Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman

Pages: 321
Intended Audience: Teens
Genre: Real Life / Social Issues
Notes for Parents: Includes cyberbullying, attempted suicide.

The Back Cover

Lara just got told off on Facebook.
She thought that Christian liked her, that he was finally going to ask her to his school’s homecoming dance. They’ve been talking online for weeks, so what’s with the sudden change? And where does he get off saying horrible things on her wall? Even worse—are they true?
It’s been a long time since Lara’s felt this bad, this depressed, this ugly. She’s worked really hard to become pretty and happy—and make new friends after what happened in middle school.
Bree used to be best friends with overweight, depressed Lara, but constantly listening to Lara’s issues got to be too much. Secretly, Bree’s glad that Christian called Lara out. Lara’s not nearly as amazing as people think.
But no one realized just how far Christian’s harsh comments would push Lara. Not even Bree.
As online life collides with real life, things spiral out of control, and not just for Lara. Because when the truth starts to come together, the backlash is even more devastating that anyone could have ever imagined.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author writes, “I was inspired to write Backlash after reading news stories about several cyberbullying incidents and the online vigilantism that occurred in the name of making the bullies “pay.”

What’s good?

This is a sadly realistic, cautionary tale of what can happen as a result of cyberbullying. Using multiple viewpoints, the reader witnesses how one calculated act of revenge can affect many people and how its consequences often extend far beyond what is imaginable. The pace is even, the chapters are short, and the plot is though-provoking without being too preachy. Characterization is strong, but disconcerting when you appreciate how realistic these characters and their situation really are. There were no great revelations in the end, but that was fitting because the answers to life’s problems are rarely wrapped up in a nice little bow.
Best Part: Liam and Sydney

What isn’t good?

I found it difficult to relate to most of the characters in any meaningful way. While I believe the portrayals are realistic (on a small scale), I couldn’t muster much compassion for anyone but Liam and Syd. The story brings together so many issues relevant today (cyberbullying, the stigma of mental illness, butterfly effect, etc.) that the story gets overwhelmed by them at times.
Worst part: Monster Mom

Recommendation þþþoo

This is a disturbing look at life in a global community. Instant communication and anonymity provide the tools to act impulsively and without compassion, and with few formal consequences. I didn’t enjoy the topic, but I liked the authenticity of the storytelling. While there is a moral message in the end, it doesn’t fail to prove that we live in a world that lacks empathy and compassion. The story is good, not great, but still recommended.

Littman, Sarah Darer. Backlash. New York: Scholastic, 2015.