Cold Girls

by

Maxine Rae

A strong debut novel about friendship, loss, survival, and moving forward.

Cold Girls is the debut novel by Maxine Rae about the growth of a deep friendship between two young women and the aftermath when one is killed in an accident in which the other survives. Told in two converging timelines, before the accident and after, readers learn how the two became friends and the devastation the survivor endured later. 

The story is presented from the viewpoint of the shy and introverted Rory Quinn-Morelli. Rory is the new girl at her preppy high school and feels completely out of place, not fitting in, while sticking out like a sore thumb. That is, until Liv happens. I liked how the author chose to let the friendship slowly evolve, taking time for the girls' common interests to come to light and then having those instances of recognition between the two that they were, indeed, kindred spirits. Everyone should have a person with whom they can be completely themselves and share interests, opinions, hopes, desires, and even their deepest, darkest secrets in safety and confidentiality. The loss of Liv shatters Rory, not only with grief over her death but with guilt over surviving. 

Besides extreme sorrow and survivor's guilt, the book includes common teen activities and issues such as sex, drug use, drinking, college preparation, occasional strong language, and the changing relationship between teens and their parents. These topics and their inclusion in the story may make this young adult novel more suitable for the more mature readers in this age group. However, the developing friendship is amazing and wonderfully written, as are the heartbreaking scenes that follow the accident. I couldn't put this book down. 

I recommend COLD GIRLS to the more mature readers of contemporary young adult fiction. 

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