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I Rize

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From a poetic point of view, Miss Nora’s classroom is my Garden of Eden. Everything is so perfect and peaceful during those fifty minutes that I am in her class each day.

Then the stupid bell has to ring and ruin everything.

That annoying, ringing bell taints my ears from evil lurking the halls. The ringing of the bell tempts me to take one step out for the next class.

And when I do, all hell breaks loose.

When evil walks the halls of Valley High, Adny’s life is put to the ultimate test. Three weeks before senior graduation, she leaves a series of videos behind for her best friend to relive the days leading up to the moment that would impact everyone who crossed her path.

Adny’s family and close friends search within themselves and the outside world for not only who would hurt her, but why. The search would be one they won't regret, but one they'd hope to forget.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

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291 people want to read

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S.T. Anthony

2 books34 followers

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5 stars
7 (17%)
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10 (24%)
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14 (34%)
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5 (12%)
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5 (12%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Cathy M..
264 reviews70 followers
September 11, 2013
In I Rize, there was a commendable effort made at tackling a sensitive and serious issue as bulling, but the execution just didn’t pan out in my opinion.

Genre – this read a little too much like Christian fiction for my tastes. It’s not labeled as such, otherwise I would not have picked it up whether it was a freebie from Amazon or not. Nothing against Christian fiction but they’re just not my cuppa. I don’t read them. Ever.

Writing – the writing just didn’t flow well. It was told in third person POVs from multiple characters, but it wasn’t smooth and the transitions were a bit disjointed at times. When Junior watched the videos that Adny made, the constant interjections of his expressions and thoughts were more irritating than anything else. And the dialogue…it was a bit odd in a few scenes (not consistently odd throughout). Especially for teenagers. One scene in particular that stood out –

“You ever sit mesmerized by calmness of the water? At any moment, I can jump in, allowing the beastly waves to swallow me whole. Never ceases to amaze me.”
“[…]I absolutely hate everything associated with the “L” word. You know not what love entails.”
“Mickey, I came here to make peace with my heart. I want us to be friends.”
Mickey stood, with his foot touching the edge of quick man’s sand, beginning to cry. “I used to always hear you encouraging Gracie. You need to follow your own damn advice. Love is complicated. Just face it, don’t run from it.”
Junior stood, grabbing Mickey by his shoulders. “Mickey, love isn’t complicated. Love is an emotion. We strip it of its simplicity.”


Huh? Okay, so how many of you know of any 17 or 18-year-old boys who talk like that? The author, ST Anthony, is currently attending college (according to her bio) so she is closer to that age group than I am so I don’t know. *shrugs* Maybe it’s just me.

Plot, oh my

Response – I felt no connection whatsoever to the characters and I almost stopped several times. This is a story that should evoke some sort of emotion – anger, sadness, pity, happiness, something. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t feel much of anything. I just wanted to get through it so I could move on to the next book because I hate not finishing a book. Maybe my expectations were too high, thinking it would be similar to “Thirteen Reasons Why” which dealt with a similar topic?

I’m not sure but I’m sorry to say that this book just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Oihane.
102 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2016
A really moving story about bullying. I loved it. I really liked the way it is written, the multiple point of views... And Adny's videos that showed the kind of person she was during all those years. Despite being a victim of bullying, Adny isn't weak, and I think that's what I liked most about her.

Congratularions Shirena for a really great job and thank you very much for giving me this copy. I can't wait to read what you write next.

Profile Image for Jackie.
170 reviews18 followers
September 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. it pulled at my heart strings and made me felt for the girl who felt she couldn’t go on with life, through all the bullying that was going on at school.

I was a bit confused and disjointed by some of the secondary characters and their views. We get one girl who uses weed multiple times a day to kill the feelings she has because of her family life. She’s just as miserable as Adny, but instead of becoming a victim, she is the bully, taking out all of her frustration, anger, sadness and hurt on Adny, and others like her. I couldn’t sympathize with them, and I was sure if I was supposed to.

We learn of the torment Adny had to go through from videos she left behind for her best friend to watch. They are heart breaking to read and visualize. That she was going through so much pain and felt so alone.

There are many ups and downs in this novel, the characters learn and grow and learn how to love and live. Which is a wonderful coming of age story, but it was done in such a unique way, and throughs o much pain.

The only thing that really threw me off and made me a little annoyed was that all of a sudden at the end of the book God was brought into it, and the message changed from someone recovering from suicide, to how God was the answer to everyone’s problems. Being a Christian I would normally have to problems with this, but the fact that God/Christianity/Religion was brought to light throughout the whole book was really confusing. I could have understood if that had been a running theme throughout the book, which would have been fine. But for everyone to bring God into is really threw me off. I wish it could have been done better.

Over all a decent read. I read it awhile ago, so my reviews not the best. But I did enjoy the book.
Profile Image for Lindsay Wilcox.
463 reviews38 followers
July 2, 2023
This was a very strange book. I’m clearing out some old Kindle books I’ve had for ages, so I gave this one a try. I had a lot of trouble following the plot lines, and there were several typos and editing mistakes. Some of the themes were interesting, and the characters seemed mostly fleshed out, but I’m not quite sure what my takeaway was supposed to be.
Profile Image for Anncleire.
1,350 reviews98 followers
September 7, 2013
Blog Tour on my blog September 7th
Review + Except
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...


Oggi sono per presentarvi “I Rize” di S.T. Anthony, uno young adult molto speciale, che è stato portato alla mia attenzione da RABT Book Tours, che mi regala sempre occasioni uniche che non si possono lasciare andare. Questa storia tratta un tema molto importante, spesso sottovalutato, quello del bullismo. Una storia commovente e speciale che toccherà i vostri cuori e vi farà riflettere su cosa è fondamentale per combattere uno di quei mali moderni che affliggono tantissimi giovani, incapaci di reagire.


Da un poetico punto di vista, la classe di Miss Nora è il mio Giardino dell’Eden. Tutto è cos’ perfetto e tranquillo durante quei cinquanta minuti che sono nella sua aula ogni giorno.
E poi la quella stupida campanella suona e rovina tutto.
Quella irritante campanella che disturba le mie orecchie con l’inferno che si nasconde nei corridoi. Il suono della campanella che mi tenta a muovere un passo verso la lezione successiva.
E quando lo faccio, si scatena l’inferno.
Quando in male cammina per i corridoi della Valley High, la vita di Adny è messa alla prova. Tre settimane prima del diploma, lascia una serie di video alle sue spalle per il suo migliore amico che gli fanno rivivere i giorni che portano al momento che impatterà la vita di chiunque si è incontrato con lei. La famiglia di Adny e i suoi amici più cari cercheranno in loro stessi e nel mondo fuori non solo chi avrebbe potuto farle del male, ma perché. La ricerca sarà una che non potranno rimpiante, ma una che spereranno di dimenticare.


Se avete letto “Thirteen reasons why” potreste essere familiari con questo tema, un tema molto difficile, drammatico e incredibilmente serio. Il bullismo, come dicevo anche all’inizio è un problema molto serio di cui si parla troppo poco. Un gruppo di ragazzi, una gang ed ecco che si inizia in modo subdolo, quasi insignificante e poi tutto cresce in maniera esponenziale. E spesso non sono neanche solo insulti o quelle che vengono definite “ragazzate” e sulle quali si chiude un occhio. No diventano vere e proprie angherie, delle torture psicologiche che spingono le vittime a gesti estremi. Perché se diventi la vittima di un bullo, stai pur certo che dii primo acchito parti da una posizione debole. Ma quello cha a me sconvolge, quello che mi lascia incredula e senza parole e il fatto che molto spesso i ragazzi che subiscono qualsiasi forma di bullismo NON POSSONO PARLARE CON NESSUNO CHE POSSA AIUTARLI. Genitori, insegnanti, amici spesso minuiscono quello che stanno passando, definendolo una fase, una situazione, senza intervenire assiduamente per fare qualcosa. E si interviene solo quando ormai la situazione è sfuggita di mano.
In questo libro, la scrittrice, è estremamente brava e decide di usare la terza persona singolare, di modo tale da poter usare più punti di vista e sviscerare la situazione che ha portato Adny a cedere da più parti, tutte le parti coinvolte. Adny è una ragazza che ne ha subite tante, che ha una situazione famigliare instabile e la madre Michelle le ha posato sulle spalle molte responsabilità, compresa la sorellina più piccola. Non che non ci sia, ma il fatto di essere una madre lavoratrice non le permette di essere presente al cento percento. A scuola è bersagliata, l’inferno si scatena da quando mette piede nella scuola superiore e dopo tre anni di angherie e persecuzioni è stanca, incapace di continuare a mettere una maschera e a fingere. Fingere per cosa? E gira un serie di video, dei video così totalmente veri e pregnanti che lasciano il suo migliore amico, Junior, incredulo, triste, sconsolato e furioso. La ricerca della verità arriverà a distruggere tutti, perché scoprire la verità porterà alla luce le brutture del mondo che Adny è stata costretta a subire per troppo, lungo tempo.
Un altro personaggio importante nella narrazione è l’insegnante, Miss Nora, una donna forte, nonostante il terribile male che si porta dentro e capace di amare e di esserci per i suoi studenti, regalando quella pace e quella tranquillità che a Adny mancano, in ogni altro luogo.
Ma non voglio aggiungere altro, ho detto già troppo.
Scoprire il motivo del libro vi commuoverà parecchio.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una poesia.

Un libro emozionale che vi lascerà senza parole, vi indurrà a riflettere ed ad aprire gli occhi su un mondo che lentamente va allo scatafascio. Il bullismo va eliminato e il primo passo per farlo è parlarne. Leggete questo libro.
Buona lettura guys!


Ringrazio RABT Book Tours per avermi permesso di leggere questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione. Grazie!
Profile Image for Nina.
199 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2013
I was so excited to read this novel. Not just because of the poetic words but also for the heavy drama aura of the blurb. It sounded so emotional and heart-wrenching.

The way the truth was revealed as to what happened to Adny was such a painful journey. True, it was short. But that doesn't make it any less sad and painful. The people around Adny had all participated as to what happened to her. Though not every one of them knew they were part of it. Some were just spectators, merely ignorant of the truth. Some were practically itching for it to happen.

I never really knew Adny in such a deep way. Sure, she was in the videos. Yeah, I pity her. She's been through so much bullying and stuff. But that didn't make me feel her that much. Also, I didn't really feel any of the characters in such a deep way. It was like I was a spectator myself. You know how you hear news when someone dies because of abuse or the likes? You'll get sad for the person but after awhile, you don't care anymore. Not even about how that did happen. I just knew what happened to Adny and yes it's sad. But that's that. Even if it was a painful journey in discovering the truth, I just didn't feel them.

The things that were done to Adny were practically normal teenage angst. It wasn't nice. It was really bad and just utterly evil. Especially done by such young people.

Despite the fact that I didn't get to feel Adny or any of the characters, I still enjoyed reading this. It wasn't really that emotional that I thought. But it was emotional in the right gear. I liked it since the story really has a great message to everyone. That everything we do actually have an impact to everyone else's life. So don't ever be ignorant of others!

I Rize is a nice contemporary read about young people trying to know fit in the world, about how our actions absolutely affect other people around us and how we should all be responsible of the freedom given to us.


Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
Profile Image for Shaz X.
401 reviews17 followers
August 29, 2013
Sharon's Book Nook - Review: I Rize by S.T. Anthony

*Copy of this book provided by Author in return for an honest review*

I Rize in an interesting story that focuses on a girl named Adny, who is being bullied at school by her stepsister and two of her friends.

The writing is in the third person and it took a little while for me to get used to S.T. Anthony’s style as she switches the story between the lives of several characters. Once into the swing of it, the story becomes very intriguing and there are several twists and turns that keep you guessing.

There are several characters that we get to know in this book. The focus is of course on Adny’s journey however, Junior her best friend who is also the victim of bullying, is who we get to know the most. He learns the extent of Adny’s suffering as a result of the bullying, through a video diary that she has asked him to watch. His reactions to her video’s portray a lot of the emotions expressed in this book.

The emotions in this book are mostly of guilt, fear and grief over what Adny has been put through, to triumph when Adny and her friends conquer the fear they suffer and fight back against these bullies.

My negative criticism of this book surrounds the medical condition Adny suffers with, and the operation she undergoes in order to save her. I felt that this was not portrayed realistically in regards to the time frame for recovery and I though it lacked research. This is where the book loses stars for me as I’m a stickler for accuracy with any story that talks about health issues.

Considering the audience this is aimed at, I think this is an important story for anyone who is being bullied to read. It sends a positive message of how to overcome these issues and I commend the author for taking on a topic of this nature.
188 reviews35 followers
September 2, 2013
FANTASTIC SYNOPSIS WITH A GORGEOUS COVER!

The cover was the first one to pique my interest and then I read the blurb, and I was like: "I reallywant to read this!" so I joined the book tour and got my copy of it :)

*COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR/RABT*

I liked most of the characters from Miss Nora (who was a total badass!), Junior (who was too damn sweet), Mickey (whom I wanted to just hug), even Madison! I really liked how the author explained everything in the end. And Jace is such a cutie pie, ugh. It was awesome how the author went back and forth between the characters' lives so we get a chance to experience each of their minds.



The only thing I truly hated about this book was Adny. Adny was an unbelievable bitch. She was more like the bully instead of the bullied. Maybe the author was trying to make us sympathetic towards her with the 'incident' but the words she says sometimes are just so rude.

Nevertheless, pretty awesome book with an excellent moral ;)
Profile Image for Kara.
763 reviews31 followers
December 21, 2013
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2013/...

Rating: 4 stars

I can not even count how many times ST's words had me in tears. Her words captivated me and her artwork of words are relatable to everyone in some way. We meet Adny who's working on crossing a bridge to never give up. We are closely connected with her support system and are allowed to see from all of their perspectives and into their personal lives. Andy's family and true friends are a godsend!! They're pure and honest and will do anything and everything for Adny. The pain, sorrow, rage, jealousy, and fear (just to name a few) had me transfixed and I couldn't take my eyes off the pages. Giving up is never an easy choice and I pray that anyone out there can see the happiness you bring into others lives. This book is a glimpse at the sad, horrible reality of bullying and the toll it places on one's life along with their loved ones. The ending came up on me quick and I would've loved to have seen more in this area. The closure was appropriate, but I found myself wanting more. In my day to day job, I share the same words with my clients that were found in this book...the key to finding happiness is forgiving "them" or forgiving "yourself". ST has given us through I Rize very powerful, meaningful words...Give it a try!!
Profile Image for Confessions of a Book Whore.
129 reviews44 followers
September 22, 2013
First of all I need to acknowledge how amazing this book cover is. I ordered this book on Amazon a while back and the cover is what actually enticed me. I was curious to know what the book was about so I read the synopsis and downloaded the book. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed this unique book. It is a very short read but it covers a very real problem today -- Bullying. What I liked the most was that the author gave multiple perspectives. She went from bullied, to best friend, to parent, to love interest, to bully and back. It covered a wide range of issues that any person can relate to whether they're fifteen or fifty. I truly loved that about this book. I spent a lot of time psycho analyzing characters because...well, that's just something I do, but this book was written in a way where you could play devil's advocate by understanding their own issues yet you could easily dislike them or feel absolutely no sympathy for them even through their own struggles. I'd rate this read at a 3.5-3.8. I enjoyed the style of writing as it is poetic but I would have loved a full length novel. I could actually see this YA book used in schools as a required reading. It would be a good pick.
Profile Image for Mutated Reviewer.
948 reviews17 followers
August 15, 2013
I am in love with this book. not only did it show what happens after you try to kill yourself, it shows how much people change once they know. not that you should try to kill yourself. but this reminded my why I shouldn't. as a person who has actually tried many times, this restored the feeling of getting better. and I absolutely love that. I think that more people should know about this book, really. if you havent read it yet, I definitely think you should.if you can get past all god references if you're not into all that, which I am not, its really an amazing book. I picked it up on amazon for free, and you should too. (:
Profile Image for Sarah.
14 reviews
May 11, 2015
This story was so tragic and heartbreaking, and I couldn't stop reading.It also shows really good character development. It really was a great read with unpredictable twists and turns, and you should definitely give it a shot!
Profile Image for -Edamommie-.
396 reviews18 followers
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November 14, 2013
Well im going to shelve this as a DNF because to many details make zero sense. I love the cover and the title and the blurb is great but... a good editing would make it a fantastic story. It was also free :)
Profile Image for Jewelle.
110 reviews32 followers
September 10, 2013
3.5 stars! I didn't like the writing style but it was an interesting story. Read it all in one day.
Profile Image for Tracy.
203 reviews14 followers
August 18, 2013
Ugh! This was so much work to actually finish. I felt zero connection to the characters & didn't care at all what happened to them. Huge waste of time!
Profile Image for Conny.
858 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2014
The Christian parts I did not like.

And I wonder if you can be an organ donor if you have cancer.

But I liked this book so 5 stars.
Profile Image for Renata SG.
502 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2015
GREAT BOOK ABOUT BULLYING... A GOOD READ!!!
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