The Female of the SpeciesAuthor: Mindy McGinnis
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it.
Three years ago, when her older sister, Anna, was murdered and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best—the language of violence. While her own crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people. Not with Jack, the star athlete who wants to really know her but still feels guilty over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered. And not with Peekay, the preacher’s kid with a defiant streak who befriends Alex while they volunteer at an animal shelter. Not anyone.
As their senior year unfolds, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting these three teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.
“This is how I kill someone.”
I didn’t even finish reading the blurb for The Female of Species to know it was meant for me. Murder, violence and revenge? Of course I’m drawn to it! It does have those three things, but there is so much more to it that I didn’t expect. It’s an incredibly poignant and pertinent story that everyone should read.
The book is told from three perspectives – Alex, Peekay, and Jack – and each one provides a powerful voice to the story. They’re flawed, complex, and completely realistic. The different dynamics and what they represent is done exceptionally well, especially between the various girls.
This is a quick read that packs a major punch. We’re treated to a raw and brutally honest look at a lot of issues that occur in society today, and it’s incredibly refreshing that the author doesn’t sugarcoat or shy away from any of it. It’s gritty and disturbing, delving into tough topics that are extremely relevant and important to talk about.
The Female of Species is an intense, gripping, and beautifully executed book that left me reeling. I have no doubt it will stay with me for a very long time.
“For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.” – Rudyard Kipling
I had no clue what this book was even about before, I had only heard the title. I’m glad you loved it so much though! The flawed, complex characters sound great, and I like when authors don’t sugarcoat things. Sounds like an interesting book!
It’s so good!
Oh dang, I love books like this. Especially if she really gets revenge and let’s that bad side out.
Yeah, she definitely gets revenge.
I have no idea why I let this one slip by me and how on earth I decided not to download, but I’ll jump over to Edelweiss to see if I can still get it. It really sounds perfect for me too.
I hope you do! It hits even harder when you read the poem by Kipling.
That’s great, it looks like a really good one there!
To be honest when I read the title and looked at the cover the first time I didn’t give it much of a sideways glance. Then I got to read the first five chapters free and I really want this book…lol. I was hooked after the first chapter. 🙂
Flawed characters and complex dynamics YES! I’m soooo thrilled this book turns out to be as good as the blurb promised!
Love that this surprised you and impacted you so much Christy. I should have known, all her work is that way regardless of the genre.
I have seen this cover around and had absolutely no clue what it was about. Definitely sounds like a great read. Great review!!
I like it already. Is it a little bit like Wink Poppy Midnight?
This book sounds freaking amazing!!! I would love to listen to this on audio or when I get a chance to really dig into it, reading it myself. Hot dang I love reading your reviews I’m always adding more books to my list.
This is my favorite book by McGinnis, yet. I couldn’t put it down to save my life. I love how she approached rape culture and how she expressed it through these characters. I think Alex and Jack a little more than PK. Still, I loved all their POVs.
I havent’ seen this one but it looks great. I will have to look it up myself.
A major punch, I am a bit scared now
Thanks for sharing the quote – I love knowing why authors title their books they way they do. I am really excited about this one so I’m happy to see that you loved it so much!
-Lauren
p.s. I just saw your comment on my review of The House of Rooster Happiness. It doesn’t really have humor, actually! but it’s a good one!
I like books that take on social issues, and can sometimes be a little dark.
I would have gotten NONE of that with that cover. Oh now I want to read it myself. This is something I would enjoy. 🙂
I’d never even heard of this book before but I’m mighty intrigued. Thanks for the review!
This looks fun, and wasn’t even on my radar…so thanks 🙂
I really loved this book. It is so raw and honest. Glad to see you liked it too! Great review!
I’m dying to read this book. “Gritty and disturbing” will always attract me to a book. 🙂
I hadn’t given this one much consideration Christy, but that was clearly a mistake and I need to pick it up! I’m looking for quick but intriguing reads that pack a punch, and this seems to fit that bill perfectly:)
New to me and I can see how her darker soul and actions would draw in a reader. Thanks for your reader thoughts, Christy!
I love Mindy McGinnis, and I’m shocked I haven’t seen this around until now! Thank you so much for the awesome review — this is going on my list immediately! Gah, that Rudyard Kipling poem — I am so excited to start this!!! Gahhhhh
Well, I have to read it after that ringing endorsement, now don’t I?!? I’m very, very curious. Great review, Christy!
When I clicked on this review, this is not the book I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting murder. I don’t know why, because females are way deadlier in the wild than males. I know my mom would much rather run into a bull moose while she is hiking in Alaska than a mom with a calf. Lionesses do the majority of the hunting, etc. I might have to check this out.
Holy shit, I neeeed this book in my life. I love books based on the sinister and revenge and it sounds as though it’s so wonderfully written and really hits you hard. Most books for me have lost that ability to really shock me but it sounds like you’ve found one that I can’t wait to dive into. Brilliant review Christy, so excited for it’s release! <3
Oh my! You got me, Christy! I’m adding this one to my own TBR, it sounds awesome! Especially the three POVs that really work and give a strong voice to the overall story.
Great review!
I hope you’re having a fantastic week.
I’m really glad you liked this one! It sounds pretty gritty, and the cover is already pretty interesting to me. I haven’t read any of this author’s works before, so I should definitely pick this one up soon 🙂
This sounds good, Christy! I am glad to hear you liked it. I was sold after reading the first part of the synopsis too–but your review makes it a sure thing.
lol the things that get us excited about reading a book 😉
I never read what this book was about. I only saw the title. I didn’t know it carried such a heavy subject, especially directed at teens. I’m definitely more intrigued by this one now.
Isn’t it great when you know a book is for you? It definitely sounds like this one was really refreshing and it sounds great that these issues were explored in depth. Lovely review Christy!
Son of a Bitch! You always give amazing reviews to books I pass on. Ugh, I hate you right now. you make me spend too much money.
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