It Happens All the Time by Amy Hatvany
Published by Atria Books on March 28th 2017
Genres: Contemporary Women, Family Life, Fiction, General
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
From master storyteller Amy Hatvany—whose writing has been hailed as “gripping and emotionally honest” (Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times betselling author)—comes a provocative and compelling novel about two friends whose lives are changed by a drunken kiss.I want to rewind the clock, take back the night when the world shattered. I want to erase everything that went wrong. Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends. Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler. What happens next will change them forever. In alternating points of view, It Happens All the Time examines the complexity of sexual dynamics between men and women and offers an incisive exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the ever-timely issue of consent.
I’m not sure about you, but when it’s cold, I love to read. Technically, because I live in Florida, when I say “cold” I mean like 50 in the morning and 80 by noon, but still…. I get to wear some long sleeves with pants and even a sweater (briefly). The “cold” weather prompts me to dig into as many books as I can get my hands on when I’m not clocking in the miles running or working out at the gym. As part of BookSparks’ Winter Reading Challenge – #Wintervention – today I’m posting about a book named It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany.
I hadn’t heard of Amy Hatvany, but it’s only because I must live in a box or something. She’s written many books, and I love how she writes her stories about real life controversial issues. In It Happens All The Time, Amy gives readers a book that explores a topic that is often in the news – date rape and consent.
Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have always been best friends. They have been there for each other and trust each other through the toughest of times. While Amber has always considered their relationship to fall under the “friend” category, Tyler has always had the secret hope that one day they could be even more than friends. Their relationship changes forever when Amber and Tyler share a drunken kiss at a 4th of July BBQ party one night. The actions of the remainder of the evening changes the course of their lives forever.
The story is told in alternating chapters from Tyler and Amber’s viewpoints so readers get more insight into each of their perspectives and how the events of that night effects both of them. I think this book is important as it addresses some really huge topics. I think today’s society needs this book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I would bet that this book will be resonating with most readers long after they finish the last page. The author describes what it’s like to be on both sides of the date rate spectrum. I believe this story makes it pretty clear to readers why they should have that uncomfortable conversation with their kids – both sons and daughters – about how date rape is an act of power and not sex, and especially how the emotional scars go long past the occurrence of the rape itself.
Amy Hatvany graduated with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist.
In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on her passion: writing books. Her background in sociology inspires and informs much of her writing as she tackles timely and controversial issues in her novels including mental illness, domestic abuse, and alcoholism.
She is the author of Best Kept Secret, Outside the Lines (a Target book club pick in 2012 and a Costco Pennie’s Pick in 2013), The Language of Sisters, Heart Like Mine, Safe With Me (a Good Housekeeping pick), and Somewhere Out There (a Target Recommended Read).
Amy lives in Seattle with her husband and children. You can learn more at www.amyhatvany.com.
In exchange for this post, I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the publishers and BookSparks as part of the Winter Reading Challenge #Wintervention 2017 (#WRC2017).
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