Burn for Burn - Book Rant

Burn for Burn (Burn for Burn #1)
by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

What is it about:
Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

What did I think of it:
*spoilers*
I enjoyed the To All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy, so decided to try this book.

And I was hugely disappointed...

So the three girls have been hurt and bullied and decide to take revenge. And it's clear from the start that their first victim is innocent of what he's accused of. Immediately setting the tone of this book: revenge is not a good idea. Now in itself this is not a bad thing, but as the book goes on the message tasted more and more like: just let people hassle you and stay down.

And in the end the biggest bully gets off almost scot-free, while bully number 2 gets hurt and the girls are all "What have we done?" Sending even more of a message that you should let bullies get away with their bullying. I was annoyed and went looking for spoilers of the next two books.

Bully number 2 turns into a love interest!

I decided then and there I wouldn't read the other books and this book went into discard pile faster than you can say bully.

What's with this "bullies are hot and cool" thing!? Really! I will keep saying: bullies are not cool! Bullying is never OK! If someone bullies you it doesn't mean they like you! And if it does mean they like you: Run! Run as fast and far as you can! You deserve better!

Why should you read it:
Don't!!!