It's Not About Me (A Second Glances Novel, #1)

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

It's Not About Me (Second Glances #1)

by Michelle Sutton (Goodreads Author) (Contributor)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 90 ratings · 39 reviews

Annie Myers is attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. Unfortunately, the focus of her life is on pleasing everyone and not making any waves. Her reputation means everything to her, but the opinion of others means too much, and her own opinion means very little...more

Paperback, 294 pages

Published June 10th 2012 by Sword of the Spirit (first published September 2008)

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

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 536)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Nov 25, 2008 Virginia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-ive-endorsed

I picked up IT'S NOT ABOUT ME intending to glance at a page or two, and ended up spending the entire day glued to the story. This book handles some tough issues with sensitivity and grace. Besides that, it's just a GOOD story! The hero is incredibly romantic, and the heroine so realistic she brought tears to my eyes. Parts of this story are hard to read, but that's because the author drew me in so thoroughly I felt like I was experiencing the painful parts with the characters. And because of tha...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 23, 2008 Andi Newberry ~Tubbs rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone!

Recommended to Andi by: The author herself!

I told Michelle I wasn't fit to write a review of this book and I still don't believe I am, but I'm going to give it a fair shot! It's good! THERE! That's my review! Naw, not really!
Man! Where does one begin?!? Two brothers, a beautiful girl, one using charm and good looks to get her, the other relying on God. Then you have the girl. She's a mess herself. She wants the younger brother, for all the wrong reasons. She gets attacked one night because the younger brother, is in trouble and is late...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 10, 2011 Linnette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books

Michelle Sutton, known for her edgy christian romance did an amazing job with "It's Not About Me." She masterfully captured the the angst and confusion people in our society experience today when it comes to affection, love, and sex.

While Annie loved both brothers, Michelle helped her find her way to true love. Our innate desire as women is to please the man in our lives, sometimes even if that means compromising ourselves and our conscience. But, is this desire to please truly love?

Michelle d...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 10, 2008 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Michelle Sutton has brought the events of this short span of Annie’s experience to life and penned a collection of vivid characters that will live on for the reader beyond closing this book. I am amazed at the debut authors I am discovering who have a power with words that I have rarely seen over many years of reading. I suspect that her books along with two of my other favorite new authors Geralyn Beauchamp and Julie Lessman will one day join the ranks of authors such as Karen Kingsbury and Fra...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2008 Margaret rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: mature teens and young adults

Recommended to Margaret by: Michelle

Shelves: christianfiction, contemporary, own, young-adult, sheaf-house

Having read a bunch of reviews of this book before I was able to get my hands on a copy I had several thoughts about what to expect. In starting the first and second chapter I was extremely hesitant. It was reminiscent to a time that I would gladly leave in my past memories and never go back to reflect. (A time that brought on a great long depression and I did not want to bring it back) But I promised to read the book and the author is a friend, so I prayed about continuing, felt peace and went...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 29, 2008 Jill Williamson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve always loved the song Beauty from Ashes. To me, there is no better way to describe God’s hand in our lives. He loves us so much, and although we sometimes go through horrible circumstances, if we allow him, God can lift us from that horrible, dark place and set us one a new path, filled with blessings. This is the heart of Michelle Sutton’s debut novel It’s Not About Me.

Annie Myers is a prom queen dating the prom king. She has it all. But in the world no one sees, she struggles to stand up...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 02, 2008 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Young Adults and up

IT’S NOT ABOUT ME, BY MICHELLE SUTTON

Finally! In an amoral society that pushes young people to the edge, we have an “edgy” novel that pushes right back! Kudos to Michelle Sutton for her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, which confronts real problems encountered by real youth—sexual pressure, drinking, pornography—and counters them with a message of hope and faith that is so vital for today’s young adults.

This compelling story gives a rare and honest glimpse into the “perfect” life of Annie Meyers...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 29, 2008 Stormi (Lightning Book Promotions) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone, especially older teenagers

It's Not About Me is a great book. I couldn't hardly stop reading it till it was finished.

Annie thought she had everything going for her, she went to church, she had a loving family, and a boyfriend who lover her. Then something happens and everything changes. Annie starts to learn that it is not always all about me, but that it is really about him.(God)

The characters in this book are great, and the story feels very real. It is hard for me to say a whole lot with out giving to much away, but it...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 30, 2008 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had been wanting to read Michelle Sutton's debut novel and had been hearing really good things about it. Well, it did not disappoint. I actually started it at 12:30 am one night as I went to bed - I put it down at 4:01 am when I finished - it just kept me flipping the pages to see what would happen next. It is compelling and very thought provoking with an excellent plot to drive the storyline. The way Michelle works a real attack into the story really made things real to me. My daughter is 12...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 21, 2009 Debra Ullrick rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oooo la la la....magnifique. That's what, It's Not About Me, is. A very emotionally satisfying, romance-filled, edgy story. Michelle is a very gifted writer whose writing style is quite unique. And she's not afraid to touch on, well, touchy subjects, and she handles them extremely well. A must read to be sure. Top of the line YA book.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 21, 2008 M.C. Pearson rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Dealing with hormones and peer pressure about sex causes stress for all teenagers--even Christians. Throw in a horrifying assault and the low esteem that follows, and you'll have to fight to keep your faith as well as your principals. Michelle Sutton doesn’t mince words about the sensual, edginess of reality. Join her heroine, Annie, as passion tempts her, a man wounds her, and God saves her."

This is well written but too edgy for me, thus the two star rating. I did not mean to hurt the author'...more

like · see review

Apr 11, 2009 Kathleen Fuller rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's Not About Me is a terrific book that doesn't tiptoe around real issues. As a former high school teacher and a mother of teenagers, I found this book to be written with an authentic voice. Sutton focuses on issues that face today's youth such as sex, alcoholism, shaky faith and the struggle to do the right thing. Even the most upright Christian characters are flawed in such a way that only God can heal them. I highly recommend this novel for both older teens and adults, and I can't wait to r...more

1 like · like · see review

May 19, 2008 Christa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from the...more

1 like · like · see review

May 14, 2010 Cheryl C. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Annie has a charmed life: she’s beautiful, graduated from high school with honors, has been accepted at the college of her choice, is surrounded by family and friends who love and support her, and has a handsome steady boyfriend.

But one night, her perfect life is shattered and everything changes so quickly she’s not sure which way to turn. Caught between her boyfriend and his brother, both of whom claim to love her, Annie is torn as to who she should choose to be with while trying to heal from...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 18, 2011 Carolyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The author of this book is a very good friend of mine. We go way back-seriously. Still, I am going to give my honest review of this book. I have to admit, I haven't read many YA Christian fiction books. The ones I have were good, but they were a long time ago when I was young, and was nothing like this one! This is a great YA book. I think many people try to make Christians out to be prim and perfect, but this book portrays what it is like to be a Christian in the real world. We've got the main...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 12, 2011 Joy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: religion, young-adult

I picked this up because it was supposed to be an "edgy" Christian romance and I was interested to see what was meant by that. I suppose "edgy" means total melodramatic trainwreck, because the book certainly was that. But maybe it was the vomiting because there was plenty of that too.

Annie is a Nice Christian Girl dating a Tony, a preacher's kid who has started hanging out with a Bad Influence Friend (character not fleshed out) who releases Tony's inner Mr. Hyde. Tony starts looking at porn and...more I picked this up because it was supposed to be an "edgy" Christian romance and I was interested to see what was meant by that. I suppose "edgy" means total melodramatic trainwreck, because the book certainly was that. But maybe it was the vomiting because there was plenty of that too.

Annie is a Nice Christian Girl dating a Tony, a preacher's kid who has started hanging out with a Bad Influence Friend (character not fleshed out) who releases Tony's inner Mr. Hyde. Tony starts looking at porn and pressuring Annie for sex, leading indirectly to Annie being horribly assaulted and Tony into becoming even more of jerk, but this time with added drinking problem. Enter Dan, Tony's Nice Christian brother who has long admired Annie from afar, and who is just thrilled to be there for her while Tony is struggling with his own metaphorical demons. There's also a subplot involving Annie's "friend" Susie, who has a crush on Dan and plots to keep him and Annie apart. So poor Annie is surrounded by all these douchebags. It's no wonder she turns to Jesus.

But Wait! you say. Didn't you describe Annie in the first paragraph as a Nice Christian Girl? Hasn't she already turned to Jesus? Well, Annie thinks she is a Christian in the opening of the book, too, but apparently she isn't really a really REAL Christian despite believing in Jesus and wanting to be a Christian, and praying to be one, and being observant and making choices to do the right things--the things which I thought make up Christianity. No, she has to pray AGAIN, apparently it didn't work the first time, because if you're a really REAL Christian God you have to pray (again?), and then God will talk to you telepathically nearly constantly. (Which, is not, in my experience at least, the way it works, but maybe I'm not a really REAL Christian, or maybe this is more of a work of fiction than I thought it was supposed to be). So every time each one of these trainwreck characters reaches a crisis point in their life (every 50 pages or so), Dan is there--not to tell them to get right with God because they've lost their way, because most people do lose their way every now and then on their Christian walk--but to tell them to convert.

So, yeah, despite having all the violence, teen social problems, and puking (assault-, alcohol-, and food poisoning-related) you could ask for, from which the "edginess" comes, this book was also very preachy, and it was preaching something I can't really get behind, namely that those who really desire to be a Christian and have started down that path, but somehow lose track of where they really ought to be spiritually aren't really saved, somehow. I was reminded, actually, of Martin Luther's advice:

Whosoever accepts the Son and is baptized and believes on his Word will be saved....If you wish to escape from despair and hate, let your speculation go. There is no other way. Otherwise you must remain a doubter the rest of your life. God did not come down from heaven to make you uncertain about predestination or to cause you to despise the Sacraments. He instituted them to make you more certain and to drive such speculations out of your mind....Cling to the revealed God, allow no one to take the child Jesus from you, hold fast to him, and you will not be lost. The Father desires you. The Son wishes to be your Saviour and Liberator.

(Letters of Spiritual Counsel)

So, to sum up the book: the plot and characters were over the top dramatic, the book was preachy (as opposed to illuminating an inner spiritual journey), and I had real issues with the theology. As for the writing, I found the prose to be very readable but the plotting didn't seem particularly tight--the "Susie" subplot exploded pretty much out of nowhere late in the book. Overall probably about 2.5 stars but I had to choose between 2 and 3.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 28, 2008 Trish Perry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Michelle Sutton’s It’s Not About Me tackles many issues: temptation, deception, forgiveness, and trust, to name a few. The story is most strong when its players are weak. Readers will identify with Annie, Dan, Tony, and maybe even Susie, because these characters struggle—as we all do—with very human failings. You can’t read Annie’s story without renewing your appreciation for our powerful and loving God.

Trish Perry
Author, Beach Dreams

1 like · like · see review

Nov 26, 2008 Jeannie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Jeannie by: Michelle

Shelves: favorites

I thought Michelle did a wonderful job with her first book. She did a great job with tackling tough subjects. Subjects that most people try to stray away from. She also does a fantastic job with making her characters come alive. The things that she has them go through is not easy at all, but it's real. And I commend her for it. As so many of us know, life isn't easy. Awesome job, Michelle!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 01, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-kindle

I wasn't sure about this story when I started reading it. I downloaded it onto my kindle because I wanted to read more by the author. The main character is a teenager girl dealing with pressure from her boyfriend to have sex before marriage. I thought, well this will be an OK story and I will recommend it to my 17-yr-old niece. I thought it was directed more toward a young adult audience. But, the most horrific thing happens to her and the story takes a turn. She must now deal with the physical...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 28, 2009 Terri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction

I could not put it down today because i knew it would change by end of the story. It brought my tears and joy for what great scene of heronic has a good heart to Annie. this is best story I ever read it. It feels it is real life story of teens today .

Awesome job Michelle..

1 like · like · see review

Mar 24, 2008 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Older Young Adults

"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."

1 like · like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Angela Breidenbach rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a special, close bond with this book. Maybe closer than most as my kids were the cover models. I can't spoil the story for you by telling the real behind-the-scenes but I can tell you Katie, the redhead gal on the cover, is my daughter-in-law now ;)

Reading Annie's story while knowing the cover model made it an intense, emotional read for me. Anything happening with Annie had the girl I knew in the real world attached in my head. Talk about seeing a movie as you read!

It's Not About Me is...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 18, 2008 Magma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: current-era, adult-young-adult, romance

haven't read it yet but it sounds good. will definately try to bug my library into buying it. ;D

1 like · like · see review

Jun 11, 2012 Tracy added it · review of another edition

I loved this book. Michelle has carefully constructed the characters to make them very real. Her descriptions easily allow you to get into the story and develop relationships with the characters. Without giving anything away, her scene descriptions hit all of the senses. The story lines are well woven with no loose ends. Because the story moves so well, you'll find yourself wanting more and becoming emotionally involved. Thank God for the follow up books, "It's Not About Him" and "It's Not About...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Mary rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To be honest, this just wasn't my cup of tea. I appreciate what the author was trying to do with this book. Like Melody Carlson, Michelle Sutton is another Christian brave enough to look harsh topics straight in the face. Since many Christians like to pretend these issues don't exist I admire her for this.

However, I didn't enjoy the detail about Annie and Tony's physical relationship. I agree that the issue should be brought up, but for me it was just a little too.... edgy! Which is what the au...more

like · see review

Jul 09, 2010 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my second Michelle Sutton novel and I so appreciate her heart. The desire she has to portray life and "Christianity" as she sees it is inspiring.

I cared about the characters in this novel. Both Dan and Tony are endearing in their own, very different ways. And I was happy to see that Annie--the beautiful church girl who survived a horrific attack--was able to find Christ through the tragedy.

On the downside, this novel has a very narrow audience. Unless you've grown up in church, you may...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 08, 2010 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Michelle Sutton is known as the Edgy Inspirational Author and BOY! is that not more true, then in It's Not About Me. Before, I hadn't read anything by Michelle, but now I am a full fledged Sutton fan! It's Not About Me is the story of Annie a teenage girl going through life pleasing everybody and trying not to cause any ripples. On one tragic night, Annie and everything she's ever known, is turned upside down. Now, while trying to piece things back together, Annie makes some life changing decisi...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 26, 2009 Donald James Parker rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Most Christian books dance around the subject of sex and the repercussions, especially at the teen-age level. This one wades right in and lays it on the line. A couple of the scenes get somewhat graphical in nature, making it seem more real. They may make the Puritan types queasy and even cause them to put the book down and maybe send them scurrying to the bookstore to complain that they are offended by the garbage they have purchased.. This material is not written for them anyway. This work is...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2009 Katrina Burchett rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, christian-fiction, books-i-own

Annie Myers was a Christian girl who wanted to wait until marriage to have sex. Tony Lane had been dating Annie for almost four years and the flesh was getting weak. It was becoming more difficult to wait to have sex, so when it was obvious that he wasn’t going to get what he wanted out of wedlock he proposed marriage. Then tragedy struck and Tony regretted giving Annie his late grand mom’s expensive ring. While Tony was having a hard time dealing with what happened, Daniel Lane saw it as an opp...more Annie Myers was a Christian girl who wanted to wait until marriage to have sex. Tony Lane had been dating Annie for almost four years and the flesh was getting weak. It was becoming more difficult to wait to have sex, so when it was obvious that he wasn’t going to get what he wanted out of wedlock he proposed marriage. Then tragedy struck and Tony regretted giving Annie his late grand mom’s expensive ring. While Tony was having a hard time dealing with what happened, Daniel Lane saw it as an opportunity to get closer to his brother’s girlfriend; close enough to take Tony’s place in Annie’s life.
I liked Annie. I felt so bad about what happened to her and about all she had to go through during recovery. She was a strong girl, though. And instead of becoming bitter and angry she began strengthening her relationship with the Lord.
Why this girl was being told that she wasn’t a Christian, I really didn’t understand that part of the story. Annie said the sinner’s prayer when she was in seventh grade because she was told that was what she needed to do to be saved. I believe she mentioned twice that she’d said the sinner’s prayer. And since she wanted to be saved I would think she not only confessed with her mouth that Jesus is Lord but believed in her heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). She was attending First Christian Church, singing for the Lord, serving God as the church’s secretary, wanted to be married in the eyes of God before she had sex – sounded to me like she was following Jesus’ teachings. Yet, someone suggested to her that she wasn’t really a Christian. If she wasn’t working on her personal relationship with Jesus, not growing in Christ wasn’t really a good thing but it didn’t mean she wasn’t a Christian. If she got saved, then she was a Christian.
As for the love triangle, I’m sure it was supposed to be romantic, but I just couldn’t see it that way. I understood why Annie would choose Daniel over Tony, but if Daniel really loved his brother like he said why would he want the girl his brother loved and had been with for almost four years? Not four months, four years! Daniel claimed he wanted to be more like Jesus and there were areas in his life where he was Christ-like. But Jesus wasn’t selfish. I think it was selfish of Daniel to want a relationship with Annie. If he wanted to be like Jesus so much, why didn’t he sacrifice? Tony loved Annie. He also had serious issues and needed his brother’s support. Where was Daniel’s respect for his brother’s feelings? Even if Tony wasn’t right for Annie, he had been with her a long time. They’re brothers. There are some lines you just do not cross. Where was the family loyalty? Tony was the youngest and the troubled one throughout most of the story, yet he was the bigger man in the end and much more like Jesus then Daniel.
There were phrases in this book that popped up repeatedly – lumps formed in throats or aching throats, tightening of chests or chests aching. Besides that and the “being saved” contradiction the author wrote a good, dramatic story. And it was really good that she included Teen Challenge, letting teens and parents know there is help out there.
Sutton also makes some important points in her debut novel: True Christianity isn’t just about getting saved, but having a personal relationship with Jesus. Alcohol consumption can only make a bad situation worse. What’s in a person’s heart means much more than outer appearance. A Bible-believing church service should always include a salvation invitation so those who aren’t saved can become Christians if they choose. And Jesus can change people!
(less)

like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Dawn Turner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

LOVED this book! It so accurately depicts the confusion and trouble both emotions and hormones can get us humans into. I adore Dan, and Annie is such a sweetheart, even as both of them struggle and don't necessarily make the right choices every time (who does?). It's how they come back from those choices that really says a lot about their character. I can highly recommend this book!

1 like · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 17 18 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 (4)

Videos About This Book

1 comment

Genres

Young Adult

11 users

Christian Fiction

8 users

Romance

4 users

Christian

2 users

Contemporary

2 users

See top shelves...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About It's Not About Me

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: It's Not About Me
avg rating	preview: It's Not About Me Goodreads rating: 4.17 (90 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15734810-it-s-not-about-me?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341370388l/15734810.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15734810-it-s-not-about-me?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton[/url]

It's Not About Me (Second Glances #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)

Videos About This Book

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Michelle Sutton

Books by Michelle Sutton

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About It's Not About Me