What We Saw (321 Pages)

Aaron Hartzler's first YA fiction book is an important read. It is a story of a young girl, Kate, and her boyfriend, Ben, who both attend a party where there is heavy drinking going on. It is a story about having the guts to say what is right, what is the truth, in spite of who that hurts. When Ben realizes that Kate is so drunk she can hardly stand up, he drives her home. Unfortunately, he goes back to the party. Several boys are raping a girl, Stacey, who is stretched out on a pool table. Someone is video taping the "event". Of course the boys are basketball players and this takes place just before an important game. One weekend morning, Kate walks in to her brother's room and sees him watching the video on his laptop. It has gone viral. Was Stacey "asking for it" by dressing provocatively? Does she know what's going on in her drunken state? And then Kate recognizes the boys in the video. What happens if she tells the truth? There is much to be discussed after reading this book, and there is much that needs to be discussed! It's and important read.