This is 100% a character driven novel, mostly cataloging Avi's first year at a Briarcliff Prep, a Historically Black Boarding School. A lot of the story at the beginning focuses on Avi, her adjustment to boarding school, and just kind of learning the lay of the land. We also a layout of the cast of characters, and just in general, there is a lot of set up in this novel to get to the actual dating violence storyline. Which isn't a bad thing! Just something to know before jumping in.

The amount of setup does make the pacing seem a little lopsided, as the ending felt a little bit rushed. I think it just needed another chapter or two to give the ending a little bit of breathing room. However, I do think this kind of story is one that teens will be drawn to, and it shines a light on an important topic!