Book Review of "Dating Down"

By Ellen Hagan

March 16th, 2018 - Greenville, New York Arts and Culture

I read Dating Down by Stefanie Lyons. In this verse novel Samantha Henderson’s favorite place - or somewhat of a getaway - is Café Hex. It is a place where she could avoid the responsibilities she has as a politician’s daughter, and dream about her future. That is where she met him, X. A boy that would change her - and not for the better.

Her biggest struggle throughout the book is her infatuation with X even though he is a terrible influence on her. Throughout the book it's noticeable how Samantha changes. She becomes more self aware as the book continues on.

In my opinion, the theme states that it is okay to make mistakes because no one is perfect. I would describe the the author's writing-style as poetic. The mood of the book is depicted by Sam’s poetry along with her artwork. When she is in a good mood the colors will be bright and her vocabulary will be vibrant. However, when she is in a foul mood her poetry and artwork will portray that.

A quote that shows this is,

“X marks a spot,

a path leading to my heart

red

like the roses.”

(Page 169).