ARC REVIEW: Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Little Peach by Peggy Kern

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Format: ARC, 190 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

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What do you do if you're in trouble? 

When Michelle runs away from her drug-addicted mother, she has just enough money to make it to New York City, where she hopes to move in with a friend. But once she arrives at the bustling Port Authority, she is confronted with the terrifying truth: she is alone and out of options.  

Then she meets Devon, a good-looking, well-dressed guy who emerges from the crowd armed with a kind smile, a place for her to stay, and eyes that seem to understand exactly how she feels.  

But Devon is not what he seems to be, and soon Michelle finds herself engulfed in the world of child prostitution where he becomes her “Daddy” and she his “Little Peach.” It is a world of impossible choices, where the line between love and abuse, captor and savior, is blurred beyond recognition.  

This hauntingly vivid story illustrates the human spirit’s indomitable search for home, and one girl’s struggle to survive.

*I received an advanced reading copy from the publisher in an exchange for an honest review.*

   The first time I read the back of the book, I knew this book was going to be really dark. Our main character, Michelle lives in a really bad home. Her mother is a drug addict and her boyfriend abuses he. Her grandfather was her only protection until he passes away. So she decides to run away to New York to live with a friend. But it turns out that the address she was given isn't real. And she is persuaded by a man named Devon to come with him. He seems kind and interested in helping her. With no where else to go, she accepts his help.

   The beginning was a bit slow at first with the chapters flipping back and forth between the present and the past with Michelle as she grows up. But then it just went by in a snap once you realize the situation she's in. And I really found it very intriguing how Michelle would address the reader as you. We, the readers, are actually in the story ourselves.

   What really disgusted me is how easily Michelle was influenced and taken advantage of. She's only 14 years old. Being at the stage where you're just a kid, you really are the most vulnerable. We're more susceptible to suggestion. And that's exactly what happens. It just opens your mind and really surprises you because this actually does happen in real life. It's all around us and not everyone realizes that. But this just opens your mind.

   In all the horrible predicaments, she goes through. She makes light of it and finds friends.

   The side characters were also intriguing to read about as well. We have Kat and Baby and they also had their own story to tell and I enjoyed them too.

   You're really going to have your minds blown away. I really thought it was just going to be a short story. But it turned out to be so much more. When it ended, I really wanted to learn more about Michelle and her future. It really leaves you wondering what will happen to her.

   The subject material of Little Peach is dark and deals with prostitution. It wasn't overly graphic but I feel like it's more upper YA. But I think this type of book belongs in a high school classroom. Students need to learn more about this so they can be more wary and cautious.

   Little Peach is such a stunning, quick read. Your hearts will break for Michelle and all that she goes through. It was a true page turner and heartbreaker. Although it's dark, it's realistic and very inspiring.

4 Hearts: A Great Read!