Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

If I Tell

by Janet Gurtler (Goodreads Author)

3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 · rating details · 658 ratings · 169 reviews

"It was like watching a train wreck. I wanted to look away but couldn't take my eyes off them."
IF ONLY ...If only I hadn't gone to that party. I never would have seen what I did. Jackson wouldn't have driven me home. I wouldn't have started to fall for a guy just out of reform school. I could go back to pretending everything was normal. I wouldn't be keeping a secret from...more

Paperback, 244 pages

Published October 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

2011 YA Contemporaries

51st out of 170 books — 426 voters

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Best books of October, 2011

32nd out of 84 books — 186 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 24, 2011 Alexa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: early-reviewers, 2011-reads, young-adult, poc, gave-away

My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

2.5 stars

I could relate to the main character Jasmine in a way. I understood why she felt like she never fit in because of her skin color and the way she looks. I know the feeling. But she pretty much annoyed me for the majority of the book.The secret she kept from her mother.... It made me wonder why she even bothered keeping it to herself, sinceshe started taking out her frustrations on the one person she was trying to protect.Telling her moth...more
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

2.5 stars

I could relate to the main character Jasmine in a way. I understood why she felt like she never fit in because of her skin color and the way she looks. I know the feeling. But she pretty much annoyed me for the majority of the book. The secret she kept from her mother.... It made me wonder why she even bothered keeping it to herself, since she started taking out her frustrations on the one person she was trying to protect. Telling her mother that unlike her, she wasn't addicted to a color? And that she was a horrible mother? Whoa. Jasmine made unfair assumptions and was as judgmental as everyone else throughout the book. Even though she realizes this by the end and knows she has to change herself and become a stronger person, I can't say I ever went out of my way to root for her.

Another thing that bothered me was the fact that so many other issues were mentioned. There was the gay friend and the friend who was abused growing up and the boy who had a drug past. Every other character had a dead parent (cancer, drunk driving, etc) or a parent who wasn't in their lives. Yes, everyone has problems. But considering the book was already about prejudice and racism and forgiveness, it was too much. I guess I was suppose to feel sorry for the characters, but I honestly never felt much of anything for them. And then the dialogue from some of the characters made me cringe. Things like 'Once you go black, you never go back' and 'You know what they say about black men...' I've heard those jokes before. Who hasn't? It felt very forced. Like I was being reminded and convinced that the character was black. And I wasn't convinced. It didn't sound real or true to me. Just stereotypical things to say.

I liked that If I Tell brought up the issues of race and prejudice. However, I wasn't able to completely connect with the characters, and I think the book had a lot going on with the other issues I mentioned above. While I didn't enjoy If I Tell as much as I wanted to, I don't think it was a bad read at all. And I believe that if you're still interested in reading it you should go for it.(less)

like 9 likes · see review

Oct 23, 2011 Demi (Breaking Bookshelves) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, reviewed

More reviews on Breaking Bookshelves.
eBook from Netgalley.

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler is a story of stereotypes, of discrimination and stigma, of a secret and a lapse in judgement. It is a novel about Jasmine (Jaz) Evans, a “mistake” – a half-white, half-black mutt. She has a young mother, a father who does not want her, and she lives in a town so small and so ignorant that fitting in has not come easy. She sees herself as the stain her classmates have so eloquently told her she was. Yet, she sti...more

like 3 likes · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Ashley - Book Labyrinth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: canadian, for-review, from-publisher, netgalley

When I finished this novel I thought to myself “How come more people didn’t tell me how awesome Janet Gurtler’s writing is?!”. She totally has my favourite type of contemporary voice, a la Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Scott, and Deb Caletti. And those three are some of my favourite contemp writers, so that is a massive compliment.

‘If I Tell’ originally intrigued me, but its concept didn’t necessarily appeal to me. I mean, the girl sees her Mom’s boyfriend kissing her best friend?! It sounds pretty sk...more When I finished this novel I thought to myself “How come more people didn’t tell me how awesome Janet Gurtler’s writing is?!”. She totally has my favourite type of contemporary voice, a la Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Scott, and Deb Caletti. And those three are some of my favourite contemp writers, so that is a massive compliment.

‘If I Tell’ originally intrigued me, but its concept didn’t necessarily appeal to me. I mean, the girl sees her Mom’s boyfriend kissing her best friend?! It sounds pretty sketchy. And, well, it is sketchy, but it’s also not exactly what it seems. I think you can view the whole book based on the “it's not all black and white” theme, one which occurs on two levels. First there’s Jasmine (Jaz) grappling with knowing people and figuring out that people aren’t always what they seem. Then secondly there are literal black and white issues, with Jaz trying to deal with her mixed race heritage in a small town where people who are black and people who are white just don’t mix.

Jaz’s identity issues made up a much larger portion of the book than I would have guessed based on the description, but I was very intrigued by the whole scenario. I went to an incredibly racially diverse high school, so it was hard for me to understand why Jaz’s classmates, and even people throughout the town, made such a huge deal out of her being half black and half white. Jaz’s journey to understanding and appreciating her heritage as well as gaining self-esteem was at times difficult to read about, but it was beautifully done.

This book just feels like a perfect example of contemporary YA because it has a little bit of everything. There’s friendship (how cool was Ashley? I loved seeing a character with my name who wasn’t a bitchy cheerleader or ditzy fashionista), romance (Jackson! seriously cute), family, identity issues, and a specific plot point (should Jaz tell?) to wrap the whole thing together. I enjoyed this book so much, and I really felt for Jaz throughout the whole novel. If you’re a fan of contemporary YA, Janet Gurtler is definitely an author to keep an eye on.(less)

like 4 likes · see review

Oct 18, 2011 Jessi (Reading in the Corner) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Really, more like 3.5 stars. Goodreads--you need a 1/2 star option.

As someone who is generally wary of contemporary YA reads, simply because it's not a genre that I widely enjoy, I was incredibly intrigued by this story and began rather cautiously. What I discovered: Ms. Gurtler's writing is phenomenal. Her skill with words creates a realistic image of a teenager struggling through a crisis and pulls you along for the ride. I noted early on that this book had the "train wreck" effect--you know t...more Really, more like 3.5 stars. Goodreads--you need a 1/2 star option.

As someone who is generally wary of contemporary YA reads, simply because it's not a genre that I widely enjoy, I was incredibly intrigued by this story and began rather cautiously. What I discovered: Ms. Gurtler's writing is phenomenal. Her skill with words creates a realistic image of a teenager struggling through a crisis and pulls you along for the ride. I noted early on that this book had the "train wreck" effect--you know that something terrible is going to happen yet you can't make yourself look away. I found myself so incredibly immersed in the story that this was definitely true--I couldn't look away and I had to keep turning the pages.

Jasmine is a more complex character than I expected from the book's description and throughout the course of the story, she is dealing with a lot more than "just" seeing her mom's boyfriend kissing her best friend. She perpetually engaged in a sort-of inner battle about what it really means to be half-black, half-white in a very white school/town. This search for a self-identity really comes to a head throughout the book and is compounded by the event she witnessed because until then Simon, the boyfriend, was there for her, helping her come to terms with her identity.

One of the things that bothered me a little was the way that Jasmine treated her friends, and I'm not talking about the friend who made out with her mom's boyfriend. I'm talking about Ashley and Jackson. Ashley, IMO, is Jaz's REAL best friend. She's a tough chick and I found myself wishing that she would just up and b*tch slap Jaz for me--more than once. Jaz doesn't treat her like the awesome friend that she is, so I was definitely happy to see their friendship take more of a forefront as the story came to a close and Jaz left behind a dysfunctional friendship with Lucie. Jackson is a majorly cute love-interest with a history all his own. I was cheering for him from basically the second that I met him. He goes to such great lengths to really connect with Jaz and he's simply fabulous. Yet here again we have Jaz pushing away a good friend. She goes so far as to completley tear into him at one point and says some incredibly hurtful things. I was so hurt for Jackson.

What really shines in this story, for me, is the emotions that Ms. Gurtler drags you through. You'll experience hurt, hatred, confusion, empathy, sympathy, love--you name it and I bet this story can make you feel it. These intensely real emotions combined with the well-craft, highly engaging story will keep you turning the pages with a real sense of urgency.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

If I Tell is a beautifully written novel about the weight of ones secrets and the longing to be accepted for who we are. Raw emotion and believable characters made this book an absolute joy to read.

When Jasmine witnesses her mom's boyfriend Simon, making out with her best friend Lacey, her entire world begins to fall apart. Since she's never had a lot of friends and isn't very close with he mom, the secret starts to eat away at her fracturing the few good relationships she has.

Jasmine is a pric...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 08, 2011 Ashelynn rated it 3 of 5 stars

My favorite types of stories is contemporaries that make me feel. Sure, I love a good sci-fi or fantasy, but if I’m bawling my eyes out at page 50 in a contemporary or falling for the guy at page 5, well, you’ve got me hooked. IF I TELL is one of those books that I’d love. I mean, come on. Read the summary. Doesn’t it sound wonderful?

There are a few flaws I found rather… annoying with this book. Jasmine is biracial. Her dad was black, her mom is white. You’d think that’d be the end of the story,...more

like 3 likes · see review

Oct 09, 2011 Kim Baccellia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Janet Gurtler has to be my new favorite contemporary YA author! Loved this story. Review coming soon!

My YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Reena Jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, indie, reviewed, 2012-reads

Reviewed also on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://reenajacobs.com/blog/2012/07/n...

I’m going to start with the cover. Going into this book, I had no idea the girl was interracial (black/white). Now I’m not saying a gal like the one on the cover couldn’t be interracial. However, the description in the book made her seem like she leaned toward the black side of the interracial spectrum. The gal on the cover looks VERY white. I have to say, I’m rather disappointed in the cover art.

If I Tell h...more Reviewed also on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://reenajacobs.com/blog/2012/07/n...

I’m going to start with the cover. Going into this book, I had no idea the girl was interracial (black/white). Now I’m not saying a gal like the one on the cover couldn’t be interracial. However, the description in the book made her seem like she leaned toward the black side of the interracial spectrum. The gal on the cover looks VERY white. I have to say, I’m rather disappointed in the cover art.

If I Tell had a rough start. It began with leaving the reader in the dark. I knew something big had happened, but what exactly, I couldn’t say. I’m one of those folks who believes the reader should know everything the main character knows, so right off the back I was a little apprehensive about this book.

I’m happy to say, the “something big” was revealed rather quickly. My best guess is the author presented the “something big” as a mystery to draw the reader in… a hook. To be honest, if I’d read the sample in the store or online, I wouldn’t have purchased the book. I’m glad I picked it up from NetGalley, because I felt obligated to read a bit further… really give the book a try, because If I Tell was a decent read. Not fabulous, but decent, and I was lucky to receive the opportunity to read and review it.

The main character had me confused at time. She created a lot of unnecessary drama for herself. She boasted about her honesty and keeping the lines of communication open with her mother. However, she kept the “something big” to herself for much of the story. If she had just spilled the beans early she could have saved everyone a lot of grief. Of course, the story would have been over since that was the main conflict.

As for the plot, it was interesting enough. The MC was faced with a difficult dilemma. I truly felt for her situation. But like I said, she caused more trouble for herself than necessary. There were also quite a few slow moments in the story. The book wasn’t overly long, but it could have used a bit a trimming to really keep me engaged.

What I really liked about If I Tell was Ms. Gutler’s style of writing… the way she was able to use the language in a way which flowed well and was natural sounding.

Over all, If I Tell had an interesting premise. I liked the writing style. Ms. Gurtler did a great job stringing words together. I even liked the storyline. However, the book was a bit slow in the middle, and quite a few scenes seemed like the same but written in different ways. As a result, this was about a 3/5 star read for me.
(less)

like · see review

Feb 28, 2012 Alexis rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was great, it reminds me of "Born Blue by Han Nolan" except that the main character is not biracial as "If I Tell by Janet Gurtler" is. They both have a "ghetto" twang to them, even though they're both completely different. The girls name is Jasmine and her mother is with a younger boy. He's 23 and her mom is 32. Its scary but at least he won't hurt her, WRONG. He fooled around with Jasmine's best friend Lacey at a party. She belted him for it, she felt that she was being so bad for pr...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 22, 2012 Carmen Yeung rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-2012-advisory

This book started out quite originally, but very catchy. Since it brings you right into the scene, you kind of understands things better as it goes along. It started with Jasmine working in a coffee shop meeting her mom. Her mom was a teenage mother when she had Jaz. She was with a football player and had a one night stand and had Jaz. To prevent the kid from going against the father's professional road, the father had abandoned Jaz. Jaz is just this mix white and black girl that cant fit in pr...more This book started out quite originally, but very catchy. Since it brings you right into the scene, you kind of understands things better as it goes along. It started with Jasmine working in a coffee shop meeting her mom. Her mom was a teenage mother when she had Jaz. She was with a football player and had a one night stand and had Jaz. To prevent the kid from going against the father's professional road, the father had abandoned Jaz. Jaz is just this mix white and black girl that cant fit in properly, because of her race and because she lives around a lot of white people. I thought it was kinda of sad, because if you have a friend, they dont matter what race you are. Soon, her mom is pregnant again at the age of 34. This time, Jaz caught Simon (her mom's young husband) to be in a party and was making out with her friend Lacey. She was frustrated, since her relationship with her mom was not so great and she feel like if she tell the truth their relationship might just break apart as if they were never related. In the end, she decided to tell, since she finally understands Simon and how much he was being sorry for what he had done. It was a okay ending, but i feel sad for Jaz, because she never really had a mom ever since she was born. When their relationship got better, her mother have to take care of another kid that is called her sibling.
I thought this book was kind of interesting, because i never thought a mother can be so far apart from their kids. Doesnt the mother have the most connection with the kid even though they didnt spend much time together? I thought someone that has a mother around her age should understand her better, but instead she doesnt know anything about her daughter. I feel sad for Jaz, she have to hold everything in, not telling things will make things worst. Holding feelings in would make everything bad. I really didnt like Simon, because he was the one that started all this problem. Over all i liked the book, because the conflicts were very well displayed and was well solved. I would recommand this to girls that are close to their parents, because they can learn more about how to talk to their parents "correctly". I learned to not hide things from people, even if it means to break something. As long as there is honesty, i guess nothing can be hard to achieve. :)(less)

like · see review

Jan 14, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jasmine "Jaz" is shocked when she finds her best friend Lacey kissing her mom's boyfriend Simon. So shocked, she isn't sure what the right thing to do is. She knows she should tell, but her mom has recently announced she's pregnant and Jaz doesn't feel this is the best time.

Jaz's relationship with Lacey though, takes a nosedive. Lacey has always been free with her affections with the boys, but Jaz can't understand why Lacey couldn't leave Simon alone. Her close relationship with Simon also suffe...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 18, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

If I Tell is the kind of book that captivates you from the first page on. The opening scene is Jaz finding her best friend kissing her mother's boyfriend, and then the next scene is her mother telling Jaz that she is pregnant. Talk about drama.

Though I do appreciate the drama at times, I had trouble with the moral issues behind keeping such a big secret. I can't imagine what Jaz was going through emotionally, because I as a reader was stressing over what I'd do in that situation. I had to reall...more

like · see review

Dec 07, 2011 Kailia rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 On blog

When I first heard about this book, it sounded super good. Drama filled but good so I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it at all. I did give it a chance and I’m glad I did. Now, I didn’t absolutely love this book but I did enjoy it!

Let’s start with Jasmine. She was just so insecure and always complained about how her being biracial was such a bad thing. She felt her life was a complete mess without any way of fixing it. Her relationship with her mother is less than perfect and thi...more

like · see review

Nov 12, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read the description of If I Tell and thought it sounded like a good read, so I requested it and got accepted. If I Tell follows Jasmine as she tries to cope with trying to fit into her little town. Her father long gone, a Mother who didn't even want her as a baby and her Grandfather, who helped raise her, has passed away. She is the only mixed race person and is not treated nicely by most of the people in the town. At a party she sees her best friend and her Mum's boyfriend together and now h...more

like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 Reading Teen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Jaz Evans is a bi-racial teenager who lives with and been raised by her white grandmother. Her mother gave birth to her at 17 and gave responsibility for Jaz's care over to her parents. Jaz's father, a black man, was never in the picture of her life. Now at 34 Jaz's mother is pregnant again. She and her boyfriend, a younger black man, have a fairly stable relationship although the pregnancy was a surprise. While at a party, Jaz sees her best friend who is drunk as usual making out with a guy who...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Brittany Rehage rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm mixed on this book. I liked some parts of it and other parts I could do without. It just didn't feel as developed as it could have been.

Gurtler wrote a book about issues that need to be addressed, but I feel like some of them were put in the book to make the characters flawed and dysfunctional, instead of actually serving a higher purpose. This book dealt with racism, prejudice and the ability to forgive others, and all these other issues just seemed a bit too much. I can understand not writ...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a young adult novel that deals with some very adult themes but Ms. Gurtler writes them in a manner appropriate to her audience. Jasmine, her heroine is a bi-racial teen living with her grandmother because her mother is well, a bit of a ditz. Her mother had her at a young age after a love affair with a football star in high school. His family does not want to admit that Jasmine exists as he has gone off and married "the right sort of woman." Jasmine's mother is currently involved with ano...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2011 Dinjolina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-books, realistic, ripped-my-heart-out, romantic-suspense, superb-heroine, slut-alert, pretty-cover-pulled-me-in, love-your-fellow-man, lite-romace

I was prepared for a fun, light teen novel about some big questions.
Easy and kind of glazed over.

What I got?

Harsh reality and burning truth.

Social structure, interracial misgivings, identity crisis for the old and the young, lies, half truths, pain, loss, ended friendships, broken promises and shaken trusts, cheating and forgiving, child neglect and peer abuse, tears and ugly words, hugs and love, young hope, bright futures, new beginnings, better tomorrows and tighter bonds, new families and ol...more

like 3 likes · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fiction, read-in-2011

I thought the main character, Jaz, was strong and well developed, and the storyline was interesting enough, but there was a lot going on that just didn't work for me. Most of the secondary characters were underdeveloped, and a lot of the subplots were weak. This could have been a knock out if some of the issues within it -- the biracial/acceptance issue Jaz had, the addiction issues many of the teen character struggled with, the fact not a single family in this story was functional -- were just...more

like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jasmine is bi-racial, born to a 17 year old mother, raised by her very loving grandparents. Jasmine’s father hasn’t had anything to do with her, except for setting up a trust fund for her on the condition she never try to contact him…NICE! This, she feels, sets her apart and she’s never made friends because it was easier to hang with her Grandfather and her guitar.

One night at a party, Jasmine sees something she wishes she hadn’t and it shakes her to the core. Once she decides to tell her Mom wh...more

like 1 like · see review

Sep 27, 2011 K rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, advanced-reading-copy, ya

I was absolutely thrilled to be given the chance to review Jane Gurtler’s young adult fiction ‘If I Tell’ (published October 2011) by the generous folks over at Sourcebooks and Net Galley. I have been waiting patiently to read this after falling in love with the cover’s whimsical palate of aqua and greens, which promises only good things to come. Indeed, I read it across the span of a night and finished in the early hours of the morning.

In many ways, the central image of the girl staring into th...more I was absolutely thrilled to be given the chance to review Jane Gurtler’s young adult fiction ‘If I Tell’ (published October 2011) by the generous folks over at Sourcebooks and Net Galley. I have been waiting patiently to read this after falling in love with the cover’s whimsical palate of aqua and greens, which promises only good things to come. Indeed, I read it across the span of a night and finished in the early hours of the morning.

In many ways, the central image of the girl staring into the distance is a fitting symbol for the alienated central protagonist of this touchingly realistic bildungsroman. Jasmine is the biracial product of her young mother’s relationship with her jock teenage boyfriend. She is raised by her grandmother in a small, rather racially homogenous town, where she feels ostracized by her peers after an emotionally scarring incident as a child. She retreats into music and her friendship with Lacey, a promiscuous older girl, while also confiding in her pregnant mother’s boyfriend, Simon, who understands only too well the difficulties of racial prejudice. However, when her two worlds collide and she sights Lacey and Simon kissing at a party, her loyalties are tested and she is forced to undertake a journey of self-discovery on the path to maturity. The delectable guitar-wielding Jackson aids this process, yet his own secrets have the potential to compromise their developing trust and friendship.

The unusual combination of a biracial protagonist and the central premise of a cheating father figure immediately draws the reader, who cannot help but sympathize with Jaz’s struggles for acceptance. While Jaz could be overly insular, temperamental and self-involved at times, it is these very flaws that contribute to the novel’s greatest quality; its realism. Teenagers, while fascinating, are not always calm, cool and collected, and Gurtler nails the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence. This also assisted by the use of first person, which allows for greatest insight and connection with the understandably detached central character and her process of reasoning.

The dominant themes of racial prejudice, familial disconnection and isolation are balanced with the delightful first pangs of young love, as the gorgeous Jackson gradually encourages Jaz to lower her self-enforced armor and develop trust. Luckily for Jaz, her quirky cast of friends also has complete faith in her beauty and talent, and it is this support that guides her, despite her initial unwillingness to form bonds. The tenderness of her support network is quite touching, even if Jaz doesn’t always appreciate it. I especially loved Jackson and Ashley, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies and eternal, unwavering support.

Overall, a sweet read that explores some hard-hitting themes that are relevant to many youth today. I have already recommended this for purchase at the local and school libraries!

(less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 11, 2011 Bailey (IB Book Blogging) rated it 5 of 5 stars

IF I TELL is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that is sure to warm your heart. Gurtler confronts many issues that plague teens and doesn't sugar coat anything. I was shocked by how fast this book pulled me in. I wasn't expecting to love this novel as much as I did. I have to say that IF I TELL is one of my favorite contemporary YA books out there.

Jasmine is an insecure, hurt, and distraught biracial girl whose life is an absolute mess when IF I TELL opens up. Because she is biracial, she...more IF I TELL is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that is sure to warm your heart. Gurtler confronts many issues that plague teens and doesn't sugar coat anything. I was shocked by how fast this book pulled me in. I wasn't expecting to love this novel as much as I did. I have to say that IF I TELL is one of my favorite contemporary YA books out there.

Jasmine is an insecure, hurt, and distraught biracial girl whose life is an absolute mess when IF I TELL opens up. Because she is biracial, she has dealt with the criticism from onlookers her entire life. She isn't sure where she fits in, and feels like the black sheep of her town. To make matters worse, her relationship with her young mother isn't very healthy. Her grandmother and grandfather raised her since her mother was 17 when she had Jasmine, and she resents her mother for that. Matters only get worse when she catches her mother's boyfriend kissing her best friend, and when she's about to tell her mother the truth, she finds out she's pregnant!

Thus ensues much drama and pain for Jasmine. I truly felt awful for Jasmine. She feels like she has no one in the world, and isn't really living at all. She has lost one of her only friends, Lacey, because she can't forgive her for doing that to her mom. And then there is Simon, her mom's boyfriend. They have always been so close, but when she catches him with Lacey, she feels so betrayed. If I was in Jasmine's shoes, I wouldn't know what to do either. I did get annoyed at her at times because she did have other friends around her, but she was too blind to see the truth.

My favorite character in IF I TELL was definitely Jackson. He comes into the story and sweeps Jasmine right off her feet. Though Jasmine won't admit it because she has a "few" issues she is working through. I loved how understanding he was about Jasmine's situation. Even if she won't tell him her secrets or open up to him, he respects her. And then there is the fact that he has this mysterious vibe to him. You never know quite what is going on with him, or what is the truth about his past.

IF I TELL is an honest and delightful YA that I can guarantee you will love! I just want to go back and re-read the whole novel, even though I have a ton of other books to read. IF I TELL is a keeper, that's for sure!(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Nov 28, 2011 Veronica Avila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

I absolutely love it!!!

like 1 like · see review

Oct 27, 2011 Brandi Kosiner added it

If I Tell is a mesmerizing read with character that make you care and be involved with them. Even though I've never been in a situation like Jaz's I felt for her, and agonized over the right choice to make, and the implications of telling or keeping a secret.
There was so much more to this book than I expected, issues of friendship, bullying, biracial identity, sexual identification, and different family dynamics.
Ms. Gurtler fleshed out wonderfully Jaz's fears and emotions--dealing with her...more

like · see review

Oct 05, 2011 Charlotte rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, october-2011, 2011-challenge, arc

'If I Tell' is such a worthy read. It tackles a mountain of social issues and in my opinion Gurtler handles them all very well.

I found myself emotionally connected to the main character, Jaz. The pain and sacrifice she experienced trying to keep the secret begins to cause her already confusing life to unravel even more. Systematically, Jaz's facade begins to slip and one by one each of the few relationships she actually has, is falling apart.

Gurtler shows us what the weight of someone's betra...more

like · see review

Sep 20, 2011 Ivana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

If I Tell is first and foremost a deeply realistic novel (maybe you can't tell by the summary which at first sounded to me like a soap opera blurb), but given any other setup, any other place and situation, the core of it is as realistic as it can be. The main conflict revolves around an alcohol-induced mistake. If told, it could destroy several lives. As Jasmine struggles with herself weighing the pros and cos of telling the truth,she learns that everyone makes mistakes, but also that some of t...more

like 2 likes · see review

Sep 03, 2011 Liza rated it 4 of 5 stars

** Go check out more of my reviews at my blog Book Crook Liza **

The summary of If I Tell struck me right away and I knew I had to read it. I even put aside books I've been dying to read to read it and I'm personally very glad I did.

I wouldn't say this was a light, fluffy read, but it wasn't horribly depressing either. If anything it was thought provoking. If I Tell centers around Jasmine, a seventeen year old biracial girl who has been raised by her white grandparents in a small town. Her Mothe...more

like · see review

Nov 20, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I've heard nothing but good things about Janet Gurtlers novels, and now I know why. I could not put this book down, it grasped me from the very first page and didn't drop me off until the very last word.

Jaz Evans was raised by her grandmother and grandfather. Her Mother was a teen mom and decided that she'd be better off with her parents until she could get her life together. But Jaz's mom never seems to get it together, and Jaz is still living with her grandparents, which is probably for the be...more

like 1 like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, for-review

When I figured out I got to review this book for Librarything, I got really excited because the cover is really pretty and it sounded like a great book. Once I started reading it, though, I got a story that I wasn't really expecting. Yes, Jaz was dealing with a huge secret she had to keep from her mom while dealing with her emerging feelings for Jackson, but a large amount of the book dealt with Jaz's difficulty with her race. Jaz's mom was white while her dad was black, so Jaz is biracial but s...more

like 1 like · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Better Read Than Dead (Kelly & Kristin) rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I Tell affected me on so many levels. Ms. Gurtler concocted a story riddled with complications varying from racial identities to social awkwardism to sexual identities. This story of a young girl who struggles just to survive each day, touched every nerve in my body. The few friends Jaz has she keeps at a distance, ultimately pushing them away causing her own loneliness.

Jasmine Evans is the only biracial person at a tiny school in Washington. Talk about a girl with trust issues…she has them a...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Young Adult

50 users

Contemporary

28 users

Romance

11 users

Realistic Fiction

8 users

Family

5 users

Young Adult > High School

5 users

Young Adult > Coming Of Age

4 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Contemporary

4 users

Young Adult > Teen

4 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Romance

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Janet Gurtler

Janet lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and a little dog named Bruce. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot.

Janet only gives 5 stars to the books she reviews because she is an author herself and knows that no book can appeal to everyone, but like a child, it is very special to the creator.

I'M NOT HER was published by...more

More about Janet Gurtler...

Books by Janet Gurtler

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About If I Tell

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from If I Tell

“You belong, Jaz. You’re a human being. Color isn’t what you are.
It’s just your shade. You’re beautiful. Inside. Where it counts.” — 7 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: If I Tell
avg rating	preview: If I Tell Goodreads rating: 3.67 (658 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10841337-if-i-tell?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1304190476l/10841337.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10841337-if-i-tell?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]If I Tell by Janet Gurtler[/url]

If I Tell

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website