Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

HERE LIES BRIDGET
Author: Paige Harbison
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (January 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210280
ISBN-13: 978-0373210282

SUMMARY:


Bridget Duke is the uncontested ruler of her school. The meanest girl with the biggest secret insecurities. And when new girl Anna Judge arrives, things start to fall apart for Bridget: friends don't worship as attentively, teachers don't fall for her wide-eyed "who me?" look, expulsion looms ahead and the one boy she's always loved—Liam Ward—can barely even look at her anymore.

When a desperate Bridget drives too fast and crashes her car, she ends up in limbo, facing everyone she's wronged and walking a few uncomfortable miles in their shoes. Now she has only one chance to make a last impression. Though she might end up dead, she has one last shot at redemption and the chance to right the wrongs she's inflicted on the people who mean the most to her.

And Bridget's about to learn that, sometimes, saying you're sorry just isn't enough….

MY THOUGHTS:

This book reminded me a lot of the movie Mean Girls.  We have Bridget who is the leader of her pack and one of the most popular girls in school.  She has the attitude of a witch and she is not afraid to speak her mind.  Amongst all her verbal abuse towards her friends and such, Bridget actually thinks she is being a great friend and helping them understand their faults.  I couldn't stand her attitude and didn't approve of the way she treated people.  I hated the fact that she would treat people the way she did and think it was perfectly okay.

When newcomer Ann Judge arrives at school, Bridget finds herself pushed out of the spotlight and not liking it one bit.  Anna on the other hand, was sweet and friendly, and deserved to be friends with the people in school.  When Bridget has a horrible day at school from telling one too many lies, she is upset and decides to run her car off the road.  At the last minute though, Bridget changes her mind about it, but it is too late.  Instead of going to Heaven or Hell, Bridget finds herself in a boardroom and faced with people she has wronged in life.  Anna is the head judge of the group.  Anna basically tells Bridget that she has to walk in these peoples shoes for a bit and see what her lies and attitude has done to them.  What Bridget discovers is in their lives is enough to make her rethink her actions.  When all is said and done, Anna gets to decide Bridget's fate.

I loved this book.  At first I had no interest really in reading it, but the publisher insisted that I would love it.  I bow to her knowledge and am thankful I had the chance to read it.  While it is not one of the best books out there, only because it is a story that has been done time and again, the writing was great and made me feel like I was there with Bridget every step of the way.  While I couldn't stand her most of the time,  I found myself understanding her better by the end of the book.

If you are looking for a cute and fast read to get you out of a reading slump, or even if you just want a fun read for now,  Here Lies Bridget is a new book you should add to your list.  I loved the authors take on the subject and she has captured a new fan of her writing!

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS