Dare Me (novel)
| Author | Megan Abbot |
|---|---|
| Language | English (also translated into French, Swedish, Hungarian, Turkish and Afrikaans) |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Published | 2012 |
| Publisher | Reagan Arthur Books |
| ISBN | 0316250546 |
Dare Me is a book by an American author Megan Abbott. Dare Me is Abbott's sixth novel, and is centered on American cheerleading, and an ambiguous death that takes place in the first few pages. The book explores themes of friendship, obsession and power. This is expressed through not only the events of the novel, but also the relationship between the protagonist, Addy Hanlon, and her best friend, Beth Cassidy.
Plot
The story is based on the world of American cheerleading. The main characters are Addy, the 16-year-old narrator, her friend Beth and the cheerleading Coach.
The friendship between Addy and Beth goes back to their childhood. Beth is manipulative and often cruel, she has always been the leader with Addy her faithful lieutenant. A new Coach arrives, things change very quickly and very soon she and Beth engage in a battle of wills. Addy adores Coach and is always willing to do her bidding, which in turn fuels Beth's jealousy; when the other team members gather at Coach's house for drinking sessions, Beth does not go there, but always watches, waiting for her moment. The girls are pushed to physical and psychological extremes as they vie for the best position on the team. Injury is just one wobble away. Then one dark night Addy is drawn into a nightmare.
Awards
Nominated for the 2013 Anthony Award for Best Novel.