An intense and gritty read with a surprising hint of fantasy. I was apprehensive as well as intrigued going into this one. Far too many YA books looking at female centric issues have depicted a very skewed viewpoint of late. Happily, the Burning by Laura Bates was everything I wanted it to be. Intelligent, beautifully written, non-preachy, reasonable and well thought out. It’s so important that these kinds of books show their readers how to think instead of what to think. While The Burning doesn’t shy away from tackling tough topics – bullying, harassment, the commodification of girls’ bodies etc – it never rams anything down your throat. It lays things out calmly and invites the reader to react. And react we do – with fury and sorrow, and ultimately with hope. This was an excellent read.

I am a long-term fan of Laura Bates’ work and strongly believe that everyone should read Everyday Sexism. So, I was really intrigued when I saw this up for grabs. The synopsis didn’t explain too much so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into and I was pleasantly surprised! In my opinion, The Burning perfectly bridges the gap between Holly Bourne’s Spinster Club books and Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It. It was gripping and well-paced and built nicely to the conclusion. I would love to read a book from Alisha and Cat’s perspectives as I think there were elements of their story that could have been further explored - or even any of the other girls from the school, and framing it around the history project gave it an added dimension. I’d highly recommend this book - although perhaps with a little warning against the content as being better suited to older young adult readers and with knowledge that the content could be triggering. That said, it’s a really important book and a very timely read.

The Burning is one of those books that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, from sadness to anger to despair to redemption and Laura Bates, through her beautifully written character voice, shows you what it means to be a teenage girl in today's social media society. 

Dealing with issues of victim blaming, casual sexism and the still very skewed way of "dealing" with things, The Burning shines a light right into the darkest corners of reality. 

Hugely relevant for young women today and adding an important voice to the current debate, I thought it was excellent. Not preaching, not assuming but intelligently told, hugely insightful and a real page turner. 

Recommended. Fuller review nearer publication.

Read this book. If you want a recommendation, i can't say it enough. Read. This. Book.

I was in no way expecting to like this story as much as i did, and i can honestly say this is one of the best novels i've read in a long time.

I think i loved this book so much because the author made the characters and their situations feel so real, my heart really went out to these girls.
The characters were amazing - i cried for Anna and Maggie. Literally cried. Because the issues in this book are what too many girls and women have had to endure, and because i can all too well imagine what Anna, Cat and the other girls went through.
This novel tells a story of girls who have been tortured through a campaign of bullying, harassment and shaming, (with a small surprise of fantasy element too). We see the story of Anna, and Anna's discovery of Maggie and the horrific suffering she endured hundreds of years ago.

I don't want to say too much because i might give away spoilers, but this book made me so emotional. I cried, i was so angry, i was happy. It's not only a great story - it has an important message too, that you'll need to see for yourself.

I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially teenage girls.
When this is available i'll be buying my own copy - along with another to pass along to my little cousin in her teenage years who i think would enjoy this, and should read this too.