking she was better off, while Maya found out she was pregnant and developed all these dreams for herself and Ariel/Casey, just to have them taken away from her. By a man who never wanted a daughter in the first place. Exploring that relationship more would make for a great second book too. Maybe have it told by three different characters - Maya, Ariel/Casey, and now maybe A/C has her own teenage daughter, so she's a main POV also. Also, Ariel was GETTING IT. Honestly, she went for 0 to 100 extremely quickly on the relationship front. But I love her and Monica together. I really hope that Monica's able to come out to her family and it turns out okay, or maybe it doesn't, but her and Ariel still last, or maybe she never comes out and Ariel meets someone new and finds a life with them, but maybe she still loves Monica. There's just so much left open!! So, basically, my review is I love this book and I need more of these characters. Every. Single. One.

I so wanted to love this one, as I have with every other single one of her books. Hopkins' writing is exquisite, as always, and that was one of the things I loved about this book. It is so beautiful: the prose, the poetry, the two stories woven intricately together. Ariel and Maya are relatable and it furthered the story. Both girls bring a different aspect of family, and they both tell a different story. However, reading the synopsis completely ruined the book for me. I just couldn't get past it. I kept waiting and waiting for Ariel's mom to come back. Because of this, I feel like the story drug on and on. This was a highly anticipated book. Wholeheartedly, I do know I would have loved and enjoyed the story more, had the synopsis been cut back. The story of the girls themselves was enough to keep the book floating. It was the reason I kept reading after the first hundred pages and this isn't a short book. I enjoyed the secondary characters, just as much as I liked the main characters.

The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins confronts many difficult and possibly controversial circumstances. A young woman lives with her father, but they never stay in one place very long. Ariel loves her father when he isn't drinking or being too overprotective. Other times he is abusive and angry. Ariel and her father finally stay in one place for an entire school year and she makes friends that she feels comfortable with. She is struggling with her sexuality because her father has always claimed that her mother is a lesbian. Ariel isn't sure about what she wants or who she wants it with. Another story is being told alternately with Ariel's. Maya also struggles with family situations and friendships. The stories of these two young women hold a strong, emotional mystery that knocked my socks off! In Ellen Hopkins standard writing, the mystery unfolds. 4 stars for an emotional book full of growth!

Four and a half stars; one reason why..& I'm forever grateful to those who wrote reviews before I had the chance to read the book, warning me: DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS. IT WILL RUIN THE BOOK FOR YOU. So many twists and turns and I loved the foreshadowing, although I will just leave it at that. This book is different from her others. Ellen Hopkins..I have since I was a teenager (for the past 11 years, as I'm now 26). I was hooked as soon as I read Burned, and then followed it up with Crank, Glass, and others. And to anyone who has an incredibly difficult past or complicated relationship with their parents, they will be able to easily relate to this book.

Another great book from a fantastic author. The book is written in poems like most of Ellen Hopkins books, but don't let that scare you away! Her writing is endlessly captivating with stories to match. I easily finished this book in a day and even months later am still thinking about the characters.

I absolutely loved the way Ellen wove the characters in this book into a shared story. It was so touching-I could tell she had a personal connection-so did I-and it made me cry (more than once)! As usual, Ellen has proven that she is an exceptional writer with a magic touch!

Ellen Hopkins....WHAT ARE YOU DOING? This books ending was mediocre at best! She has written much better story lines that hooked you right in and made you feel emotional. To me, this was a bit of a slacker. There was practically no plot line the whole time and she set it up so that the reader would expect a crazy ending but it just didn't happen. I'm sad.

love this ladies work. i have read all of her crank books, what a twist this is.. you only find out in the end. a bit sad and as you most know that have read her, she writes about her experinces in her life. Ellen is ONE strong woman

If anyone knows me...they know I don’t read let alone enjoy books. I’ve found the only books I can fully engage in and remember are by Ellen Hopkins. I just received this book about a half hour ago. I am on page 86 as a write this and do not want to put it down! My mind is sucked in by the way she portrays each character. I see each scene in my mind as if I were part of the story. I have read multiple of her books yet never bought any. I have now bought almost all of them and I for sure will read them over and over again!

Ellen Hopkins is a wonderful writer. Love everything she writes.

Once again, I've fallen in love with a book by Ellen Hopkins. Will this ever stop? (Just kidding, I never want it to end!) The You I've Never Known is amazing. Half verse, half prose. Ellen Hopkins's style of writing is different anyway, but I love when she makes her unique style even more unique. It's told from the point of view of two young women - Ariel and Maya - who (based on the book's synopsis) are supposed to share some sort of connection. I didn't realize what that would be until about a quarter of the way in, and even then, I wasn't super positive that I was right. BUT I DID TURN OUT TO BE RIGHT AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!! I won't go into too much detail, because I am not a spoiler queen (Though, if you're okay with spoilers, I'll be giving them below my review), but this is probably if not THE best, then one of Ellen's best books. *Cliche Time* I simply could not put it down. I read the entire last quarter of the book in about an hour and a half. I had to know what happened! There are still some things I want to know, so I feel like a second book, or maybe just a novella, would be a wonderful thing to happen. ***SPOILER TIME BECAUSE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THINGS*** The main thing I wanna know more about is Ariel/Casey's dad. Was he ever caught? What exactly happened while him and A/C ran together all those years? Just a book/novella from his perspective would be amazing. I also feel so awful for Maya. For Ariel too, but I just feel more pain for Maya. Ariel grew up, missing a mom, but thinking she was better off, while Maya found out she was pregnant and developed all these dreams for herself and Ariel/Casey, just to have them taken away from her. By a man who never wanted a daughter in the first place. Exploring that relationship more would make for a great second book too. Maybe have it told by three different characters - Maya, Ariel/Casey, and now maybe A/C has her own teenage daughter, so she's a main POV also. Also, Ariel was GETTING IT. Honestly, she went for 0 to 100 extremely quickly on the relationship front. But I love her and Monica together. I really hope that Monica's able to come out to her family and it turns out okay, or maybe it doesn't, but her and Ariel still last, or maybe she never comes out and Ariel meets someone new and finds a life with them, but maybe she still loves Monica. There's just so much left open!! So, basically, my review is I love this book and I need more of these characters. Every. Single. One.

I so wanted to love this one, as I have with every other single one of her books. Hopkins' writing is exquisite, as always, and that was one of the things I loved about this book. It is so beautiful: the prose, the poetry, the two stories woven intricately together. Ariel and Maya are relatable and it furthered the story. Both girls bring a different aspect of family, and they both tell a different story. However, reading the synopsis completely ruined the book for me. I just couldn't get past it. I kept waiting and waiting for Ariel's mom to come back. Because of this, I feel like the story drug on and on. This was a highly anticipated book. Wholeheartedly, I do know I would have loved and enjoyed the story more, had the synopsis been cut back. The story of the girls themselves was enough to keep the book floating. It was the reason I kept reading after the first hundred pages and this isn't a short book. I enjoyed the secondary characters, just as much as I liked the main characters.

The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins confronts many difficult and possibly controversial circumstances. A young woman lives with her father, but they never stay in one place very long. Ariel loves her father when he isn't drinking or being too overprotective. Other times he is abusive and angry. Ariel and her father finally stay in one place for an entire school year and she makes friends that she feels comfortable with. She is struggling with her sexuality because her father has always claimed that her mother is a lesbian. Ariel isn't sure about what she wants or who she wants it with. Another story is being told alternately with Ariel's. Maya also struggles with family situations and friendships. The stories of these two young women hold a strong, emotional mystery that knocked my socks off! In Ellen Hopkins standard writing, the mystery unfolds. 4 stars for an emotional book full of growth!

Four and a half stars; one reason why..& I'm forever grateful to those who wrote reviews before I had the chance to read the book, warning me: DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS. IT WILL RUIN THE BOOK FOR YOU. So many twists and turns and I loved the foreshadowing, although I will just leave it at that. This book is different from her others. Ellen Hopkins..I have since I was a teenager (for the past 11 years, as I'm now 26). I was hooked as soon as I read Burned, and then followed it up with Crank, Glass, and others. And to anyone who has an incredibly difficult past or complicated relationship with their parents, they will be able to easily relate to this book.

Another great book from a fantastic author. The book is written in poems like most of Ellen Hopkins books, but don't let that scare you away! Her writing is endlessly captivating with stories to match. I easily finished this book in a day and even months later am still thinking about the characters.

I absolutely loved the way Ellen wove the characters in this book into a shared story. It was so touching-I could tell she had a personal connection-so did I-and it made me cry (more than once)! As usual, Ellen has proven that she is an exceptional writer with a magic touch!

Ellen Hopkins....WHAT ARE YOU DOING? This books ending was mediocre at best! She has written much better story lines that hooked you right in and made you feel emotional. To me, this was a bit of a slacker. There was practically no plot line the whole time and she set it up so that the reader would expect a crazy ending but it just didn't happen. I'm sad.

love this ladies work. i have read all of her crank books, what a twist this is.. you only find out in the end. a bit sad and as you most know that have read her, she writes about her experinces in her life. Ellen is ONE strong woman

If anyone knows me...they know I don’t read let alone enjoy books. I’ve found the only books I can fully engage in and remember are by Ellen Hopkins. I just received this book about a half hour ago. I am on page 86 as a write this and do not want to put it down! My mind is sucked in by the way she portrays each character. I see each scene in my mind as if I were part of the story. I have read multiple of her books yet never bought any. I have now bought almost all of them and I for sure will read them over and over again!

Ellen Hopkins is a wonderful writer. Love everything she writes.

So far so good, which I knew it would be Ellen Hopkins is my favorite Author! Done read a quarter of it and i just received it today

Page turner for sure. Def would recommend to anyone 12-26. But with ellen hopkins books, thought theres always a twist, its a twist you can obviously always expect. But for sure one of mt favorites by her.

I've been a huge Ellen Hopkins fan since I was in high school. She is an amazing author who writes on really interesting, raw topics. I can never put a book down by her, and that's exactly how I was with this book. Great storyline with a great plot twist.

This book was okay. Ellen Hopkins is my favorite author and I couldn't wait to read this book. I was pretty disappointed when I did read it and didn't think it was as exciting as her other books.

By far the best book I’ve read in a long time I wish I could find another one like this got it finished in a week!

I love Ellen Hopkins and have pre-orderd every book she has ever written. This one starts out slow and I really did not like it until near the end. Not one of her best works but still a decent book.

I couldn't put it down. I love when the author is able to get the reader utterly invested in the characters.

Yet another masterpiece. Ellen Hopkins has such gift of writing beautiful novels that pulls at all of the heart strings

Ellen Hopkins books never disappoint!!! Exhilarating with plot twist, intrigue, mystery, emotional relatable story. Topics with should be discussed with teens

Wife loves the book and I love the deal

Was not disappointed with this book! She did an awesome job once again. Ellen Hopkins is my favorite author, her writing techniques and her story lines are so dead on. Love it!

The book is amazing as all of Ellen Hopkins books are! I just can't believe she has been through so much in her lifetime and can share in such a positive matter. She has helped countless children, patents, and family members not only be able to bring g their issues to the forefront but help them better listen, understand, and be supportive of so many issues that plague the masses. She is a true gem.

I am a huge fan of Ellen Hopkins and her writing style. I had never heard of this book so I gave it a try and it has plenty of twists turns and a very real feeling to it.

As usual she did not disappoint! I have read all her books now and I would have to say it's one of my favorites. So many twists and turns and page turning goodness!

I always devour Ellen's books! Memorable characters, love the twists....she never ruins the endings, coaxing us into holy cow endings...Brava Ellen you did it again!

Came in very quickly! Have been waiting for this book for like forever, and I've already started reading it. I love it! Ellen Hopkins is my favorite author.

I am obsessed with Ellen Hopkins books- and I'm a 29yo adult! This book was good, love the twists and turns she works into each book.

Amazing novel once again from the brilliant Ellen Hopkins

Love all of her books and this one did not disappoint at all.

I love all of Ellen Hopkins books and once again this is an amazing book! I haven't even finished it and I absolutely love it! It made me sad and cry though when Maya talked about the baby kicking on page 229 because it makes me miss my child so much, to feel him kick me... But once again great job Ellen!!

This is a great book. It tackles some serious issues as it focuses on identity, sexuality, and family drama. I enjoyed this book so much that I used it for my Capstone project for my Bachelor's Degree.

This is the only author that I read books and just cannot put them down. My favorite. There is always a twist or turn that I’m not expecting.

Amazing author. I will never skip a book by Ellen Hopkins. So deep in her writing and simple.

Another amazing book she's written. I don't know how she does it. She's an amazing person. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes personal and deep heartfelt writing. It's amazing.

Ellen Hopkins is the best

Love all her books!

amazing book! arrived fast and the book was in perfect condition

Good book

I love Ellen Hopkins. She has a way of telling a story that sucks you in

I have been a fan of Ellen's writing for years! This is another book that really blew me away. Her writing is grasping and keeps you reading until the very last page. I didn't put this book down until I was completely finished in a day! Ariel, the typical teenager, just trying to figure herself out. Thrown some problems and has to face them day by day. Ellen really gives you both sides of the story in this book. Worth a second read when I get the chance!

ok

amazing. Seriously devoured this book.

Great book

Big fan of Ellen Hopkins and love all her work. Amazing book to read and i recommend it to everyone

There isn't a book of hers I don't like. It started out a bit confusing to me but then once I gathered what was going on I couldn't put it down. Great book

My all-time favorite author. Can never put any of her books down. 10/10!!!

Ellen Hopkins never ceases to deliver a powerful book that both speaks to the mind and soul and this was definitly no exception!

Great book

As always, Ellen Hopkins does not disappoint. I really loved the narrators in the audio version. And it shines light into the LGTBQ community, and the internal struggles that can go along with it. Love you Ellen!

Ellen is so brilliant I hope she never stops writing YA.

Reminds me of Ellen Hopkins's older books with the main focus being on one character. Ariel is a believable and likable protagonist, with understandably complex emotions. The premise of the story revolves around Ariel moving around a lot in her childhood with her father, who claims it is due to "wanderlust." Ariel and her father finally settle down in Sonora, California for an entire school year, where Ariel is finally able to develop relationships and lay down some roots. Ariel loves her father, despite his occasional drunken rage, which does on occasion, turn physical. Ariel's father tells her that her mother left them when Ariel was two years old for another woman. And why shouldn't Ariel believe him? He is all she has had in her life and her mother hasn't contacted her once. Complicating things are Ariel's curiosity and confusion with her sexuality, which Hopkins is able to depict very well. Although I liked Ariel, what really did it for me in this book was the supporting characters. Monica, Gabe, Hillary, Zelda, and even Peg were all drawn up beautifully and played integral roles for the plot's advancement. The twist at the end of the book I was somewhat expecting, but it not in the way it happened! Would highly recommend this book for teenagers and adults alike, if for anything, understanding the importance of self-identity.

Amazing.

i ❤ this book as i do all ellen hopkins books..but there's more than a handful of them that stir up the painful memories because they hit close to home particularly this one at the moment...i know first hand how it feels to live a lie and be unaware of it...i lived 22yrs more than half my life living the life i thought was mine only to find out it was not and i was the only one that was unaware of it..the family i knew was either half my family or not blood related at all..i felt i lived a lie my whole life i was duped..i didnt know and still dont know the 2 halves that made me who i am because the only two people that know are deceased and someone ive never known.....

She's always been one of my fav authors. This book did not disappoint I'm 52 and love her books

Very good book! Great story and connections! I love the set up of her books! It is a very realistic story that could hit home for some.

Not a surprise this book is just as fantastic as all of Hopkin's book! I just couldn't put it down.

Ellen Hopkins is my favorite author and this book is one of the best! Her books always make me never want to put the book down

Book #14 Read in 2017 The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins Hopkins has written another masterpiece. In this book, mostly a verse novel with some journal parts, readers will find Ariel and her father. She is a teenager who was abandoned by her mother as a baby...or was she? Ariel finds out shocking news that will shake her foundation of life to its core. Add elements of romance, violence and humor, and you have a gritty piece of realistic fiction. My high school girls will eat this book up.

The book got here on time. I love Ellen Hopkins

Love. Love Ellen Hopkins & her new books do not dissapoint.

Bought for my daughter and as always Hopkins doesn't disappoint.

She spends the book in one person's perspective. No jumping between people, or time lines. You really get into the main character skin, I think it is by far her most satisfying ending. The emotion going through the character is relatable in many ways. A great story to start on by Ellen Hopkins. I loved it and finished it in one setting.

This lengthy mature YA novel in verse was a riveting and fast read, even with the prose-style journal entries interwoven. Now for the lens I’m reading through: I’m a school librarian, mid-30’s and cis. Does that matter? Well, from some of the reviews I have read, it does. The major trade publications have given this high ratings and the major teen blogs I read gave it good reviews too. However, there are several reviews on Goodreads that take major offense with the way bisexuality is portrayed in the book, but I haven’t been able to find some of the quotes referenced in those reviews actually IN the book. Perhaps the manuscript was changed after early reviews? I’m open to suggestion on this topic and will re-read if needed. With all of that out of the way, here is my PRO/CON review: PRO: Fast-paced, emotional graphic verse that is stark in the portrayal of Ariel’s reality of living with her alcoholic father. Once I got into the book, I couldn’t put it down. The relationships were vivid and Ariel’s confusion about her sexuality was clear (to me, at least!). I loved that she admitted that her desire for sex was sometimes simply wanting human touch, rather than sex itself. Regarding the twist, I honestly had no idea what was coming until JUST before it became obvious. The rawness of Hopkins’ choice of words seemed a bit muted compared to earlier work like Crank – depending on the reader this could be a pro or a con, I guess. CONS: The interwoven diary entries, which to me were welcome because I sometimes struggle with the staccato nature of verse, might be cumbersome to readers who chose it specifically for the verse style. The portrayal of bisexuality is maybe/possibly troublesome, but possibly fine. If I were reviewing this for a major trade publication, I would definitely request than an editor take a look at it and have a sensitivity reader look it over, given my lens. I thought it was possibly a bit long, and could have done without the additional journal entries at the end, but those didn’t take away from my engagement with the overall story. OVERALL: I will be purchasing this for my school library collection, and know quite a number of high school students who will be excited to read it, especially after I just purchased a replacement copy of Crank after having to weed our battered older copy. I checked this book out from the public library.

As far back as she can remember, Ariel has been on the move with her dad, putting space between the two of them and the mother who abandoned her to run off with another woman. Every time Ariel thinks she and her dad will settle for a while, he picks up and leaves again. But now that she’s 17 and a senior in high school, Ariel decides she wants to put down roots, and she likes the place she lives. She meets Gabe, and is attracted to him, but she also thinks she may be falling in love with her best friend, Monica. It’s a confusing, emotional time, and Ariel doesn’t want to move before she figures out how she really feels. When she discovers that her dad may have been lying to her, and that her mother didn’t abandon her years ago, she must confront the facts and decide how to live going forward, with or without her dad. The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Klages takes readers deep inside the lives of two women impacted by the same controlling man: Ariel and her mother Maya. Told in alternating style, with Ariel’s story in verse and Maya’s in prose, the story unfolds gently as it reveals the turmoil each feels given the facts of their circumstances. Much of Maya’s story is told in the past, when she is a teen like Ariel. Both of their stories show them dealing with difficult family situations and trying to decide what is important in their lives. And as with her other novels, Hopkins doesn’t shy from portraying relatable, imperfect characters facing difficult decisions. The You I’ve Never Known will keep readers aged 14 and up eagerly turning pages right up to the end. The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It has been a long time since I have finished a novel. I have started quite a few, but I have been in such a slump that I haven’t been able to finish one since last year. I figured if anyone could get me out of it, it would be Ellen Hopkins. Sure enough, here we are. The story pulled me in right away with its strong characters. Ariel has an interesting inner-monologue as she tries to figure out life. With the strange circumstances she has had to live through, only when she is 17 can she really take time to try to figure out who she is. Or, who she thinks she is. That is, until someone totally unexpected comes into her life and changes everything around. The plot is deep as it takes the time to examine, abuse, alcoholism, the military, and LGBT themes. It really was a tough book to read at times, but you end up caring so much about the characters that you have to see what happens. That is one thing that Ellen Hopkins is masterful at. You always end up feeling strongly for her characters one way or the other. This book was no different. You begin to root for certain relationships, and your opinions about some characters change along the way. There are a lot of twists and turns to this one. If you are into Ellen Hopkins’s work, or if you are looking for good, new fiction, I highly recommend this one. 5/5 stars

Ariel has spent her entire life drifting from place to place with her Dad, Mark. Abandoned by her Mom as a baby, Ariel and her father move often, leaving Ariel unable to form relationships and always feeling as if the latest place they touch down is just the next in a series of temporary stops. They've been living in Sonora long enough for Ariel to finish an entire year of school, and she's finally formed a few friendships. One of them is to her closest friend, Monica, to whom Ariel feels a deep friendship-- and attraction. Their friendship and potential relationship is complicated somewhat when Ariel meets Gabe, the nephew of her father's girlfriend, Zelda. Ariel is attracted to Gabe, too, and she isn't sure exactly what that means. Meanwhile, Maya is trying to escape her hateful mother, and the only out she can see is Jason Ritter, an older man in the military. But now Maya is pregnant, and married life with Jason is turning out to be scary and lonely. Told in both prose and verse, there's no doubt that Hopkins' story is often beautifully done. My biggest issue with the novel wasn't the book itself, but that the plot description reveals, in my opinion, a major spoiler that doesn't actually occur until past page 350. If you ask me, that's far too deep within the tale to reveal in the description, and I would have enjoyed figuring that twist out myself and getting there on my own. The story itself, as I mentioned, is told in various ways, and you need to be prepared for the verse, as it does take some getting used to. I haven't read many of Hopkins' books (in fact, Goodreads tells me I've just read Tilt, which I'll confess I don't recall at all), and I probably had to go at least 75 pages until I was sort of in the swing of the verse "thing." The book is told from both Ariel and Maya's point of view (though mostly Ariel) and most of Ariel's pieces are in verse. So, combine the verse/prose aspect and the fact that I was constantly waiting for this plot twist to happen while reading, and it took a bit to get into the book. There's definitely a lot going on this novel, but it was nice that at least Ariel's sexuality wasn't always the main focus. It was also refreshing to find a bisexual teen heroine. Overall, the book seemed to handle it fairly well, too, without so much of the usual stereotyping you can find in other novels and/or the media. I think a teen struggling with similar issues could find some comfort in this book, and that's important. For me, I wasn't completely sure that all the threads of the book were truly fully formed. I'm not completely sure how to explain that fully; it's not that I expected resolution to everything, but there were some serious topics dealt with in in the novel (beyond Ariel's sexuality) and it sometimes felt like they all got glossed over or moved past rather quickly. Bisexuality, rape, abuse... those are serious topics, and I'm not sure they got the ultimate focus they always needed. So, in the end, I find myself a bit stumped by THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN. I was certainly intrigued by the book and enjoyed it. As a bisexual female, I greatly enjoyed the character of Ariel and welcomed finding her in literature. While parts of the book went on a bit for me (though perhaps that was the verse format, I'm not sure, or waiting for the aforementioned spoiler), I found it interesting. Still, in the end, something felt a tad off for me. However, much of the writing was lovely, and the storyline different and often engaging. Overall, I'd probably give this one 3.5 stars.

‘The You I’ve Never Known’ follows two girls Ariel and Maya. Both begin the story struggling to deal with dysfunctional living situations. Ariel’s father moves them from place to place never staying in one spot long. He tells Ariel that her mother left the family and that she doesn’t want anything to do with Ariel. Maya has an abusive mother who keeps strict tabs on her. She later flees from her mother into anther bad situation. I was super excited when I found out that I would be part of the ‘The You I’ve Never Known’ blog tour. I have heard so many wonderful things about Ellen Hopkins books. Even though I have several of her books on my TBR shelf, I had yet to read one before now. I was in for an amazing surprise. This book is beautifully written. Since part of this novel is written in verse form (as are all of Ellen Hopkins books),at first I wasn’t sure if the story would come together for me. Wow, did come together beautifully. This book was so engrossing, I literally could not put it down. I loved both the characters of Ariel and Maya. Both characters were amazing written. They were both vulnerable and interesting but true to life. The storyline was fresh and raw while still being moving.Ariel and Maya’s stories came together beautifully almost like a puzzle snapping together. I was a little disappointed in the ending but not enough to really affect how I felt about the book. This book demonstrates how a slice of life book can be just as enthralling as any thriller or mystery. A definitely must read for those that love a good down on their luck story. However, I think everyone should give this one a try. I have already ordered several more of Ellen Hopkins’ books and can not wait to dig into the next one.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T READ THE SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK. MAJOR SPOILER!!!! TW for: Abuse, Child abuse, rape, and drug use This book is told from two different perspectives, Ariel and Maya. Ariel's perspective is told in verse while Maya's is a collection of journal entries. Ariel and her father Marc have been moving from place to place as long as she can remember, and finally decided to settle down when Ariel turns 17. Ariel, never having many friends, tries to decide if she is gay or straight. Ariel's overall conflict between her suitors seems very human but the overall portrayal of her indecision between a boy she just met and the girl who's loved her for 6 months does not sit well with me. Ariel was not a character I particularly liked as her indecision seemed so forced and didn't even feel like it contributed to a larger plot line. It seemed the aim of this subplot was to lead into Ariel's self discovery but all she learned was what she had suspected from the beginning and so I don't feel this actually furthered actual character development. I did, however, find Maya to be a more likeable character. I did like the journal entries and how intimate they were to the plot. I didn't dislike this book but it seemed very slow burning, and so I struggle to rate this accurately. I can't say it had a ton of good points as it just felt so average and predictable. Even before I ready the synopsis on the back of the book, my prediction for the ending was right on. I actually skimmed the last 250pgs just to hurry up and get through it, which is something I NEVER do.

This review originally appeared on herestohappyendings.com. This is the first book written by Ellen Hopkins that I have had the chance to read, and let me start this review off by telling you that it definitely won't be my last. Sometimes it can be hard to write a review for a book that I really like, let alone love with all of my book obsessed heart. This is one of those cases where I read the book quickly, and I've been sitting on a review for a bit, because I'm having a hard time composing my puddle of feelings to write something that will encourage you to read it. If you've read other books by Ellen Hopkins, I'm sure you're going to love this one. If you haven't read other books by Ellen Hopkins, like me, you shouldn't miss it, either. It's powerful, it's raw, and it's full of real emotions that haven't been doctored up to fit what society wants to hear. It's a book that will throw you for one hell of a loop, and you might find your heart a little shattered and yet somehow even more whole for having read it. The You I've Never Known is written in an interesting way that I didn't realize when I first picked up the book - it is written in both verse and prose, and I think that really added a bit of something extra to the novel. At first, when I saw that it was over 600 pages, I felt a bit intimidated at first, but I read this in just a day, because it goes by so quickly. Ariel and her father have always been together - just them against the world, for as long as Ariel can remember. It's always been new towns, new homes, and new schools, and while her father originally tried to make it sound like an adventure, Ariel just wants a home. She tries not to settle down and make friends, but now, at 17, Ariel is craving the ability to have some real friends, maybe someone to love, and to put down her roots and make a life for herself. Her father, an alcoholic who spends more time with women, using them for whatever he can, than he does with his own daughter, claims he has tried to do what's best for Ariel, even if it doesn't seem like anything he is doing is in her best interest. After leaving the army, he's never quite been himself since, but Ariel makes the best of her situation. When Ariel realizes that she just might be falling in love with one of her best friends, she doesn't really know what to do - her father would kick her out and never speak to her again, because he would never understand. Try as she might to keep her emotions hidden, Ariel has to struggle to come to terms with who she is, as well as confront her past, which is full of surprises that she hadn't expected. On the other hand, we have Maya, a teenage girl who lives with her strict Scientologist mother. Maya feels like she needs to get out of her bad living situation, so she does what she can: she meets an older guy in a bar while using a fake ID, and and gets pregnant with his baby. Thinking she can trust him to take care of her, she soon learns that the plan she had might not have been the one that would save her after all. Ariel and Maya eventually come together and both of their worlds are turned upside down. Ariel's story is told through in verse, which added such a lovely touch to the book. It was easy to follow along with, and it really added an extra touch to the book. Maya's are told in prose, and through journal entries which add plenty to the story. The You I've Never Known is one of those books that I really believe could have had a better worded synopsis to prevent any spoilers, and I'm definitely not going to talk too much on the actual story part, because I hate spoilers. Honestly, I knew exactly what was going to happen with Ariel and Maya from the synopsis of this one, and while it didn't ruin it for me because the book was so darn amazing, I can see how it could have ruined it for a lot of other people. The writing in this book was both real and poetic, and it was so easy to get lost in the author's words. I haven't read a book that spoke to me quite like this one in a very long time, and it was nice to really and truly devour every line. The story was absolutely gripping, and the author's note in the back of the book left me heartbroken. The relationship that blossoms between Ariel and her best friend is one of the most beautiful and honest relationships that I've seen in a long time, and it really made the book feel complete. Not only is Ariel struggling to come to terms with who she is while growing up with a father who has no acceptance for her or her choices, she finds a love that feels perfect and right, and that love helps her pull through some of the darker times she ends up going through. If you're looking for a fabulous contemporary, I can't recommend The You I've Never Known any more without actually tossing this one at you. It's such a perfect book and will ignite so many different feelings while reading it. The character development (especially with Ariel) is absolutely phenomenal, and the supporting characters in the book are written just perfectly to make you really enjoy each and every one of them (well, except Ariel's dad, because he's a jerk). Even the pacing was great with this one, not too fast and not too slow. I felt like the first half of the book was spent helping us get to know the two characters that the book follows, and this was nice. Although a bit predictable, it was one of the best books I've read in all the years that I've been reading, and I know I'll read this one over and over again. Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Another book from Ellen Hopkins that I couldn't put down. Her stories are always so real and this one was as well- being based on a true event from her own life. In this novel we meet Ariel who lives with her often volatile father who seems to keep a short leash on her making her feel like a possession instead of a daughter. Why does he do this though? It's a question she's asked herself many times. And soon enough she is blind sided by an event that shakes her to her core and leaves her questioning who she is. Another excellent novel from Ellen Hopkins! I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Candace Thaxton, Rebekkah Ross, and Kirby Heyborne. Need I say more - all are excellent narrators and brought this story fully alive in my mind.

Ariel is a very important character to have in the YA genre. Having grown up with only one person to call family, and moving too constant for long-term friends, Ariel is trying to figure out how exactly to define herself as a teenager, and as a human. Finally in one place for a bit longer, she's allowing herself to form a friend circle, and entertaining thoughts of a girlfriend. Or a boyfriend. But figuring that out isn't her biggest concern - her biggest is figuring out what exactly in her past was truth, what was a lie, and what she can possibly see in her future. I loved reading about Ariel figuring life out as she finds herself falling for both Monica, her best friend who is her one pure source of fun, and Gabe, a new but exciting friend, one who makes her feel safe and secure. This may seem like a love triangle on the surface, but how it pans out was a wonderfully refreshing take on the confusion that is teenage love. Throw in a sociopath, alternating perspectives between two women in really difficult situations, and reckless behavior, and you get a novel that is unlike any I have read before. I haven't read Ellen Hopkins' work since I was in middle school, but I am glad I returned to her for this latest release. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Written in both verse (mostly) and prose, The You I've Never Known is another winner from Ellen Hopkins. No one does verse like Ellen Hopkins does. She can convey emotion through verse in a way that some have trouble accomplishing in prose. It's a beautiful thing. Firstly, the blurb, in my opinion, gives off way more information than it should. It spoils a major part of the book (though people would likely guess it anyway). It didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, but I can see it how it might for some others. The You I've Never Known, much like all of Ellen Hopkins's work, hits on some real life issues. There's kidnapping, abuse, sexual identity, and forgiveness. As always, she tackles these issues in a real and honest way that keeps you reading and wanting more. * This book was received in exchange for an honest review. *