SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN

In Alfano’s novel, a teenage girl finds out that her roommate and new best friend isn’t what she seems.

Fifteen-year-oldAri Worthington is at the top of the social ladder at the Perpetual Mercy School for Young Women, but she feels lonely there, so she’s excited to have a new roommate: Bentley “Jess” Jessup, who’s everything Ari could have asked for. She’s fun, free-spirited, and willing to stand up to the cattier girls in their social group. However, Ari’s other friends voice skepticism that Jess is truly trustworthy. After Ari attends an event with her politician father, she returns to school to find that Jess has changed her own hairstyle to copy hers; she’s also acting very strange, as when she insists that Ari delete a photo that she took of her. As time goes on, Ari gets other hints that’s something’s amiss with Jess, but it isn’t until Christmas break that all hell breaks loose and secrets are revealed—and Ari will be lucky to escape the relationship with her life. Alfano delivers a psychological thriller that will engage teen and adult readers alike. The text tends to repetitively dwell on differences between privileged rich girls and those who are less wealthy, but for the most part, it tells a fast-paced, unpredictable tale. Ari is a likable main character who’s just flawed enough to feel genuine, and Jess is an effective villain. The excitement continues after Jess’ big reveal, and as readers learn more about Ari’s family and past, it becomes clear just how well Alfano has weaved different narrative strands together to form a coherent, compelling story. The violence and rough language may be a bit much for younger teens, but those who are at least a bit older are likely to find this a captivating read.

An engaging and complex high school thriller.