Dimah Emerson endures something no one else ever should but, sadly, many do. After this life-altering experience, Dimah loses herself. She's forced--by her silence and fear-- to remain in a place where no one knows what she's been through. She's constantly put down by bullies. It isn't until someone shows up in her life that she realizes she has to stand up for herself and reclaim her life.
Trigger Warning: Story delves into issues of bullying & sexual abuse.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This book was so sweet but at the same time so heartbreaking. It talks about a sensitive topic in a beautiful yet simple written way, and the moral is so touching. I just desire to have a little bit more after that ending, but it's just my need to not let go of these characters.
I really don’t want to spoil this book for anyone, and I won’t, but what I can tell you is how amazing Not The End is. I can tell you how it ripped my heart open and made me feel in such a truly authentic way. D’s story is one you have to read. I think that a lot of girls will be able to relate to what she went through and it will help them heal. Great job, GG!
This book had me I tears from beginning to end. Each page gives you a different emotion. You will be mad, sad, and a little happy. Dimah is living in a nightmare. She is picked on in the worse way. She is only counting the days till she leave. After Prom the one boy who should have been there for her treated her like Garbage. Than she meets Aron and she tries not to let him in but things for her start to change when she stands up to her bullies? Will she be able to keep standing up for herself and be able to tell the truth of what happened?
Amazing and the truth of what happens when things are how they are told. Can't wait to read more from this author. Her stories are amazing and heartbreaking and beautiful
Una historia atrapante, rápida y con un significado y un mensaje sumamente potente. Nos deja una enseñanza clara y disfruté bastante de leer una historia que trata estos temas, de como intentar salir adelante y luchar, ser valiente y fuerte. Es muy cortito y por ende las cosas pasan muy rápido llegando al final y por eso la nota no es mas.
No esperaba que este libro fuera así. Lo cierto es que pensé que por la portada y por la sinopsis era una novela erótica más, pero está lejos de eso. Es una historia que habla de sufrimiento, de la mirada del otro, de empoderarse... me gustó. Fue el primer acercamiento que tuve con la autora y quiero seguir leyéndola.
5 stars is just not enough, not even close to what this book deserves it’s THAT GOOD!!
Dimah is now a senior in High School who is being bullied by the “popular” girl and her minions in school and I’m talking about the down and nasty kind of bullying too. Dimah is now a loner, she rides her motorcycle to school everyday, wears all black all the time and blasts her music in her ears while walking the halls just to drown out the stuff the students are saying about her. What they don’t know is what really happened that night when her life changed completely. It’s not until one young man talks to her that she starts facing what happened to her. In away he becomes her unknown supporter, that little voice in her head.
This is a story that everyone should read. Kids that are being bullied in school and feel they have no voice anywhere because of it are the kids that need our voices and stories like this so they know it’s OK to tell someone what is happening. This is for anyone who has been raped or molested and is too afraid to speak about it!!
Gianna Gabriela, girl you ARE an AMAZING author, person and friend. I honestly can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next because I know it will be absolutely amazing!!
The characters in this story went straight into my heart and bones in this super quick easy read. The pressures in this book were so realistic and made the book so easy to relate to and become one with the story. What a perfect emotional roller coaster
This story was just… I can’t put it into words. My heart just broke for Emerson who is having a really tough time in school. What she’s going through unfortunately happens to a lot of young girls in high school. A time that is supposed to be carefree and fun turns into a nightmare. After she befriends the wrong person, she becomes the target of this vicious person and his entourage. The humiliation and betrayal she endures causes Emerson to lose herself and her sense of worth. Her journey to get back the girl that she once was requires some internal fortitude that she finally discovers, thanks to a little help from her friend Aron. Love him!!! Her breaking point comes from the most unexpected place and her transformation is a thing of beauty. I jumped for joy when she unleashed her anger and stood up to her tormentor.
Gripping, intense, heart wrenching. This story had all the feels. It left me bawling and then it left me angry and then it just lifted my spirits with that ending. Beautifully written. I loved the plot, the characters and the overall message it leaves the reader with. Aron was such a great support to Emerson. I love that he wasn’t easily deterred by her rejections. He was determined to pursue a friendship or more with her. I loved the ending, the idea of driving into the future was poignant. I will definitely be adding this one to my list of favorites.
I give this book a high rating for how well it was written and how close to reality this is.
Dimnah was a top student until the end of her junior year in high school, all because of prom. Her long time crush asks her to prom. Things don't quite make sense, but because she's liked him for so long she trusted him. Then senior year comes and she's being called horrific names by her peers and being bullied by almost everyone. Everyone except Aron, he wanted to become friends with get and tried to show support to her. Dimnah is so scared and distrusting that she tries to push Aron away because she believes he's going to do what everyone else has. She allows the bullying happen to her because of fear, until one day she was pushed over the edge and fought back.
Will Aron finally convince her that he is there to be her friend? Will Dimnah accept his friendship? Will they become more? Read to find out!
This was an amazing story that touches your heart every time you read a piece of the backstory throughout the book.
I am not one to typically read novellas, but Not the End is such a powerful one. I was intrigued by the blurb and when I finally got my hands on the story, I was completely blown away. I do not want to give any spoilers away, but this is a story that everyone needs to read. I plan on letting my 14 year old read.
Gianna did a phenomenal job of giving us Dimah’s story and all she has endured. Dimah, life has left her broken, bruised, and overwhelmed. Will she be able to find the strength to push forward?
Aron, oh Aron. I loved how he supported Dimah, but he did it from the sidelines. He is amazing.
G, you did a phenomenal job of writing Not the End. This is a story that touches everyone at some level and a time in their life. Real life issues that are so casually swept under the rugs these days.
Not The End was so beautifully written, heart breaking and heart felt. I don't usually like emotional books but this one just clawed it's way into my heart. Dimah is such strong girl and the bullying, name calling and everyday harassment she had to put up with broke my heart. I felt for her in this story. Nobody should have to endure that. She eventually stands up for herself with the a guy that becomes her friend and the end was truly a happily ever after. The only problem I had with the story was I wanted more. Definitely a must read. I have fell so in love with Gianna's books and style of writing.
Just finished reading Not The End as I received an ARC.
This is one of those stories that everyone will benefit from reading, especially if you have found yourself being bullied or have been a bully yourself because it opens your eyes to many things: one thing for sure, you can't believe everything you hear. This story is relatable for all age groups as we all are on a journey to find ourselves, to find our voices, to find our place in this world.
Like Dimah, we often let ourselves believe what others may think or believe of us, but it is up to us to stand up for ourselves, confident in who we are.
My emotions are all over the place! What a beautifully written story. Dimah Emerson is a young girl who is having a difficult time because of something tragic that happened to her in the past. She keeps to herself and is wary of others. Then along comes Aron Lincoln who turns her life upside down. She doesn’t understand his persistence and he doesn’t give up. It’s not often I have tears while reading a book, but when it does happen, I know it’s a truly great story. The way the author describes Dimah’s feelings, you can’t help but actually feel them yourself. This story is truly amazing and inspiring. Please do yourself a favor and read this fantastic book!
This book had me captivated from page one. Dimah is such a well written relatable character. I just wanted to climb into the book to hug her and tell her everything will be okay. This is a very good story about bullying in school and what effect bullying/rumor spreading can have on someone. I highly recommend this book.
I read this in one sitting. This is a story that everyone should read.
Dimah is now a senior in High School who is being bullied by the “popular” girl and her minions in school. She is now a loner, she rides her motorcycle to school everyday, wears all black all the time and blasts her music in her ears while walking the halls just to drown out the stuff the students are saying about her. What they don’t know is what really happened that night when her life changed completely.
This is for anyone who has been raped or molested and is too afraid to speak about it. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next because I know it will be absolutely amazing.
Dimah Emerson was close friends with Jake Hastings since they were in elementary school together but now that they Jake is nearing the end of high school something has changed.
When Jake breaks Dimah's trust will she be able to handle the aftermath and find a way to reclaim her strength?
This was such a beautiful and heartbreaking book that finds a way to give back the strength in ourselves that we had lost.
I loved Dimah and my heart absolutely broke for what she went through with Jake. For someone that used to be so close to her to do what he did is horrifying and it happens so much in our society. The author shows how much pain Dimah is in after and how cruelly she is treated by Janice and her friends.
Aron Lincoln was there for Dimah when she wasn't even aware and I loved how he slowly gained her trust and proved that he was there for the right reasons. He gave Dimah the ability to regain some of her strength.
I loved the big showdown and how Dimah was able to get everything off her chest and with that regain her own power back. I loved how the author showed what is possible when you have even one person in your corner.
Omg.. What can I say about this book that I loved it from beginning to end. I so glad to be part of Gianna ARC to be able to read this book. It had me had my heart pimping. I loved how Aron helped Em. I don't want to give to much away since it has not been released yet but it a must read. I love to read more of their story. I wish I could give it more then 5 Stars because I would. It was the kindof book I didn't want to put down. Well done Gianna💞💞💞💞
Dimah's dreams finally come true. The boy she adores asks her to prom. Before she knows it, her dream becomes a nightmare. If that's not bad enough, she gets constantly humiliated and bullied at school. Rather than stand up for herself and tell the truth, she chooses to fade into the shadows. Until a boy comes into her life and changes everything.
I really felt for Dimah. I can't explain how much this story hit for me. It hurts me so much that things like this happen and nobody does anything about it. There was a problem I had with this book. A person of authority bought into the gossip and completely went out of line. I'd have liked to have saw something done about that. Maybe it did and I missed it. I don't want to say too much. While this is a short read, I still feel it's well worth the read.
I can't remember the boy's name, but I wish there were more people like him in the world. The ones that see somebody who's broken and needs somebody. Somebody who's willing to help somebody out of the dark hole we find ourselves in and let them know it's okay and that they aren't alone. I feel if more people like that exist, things might be different. I related very much to Dimah. I wasn't bullied, but I was shamed a lot for things I did and things people thought I did and didn't.
This book was narrated by Amanda Stribling. She did a fantastic job. I knew that she would. She narrated The Kings of Linwood trilogy. She did an amazing job with that as well. I'm shocked she was able to keep her emotion so controlled with this book. It impressed me. I have a feeling it wasn't too easy behind the scenes. Who knows?
I thought this book was going to be very cringy when I first came across it. I loved the cover though. Also, if I'm being honest, I'm a sucker for happily ever after type books. No matter how goofy they are. It just gives one hope on the world in all honesty. This is heavy. It may be triggering to some. It is very beautifully written. I loved the special part in the end as well. It was encouraging.
A Definite 5 stars for this beautifully written book that deals with delicate subjects and one that most women will have experiences of in some shape or form. Bitchy Bullying, assumptions, lies, truths, peer pressure, sexual pressure and this author has written this book in a way that will appeal to everyone of every age and make us also look inside ourselves. When women and young girls don't come forward when they have been the victim, because of guilt of feeling they themselves are responsible for someone else's actions against them, shame, fear and that massive doubt, of being believed and judged. I gotta tell you, this book hits home with an impact that won't soon leave you !! Dimnah has always been a great student, that is until this her final year. She couldn't belive it when her childhood friend and crush asked her to prom. His actions not only left her heartbroken, they destroyed her faith in herself. Thing is .. ever since she returned to school after that she's been living through a hell. Now she's alone, an outcast, bullied, mimicked, rumours, name calling, Slut, Tramp, Whore, have all become her daily normals. Until Aron, who see's behind the mask. I loved how this story was written, we learn both the past events, and the present, and with each chapter my heart broke a little more. i cried for this young girl, i think most of us at some point maybe have witnessed someone facing bullying or been bullied, or listened to rumour or we have judged based on rumours, without ever thinking of the pain or hurt its causing. I loved how Aron supported Dimnah yet never pushed her, he saw her strength and let her claim it back !!!! I only had one problem with this book, i just really hope we get more of Dimnah and Aron!! we need more !!!
Oh my heart!!! Not the End by Gianna Gabriela had my heart hurting from start to finish. Imagine a young girl that trusted the one person she had a friendship with for years, only to be betrayed in the worse way. Dimah Emerson was destroyed physically and emotionally and to top it all off she was then bullied and tormented at school by it. When you are beaten down so many times its not easy to find your way back to what you knew before. Dimah decided the best for her to do was try and be invisible... to pretend she didn't hear the comments and abuse coming from her schoolmates and even the people at the school that are suppose to protect their students. She had no one and a secret she was too ashamed to share. That was until Aron, he was the one person that tried to be her friend, to get her to stand up for herself and stop the abuse. However Dimah didn't trust Aron, how could she after what has happened. Aron was her knight in shining armor yet she had yet to see it.
This book is gripping and sad at the same time as it shines a light onto a tough topic that is so relevant in todays society... bulling!!! It breaks your heart as you feel every emotion and pain that Dimah feels. I wanted so badly to beat the kids that were so terrible to Dimah, I was just so angry. Thank goodness for small triumphs and that Dimah found an inner strength she never knew she had. Thank you so much Gianna for telling such a powerful story. It was written so well!!!
Holy smokes! This was such an awesome book! And so inspiring! This is the story of Dimah from her point of view. She made the mistake of trusting someone from her past and it made her life hell. Now her peers at school are calling her bad names and making her feel like she doesn't matter. The only thing making her hold on is her mother's love. But even she doesn't know the truth. It's now Senior year and she is counting down the days until she can leave her town. She tries to ignore the taunts and especially mean girl Janice. But she is finding each day harder. That is until someone steps in and shows her they care. Aron. She doesn't trust him because she doesn't trust anyone. She thinks everyone is just out to hurt her. But Aron is different. And he helps her find her voice and let the truth out. And also helps her see she is worth living for and that she is strong. And what comes out of it is amazing. This story was so inspiring. I really think everyone needs to read it. Especially anyone who is down and thinking they don't matter. We all matter. And that message is loud and clear in this story. My favorite line is "I can only slay one dragon at a time." That is my new moto! So go read this story. Be inspired. Fall in love with Aron. Root for Dimah. And hate the liars. I guarantee you will be hooked. I hope we hear more from these characters!
In this story we get to meet Dimah, who is this young vibrant teen who fell in love with her friend. She was hoping someday they would be together, and finally the day comes when he finally notices her …. All this time he had ignored her after that day he was noticed by another. After meeting up at his senior prom, the things he says to her makes her heart melt for him even more.
The teasing, the name calling and shaming her for something they all knew nothing about. How sad to have to live that every single day.
If only she knew, if she could see the future …..poor Dimah. That SOB!
What she endures her last year of high school no girl should ever have to go through that! Bullying at its worst! Not only was she bullied but she also experienced something that no women or young girl should ever have to endure. Ya know, as women/young girl they should all know that it’s ok to decide no, and it’s ok to SAY no and it’s NOT okay for someone to keep going when you said NO once! Once is enough.
I owe Gianna an apology…..I thought I had already posted my review and realized I didn’t for that I am so very sorry. I am thankful for the heart touching story.
I don’t normally read short stories, the reason they are too short. But Not The End is an exception because it was so amazing, I read it one sitting. I was captivated by this 5 star story.
Dimah has gone away for the summer and came back a totally different girl. A loner, wears black, no friends and she rides a motorcycle. Aron is a transfer and he sees her for her. He won’t let up on her and let her fall.
This is a YA/Teenage story. I’d safely let my 14 yo daughter read it. It shows that you are never alone and to take a stand. This story does have bullying but with the encouragement from Aron she will changes her circumstances. This story is very heartbreaking because as a parent, I wouldn’t want my kids to suffer like that.
Beautifully written with heart. A great storyline with a seamless plot. It never lacked any valuable information a and details. The story goes back in forth in time but it’s to better make us understand. I was shocked speechless at one point. Bottomline this is an amazing story that needs to be read.
Standalone with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
Dimah was the type of person that saw a boy sitting alone and made him her friend. She didn't cause problems or pick on people. She was kind and considerate and totally in love with the boy she befriended all those years ago. But he was one of the popular kids and a jock now. Now time for the little people. This is Dimah's story. A story no teenage girl or boy should ever have. It's not a happy story but she does triumph. It's not the sweet, carefree days of school that every child should have. It's ugly it's brutal but it needs to be told. Bullying and degrading of kids happen too much and there's no voice for them, at least not one that screams loud enough. There are those that slip through the crack. She was saved by the tender love of a friend. Who will save the next victim.
A well written and engaging story. I was hooked from the start and didn't move until this short tale was done. I would have liked to know more about Aron, him sharing with her the experience that made him urge her to stand up. This was a very emotional read and this author does an amazing job bringing it all together, however knowing Aron's story would have completed it. Let your teens read it. They need to know. They need to be aware there are 3 sides to every story. Party one, Party two, The Truth.
Years ago, Emerson saw a young boy alone and ever since she sat with him, they formed a friendship… Or at least she thought, until he ran with the “popular” crowd. As a junior she faced the cruel reality of shame, gossip and realizing the person you once thought you knew no longer existed. One more year and then Emerson can fully say goodbye to her past, but first she must survive senior year.
But this time, she won’t be alone.
Not the End was a pretty quick read. Even though I enjoyed the characters and how it was written, I wish it was fully written to where you learned more about the lead man, Aaron and the events following after Emerson found courage. Instead there were gaps that left the story a bit unbalanced. However, the writing and story was compelling emotionally and character wise. Overall, I enjoyed the story.
Tempting Sexy Thoughts **ARC for an Honest Review**
Emerson knew Jake for so long, since elementary school, but he started changing into a man and things started changing he was climbing the social ladder, he left Emerson behind, after years he asked her to prom, she said yes, but she shouldn’t have. Months later Aron at a dance asks her if she’s ok and Emerson immediately gets defensive. No one knows what really happened to her the night of the prom. You learn slowly about what happened to Emerson and how much she is being bullied at school. Aron is everywhere, he doesn’t push Emerson but lets her know what they are doing to her isn’t right, but neither is her letting them. Aron know that although he wants to fight for her to find the girl he used to you she had to fight for herself. She’s doesn’t know whether to trust Aron or not, but Emerson knows she’s going to have to stand up to the bullies to find herself again, but does she have the strength to bring the truth out.
wow! what a poignant heart rendering story of hope, betrayal and the aftermath.
I loved how Dimah could be anyone. She could of been me or you or the girl you know who looks lonely, and that to me is what made this extra special.
A journey of courage and finding yourself. I think we have all felt lost at some point in our lives it's what we chose to do about it to turn that around.
Never give up no matter how rough the ride is and I think that can also be applied to each and every one of us.
Gianna has a way with words. They don't just bounce off the screen or page and be forgotten they imprint upon your heart and mind long remembered and retold. It's a wonderful talent to have, to touch so many lives. Just beautiful.
I'm quite shocked at the effect this book is having on me. I feel upset for people who can't be like Dimah and find their voice.
I only hope this book falls into the hands of someone who takes courage from her.
I find it hard to believe that Gianna is a newish author. I feel like she knows each and everyone of us and talks out our fears especially in this book.
Don't be afraid put your trust in her words and you will fall in love with her just like I have.